Top Five iPhone 5 Cases

We round up the best cases for the new iPhone 5, with accessories ranging from the budget to luxury end of the market.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 5 have just begun in the UK and several other countries around the world, with shipping dates already slipping to two weeks. However, rather than suggesting huge interest in the iPhone 5, it could suggest a shortage of supply of course, possibly due to a limited amount of the new 4in in-cell displays used on the new iPhone.

Others will be waiting until next Friday, 21 September to queue up at the Apple Stores around the UK before buying, but either way, you'll probably be looking at buying a case for your precious new phone, and we've put together a list of the best ones available so far.

iPhone 5 cases took only a matter of hours to appear online following the announcement, with accessories manufacturers seeking to be the first to market with a new range of cases.

If you want to know just how crazy the set-up is, then make sure you read our feature looking at how the announcement of major new smartphones works from the point of view of accessory manufacturers.

Here's our list of the best cases currently on the market:

Proporta Leather Case

One of the first out of the block with its range of iPhone 5 cases was Proporta, with this leather offering the pick of the bunch.

The Leather Case is "crafted from the finest leather" according to the manufacturers, with "a tough sheet of lightweight aluminium that takes the brunt of any knocks, drops and scratches to protect your phone."

All your ports and buttons will be open and a C-Clip will hold the front flap in place when you're not using the iPhone 5. The price includes a screen protector and the case comes in black only.

Price: £29.95 + free shipping

Griffin Reveal

Less of a case and more of a bumper, the ultra-thin Reveal adds just over a millimetre in thickness to your iPhone 5.

"A sleek, one-piece design shields iPhone from the outside world, with slim rubber edges that cushion and grip your iPhone tight," the marketing blurb says.

It may not protect your phone from all drops and spillages, but it will maintain the sleek lines of the iPhone 5 if that's what you're after.

Reveal for iPhone 5 will be available in black, white, grey, pool blue, fluoro-orange, fluoro-fire, fluoro-citron and blue.

Price: £14.99

Cygnett Bulldozer Case

Cygnett says the Bulldozer case is "extra-protective and impact resistant" to help protect your delicate iPhone 5.

Inspired by bulldozer tracks and made "tough for active lifestyles" the case features an easy-grip texture, constructed edges and access to all functions - though some, such as the volume buttons are covered with silicone buttons. The price also Includes a screen protector.

Price: £19.99

Belkin Ease-Fit Plus Armband

For the sporty iPhone 5 owner, the EaseFit Plus armband lets you "concentrate on your workout, not your phone," according to Belkin.

The case features a longer strap with adjustable closure to help fit all shapes and sizes. The case also features a key pouch which is "perfect for holding your home, car or locker key."

The material is said to be "lightweight, breathable, water-resistant and hand-washable." Belkin even claims the EaseFit Plus Armband has "sweat protection." What more could you ask for?

Price: £18.50

Gresso Revolution Bumper Case

Not satisfied with having spent over £500 on your shiny new iPhone 5? Well then, let luxury manufacturer Gresso take some more of your hard-earned money. In fact, it's going to take A LOT more of your hard-earned money.

For 'just' $3,000 (£1,850) Gresso's solid titanium bumper case, which is the only metal case for the iPhone, according to the manufacturer, will come with a magnet lock system and an 18K gold inset.

To try and justify the price, Gresso will ship the Revolution case in a "luxurious beech box accentuated with a silk ribbon." Available from the 12 October, we don't expect you'll have to queue up to buy this accessory.

Price: £1850