{"id":505083,"date":"2026-03-31T11:25:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T11:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/505083\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T11:25:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T11:25:17","slug":"i-tried-this-iphone-case-with-a-built-in-screen-so-i-could-use-the-rear-cameras-for-selfies-and-vlogs-and-its-transforming-the-way-i-shoot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/505083\/","title":{"rendered":"I tried this iPhone case with a built-in screen so I could use the rear cameras for selfies and vlogs \u2014 and it’s transforming the way I shoot"},"content":{"rendered":"

I can\u2019t deny that my iPhone 17 Pro<\/a> is one of the best camera phones<\/a> around, but since it\u2019s your standard slate phone, it\u2019s not really conducive to vlogging. That\u2019s because when I\u2019m recording, I prefer to see myself in the frame \u2014 something I can only do with the front-facing camera.<\/p>\n

While the iPhone 17 Pro\u2019s new 18MP Center Stage camera<\/a> boasts notable upgrades like a wider field of view, it still doesn\u2019t provide the highest possible quality. To get that, I\u2019d have to switch to the rear cameras. This new iPhone case tackles that exact hurdle by slapping a small display on the back.<\/p>\n

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The Dockcase Selfix<\/a> is just like any other protective case for my iPhone 17 Pro, but it specifically makes capturing vlogs and selfies much easier with the rear camera. It\u2019s transforming the way I shoot on iPhone. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

Article continues below <\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

Stable video feed<\/p>\n

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\"Dockcase\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

In the past, I\u2019ve used accessories like my SYNCO XView M4<\/a> to do exactly what the Dockcase Selfix does. However, the problem with MagSafe accessories like that is their reliance on AirPlay to mirror the camera feed, which makes them susceptible to interference.<\/p>\n

The Dockcase Selfix relies on a direct connection because my iPhone 17 Pro sits inside the case and connects via USB-C. This implementation is much more practical for most people. Not only is the video feed more stable, but it also draws power directly from my iPhone, so the case doesn\u2019t require its own battery.<\/p>\n

On the back sits a 1.6-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, delivering a sharp enough picture to see exactly what the camera is framing. It\u2019s bright and vivid, with wide viewing angles that make vlogging easy. Most importantly, there\u2019s no lag or interference \u2014 a key benefit over the traditional AirPlay monitors I\u2019ve tested.<\/p>\n

It even has touch support<\/p>\n

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\"Dockcase\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

While the circular 1.6-inch AMOLED screen makes it easier to snap selfies and record vlogs with the rear cameras, it\u2019s also touch-sensitive, providing extra camera controls. To do this, though, I have to activate AssistiveTouch<\/a> in the Accessibility settings.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Once activated, I can tap the screen on the case to adjust focus, exposure, and zoom levels. This is helpful because I\u2019m not forced to constantly flip the phone around to use the iPhone\u2019s main screen for these parameters.<\/p>\n

I do recommend, however, enabling the camera\u2019s grid settings, because the preview on the 1.6-inch screen is a smidge off-center. With the grid activated, you\u2019ll have a better idea of whether you\u2019re actually centered in the frame.<\/p>\n

For recording videos, you\u2019ll also want to lock the orientation of the phone so the preview stays in a horizontal position. After all of these settings are adjusted, you\u2019ll find just how versatile the Dockcase Selfix is for capturing content.<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

Protective case that adds storage<\/p>\n

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\"Dockcase\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Other benefits of the Dockcase Selfix include a fitted design that provides extra protection against everyday wear and tear and accidental drops. While it doesn’t quite match the ruggedness of some Otterbox cases I\u2019ve tested, it still effectively cushions the impact of low-height drops.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Dockcase Selfix comes equipped with a microSD slot tucked away on the inside for file transfers and backups. If you\u2019re low on local storage, this is an excellent way to offload files from your iPhone by copying media to a microSD card. However, keep in mind that you cannot record photos or videos directly to the card; you have to transfer them manually.<\/p>\n

And yes, it has magnets \u2014 but no MagSafe charging support<\/p>\n

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\"LISEN\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 like my MagSafe wallet<\/a> and expandable USB-C hub<\/a>. However, the biggest downside to this case is forfeiting MagSafe wireless charging.<\/p>\n

To charge my iPhone, I have to fall back on wired charging via the USB-C port on the bottom of the case. It\u2019s definitely a convenience I\u2019d hate to give up, but it’s a sacrifice you\u2019ll have to make to gain a rear screen on your iPhone.<\/p>\n

Right now, the Dockcase Selfix is on Kickstarter with an early bird price of $79 \u2014 a generous discount from its $129 retail price. Most ruggedized iPhone cases can easily fetch $50, but here you\u2019re getting expandable storage and a versatile screen for just a little more. If you\u2019re tired of leaning on the front camera for all your vlogs, you won\u2019t want to go back after using the Selfix.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\"Google\n<\/p>\n

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