I won’t deny that my iPhone 17 Pro is one of the best camera phones around, but since it’s your average tablet, it’s not really helpful for vlogging. That’s because when I record, I prefer to see myself in the frame – something I can only do with a front-facing camera.
While the new iPhone 17 Pro’s 18MP Center Stage camera boasts notable improvements like a wider field of view, it still doesn’t offer the best quality. To get that, I would have to switch to rear cameras. This new iPhone case addresses such a problem by slapping a small display on the back.
The Dockcase Selfix is like any other protective case for my iPhone 17 Pro, but in particular it enables easy capture of vlogs and selfies with the rear camera. It changes the way I shoot with the iPhone. Here is the reason.
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Fixed video feed
In the past, I’ve used devices like my SYNCO XView M4 to do exactly what the Dockcase Selfix does. However, the problem with such MagSafe devices is their reliance on AirPlay to display the camera’s feed, which makes them vulnerable to interference.
Dockcase Selfix relies on a direct connection because my iPhone 17 Pro sits inside the case and connects via USB-C. This process is very effective for many people. Not only is the video feed more stable, but it also draws power directly from my iPhone, so the case doesn’t need its own battery.
On the back there is a 1.6-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, providing a sharp enough image to see exactly what the camera is doing. It’s bright and clear, with wide viewing angles that make vlogging easy. Best of all, there’s no distortion or interference — a significant advantage over traditional AirPlay monitors I’ve tested.
It even has touch support
While the circular 1.6-inch AMOLED screen makes it easy to take selfies and record vlogs with the rear cameras, it also has a touch screen, giving more control over the camera. However, to do this, I have to enable AssistiveTouch in the Accessibility settings.
Once activated, I can tap the screen in the hole to adjust the position, exposure, and zoom. This is useful because I don’t have to constantly flip the phone to use the main iPhone screen for these tests.
I recommend, however, enabling the camera’s grid settings, because the preview on the 1.6-inch screen is a smidge off-center. Once the grid is activated, you’ll have a better idea of whether you’re actually focused on the frame.
For video recording, you’ll also want to lock the orientation of the phone so that the projection remains horizontal. After all these settings are configured, you will find out how different Dockcase Selfix is for capturing content.
Protect case that increases storage
Other benefits of the Dockcase Selfix include a padded design that provides extra protection against everyday wear and tear and dangerous drops. While it doesn’t quite match the brutality of other Otterbox cases I’ve tested, it still effectively resists the impact of low-level drops.
Additionally, the Dockcase Selfix comes with a built-in microSD slot for file transfers and backups. If you’re short on local storage, this is a great way to download files from your iPhone by copying the media to a MicroSD card. However, remember that you cannot record photos or videos directly to the card; you have to transfer them manually.
Yes, it has magnets – but no MagSafe charging support
Finally, another big incentive for me to use the Dockcase Selfix is the magnetic connection on the back, which allows me to use many of my favorite MagSafe accessories – like my MagSafe wallet and USB-C extension hub. However, the biggest problem in this case is the loss of MagSafe wireless charging.
To charge my iPhone, I have to go back to charge the phone through the USB-C port on the bottom of the case. It’s a simple thing that I hate to give up, but it’s a sacrifice you’ll have to make to get a screen on the back of your iPhone.
Right now, Dockcase Selfix is on Kickstarter for an early bird price of $79 – a huge discount from its retail price of $129. Most iPhone hard cases can easily fetch $50, but here you get expanded storage and a flexible screen for more. If you’re tired of relying on the front camera for all your vlogs, you won’t want to go back after using Selfix.
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