Totallee iPhone cases review: Barely there protection

As a longtime iPhone user — now with a new iPhone 16 Pro — I like to flirt with the idea of going naked, with no case at all. But then I usually wimp out and go minimal instead. Totallee has built its reputation on barely-there minimalism, so I thought I’d give the Totallee Super Thin Case, Clear Grip Case and tempered glass screen protector a try. And true to form, Totallee iPhone cases offer protection without bulk. To my surprise, I liked the thin case and screen protector combo the most. It just seems like my black titanium iPhone, but with more grip and added peace of mind.

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Totallee: Super Thin Case, Clear Grip Case and Screen Protector live up to the hype for barely-there protection

So I recently nabbed an iPhone 16 Pro in no-nonsense black titanium. With a matte-black finish, it’s not something I particularly want to show off. And I tend to think I’m not mistake-prone enough to break my iPhone. It has never happened, since I first went all iPhone all the time with iPhone 6S. So a naked handset with nothing but Apple Care protection should cover it, right? Right. And yet I can’t seem to take the risk.

I always get some sort of a case. And having tried its wares, that case might as well come from Totallee, featured in Cult of Mac‘s Best iPhone 16 Cases guide. We’ve written about them for years as the go-to minimal case for good reason. They’re neither bulky nor flashy, so they’re for people who don’t want a case that makes a big impression, or any impression.

Take note, I buy my own iPhone, so don’t expect testing where I throw it off balconies and under buses. My impressions of Totallee’s cases and screen protector are limited to look and feel as well as long experience with a variety of iPhone cases and screen protectors. I did drop the iPhone once while it wore Totallee’s thin case and screen protector, and in knee-jerk fashion thrust my foot out to break its fall before it actually hit the ground. No damage.

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Totallee’s Super Thin Case (barely-there)

Totallee’s thin case for the iPhone 16 Pro is aptly named. At just 0.02 inches thick, it’s so slim that you might forget it’s there. But does this ultra-thin profile come at the cost of protection? Sure, you can find more-protective cases. But the case will absorb a little shock, and just the added grippy texture compared to the naked titanium iPhone 16 Pro reduces the chance it will slip out of my hand in the first place.

Because I got the crystal black case, it just seemed like my black iPhone (except without the Apple logo on the back showing through and with that all-important raised lip around the camera assembly). The feel of the case impressed me more than expected. Having recently reviewed premium leather cases, I didn’t think the synthetic Totallee case would feel great, and yet it did. Its form-fitting and surprisingly fabulous (much more so on the handset than when you take it out of the minimal packaging).

Totallee iPhone cases: Cutout for Camera Control button

The case goes with button covers for the iPhone 16 Pro buttons, other than the Camera Control button. That one’s a cutout, which is common. It’s likely to work with the tricky half-press-able button. Like many case-makers, Totallee didn’t take the risk of trying to guess about a cover that might (or might not) work like those of Apple cases.

While the case won’t save your phone from a significant fall, it does offer decent scratch protection for everyday use and it might just fend off a crack (especially when combined with the screen protector). If you’re careful with your devices and prioritize aesthetics, this case might be your perfect match.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and slim
• Maintains the iPhone’s original look and feel
• Available in multiple colors to suit your style

Cons:

• Minimal drop protection
• Slightly pricey for its simplicity

You can pick it up for $35 in seven colors: clear, frosted clear, frosted black, green, natural titanium, navy blue and red.

Buy from: Totallee

Buy from: Amazon

Totallee Crystal Clear Case (transparent protection)

For those who want to show off their iPhone 16 Pro’s design while still adding a layer of protection — a little more than the thin case, at 0.04 inches — Totallee’s clear case is an attractive option. It covers buttons like the thin case, leaving the Camera Control button alone (cutout). The cases is very clear and well-suited to showing off an iPhone if you got a flashier finish. I found that it smudged a lot quite quickly and I felt like I should wipe it down.

I found the clear case to be a nice middle ground between the thin case and bulkier alternatives. It’s a great choice if you want to flaunt your iPhone’s color while still having some peace of mind. You can get it in a MagSafe version or the classic version I tried.

Pros:

• Showcases the iPhone’s original design.
• Slightly more protective than the thin case.
• Nice and clear, and said to resist yellowing over time.

Cons:

• Prone to fingerprints and smudges.
• Still relatively minimal protection.

You can pick it up for $35 in classic finish and $39 in MagSafe finish.

Buy from:  Totallee

Buy from: Amazon

Totallee Screen Protector: Invisible shield

I’ve been lucky with iPhone, somehow never once scratching or cracking a screen. But what a drag if that happens. A good screen protector can certainly help avoid that. And Totallee’s offering for the iPhone 16 Pro doesn’t disappoint. Once applied, I found the protector seamless and barely detectable. And part of that is excellent touch sensitivity. Again, it’s like it’s not there.

The company offers directions on how to apply it correctly, including a video. I followed the directions but still ended up with just a few tiny bubbles under the protector. Nothing terrible; they’re only visible when you view the iPhone in the right light at the right angle. But it’s still a bit annoying. Other than that, I can’t tell a screen is protecting my screen, and yet I’ve reduced the chance of a scratch or crack substantially.

Pros:

• Easy installation.
• Excellent clarity and touch sensitivity.
• Oleophobic coating resists fingerprints.

Cons:

• May be a bit less durable than more-rigid versions.
• Seems like it could be less expensive.

Buy from: Totallee

How do Totallee’s products stack up on protection and value?

Compared to competitors OtterBox or Spigen, Totallee’s accessories prioritize minimalism and aesthetics over heavy-duty protection. But while they may not survive extreme drops, they excel in preserving the iPhone’s slim profile and elegant design. If you’re not a big iPhone dropper, that may be enough.

Totallee’s products are undeniably on the pricier side. You’re paying a premium for the brand and the ultra-slim design. For some, the sleek aesthetics and barely-there feel justify the cost. For others, the lack of robust protection might make the price hard to swallow.

Bottom line on Totallee cases and screen protector: Great for minimalists

After using Totallee’s accessories for my iPhone 16 Pro, I’ve come to appreciate their minimalist approach. If you’re careful with your phone and value aesthetics above all, these products could be worth the investment. However, if you’re prone to drops or need more substantial protection, you might want to look elsewhere.

Ultimately, Totallee offers a unique proposition in the crowded iPhone accessory market. They’re not for everyone — zero bulk and no flash equal minimal impression, really — but for those who prioritize sleekness and minimalism, they’re hard to beat.

Totallee provided Cult of Mac with review units for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

★★★★☆