Two Budget-Friendly iPhone 17 Pro Accessories To Try

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While I usually prefer to use my iPhone without a case or screen protector, I’ve found myself enjoying both on the iPhone 17 Pro and can suggest trying them out without a long-term commitment. They’re affordable enough to experiment with first.

Five years ago, Apple introduced Ceramic Shield glass for the iPhone, boasting four times improved drop resistance and fewer cracked screens. Although I haven’t experienced a shattered screen yet, I do notice a few deep scratches after a year of use. This year’s Ceramic Shield 2 claims to be three times more resistant to scratches, but I remain cautious about avoiding deep scratches for now.

Apple also mentions an improved anti-glare coating on the front panel, but the difference isn’t comparable to the nano texture finish on iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, which significantly reduces reflections.

To make my iPhone 17 Pro display more matte, I rely on a product I’ve used and liked before— the Mothca matte glass screen protector. It does its job, although it’s not perfect; I’d prefer a nano-texture finish that’s free from rainbow effects and brightness reduction.

For occasional activities like kayaking or mounting the device on my motorcycle, I usually opt for a minimal case to protect against impacts and prevent chipping the glossy orange aluminum edges near the camera bump. The Apple clear case is a choice, but its design isn’t my favorite this year. If I needed daily protection, I might consider Apple’s new TechWoven case, although I don’t find the current color options appealing.

My current favorite is a gray Spigen Thin Fit case I stumbled upon at a retail store. It’s available in black, gunmetal, and abyss green, and the gray version perfectly matches my aesthetic. It costs $39.99 from Spigen, but Amazon offers it for around $34.99.

Many budget cases lack MagSafe compatibility, which limits the effective use of magnetic mounts and battery packs. The Spigen Thin Fit not only supports MagSafe but also includes a capacitive Camera Control cover instead of a simple cutout. I appreciate that it covers the entire camera area, enhancing durability. Its “orange circles” design matches the Space Black Apple Watch Ultra’s Digital Crown look and gives the device a cohesive, futuristic appearance. The orange accents around the buttons and port add a nice touch, blending well with the gray body.

This case also conceals the orange aluminum frame around the display, which can be distracting when partially visible through a thin case. Overall, it provides a sleek, protective, and stylish option that suits my needs.

For accessories, the Mothca matte screen protector and the Spigen Thin Fit case are economical choices offering good protection and style. The case’s MagSafe feature and the full camera coverage make it a practical pick. Plus, the compatibility with MagSafe ensures stronger magnet connections with battery packs and mounts, avoiding the limitations of cheaper options that omit this feature.