Apple currently offers eight different cases, including its own bumper, through it’s free iPhone 4 case program. But which one should you choose? Here’s a quick rundown of descriptions and reviews for each case:
Apple iPhone 4 Bumper
Description: A simple, rubber band that snaps around the edge of the iPhone. Apple’s description states “made of durable rubber and molded plastic [...] it’s a fun way to personalize your iPhone 4.”
Review: But iLounge’s review is mixed “There’s no protection for the front or rear glass of the iPhone, save for the extra millimeters of depth added to the device. To Apple’s credit, metallic button covers are built into the ‘case,’ and rubber is used to line the headphone and Dock Connector ports — making them incompatible with some third-party connectors — but there’s no question that this case feels radically overpriced relative to any earlier Apple case offering”
Compatibility problems: The iPhone 4 may not fit in Apple’s own dock or some speaker docks and other devices while the bumper is on.
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Incase Snap Case (clear and smoke) for iPhone 4
Description: This is a hard plastic case that snaps onto the iPhone 4 and covers the sides and back of the device.
Review: Because the iPhone 4 edition of this case is not yet available, neither are reviews. However, a poster to the MacRumors forums was none-too-pleased with the 3GS edition’s fit:
“First impression, terrible! I can hold the phone and wiggle the case so much that is makes a clicking sound against the back of the iphone. The fit on this case is horrific.”
A YouTube review notes a similarly poor fit.
Compatibility problems: Most users have not reported problems using the 3GS edition with a variety of speaker docks and other accessories.
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Belkin Shield Micra for iPhone 4
Description: Belkin describes this case as ”flexible, touchable.” Touted features include “camera lens cutout” and “slim form fitting design.”
Review: A MacRumors forums poster writes: “it is definitely a flexible case not a hardshell. It covers the entire phone, except the screen obviously. There are cut outs for the headphone jack and second mic on the top, the plug and speakers on the bottom, the Camera and flash on the back, and mute switch on the side. The power and volume buttons are actually covered by the case but it does not mess with your ability to turn the phone on or off. The only issue I see with this case would be if you have a screen protector on your phone. The case does come up onto the screen on the phone and when I purchased this case I also purchased a zagg screen protector (which was horrible btw, returned the same day) and when I put the case on it will certainly interfere with the screen protector. So if your like me and can’t stand bubbles on the screen I would not choose this case if you also want a screen protector.”
Compatibility problems: As aforementioned, you may experience problems with this case if you are using a screen protector.
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Griffin Motif iPhone 4 Diamonds/Smoke
Description: Griffin says this case is “Durable, flexible, scuff- and tear-resistant [...] stiffer than our silicone-based FlexGrip cases, but more flexible than our hard polycarbonate cases.
Review: We couldn’t find any viable reviews of this case.
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Griffin Reveal Etch iPhone 4
Description: This is a semi-soft rubber band with a hard plastic back.
Review: ArtOfTheiPhone offers a positive review of this case: “
“The Etch does cover the sleep button and volume controls with its own rubber simulated buttons, but they respond accurately when pressed. But what we most like about the Etch over the Reveal is its looks and durability. Sure, the Reveal’s clear plastic allowed you to see the Apple logo and all that, but it also was easily scratched, and hairs and other dirt were easily visible.”
Compatibility problems: Because this case uses a rubber band similar to Apple’s bumper, you may experience problems with speaker docks and some other accessories.
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Speck Fitted Case iPhone 4
Description: This is a hard-shell case with matte soft-touch coating.
Review: Insanely Great Mac writes: “seems a bit of a mix between the Fitted from the iPhone 3G/3GS and the iPad. We were fans of the revised Fitted for the iPhone 3G/3GS and this appears to be yet another step in the evolution of one of the company’s more popular case models. The case features the signature fabric backing with two-piece rubber sides. The edges and face of the case are nice soft to the touch that’s great for grip, but still easy to get out of pockets.”
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Speck PixelSkin HD iPhone 4
Description: A thick, soft rubber case that covers the sides and back with a blocky texture that is designed to enhance grip.
Review: iGadgetLife writes: “The PixelSkin should protect the iPhone 4 from minor bumps and dings but I would not recommend dropping the iPhone 4 from a height even with the case on. The screen is exposed but does have some protection by the raised bezel. The PixelSkin is a nice looking case and seems to have a lower profile despite having nearly the same dimensions as the iPhone 3G version. The new material gives it a smooth yet gripable texture. With the Tiled Texture the PixelSkin feels very secure in the user’s hand. One drawback to the material is that it does attract dust especially with the black version.”
Compatibility problems. The headphone jack becomes slightly recessed with this case, so you may have problems with shorter audio connectors.
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July 23, 2010 at 11:17 AM
I’ve had great success with the $30 hard case sold by AT&T. Although I’m not a fan of theirs, I’m glad I got this case.
July 23, 2010 at 1:42 PM
A couple of clarifications (on the Belkin Shield Micra and PixelSkin HD reviews):
Belkin Shield Micra: the reviewer quoted here from MacRumors corrected himself saying his review was actually for the Belkin GripVue (a different case). Here is his second post: “Well everyone I have to apologize as I found the packaging for my Belkin case and turns out I bought the Grip Vue…really sorry!!!! I am attaching some pics I found of the Vue (left slight purple sheen) and the Micra (right pic). It appears to me that the Micra does not cover the volume buttons and unfortunately I cannot tell from the picture whether it will cover the front of the screen as I mentioned the Vue does. You can also see that there are additional cut-outs at the top and bottom of the Vue as I mentioned but it does not look like there are cut-outs on the Micra. Again everyone please accept my apology, really really sorry for giving the wrong info…”
For the PixelSkin HD: while the iGadgetLife review URL says “PixelSkin HD,” the review is actually of the “PixelSkin;” a much bulkier case made of a different (softer, thicker) material. The issues with the headphone jack being recessed are apparently not present in the PixelSkin HD, which improves upon the PixelSkin in several ways (including eliminating any LED flash interference). Here is a good video review on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhvrSUid0xw&NR=1
I’m still trying to decide which one to go with, but I’m actually leaning towards the PixelSkin HD, which iLounge picked as its favorite of the bunch here: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/apple-iphone-4-case-program-here-are-the-best-worst-picks/
July 23, 2010 at 3:07 PM
Anyone know if the Griffin Motif iPhone 4 Diamonds/Smoke case sticks to the back of the phone. My current TPU case does that and it looks cheap. Maybe the diamond design hides it.
July 23, 2010 at 3:39 PM
The iGadget review is of the PixelSkin, not the PixelSkin HD. The “pixels” are smaller in the HD, and the cutout from the headphones is larger and less recessed.
July 25, 2010 at 8:20 AM
I have a Speck case, and the problem is that the cutout for the camera flash is too small, which causes the flash to be reflected back into the lens. This cause ghostly blotches on the pictures. Take the case off and the problem goes away.
Otherwise a good case.
July 25, 2010 at 8:20 PM
Mike, I have it on my phone, bought it a few days after I got my iphone4. It was only 15.99 at Best Buy, but they’ve increased the price on it once the antenna issue went public, lol. Since I had it on my phone right away, I have never had a dropped call. But to answer your question, NO, it does not stick to the back of the phone. It looks nice for an inexpensive case, almost a holographic look which makes the apple logo almost appear as if it’s floating. You still see the apple logo, which is cool. It has a nice smokey color, but it is translucent. I do remember reading though, on Best Buy’s site, someone’s review said they were unable to use a screen protector w/it. I wouldn’t know, I don’t have a screen protector on mine. Here’s what I do know: the volume buttons and sleep button are covered, yet still pretty easy to press. I like that they are covered, to keep dust out. I have not dropped my phone yet, so I can’t tell you how shock absorbing it is. It does NOT feel rubbery, but rather smooth and it does glide easily in and out of pockets. I like having my phone in my back pocket of my jeans if it’s not in my purse. While it’s not rubbery, it does have a better grip and it’s not slippery. It is very flexible, yet fits the phone WELL. And it is very slim, not adding a lot of bulk to the phone. For me, it makes it easier to pick the phone up from a flat surface (smooth granite counter) than when the phone is naked.
July 25, 2010 at 8:22 PM
To clarify, the case I described was the Griffin Motif, Diamonds/Smoke
July 29, 2010 at 8:27 AM
The HARD CASES destroy the SCREEN PROTECTOR on the IPHONE 4. I’ve tried three different ones and I really want to keep the screen protector. The bumper is the only one that fit properly. However, the bumper is made out of plastic which I don’t like because its difficult to handle when taking it out of pockets etc.
By the way POWER SUPPORT made a really nice front/back screen protector for iphone 4.
August 3, 2010 at 2:18 PM
Incipio makes a nice case for the Iphone 4, combines a soft silicone cover that has all the appropriate cutouts and embossing for buttons and jacks and a hard plastic cover that goes over the silicone. In spite of this it is not bulky and fits and functions nicely. At $30 its kinda pricey but it does include a screen protector and screen cleaning cloth. Believe its the silacrylic model
August 8, 2010 at 5:18 PM
We liked the fitted Speck case, with its fabric back and hard sides. But after a month the fabric is fraying, leaving stray threads sticking out along the edges of the frame. Looks bad. We are going to see if we can return it for a refund.
August 8, 2010 at 5:19 PM
We liked the fitted Speck case, with its fabric back and hard sides. But after a month the fabric is fraying, leaving stray threads sticking out along the edges of the frame. Looks bad. We are going to see if we can return it for a refund. I should add that we bought the Speck because the “sandwich”-like fit allowed us to use a screen protector. I’d choose Speck again, but not one with a fabric backing.
October 5, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Speck Fitted Case iPhone 4 – cheap plastic ‘bridge’ near headphone input broke within a month. Fabric back frays. Would not get another.
October 8, 2010 at 12:52 PM
The iPhone 4 is my third iPhone, and I had silicon cases with the two previous phones. The problem for me with silicon cases is that they make the phone very hard to get out of my pocket when it rings, the stickiness of the silicone making it adhere to my pockets.
They also tend to pick up dirt and lint inside the case, which certainly on the plastic back of the 3G helped it get scuffed.
Finally they loosen up and eventually stary to split as they age, so figure on them lasting a year.
I’ve read up a lot on the various cases for my new phone, and the one that fits my requirement best of solving the antenna problem (which affects my phone) plus leaves the nice shiny glass front and back in view is the Apple bumper case.
However, the chrome surround is obscured, so Apple should do a ‘clear’ version to allow it to shine through. I’ve seen a vid that complains that the buttons on the bumper rattle which is not so good. They also stated that it has started to become a bit loose after a few fittings and removals.
So I’m going to go for a bumper, even though I like the look of the mesh-style Griffin perforated silicone case/flexgrip punch. May have to invest in one of those too!
November 8, 2010 at 12:38 PM
I’ve fit the Griffin Motif iPhone 4 Diamonds/Smoke
And i like it it’s very good
December 16, 2010 at 11:46 PM
One word otterbox , I got my otterbox case when I bought my iPhone 4 and it’s still mint it covers the whole phone including the screen with it’s own screen protecter
January 18, 2011 at 9:24 PM
What’s important about these iPhone 4 cases is strength and durability. One that will not affect the bulk of the device and will fit in very nicely to the contours and outlines of the gadget that you wouldn’t know it is even there.
March 15, 2011 at 8:27 AM
Since the launch of the iPad last year, various tablets have been released on the market which are more powerful than the original. But Apple was not going to sit back and watch the competition succeed. They have announced the ipad 2 the new improved version of the revolutionary iPad. I think the ipad 2 is difficult to get from apple. i just find a wholesale ipad 2 website http://www.myipad2.us Today.My friend have bought 5 units ipad 2 from them. the price is acceptable and the quality is excellent! Can’t wait to get one now!
April 1, 2011 at 2:21 AM
All I can say thank you for posting. I should decide which one I must use.
June 10, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Just got the new Verizon I4. Came with a hard cover package that includes a holster, which I wanted and was accustom to. Absolutely cannot get the phone out of the holster while still attached to belt. Takes 2 hands. Changed it for the Belkin Silicone Cover. No problems with pulling out of pocket or screen covers. Like the Belkin.
June 22, 2011 at 7:20 PM
I went through the case program and got the clear Incase snap case. It’s fitted very well, adds very little extra space, and does not cause any problems with the dock. On my 3G, I never got a case for my phone because I thought they were bulky and annoying. I really love this case, and I’ve compared it to many others and never found a better one. It also comes with a little stand that works very well (I can’t find mine anymore; it’s small and made of clear plastic so go figure).