Lose the Weight Not the Protection with the Pitaka Air Case for iPhone 12 Pro

We recently reviewed Pitaka’s MagEZ case for the iPhone 12. It’s my daily driver thanks to its lightweight, excellent protection, and the embedded metal that makes it perfect for use with Pitaka’s MagEZ chargers, like the MagEZ Juice or the MagEZ Mount Qi. But while it may be thin, the Pitaka Air Case is even thinner! Weighing just .35oz, it is featherlight but protective.

The Air Case has a design similar to the MagEZ case. Both snap on the phone. Both have a small lip that keeps the case in place and offers a bit of lay-on-the-table protection. Both have Pitaka’s 3D Grip technology that gives the case just enough texture for a solid hold. Both have cutouts for the power and volume buttons. And both have a raised ring running around the camera bump and keep the lenses safe when placing your phone face up on a surface.

So what is the difference between these two cases?

We’ll dig into that shortly but first, let’s take a look at what Pitaka has to say about the Air Case.

One of the thinnest aramid fiber cases, the lightweight, luxury Air Case provides your iPhone 12 with protection without adding bulk. The minimalist design accentuates the curves of your iPhone 12 and provides easy access to buttons and switches. The fine weave material has a soft, sleek texture that also improves grip.

So what is the difference between the two cases? There are two notable differences.

First, the MagEZ case has metal plates built into it that work with Pitaka’s EZMag wireless chargers. Put the MagEZ case near one of the chargers, and the magnets grab the case and align it for proper charging. The Air Case has no such metal plates.

But while it isn’t designed to work with Pitaka’s MagEZ chargers, it IS compatible with Apple’s new MagSafe System and can fast-charge an iPhone at 15W!

The other significant difference is the type of Aramid fiber used in each of the two cases. The MagEZ case, and most of Pitaka’s products, is made using 1500D Aramid Fiber. It looks and feels great. By contrast, the Pitaka Air Case is made using a finer 600D Aramid Fiber. As they explain:

The finer weave of the 600D means that the surface texture is more delicate and improves grip, reducing the chance of dropping your device. As the manufacturing process is more complex, PITAKA reserves 600D for its premium products, such as the Air Case and Apple Watch Air Case.

The Air Case is available for all four of the new iPhone models. The company notes that while the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro have a 6.1” display, the cameras on the two models are different enough that their cases are not interchangeable. You’ll want to make sure to purchase the right model for your phone.

I love the look and feel of cases made from Armaid fiber. And while I love the MagEZ case, the tighter weave of the fiber used for the Air Case looks a bit more refined. If you aren’t using Pitaka’s chargers, this $59.99 case may be the perfect case for you.

Features:

• Delicate, Yet Durable: The PITAKA Air Case for iPhone 12 is made using exceptionally fine and unique materials that we reserve only for our premium products
• Lightweight and Ultra-Thin: Although extremely thin and light, the Air Case protects your iPhone 12 with minimalist style.
• Textured Surface For Better Grip: Our unique vacuum forming process creates a nonslip texture that improves grip while also feeling soft to the touch.
• Protective Camera Ring: The raised ring protects your camera lens from scratches.

Pitaka’s products have never failed to impress us. There’s a reason Judie and I keep returning to their cases for use with our “work” phones. If I go deep into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem, I suspect this is the case I’ll start using. Until then, I’ll stick with the MagEZ case. Regardless of which you choose, I am certain you will be happy with your purchase.

The Pitaka Air Case sells for $59.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Thin; Light; Protective; 3D Grip helps keep the phone from slipping; Camera bump ring helps with flash bounce and protects the lenses; Offers some lay-on-the-table protection; Works with Apple’s MagSafe system

What Needs Improvement: Pricey; Doesn’t work with Pitaka’s MagEZ system; Not available in as many colors as their MagEZ case