Totallee iPhone 17 Case Review: Pros, Cons, & Best Alternative (2026)

Ultra-thin phone cases continue to attract users who want protection without changing how their phone feels in their hand.

Totallee has long been associated with this minimalist approach, and its Scarf case for the iPhone 17 stays true to that identity.

In this Totallee iPhone 17 case review, we examine how the case performs in everyday use, where it excels, and where it shows limitations. We’ll also look at a well-balanced iPhone 17 case alternative for users who want thinness without giving up durability.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Totallee is known for doing one thing very well: making cases that feel almost invisible. It is a California-based brand founded in 2013 that specializes in ultra-thin, minimalist iPhone cases, including the latest iPhone 17 series.

The brand focuses on simplicity, minimal branding, and extremely thin profiles. Their cases are designed for users who hate bulk and want to preserve the original shape of the iPhone.

Totallee’s philosophy is consistent across their product line and clearly reflected in the iPhone 17 Scarf case.

The Totallee Scarf case for iPhone 17 is built around the idea of “barely there” protection. It’s 0.02 inches thin and nearly weightless at 0.2 oz.

The case uses a thin plastic shell that snaps onto your phone and adds minimal thickness. It covers the back and sides of your device while leaving ports, buttons, and speakers easily accessible.

The case supports wireless charging and MagSafe accessories, and its finish is smooth and understated (no visible logos).

Like most ultra-thin cases, the Totallee iPhone 17 case involves trade-offs. Below is a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses.

The Totallee Scarf iPhone 17 case sells at $35 and is priced higher than basic silicone or TPU cases.

The pricing reflects the brand’s focus on design and extreme thinness. For users who value minimal bulk above all else, the cost may feel justified. For others, the price may raise questions about long-term value.

Beyond design and pricing, everyday experience matters. This section looks at how the Totallee iPhone 17 case performs in real-world, day-to-day use.

The design is clean and simple - there are no patterns or branding elements. The case silently blends with the phone.

Build quality feels consistent, but the thin plastic shell does not convey ruggedness. This, of course, is intentional (but it’s worth noting).

The Totallee Scarf iPhone 17 case is made from an ultra-thin plastic shell designed to keep weight and bulk to an absolute minimum. This material choice allows the case to feel almost invisible once installed, which is a major part of its appeal.

However, that same thin plastic construction also comes with trade-offs. While it resists scratches and light scuffs, it doesn’t provide structural rigidity to the phone. 

Over time, some users have reported concerns about how well the material holds its shape with regular use. One customer shared this experience:

“For the price of the case, it distorted and lost its form way too quickly. A shame, as I really liked the case. Would love another opportunity to give it a go.” - Thomas Wenham

Grip is one of the more subjective aspects of the Totallee Scarf iPhone 17 case. The smooth plastic surface keeps the case thin, but it doesn’t add much texture compared to the bare phone. For some users, this can still feel slippery, especially during one-handed use.

That said, users who prioritize a barely-there experience tend to appreciate the way the case preserves the phone’s natural feel. Here’s a user feedback from Amazon:

“Fantastic case with minimal feel!” - XP1083

The Totallee iPhone 17 case is MagSafe compatible, meaning it’s thin enough to allow the iPhone’s built-in magnets to work normally. MagSafe chargers and accessories align and charge even with the case on.

Just keep in mind that the case itself does not include built-in magnets. It relies solely on the phone’s internal magnetic ring, which can result in a weaker hold compared to cases with integrated magnets. This is generally fine for charging, but heavier MagSafe accessories may feel less secure.

An Amazon reviewer shared their thoughts:

“Even though there’s no dedicated magnets for MagSafe, I have had no issue holding on my charger or car even during bumpy rides.” - prashul_s

Despite its ultra-thin profile, the Totallee Scarf iPhone 17 case is advertised as 3-ft drop-tested, which suggests it can handle minor everyday drops (such as slips from a desk or pocket height). This level of testing places it above purely cosmetic skins, but well below cases designed for impact protection.

So, in real-world use, the case primarily guards against scratches, scuffs, and light bumps. The thin plastic shell offers minimal shock absorption, especially around corners and edges. While the 3-ft rating provides some reassurance, users should not expect consistent protection from harder drops or repeated impacts.

Here’s a user feedback from Amazon:

“I really like this case. It looks good, is easy to hold, and does a good job of protecting the phone.” - Michael vogel

If you like what Totallee is going for (an ultra-minimal feel), but you want a little more structure and confidence in daily use, Thinborne is a good alternative.

Thinborne’s iPhone 17 case is still minimalist, but it uses 600D aramid fiber and a more rigid build than a super-thin plastic shell. That means it’s designed to stay slim while feeling more secure in the hand.

Thinborne iPhone 17 case measurements:

• Thickness: 1.01 mm (0.04 inch)

• Weight: 19 g (0.78 oz)

So yes, Totallee’s Scarf is thinner and lighter than the Thinborne case. However, Thinborne’s extra fraction of a millimeter is there for a reason - more rigidity, grip, and everyday durability while still staying super slim.

Pros of choosing Thinborne (vs. a super-thin plastic case):

• Stronger material feel with its aramid fiber construction

• More secure grip thanks to the woven texture

• MagSafe compatible (with built-in magnets)

• Includes a free tempered glass screen protector

Cons to consider:

• Not the absolute thinnest option compared to “barely there” cases

• Still a minimalist case, so it won’t match rugged cases for heavy drops

The Thinborne iPhone 17 Case is a recent release, so customer feedback is still growing. That said, reviews from users of Thinborne’s iPhone 17 Pro cases offer a reliable look at how the brand’s ultra-thin cases perform in daily use.

Let’s look at some of the feedback on Amazon:

• “The outer shell is soft to the touch and easy to grip. It is very thin and lightweight.” - Tiffany Chen

• “Accidentally dropped onto concrete… Slightly scuffed but did its job, no damage to the phone.” - Oscar the Grouch

• “The magnets in the back work great with MagSafe.” - Joe S.

Although the above comments are based on the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, they reflect the same materials, construction, and design approach used in the Thinborne iPhone 17 case.

Check us out on X:

This Totallee iPhone 17 case review shows that the Scarf case delivers exactly what it promises - it’s ultra-thin, lightweight, and visually minimal. For users who want their phone to feel almost naked, it succeeds with flying colors.

However, that level of thinness comes with trade-offs - protection is limited, and grip is minimal.

Thinborne’s thin phone case is not a replacement for Totallee, but an alternative. It appeals to users who want a slim iPhone 17 case that still offers structure, grip, and everyday protection. Your choice depends on how you use your phone and how much risk you’re willing to accept.

Before you go, see the Thinborne case in action: