ThinBorne vs. Rebel iPhone 17 Pro Case (Flex Series): Feature & Pricing 2025

Two phone case brands for the iPhone 17 Pro are approaching thinness differently: the ThinBorne and Rebel iPhone 17 Pro case. Surprisingly, the two are very popular despite not having the typical rugged protection we all need a phone case for.

ThinBorne is already known for going all-in on extreme thinness, but we wanted to see how Rebel takes its own spin on the idea. To really understand how they compare, we tested both side by side.

In this guide, we’ll break down the features, pricing, and real-world usability of both so you can figure out which iPhone 17 Pro case actually matches how you use your iPhone 17 Pro.

According to recent reviews, the iPhone 17 Pro may be stronger on paper, but daily wear still comes down to the case you choose. ThinBorne and Rebel take two very different approaches, and when you see them side by side, it’s clear they’re built for different kinds of iPhone users.

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of what sets each case apart:

At ThinBorne, we build cases for those of you who hate bulk. Our iPhone 17 Pro case is crafted from 600D aerospace-grade aramid fiber to protect your phone without making it heavy or thick like most covers.

At just 0.04 inches thin, it feels almost like nothing is there, yet it still keeps your phone safe and fully MagSafe-ready.

We designed it for everyday use. As a result, you can slide it easily into your pocket, gripping it comfortably in your hand, and get that “no-case” feel without the risk of scratches. 

When you pick it up, you’ll notice the subtle texture that adds grip without sticking, something most ultra-thin cases don’t have.

Here are its key features:

• 600D aramid fiber shell

• Ultra-thin: 0.04 in, 0.78 oz

• Matte finish for grip

• Open cutouts, caseless feel

• Aluminum raised camera ring

• MagSafe-ready magnetic array

• Free tempered glass included

• US-based support, 180-day warranty

Rebel takes a bolder approach compared to thin, minimal cases. Instead of hiding the phone, it focuses on giving you a rugged feel. The Flex 17 features an exposed-sides design, utilizing aramid fiber, Kevlar, TPU, and aluminum for enhanced strength.

Raised edges, shock-absorbing bumpers, and a modular aluminum camera ring all work together to keep your iPhone 17 Pro safe from everyday drops.

Key Features:

• Exposed-sides design for a natural grip

• Kevlar rear plate with aramid fiber weave

• 2.6mm backplate for added strength

• Shock-absorbing TPE bumpers in the corners

• Raised “claw” corners to protect the screen

• Aluminum lens ring that’s modular and upgradeable

• Stronger MagSafe magnets for a tighter hold

• Wider USB-C port cutout to fit all cables

• Eco-friendly packaging
  

When selecting a case, the materials reveal a great deal about how it will feel and perform. Both ThinBorne and Rebel Flex rely on aramid fiber, but the way each one is built couldn’t be more different.

We use 600D aerospace-grade aramid fiber, the same material trusted in aviation and motorsports. Each case is carefully made, shaped, and laser-cut to fit your iPhone perfectly.

The matte carbon-fiber style finish gives you grip without being sticky. It keeps the design minimal and sleek while letting your iPhone’s natural look show through.

On the other hand, Rebel Flex utilizes a Kevlar rear plate reinforced with aramid fiber, along with TPU and TPE bumpers, to protect the corners and impact zones.

The backplate features a raised weave texture for enhanced grip and durability, and the aluminum lens parts are modular, allowing them to be swapped or upgraded. If you want a case that feels more solid in your hand, Rebel fits that style.

How a case feels in your hand often decides if you’ll actually use it long-term. ThinBorne and Rebel take very different routes when it comes to thickness and weight.

Our case is built to be as light as possible without changing the feel of your iPhone. At only 0.04 inches thin and 0.78 oz light, it almost disappears once it’s on.

It slips easily into your pocket, and when you hold it, your iPhone still feels slim and natural. You get enough protection against scratches, but without the bulk that most cases add.

Rebel goes for a sturdier build, and you’ll notice that right away. Its 2.6 mm backplate and reinforced corners give it more presence in your hand, while the exposed sides let you still touch the phone directly.

It’s not too heavy, but you’ll always feel that added layer of defense, reminding you that this case was built to handle drops and impacts.

Holding your phone with confidence starts with the right grip. ThinBorne and Rebel take different paths to make sure your iPhone feels secure.

Our case features a matte, carbon-fiber-style texture that feels smooth yet adds just enough friction to prevent your iPhone from slipping.

It also resists fingerprints and smudges, so it stays clean with less wiping. The finish keeps the design minimal while giving you a more secure hold than using your phone bare.

Rebel Flex features a raised aramid fiber texture, complemented by rugged edge guards, to enhance grip. The sculpted frame feels solid during extended use.

With reinforced corners and open sides, it helps your iPhone feel safe in your hand, even though some parts of the frame remain exposed.

The iPhone 17 Pro’s cameras are a significant investment, so protecting them is essential. ThinBorne and Rebel offer different approaches to lens safety, providing you with two distinct options.

Our case uses an oxidized black aluminum ring that sits slightly above the lenses. This raised edge prevents the glass from touching flat surfaces and helps protect against scratches in daily use.

It’s also compatible with most lens protectors, allowing you to add extra coverage without worrying about a poor fit.

Rebel Flex takes it a step further with a CNC-machined aluminum lens ring that’s both protective and modular. You can swap it for different functions as Rebel expands its system, making it a solid choice if you want durability now with flexibility for later upgrades.

Stiff buttons and tight charging ports can ruin a case. ThinBorne and Rebel take different approaches, so you don’t have to deal with that frustration.

We keep it simple with open cutouts around the buttons. When you press the volume or power button, you feel the same natural click as if there were no case at all.

The charging port is wide enough to accommodate most standard cables, making daily charging effortless. If you use bulkier cables, though, you may notice it isn’t as open as Rebel’s expanded design.

Rebel Flex uses its exposed-sides design to leave the buttons completely free, including Apple’s new capture button. The expanded USB-C port means almost any charging cable will fit without issue.

That said, some users don’t like the exposed sides, since they can leave parts of the frame more prone to scuffs. If that doesn’t bother you, the design makes daily use very convenient.

Not every case is built for the same level of defense. ThinBorne and Rebel Flex take very different paths here, and your choice really depends on how careful you are with your iPhone.

Our case is meant for light, everyday protection—enough to handle scratches, scuffs, and the occasional bump. The oxidized aluminum camera ring and included tempered glass add extra coverage where it matters most.

If you drop your phone frequently or require heavy-duty protection, we’ll be honest—you may want to consider a more rugged option instead.

Rebel Flex is designed for drop protection. It uses shock-absorbing TPE corner inserts and raised claw-like corners to keep the screen lifted off hard surfaces.

The TPU frame adds durability without completely closing off the phone. Still, some users of past iPhone models have noticed that the exposed sides can pick up scuffs when dropped on rough surfaces.

MagSafe has become the go-to way to charge and use accessories on the iPhone 17 Pro. ThinBorne and Rebel both support it, but with different priorities.

We built the magnets right into the case, so your chargers, wallets, and stands snap on easily without the bulky raised ring found on many cases. Now you can charge on your nightstand, clip on a wallet, or use a stand without any hassle, all while keeping a clean and minimal look.

Rebel Flex utilizes thicker magnets and less material between the plate and array, resulting in a stronger hold than most cases.

This extra grip comes in handy if you use heavier MagSafe accessories, such as car mounts or wallets, as they’re less likely to slide or shift when your phone bumps around.

For many of you, the final decision comes down to cost and the level of peace of mind you’ll gain after the purchase. Here’s where the two brands separate again.

Our iPhone 17 Pro case is priced at $69.69, and with it, you get more than just the case. Every order includes a 180-day warranty for defects and a 30-day money-back guarantee if the item is not the right fit.

We ship worldwide from our Texas warehouse or a nearby location, ensuring quick delivery. Additionally, our Texas-based support team is available to assist you. And if you’re buying now, you can save 15% off using code Thin15 at checkout.

The Rebel Flex 17 is priced at $44.99, making it the more budget-friendly option between the two. It doesn’t include an extended warranty but does come with a 30-day return policy if the case doesn’t meet your needs.

Please note that you’ll be responsible for the return shipping costs and must provide tracking information for the refund to be processed.

for different priorities, so here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Go with ThinBorne if you want:

• A minimalist, ultra-thin case that feels like “no case” at all

• Premium 600D aramid fiber with MagSafe built right in

• A free tempered-glass screen protector included in the box

• Peace of mind with a 180-day warranty, 30-day returns, and Texas-based support

Pick Rebel Flex 17 if you want:

• Rugged protection with an exposed-sides design

• Aggressive edge guards and shock-absorbing TPE bumpers

• A modular, upgradeable aluminum lens ring for durability and customization

• An extra-strong MagSafe hold that keeps heavy wallets and mounts in place

By now, you’ve seen that the ThinBorne 17 Pro thin phone case and Rebel Flex 17 are built on two very different philosophies. ThinBorne leans into minimalism, offering the closest thing to a caseless experience while still providing reliable scratch protection and MagSafe integration. Rebel Flex, on the other hand, blends a naked feel with rugged protection where it matters most. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle. Either way, your iPhone 17 Pro is in good hands.