iPhone 5 case review x3

If you own an iPhone, you have to own a case. At least that is my view because the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 all require them thanks to their relative fragility. They look great, but they can scratch (5) and crack if dropped (4 and 4S). Fortunately, I have had the chance to try a selection of cases over the past couple of weeks and so here is a review of three for the iPhone 5 from Brando.

Plain Sandblasting Case ($10)

The Plain Sandblasting Case looks like a standard protective shield when viewed at first, but it is very slightly different from the rest. The case is very thin and very tough with almost no bend at all along the back. However, it still slips over the iPhone easily because of the way the sides offer just enough give when it is installed.

The cut-outs are perfect and the overall feel lends itself well to aiding grip when carrying the phone. The iPhone 5 is slippery and, as I said earlier, is not a phone you will want to drop so any help with grip is always a good thing. The texture of this case is also somewhat addictive and I found myself stroking it quite a lot which I admit sounds a little strange.

Overall, however, I am very impressed with the particular accessory and would rate it as the very best back cover protector I have used on an iPhone. It is subtle, strong and feels wonderful in the hand. What more could you want?

Ultra Tough Touch Soft Case ($17)

The Ultra Tough Touch Soft Case is similar to the Plain Sandblasting Case, but with some minor differences. Firstly, it is softer and offers an inverted curve on each side to aid grip and add some sensation when carrying the iPhone. There is an extra cut-out on the back to show the Apple logo and the word 'MOMAX' on the right-hand side. You may ask why this is even mentioned, but the reason is that it somehow enhances the entire look of the case and ultimately the phone itself. Such a simple addition and yet it adds personality and makes the whole case feel more fashionable and expensive.

The softness of the case is great to the touch, but does make things less grippy than with the Sandblasting solution. For looks I prefer this case, but for sheer practically I would still go for the one above.

iPhone 5 Brick Protective Back Case ($10)

This case is crazy! It looks like Lego, but is made of soft rubber and is lovely to hold and look at. Of course it is a novelty, but it does have some practical benefits that you may not consider at first.

The removable Lego patches on the back are fun, but when I realised that I could use them to shorten, or store, my headphone cable I rather liked the end result. With 5 colour options and fun all of the way through what is not to like about a slab of fun that only costs $10?

I should also mention that it protects the iPhone very well and will bounce if you drop the phone when it is attached, but of course you will not be carrying this case with you all of the time. For sheer originality and fun, it is fantastic, however, and should not be dismissed.

Conclusion

On a personal note I am using the Plain Sandblasting Case every day for the protection it offers and the extra grip afforded by the outer covering. The idea of a case is to protect a phone, but when one like this offers that protection plus extra grip and a good look you can't really go wrong for such a low price. The Ultra Tough Touch Soft Case is the best looking of the three and will suit more iPhone owners than the other two no doubt, but I still find myself irrationally liking the Brick Protective Back Case the most just because it is so cute. Three great case solutions at exceptional prices.

Note: Brando does advertise on Lost In Mobile, but such affiliations never affect my reviews. My job is to recommend good products and to criticise bad ones because to do otherwise would just lose trust from the readership.

Comments

[Neil]

I haven't used a case for any of my phones in recent times; they might get a few scratches, but I prefer using them without a case, and haven't - yet - had any real problems with that.

[Statto]

Never been a fan of cases on any phone. Never used one on my iPhone 3G. Used a bumper for about a year on my iPhone 4 but it left residual blemishes all over the metal band where tiny amounts of rubbing between the case and te metal occurred..

Have been using the 4 "naked" now for over a year. Never felt it was at risk, and hasn't gained any further marks scratches without the case being used

I remain unconvinced a thin back cover case like the ones above would necessarily stop the glass cracking if I dropped the phone onto concrete or other hard surface anyway.

[Jason Muhammad]

I own the Seidio Surface iPhone 5 case and I am very happy with it -- except maybe that the kickstand is silver...I would have preferred black. But I am very happy with it.
http://www.seidioonline.com/apple-iphone-5-surface-with-metal-kickstand-case-p/csr3iph5k-bk.htm