iPhone 7 Plus case roundup: Speck and Tech21 provide drop protection in slim form

Speck is one of the case manufacturers I regularly purchase because I find some models with excellent grip design. Over the past couple of weeks, I've used the Presidio Grip and Presidio Clear models with my new Apple iPhone 7 Plus.

I tested the black on black Presidio Grip and Presidio Clear in its clear color option. The Presidio Grip is available in six color options for $44.95. The Presidio Clear is available in clear and black onyx with the same $44.95 price.

Out of the four cases I tested for the Apple iPhone 7 Plus, the Presidio Grip was my favorite.

While the new iPhone 7 Plus provides an IP67 water and dust resistant rating, it still may not survive a drop. The Speck Presidio Grip is drop tested to 3.05 meters (10 feet) and can provide this protection with the unique interior design configuration.

There are openings for the dual camera with a dual layer interior back panel to provide protection.

The Presidio Grip fits snugly on the iPhone 7 Plus. It has a raised bezel design so that the display is protected when you set your phone down on a table.

As you can see, the Presidio Grip adds very little to the bulk of the large Apple iPhone 7 Plus.

There is an ample cutout for the flash and dual camera design of the iPhone 7 Plus.

These raised angled ridges are made of silicone material and significantly increase your ability to hold your device securely in hand.

The bottom Lightning port opening is large enough so that you can charge your iPhone and plug in the 3.5mm headphone adapter.

The ridges extend down most of both sides of the back as you can't help but hold onto the iPhone 7 Plus.

There is an opening for the lock switch with raised buttons for the volume keys.

The power button is designed like the volume buttons, all easy to find and manipulate.

There are silicone raised ridges on the sides to help you hold the Presidio Grip in hand.

The Presidio Clear also has a raised bezel around the display to help protect it when you set it down screen first.

The Presidio Clear uses Impactium Clear technology to provide drop protection up to 2.44 meters (8 feet).

Unlike the Presidio Grip, the back of the Presidio Clear is free of any design elements and has a smooth clear back to show off your iPhone 7 Plus.

The inside has a smooth finish so that your iPhone will remain in place and also not scratch.

Like the Presidio Grip, there is an ample opening for the flash and dual cameras on the back of the case.

There are openings for the speaker, mic, and Lightning port.

The ringer switch can be easily accessed while raised buttons let you turn the volume up or down.

A raised button is also present on the right side so you can easily turn on and off the phone.

While I personally rarely use screen protectors today, Speck includes the ShieldView plastic protectors with these cases. The protector comes with a cleaning cloth to help with application.

The Evo Check provides three-layer drop protection up to 9.9 feet (3 meters) while the Evo Elite has been tested to 6.6 feet (2 meters).

The Evo Check is priced at $39.95 while the Evo Elite is $49.95. There are three available Evo Check colors and four available Evo Elite colors.

I refuse to use a case if it makes the entire package so big that I cannot slip it in and out of my jeans pocket. These two Tech21 cases add very little bulk or weight to your iPhone 7 Plus and can easily be used by everyone.

There is a slightly raised bezel on the front to protect the display in the face-down position.

The Evo Elite arrived in polished black. The rear is like a smoky gray that you can see through.

There is a large opening for the dual cameras and flash setup too.

The bottom openings are surrounded by a reflective black border with openings large enough for the speaker, Lightning port, and mic.

There is an opening for the ringer switch and raised buttons for volume control.

The raised bezel around the display helps protect the screen.

As you can see the Evo Check adds very little bulk to the device.

The Evo Check has a higher drop rating of 3 meters (9.9 feet) compared to the Evo Elite.

The Evo Check back has a woven pattern inside to offer more protection while also letting you view the color of your phone.

Like the Evo Elite, there are ample bottom openings on the case. The branding is present while the material works to protect the bottom from drops.