5 under $50: iPhone cases dress to impress [and protect]

The Apple iPhone is known for its sleekness, innovative design, and connectivity. It also has the reputation of being incredibly fragile.



When the klutziest girl I know [me] became an owner most delicate gadget on the market [iPhone 3G], a durable case was in high order. Even with my Blackberry Pearl, I employed a hard case to protect the smaller screen and retrospectively brick-like body.

Most iPhones I have seen are covered by the typical Neoprene case, which looks relatively flimsy and useless other than protection from superficial body scratches. I wanted something with more substance but not necessarily bulkier. Ergo, I looked into 5 different cases, all under $50 and appearing as tough as nails. Each has something positive, but I think it's important to note which is the best case for the value. Here's a rundown, in no particular order:

1. OtterBox iPhone 3G Defender Case [Black, Pink; $49.95]

OtterBox is a brand that thrives on durability. I have researched the Defender Series in the past, and this iteration is made specifically for the iPhone 3G. This case has 3 layers of protection: a clear polycarbonate case on screen; Polycarbonate hard skeleton; Silicone skin on exterior.

All of these layers do make for a tough cover, however, there seems to be some contact lost between the buttons on the phone and the cover. I also liked how there was some clearance between the case and the screen. This could be good if your drop your phone face forward.

There also is a pretty rad window on the back to rep the apple logo, which is aesthetically nice. Also, just a warning-- don't dunk your iPhone in the pool with this case; it does not protect from water like other OtterBoxes!

Also Includes: Rotating Holster

2. Speck ToughSkin Rugged Rubber Case [Black; $34.95]

This iPhone 3G case manufacturer is not afraid to experiment with ingredients.

Speck constructs cases from a number of materials including fabric, nylon, man-made leather, and polycarbonate hard plastic. The ToughSkin Rugged is made out of rubber that offers great shock absorbing properties. The ridges on the parameter of the case allow for comprehensive protection of the phone.
The trade off is the bulk and strange shape for pocket-carrying. Another feature is the bottom hinge which allows easy docking and serves as a method to hoist the iPhone when needed.

Also Includes: Rotating Holster

3. SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel [11 rainbow colors; $24.95]

Of all the cases I reviewed, SwitchEasy offers the most colors. I usually like getting a vibrant color as it can be easier to find in a purse, backpack, or car floor. The Capsule Rebel offers a hybridized design of hard and soft materials. The exoskeleton is made of Lexan polycarbonate which basically is a very durable plastic.

The flesh consists of Adaptive Dynamic Soft Polymer [ADSP] which is a material that resists discoloration and wear due to the reaction between the native polymer and added monomer (er...something like that).

That is basically a scientific way to say that this cover is the best of both hard and soft case universes. Although the case claims to have all impact bases covered, the bottom strip near the charge port is slightly flimsy and bare.

Also Includes: 2 Screen Protectors, and 1:microfiber cloth; universal dock adapter; video stand; power jack connector protector; squeegee

 

4. IvySkin Xylo T-3 [Black, Clear, Alpine; $34.99]

Yet another case which has robust technology, the IvySkin Xylo T-3 uses a German technique to create a scratch-resistant screen shell over the iPhone 3G.

The screen is the main feature of this case, as it is made of a special type of crystal that transmits a current via electrons over the .5mm thickness. The backside is made of hard polycarbonate that fits snugly onto the 3G's body.

Although the screen is a nice idea, the actual response time has a lag. That is, you really have to make sure to tap strongly, or else you will not reach your destination on the menu. The website also claims that the screen responds to a gloved hand; this did not work for me.

The edges on the ear speaker and power buttons is also rough and uncomfortable to touch, but the sleekness and lack of bulk make the Xylo worth considering.

5. Griffin Clarifi [Black; $34.99]

This case by Griffin had me the most excited to review; it hasn't been released yet and comes with a cool feature that is revolutionary. The Griffin Clarifi has a built in zoom lens so that all 3Gers can take a closer, crisper shot.

The case itself is good with a sleek design, smooth touch and protective polycarbonate covering. But as an avid TwitPic gal, I had high hopes for the added lens. When I tested out the close-up lens, I was disappointed by the results.

I did see some difference of clarity with text, however, most items were nearly the same. The difference between the built in camera zoom and the lens is negligible, but the case also fits well on the phone, similar to the IvySkin Xylo T-3.

Also Includes: 1 screen protector, 1 microfiber cleaning cloth

For more on iPhone cases, watch episode 252 of DL.TV. Which case protects and defends your own iPhone 3G? What case would you get if money wasn't an object?

As for me, I went with the cherry SwitchEasy and am happy so far with it. If money weren't an object, maybe I would get a Noreve Saint Tropez. Yet another thing to tell my [fictional] butler to do for me!

Comments

[Chachi]

Perfect timing with this roundup! I'm looking for a new case, and had high hopes for the Clarifi. This is the first review I've seen of it. Not worth buying if the lens makes no difference.

[Andrew Littler]

I was never one for that kinda stuff, but that is probably why my BlackBerry is dead. The RAZR really set in me the idea of slipping a phone/ iPod/ iPhone/ gattling gun out of my pocket really easily, that is why I stick to the Gela skins for now.

[cchana]

Good review on these items. I recently purchased an iPod Touch and now own a switcheasy case of my own. the amount of stuff you get as part of the case is impressive, but i found the 'soft' part of the case to be less like silicon or rubber and almost like a matt finish plastic in comparison to the glossy 'skeleton'.

Good access to external buttons and inputs and definitely a case to consider.

[IsamuM]

I thought you were great on DL.TV, but you are doing Griffin a great disservice by saying that the Clarifi has a "zoom" lens. Griffin clearly states on their web site that the Clarifi has a "close-up" lens (and indeed you also use that term in the article above).

A close-up lens is NOT a zoom lens. A close-up lens is meant to get closer to things and keep them in focus as you demonstrated with the clearer text image on DL.TV. They are not meant to enlarge distant objects. A zoom lens is a lens which has a range of focal distances; e.g., 70 to 300mm or 18 to 200mm. In fact, a zoom lens need not always be a telephoto lens, but can be a wide-angle telephoto or a so-called super-zoom that extends from wide-angle to telephoto.

What you want is a telephoto lens, not a close-up lens. However, any telephoto lens will stick out and would not be suitable for a case like the Clarifi. FWIW, there is at least one after-market telephoto lens available for cell phones in Japan, but I'm not sure how well it works.

[IsamuM]

Oops, that should have been "wide-angle zoom" and not "wide-angle telephoto" in the last sentence of the second paragraph.

[Apoorv Khatreja]

The Speck ToughSkin Rugged Rubber Case looks badass. Reminds me of the old style covers we used to get for TV remote controls.