
ThinBorne vs. Rebel iPhone 17 Pro Max Case (Flex Series): Feature & Pricing 2025
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Temps de lecture 11 min
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Temps de lecture 11 min
The best iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one that’s protected, and honestly, that’s a no-brainer. Sure, with every new release, Apple makes its phones more durable, but can you really predict accidents? Of course not.
That’s why we use cases to keep our phones safe. Some cases, like ThinBorne, are slim and light, almost as if they’re not even there. Others, like the Rebel iPhone 17 Pro Max case, are tougher and bulkier, giving you that “armor” feel.
Both protect your phone, but they change how it feels in your hand and pocket every single day.
So, which one fits your lifestyle better? Let’s break down which iPhone 17 Pro Max case is best for you.
Both ThinBorne and Rebel approach iPhone 17 Pro Max protection differently, appealing to distinct user needs.
Material choice strongly influences each case’s thickness, weight, and feel in hand.
MagSafe compatibility is built into both designs, though the experience varies slightly.
Warranty and after-sales support differ between the two brands and may affect overall value.
Price points reflect not just protection level but also build quality and included extras.
When the iPhone 17 Pro Max was released in September 2025, everyone agreed it was impressive. But phones this good don’t come cheap, and one bad drop can cost you a lot.
For ThinBorne and Rebel, their job is to help ease our worries. ThinBorne gives you a super slim, “barely-there” feel, while Rebel goes for tough, armor-like protection.
Both take the stress out of carrying such an expensive phone, just in different ways. Now, let’s break down what makes each case different.
ThinBorne started in Texas in 2023. We’re not a big brand with fancy ads, just a small team working hard to build a better case.
Our edge comes from the material we use: 600D aramid fiber. It’s both light and rigid, which allows us to keep the case incredibly thin without losing strength. At the same time, most brands cut corners with bulkier, cheaper materials. We said no to that.
Although aramid fiber isn’t cheap, we still prioritize this option because we want to provide the best quality for our customers.
Our supplier sets the price, and we double down on quality control. That means our costs run higher, but so does the standard.
We’d rather be known for a case that feels right in your hand every single day than save a few bucks by going cheap.
Key features of ThinBorne:
Super slim profile (about 0.04 inches thin)
Made from premium 600D aramid fiber
Works with MagSafe chargers and wallets
Raised edges to protect the camera
A textured finish that adds grip without sticking to your pocket
Rebel isn’t just some new name in the case world; it’s been around for years, building tough, bold cases that stand out. And with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the Flex Series continues that tradition but adds its own unique twist.
So, what makes this case different? The Flex Series is designed for individuals who prefer their iPhone to remain slim and comfortable in the hand.
The sides of your phone are left open, so it feels like you’re holding the “naked” iPhone, but don’t worry, Rebel didn’t forget about protection.
Key features of Rebel:
Rugged, layered design for stronger protection
Combination of aramid fiber, TPU, and aluminum
Shock-absorbing bumpers to handle drops
Raised edges for screen and camera safety
Here's a side-by-side comparison:
Feature |
ThinBorne |
Rebel (Flex Series 17) |
Price |
$69.69 |
$44.99 |
Thickness & Weight |
0.04 in thick, ~0.75 oz |
0.10 in thick, ~1.5–2 oz (heavier with bumpers & metal parts) |
Material |
Aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber |
Real aramid fiber backplate + TPU frame + CNC aluminum camera ring |
Ultra-thin feel |
✓ Feels like no case at all |
✗ Bulkier, more armored |
Rugged drop protection |
✗ Built for daily use, not heavy drops |
✓ Corner TPE inserts + raised “claw” corners |
Pocket friendly |
Slides in/out easily |
✗ Bulkier in pockets |
Grip comfort |
✓ Smooth aramid texture with 3-layer oil finish |
✓ Rugged TPU sides + raised fiber texture |
MagSafe snap & hold |
✓ Strong magnets, easy alignment |
✓ Boosted magnet strength, supports full MagSafe |
Camera protection |
✓ Oxidized black aluminum raised ring |
✓ CNC aluminum lens ring, stable flat design |
Front screen protection |
✗ No front lips (comes with free tempered glass) |
✓ Aggressively raised front corners |
Included accessories |
Free tempered glass screen protector |
Glass screen protector + vinyl side films |
Style |
Clean, minimalist, feels like “no case” |
Bold, rugged, armored look |
Customer support & warranty |
180-day warranty, Texas-based support |
30-day return policy (customer pays return shipping; refunds processed after item arrives) |
Phones are now a big part of our lives, and we can’t deny that. Since we hold our phones so often, the case we use really matters. So, let’s take a look at what ThinBorne and Rebel bring to the table, and how each one changes the way you use your iPhone every day.
We designed ThinBorne to keep your iPhone 17 Pro Max lightweight. That’s why we use premium 600D aramid fiber, the same strong yet lightweight material used in aerospace. But we didn’t stop at making it thin. Every case comes with a free tempered-glass screen protector.
Why? Because we believe even an ultra-thin case should give full protection. With this combo, you get everyday defense against scratches and bumps, without turning your phone into a brick.
Here’s what other people say about our product:
@thinborne coming in clutch. NGL the orange is growing on me already. 🔥🍊 pic.twitter.com/8TfBEYQFEj
— MattyTheTechy1 (@mattythetechy1) September 24, 2025
Got my @thinborne case today. My iPhone won’t be here for 2-3 weeks, but at least there’s one competent company out there. This is the best thin case on the market. Doesn’t feel like the phone has anything. Been using these exclusively recently. pic.twitter.com/cYWQF0G6AV
— Mike Dizzll (@MikeDizzll) September 23, 2025
Rebel does add more bulk, but that’s part of its appeal. Some people like the solid, armored feel it gives their phone, while others may prefer something slimmer.
It’s all about what you value most. If having that extra layer of toughness in your hand makes you feel more confident about drops and bumps, Rebel delivers.
Some cases make signals weaker, charging slower, or even feel bulky during extended use. With that said, the case you choose needs to keep up without getting in the way. That’s why it’s essential to see how ThinBorne and Rebel handle daily performance.
ThinBorne is made to disappear in your hand. It’s so slim and light that you almost forget it’s there, even after hours of scrolling or watching videos. And because of the way it’s built, it doesn’t interrupt your phone’s signals.
Also, our case doesn’t trap heat, so you don’t have to worry about your iPhone getting too warm while you use it.
Rebel, on the other hand, gives you that tougher, more armored vibe. Yes, it feels a bit bigger in your hand, but that’s what makes it feel safe and secure.
The stronger grip and snug hold make it perfect if you want the confidence that your phone is ready to handle bumps during everyday use.
💡 Did you know? Past iPhones sometimes had overheating issues, and some case brands only made it worse by trapping heat. Aramid fiber doesn’t have that problem, which is why ThinBorne helps your iPhone 17 Pro Max stay cool while keeping it protected.
Even the small details matter. A good case should feel natural, and it should fit your phone perfectly, give you a steady grip, and never get in the way of your buttons, camera, or charging port.
Let’s take a look at how ThinBorne and Rebel handle these details.
At ThinBorne, we ensure that every cutout is meticulously crafted, so your buttons are never covered. That way, you get the same easy clicks and full access, just like using a bare iPhone.
For grip, we added a subtle carbon-style texture that keeps your phone steady in your hand without being sticky, allowing it to still slide in and out of your pocket with ease. We designed it this way to maintain the true “caseless” feel while still providing everyday protection.
Rebel also takes a unique approach by leaving the sides exposed. This gives you a more natural grip and easy access to the buttons. And while the exposed sides give you that open grip, they also mean less protection in those areas.
Some users have even noticed that over time, the exposed sides of their iPhones can show signs of wear, such as scratches or fading.
Charging your phone should be simple. You shouldn’t have to twist it around or keep checking if it’s working. A good case should snap right into place with MagSafe and let your phone charge without slowing you down. So, how did ThinBorne and Rebel handle everyday charging?
ThinBorne’s built-in magnetic array gives you that instant “click” every time. Chargers, wallets, and mounts snap into place and hold steady, even if you’re on the move. If MagSafe is part of your daily routine, this case makes it smooth and effortless.
Rebel supports MagSafe as well, and it works seamlessly with chargers and accessories. The magnets are actually stronger, so the snap feels firm and steady once it clicks into place.
Because the case is bulkier, lining it up might not feel as quick or seamless as with a super-thin case, but once it’s connected, it holds tight and charges without a problem. For anyone who values extra protection but still wants reliable MagSafe, Rebel delivers.
When you spend money on a case, you also want to know the brand will take care of you if something goes wrong. A good warranty or return policy can make all the difference, especially if the case isn’t what you expected or if you run into problems later on.
Let’s see how ThinBorne and Rebel handle customer support and warranty.
With ThinBorne, you know who you’re dealing with. We’re a small brand from Texas, and we back our cases with a 180-day warranty. If something goes wrong, you can actually reach out and get a quick, personal reply. It feels less like talking to a company and more like talking to a team that cares about their product.
Rebel offers a 30-day return policy. If the case doesn’t meet your expectations, you can send it back within that window, but you’ll need to cover the return shipping and provide tracking. Once they receive the item, they issue a refund. It’s a standard process that works, though it feels less personal compared to a small-team approach.
Price is always something to think about. But it’s not just about spending less, it’s about what you actually get for the money. A good case should feel worth the price, whether that’s for its protection, design, or the support that comes with it.
Let’s see how ThinBorne and Rebel stack up in 2025.
ThinBorne sells for $69.69. Yes, it’s on the higher end, but that’s because you’re getting a super-slim, feather-light, MagSafe-ready case made with aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber.
It’s built for people who want to keep their iPhone feeling thin and premium, while still getting everyday protection. And if you’re ready to grab ThinBorne, you don’t have to pay full price, use code Thin15 at checkout to save 15% on your order.
Rebel is priced at $44.99 for the Flex Series 17, making it a more affordable option. For that price, you get rugged protection, reinforced corners, and a solid in-hand feel.
It may not have the same ultra-thin, premium weave or minimalist style that higher-priced cases focus on, but for everyday durability, Rebel delivers plenty of value.
Think about how you use your phone every day. Do you slip it in and out of your pocket a lot? Do you spend hours holding it? Or do you work or play in places where drops happen often? The right case depends on your habits.
ThinBorne is for you if you like your phone to stay slim and light. It’s a good match if you don’t want extra bulk but still want protection from scratches and small bumps. It feels close to using your iPhone without a case, just safer.
Both ThinBorne and Rebel do what they’re meant to do. At the end of the day, Rebel gives you toughness, but it comes with bulk and extra weight.
ThinBorne, on the other hand, delivers the premium thin phone case feel of your iPhone 17 Pro Max, without sacrificing MagSafe, grip, or daily comfort. Add in a free tempered glass screen protector, a 180-day warranty, and U.S.-based support, and it’s clear which case is built for people who want more than just protection.
Whichever you choose, your iPhone 17 Pro Max stays protected. It all comes down to how you like to carry your phone every day.
ThinBorne is built for everyday bumps and scratches, not high-impact drops. Rebel’s Flex Series offers reinforced corners and layered materials that give better shock absorption for higher drops.
Yes. Both ThinBorne and Rebel use strong magnets compatible with Apple and third-party MagSafe chargers, wallets, and car mounts.
ThinBorne slides on and off easily thanks to its slim frame. Rebel fits more tightly and may require slightly more effort to install because of its layered design and bumpers.
ThinBorne already includes a tempered-glass screen protector. Rebel sells compatible glass separately but supports most edge-to-edge protectors.