TECH21
from $44.95

Tech21's cases are built from shock absorbent material, as phone screens are most likely to break if one corner takes the brunt of the impact. In return the case makes your phone a few millimetres thicker. The standard Tech21 design doesn't protect the screen against scratches, although the lip ensures that the screen and camera lens don't touch the table when you put the phone down. Tech21 also offers a wallet design with a front cover and room for credit cards.

OTTERBOX DEFENDER
from $74.95

OtterBox's Defender range completely encases your phone, to offer an extra level of protection in tough environments. It also has a built-in screen protector, plus it protects some ports against dust and stops the camera lens touching the table. In return it's almost twice as thick as the Tech21 case. Some Defender cases also come with a belt clip so it's easy to get your phone on and off your hip when you need it (in the picture, you can see the black clip attached to this pink OtterBox).

VERDICT
If you're mostly worried about dropping your iPhone then a Tech21 case is the better option as it's cheaper, more attractive and less cumbersome than the OtterBox. Consider stepping up to the OtterBox if you also want to protect your iPhone against dust and getting knocked around, perhaps if your phone sees action on building sites or in other rugged environments.

CHECK THIS OUT
If you use your iPhone as a satnav then, by law, it needs to be in a car cradle attached to the dashboard or windscreen. If you're not prepared to remove the case when you get behind the wheel (which is difficult with the OtterBox) then you'll need to look for a car mount designed to hold your phone while it's still in the case.