This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I used CASEKOO’s LINKOO case on my iPhone 17 for two or three months and found it so handy that I bought one for the iPhone 18 Pro too. Its strap loop folds out when you need it and tucks into the back of the case when you don’t. If you use a crossbody or shoulder strap with your iPhone, this is the case I recommend most.
What I tested
- CASEKOO LINKOO for iPhone 18 Pro / 17 Pro in silver, bought myself: around ¥6,000 on Amazon Japan at the time of recording
- Compared it with Apple’s Silicone Case for iPhone 18 Pro used with Apple’s crossbody strap
- Tried the included wrist strap and Apple’s Crossbody Strap on the loop
- Weighed both cases
What I found
- The same case fits both the iPhone 18 Pro and 17 Pro, and LINKOO has been around since the iPhone 16, so owners of older models have options too. In the box: a wrist strap and two sets of stickers.
- The silver sides are much shinier than I expected, which might divide opinion. Colours include silver, glacier, burgundy, purple, blue and gold, but the strap hardware is silver on every colour, so you end up with three tones: clear, your colour and silver. The Camera Control is an open cut-out.
- LINKOO weighs 40.9 g against 30.6 g for Apple’s Silicone Case. About 10 g heavier, which is understandable given the mechanism, and the case feels solid.
- With Apple’s case, using the Crossbody Strap means fitting a strap connector inside the case, behind the phone. It basically stays there all the time, and even with the strap off, a little piece sticks out. It looks untidy, and that always bugged me.
- On LINKOO you flip up the metal loop and clip the strap on. On the 18 Pro version it is a bit harder to lift than on the 17 version; I had to press on the case to get it up.
- The loop is a simple ring, so the included wrist strap, carabiners and many other straps work. Apple’s Crossbody Strap attaches too. With a single anchor point it is slightly less flexible than a side-mounted strap, but it was perfectly comfortable to use.
- At home, when you don’t need a strap, unclip it and fold the loop away. Nothing sticks out and it is just a normal case. Being able to stow the hardware is the big win.
- After two or three months on my iPhone 17, the strap part has not broken, and the buttons press fine. I have seen reviews mentioning broken loops, but as long as you don’t swing the phone around, it seems pretty sturdy.
| CASEKOO LINKOO | Apple Silicone Case | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (measured) | 40.9 g | 30.6 g |
| Strap hardware when not in use | Folds into the back | Connector stays sticking out |
Who it’s for
Anyone who uses a shoulder or crossbody strap regularly. Apple’s Crossbody Strap is excellent as a strap, but I never liked how the setup looks when the strap is off, and LINKOO solves exactly that. Personally, I would pick a calmer matte finish, such as matte white or matte blue, over the glossy silver.
The video is in Japanese.
Limitations
I bought this case myself. My long-term impressions come from the iPhone 17 version; the iPhone 18 Pro version is newer to me. I did not do drop tests. The price is the Amazon Japan price at the time of recording.
Products
CASEKOO LINKOO for iPhone 18 Pro / 17 Pro (silver): on Amazon Japan
Apple MagSafe Silicone Case for iPhone 18 Pro (Crisp Blue): on Amazon Japan
CASEKOO LINKOO for iPhone 17 Pro Max (matte blue): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Cases (56) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.