Rear-View Mirror: Why This $129 Selfie Case Struggles to Deliver
The Selfix case promises better selfies using the iPhone 17's rear cameras, but bulk and technical limitations hinder its potential.
The Pitfalls of Practicality: Hands-on with the Selfix iPhone 17 Pro Case
The concept is undeniably tempting: why settle for the front-facing "selfie" camera when the superior sensors, better low-light performance, and advanced portrait capabilities of the rear lenses are just inches away? The Selfix, a new case designed for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, attempts to bridge this gap by placing a circular screen on the back of your device to mirror the main display.
In theory, it is the ultimate tool for content creators. In practice, however, the execution leaves much to be desired.
A Compromise in Design
The first hurdle is the sheer physical presence of the accessory. For a generation of phones moving toward slimmer profiles—like the iPhone Air—the Selfix feels decidedly bulky. While it does offer some utility by including a microSD card slot (supporting UHS-I, Class 10, U3, and V30 standards for 4K video recording), the trade-offs are significant.
The case’s primary selling point—the 1.6-inch circular screen—is its biggest weakness. Because it mirrors a rectangular phone screen onto a small circle, much of the visual information is lost. Users are forced into a game of "framing guesswork." If you center your face on the rear screen, the final image often ends up with excessive dead space above the head.
Technical Quirks and "Beta" Blues
Current testing of "Beta" units reveals several functional frustrations:
For a generation of phones moving toward slimmer profiles—like the iPhone Air—the Selfix feels decidedly bulky.
- Navigation: While the screen is touch-sensitive, features like tap-to-focus are inconsistent.
- Controls: Users must rely on the iPhone’s physical volume keys to snap photos, as the virtual shutter button on the mirrored display is often cut off.
- Feedback: There is no clear visual indicator on the rear screen to confirm that a video recording has actually started.
Furthermore, the case significantly limits the iPhone’s connectivity. While it allows for wired passthrough charging, it disables data connections, meaning no wired CarPlay or USB file transfers to a laptop. Additionally, while the case includes a magnetic ring for MagSafe accessories, it does not support wireless charging.
A Privacy Risk in Your Pocket?
Perhaps the most "unsettling" feature is the mirroring itself. The Selfix screen simply displays whatever is on the iPhone’s main screen. If a user forgets to turn the rear display off via the dedicated side button, they risk broadcasting sensitive information—from banking apps to private messages—to anyone standing behind them. While the Phone's Dynamic Island shows a small USB icon when the case is active, there is no persistent, high-visibility warning that your screen is being mirrored.
The Verdict
Priced at $79 for Kickstarter backers (with a planned retail price of $129), the Selfix tries to be three things at once: a photography aid, a storage expander, and a protective case. While its ambition is admirable, the loss of basic conveniences like wireless charging and wired data, combined with a cramped and literal "round hole" viewing experience, makes it a hard sell for all but the most dedicated rear-camera enthusiasts.
The iPhone 17 Pro’s front camera is already excellent. Until the Selfix can refine its interface and reduce its bulk, the front-facing lens remains the more practical choice for most.
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Price: $79 (Kickstarter) / $129 (Retail) Compatibility: iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max Key Specs: 1.6-inch circular display, microSD slot (V30 support), MagSafe compatible (mounting only).
