The temptingly low price tag and impressive set of specs will have plenty of people rushing to buy a new Nexus 5X, but it would be wise to take steps to protect that protruding camera lens and the 5.2-inch screen. You may also decide that the understated, plastic curves could be dressed up to look a little prettier. Either way, you’re going to want to check out the best Nexus 5X cases and covers on the market. These are our top picks so far. Updated on 2-4-2016 by Simon Hill : Added cases by Incipio, Rhino Shield, Cruzerlite, Noreve, and Ballistic. Related : Google Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X hands on Incipio NGP Case ($20) This slim, soft-shell case is a good choice if you don’t like bulky cases. It’s easy to fit, durable, and comfortable to hold. It adds some grip and basic protection from bumps and drops. There are well-defined button covers on the side, and the cut-outs ensure easy access to your controls, as well as the ports on the bottom edge. The camera cutout doesn’t interfere with photos, either. It’s a slightly translucent case that comes in black, blue, pink, or frost. Available at: Amazon Rhino Shield Crash Guard Bumper ($25) Some Nexus 5X cases interfere with access to the fingerprint sensor on the back, but this bumper leaves the front and back entirely exposed. It does still offer really solid drop protection, because the bumper is thick and shock absorbent. It also extends front and back to ensure your phone never comes into contact with the ground. The button covers are easy to find without looking, and the bumper comes in black or white. Available at: Amazon Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case ($10) If you just want a basic flexible TPU case, then there’s no need to spend more than this. The Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit case comes in a wide range of different colors, and every case features the Android mascot with a circuitry design on the back. It’s a slim case that should absorb the impact of small drops and bumps. There’s also a lip to protect the screen, but it’s not a really rugged case. You’ll find accurate openings for the camera, sensors, and ports. The button covers work well, too. Available at: Amazon Noreve Tradition Leather Case ($50) Most of the Nexus 5X cases on the market are pretty cheap, but you can find a touch of French style with this real leather offering from Noreve. This is a vertical flip open case hand-crafted from genuine leather. The exterior is plush and padded with a soft lining inside to keep your phone pristine. Your Nexus 5X is held snug and secure, but there are generous openings for the camera, fingerprint sensor, buttons, and ports. You can get this case in a wide variety of different leather grain finishes and colors if you don’t mind spending a little extra. Available at: Noreve Ballistic Tough Jacket Case ($35) As you may guess from the Tough Jacket name, this case offers really rugged drop protection with heavily reinforced corners to guard against damage from falls. There’s a textured grid pattern on the back and the finish definitely adds grip. You’ll also find pronounced button covers and accurate openings for ports, camera, and sensors. Because it’s a thick case, you might find it a little awkward to use the fingerprint sensor, but it helps if you set up your fingerprint with the case on. If you primarily want drop protection, this multi-layer case will keep your phone safe even if it takes a tumble from 6 feet. Available at: Amazon Next page: 5 more Nexus 5X cases Speck CandyShell Grip Case ($35) If you want a good protective case that will protect your Nexus 5X if you should drop it, then Speck’s CandyShell Grip is a solid option. The ridged pattern looks good, but it also adds some grip. The case meets military drop test standards (810G), thanks to a shock-absorbent rubber core and a tough outer shell. The raised bezel round the front protects the screen, preventing it from touching surfaces. The rubber button covers are well marked and easy to press, and the openings are precisely where they should be for access to ports, the fingerprint sensor, and camera. Available at: Speck Adopted Folio Case ($46) This is an unusual folio case from Adopted that sports a microfiber finish. We’re used to seeing soft microfiber on the inside, but we’ve never seen it on the exterior before. The shell itself is a typical TPU case, and the cover is polyurethane covered with microfiber. There are cut-outs for the camera, flash, and fingerprint sensor on the back. The cover protects the display, but it also automatically puts the screen to sleep when you close it. There’s a geometric pattern of boxes on the front and the official Nexus logo. You can get this one in quartz or carbon, otherwise known as light and dark gray. Available at: Mobile Fun Rearth Ringke Fusion Case ($20) For anyone who likes the look and color of their Nexus 5X, this case is going to be a winner. It’s a completely crystal clear case. It combines a malleable bumper portion with button covers and cut-outs for your ports, with a tough, hard back panel. There’s also a large opening on the back, so as not to interfere with the camera, flash, or fingerprint sensor. You can also get a smoke black version of this slim, transparent case. Available at: Mobile Fun Verus High Pro Shield Case ($17) Here’s a fairly protective case with a different kind of look and design. The flexible TPU shell is always black with a mock brushed metal finish, but the polycarbonate bumper that goes on top comes in a variety of different colors. The button covers are pronounced, there’s a protective lip to safeguard the screen, and there’s a special pattern inside designed to dissipate shock. The cut-outs on the back are tight and minimal, and there are also openings for your ports. Available at: Amazon Spigen Thin Fit Shell Case ($12) Fans of minimalist cases will like this offering from Spigen. It’s a simple polycarbonate shell in black, white, or mint. It snaps onto the Nexus 5X and has cut-outs for the buttons, ports, camera, and fingerprint sensor. It has a soft-touch finish that makes it comfortable to hold and adds some grip. There’s a Spigen logo on the back, but other than that it is completely free of superfluous detail. If you want a light, thin case for basic protection, then it could suit well. It won’t cost you much, either. Available at: Amazon That’s all the Nexus 5X cases we have to recommend for now, but we’ll keeping a close eye on new contenders and adding them to this roundup over the next few weeks. Article originally published 10-3-2015.



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