ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case iPhone 17 Pro Max : Review
The ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the entry level cases available from ESR for the new 2025 iPhone range.
In fact the Hybrid Magnetic case is the cheapest in the range, at £11.99 at Amazon with an RRP of £12.99.
It was also the first case I purchased for my iPhone 17 Pro Max, and that was for two reasons.
- As is now common place from ESR, they always have their products ready to go for launch. That’s important, and commendable in its own right. You buy a new phone, you want a case for it and ESR are always ready for launch day, so no waiting, no expected shipping, just a case that is ready when you phone arrives.
- It offers full camera bump protection. The new iPhone 17s come with a radically new camera bump design, and until we see how things go with new design I opted for maximum protection of the hump, however, in protecting that hump you must be sure there is nothing to interfere with with those gorgeous new 3 x 48 megapixel image shooters on your new device. That is why I opted for this, maximum protection for the hump, and minimal outlay should it interfere. (Spoiler – it doesn’t, at all).
Should I be worried about the hump? The 2025 iPhone Scandal – ScratchGate…
Probably not. Jerry Rig Everything has released a video that shows the camera hump, especially the edges are very open to scratches, however the hump itself seems to do pretty well – the basics I took from the video (below) is that it may be a good idea to protect the edges of the hump.
So How Does the ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case Perform?
It’s decent. When you factor in its price, it’s actually very decent, bit of a bargain really.
The case itself is (obviously) see through, so, if like me, you opted for one of the new colours, either Cosmic Orange or Deep Blue, you probably want to show it off. This case does that.
You may want full camera bump protection. This case does that with the ‘Camera Guard’
It is Mag-Safe Compatible and offers ‘3 x Military Grade Protection’ although I have no idea what ‘Military Grade Protection’ is never mind three times it?
It comes with an impressive 24 month warranty which even covers yellowing – one of the scourges of TPU clear cases.
The Construction of the Case :
I don’t do drop tests, you want that I suggest you check out MobileReviewEh on YouTube, everything I review here I buy myself, I am a real world user and base my reviews on real world use.
In saying that, everything on this case works exactly as I would expect.
- The cutouts for the charging port and speakers are accurate and precise. ✅
- The cutouts for the camera lens are accurate, precise and have zero impact on photographs taken whilst the case is installed. ✅
- The buttons remain their integrity and ease of use, they press easily and maintain a tactile feeling, The camera control button works as expected with no issues encountered.
- The screen is protected by a small and non-intrusive lip that keeps the screen off the surface you place it on. ✅
- The case does not interfere with an installed screen shield (I have a Belkin installed from the Apple Store and it has no impact). ✅
- The corners are slightly reinforced so ‘should’ offer more bump or drop protection should you have a moment of slippery grip. ✅
- The case does not interfere with with any of the swiping gestures you will use when navigating the phone from either side, top or bottom. ✅
- The case is smooth, it feels nice but yet still has a confident grip to it. ✅
- The material and texture of the case allows it to slip effortlessly into your pocket.✅
- There are no over bearing logos. ✅
- If you are careful this will not interfere with with an installed skin. Be careful around the edges. 🚨
The only real negatives I have come across until this point are…
- The case is very much a smudge and fingerprint magnet. ❗️
- The case will prick up marks and scratches and with its natural clean shine it will show marks and scratches. ❗️
Conclusion :
The ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case is a good solid case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Despite the tendency to show fingerprints and the lack of a USB-C port cover, the case offers excellent protection full coverage protection. The feel of the case, accuracy of all cut outs and ports is enhanced by tactile feeling and clicky buttons and it has MagSafe compatibility. Overall, it’s a strong and affordable choice that does not detract from the user experience and adds to the safety and protection of your device.
