Picture Rating Review Summary

9.5

 The Otterbox Defender ($35) is the most protection you can provide the iPhone 4 and still be able to use all the features of the device. The downsides are that it increases the bulk of the phone and makes accessing some of the iPhone’s ports less convenient. Still, if you’re interested in the Defender, it’s toward the purpose of protection, and the case is the best for that purpose we’ve seen. Full review.

9.0

 The Case-Mate Tough ($35) offers excellent protection with its two-layer approach. A soft silicone layer adds shock absorption while a hard plastic layer adds strength and rigidity. A textured surface improves grip, and the case feels good to hold in the hand. Overall, it’s a well-designed case with no big flaws. Full review.

8.8

 The SwitchEasy Colors ($15) is a silicone case available in 9 different colors. The Colors case gets all the details right and is one of the best fitting cases we’ve come across. Overall, a superior form and fit combined with a slim profile and decent protection make this a solid case, as it was with the iPhone 3G version. Full review.

8.3

 The Speck Fitted case ($20) is the most stylish of the cases offered in Apple’s free iPhone 4 case program. The hard case has a cloth backing with an attractive gray and black plaid pattern. The case also offers superb protection for your iPhone. Downsides are added size and weight, and a slight decrease in the accessibility of the iPhone’s buttons. Full review.

8.3

 The Case-Mate Vroom ($15) for the iPhone is an affordable silicone rubber case with a distinctive tire-tread pattern on its back. It offers good shock absorption and improved grip. A thick rim that sticks up above the iPhone’s front screen adds some protection should the iPhone drop on that side. Overall, a convenient, good-looking case at a low price. Full review.

7.6

 The Griffin Reveal Etch ($30) is a solid all-around case, offering good looks, good protection, and good build quality. While not on par with silicone or dual-layer cases in terms of shock absorption, the Etch does maintain a svelte profile that adds little weight or bulk to the iPhone 4. Full review.

7.3

 The Incipio Silicrylic ($30) for iPhone 4 offers two-layers of protection, a soft silicone interior with a hard plastic exterior. Its main flaw is poor interaction with the iPhone 4′s LED flash, causing some pictures to look washed out. It also adds a bit of bulk to the iPhone. Overall, a decent case that looks good. Full review.

7.3

 The Cellet Jelly case ($8) is the most affordable iPhone 4 case we’ve reviewed yet, and although not spectacular in any one area, it’s a solid all-around case that won’t interfere with using the iPhone. Our lone complaint is a semi-loose fit that can cause corners of the case to slip off while taking it in and out of pockets. Full review.

7.0

 The Amzer Jelly ($10) are inexpensive silicone cases available in 10 different colors. Offering good protection and average looks, the case’s main flaw is interference with the iPhone 3′s LED flash, causing slightly discolored pictures when the flash is put to use. Full review.

6.9

 The Griffin Reveal ($25) is a lightweight case with a clear back and a solid color frame (available in several different colors). Its best feature is its slim profile. The downsides are that it easily attracts and shows off scratches and dirt and it offers very little protection. Full review.

6.9

 The Griffin Motif ($15) is a semi-transparent case featuring an interesting diamond pattern that shimmers in the light. We didn’t like the texture of the material the case is made out of (called TPU), as it feels sticky and doesn’t add much shock absorption. The case has a smoke-gray tint to the clear plastic that we also didn’t like. Decent accessibility to the buttons and ports, but the case’s stiff plastic requires more pressure to operate the iPhone’s buttons underneath. Full review.

6.8

 The Empire New-Skin iPhone 4 case ($15) suffers from durability issues, and we feel it looks cheap. But there’s nothing wrong with its functional design, as it stays out of the way of using the iPhone. And it’s hard to argue with its ultra-affordable price. Full review.

6.4

 The Apple iPhone 4 Bumper ($29) is not so much a case as it is a protective band that wraps around the edge of the iPhone. It’s only upsides are a stylish design and the fact that it covers up the iPhone’s external antenna, helping to prevent attenuation. It’s hard to justify the Bumper’s expensive price for what little it offers. Full review.

6.2

 The Case-Mate Barely There iPhone 4 case ($25) is an eggshell-thin hard case that doesn’t have much to offer other than to prevent your finger from touching the iPhone 4′s antenna sweetspot. Half-hearted design and an expensive price tag leave us underwhelmed. Full review.

6.1

 The Sonix Slap Slim iPhone 4 case ($24) is a thin, hardshell case that is too fragile to be of much use in the area of protection. Add on a poor fit and expensive price tag, and the Snap Slim is a poor choice for an iPhone case. Full review.

6.0

 The Gumdrop MotoSkin iPhone 4 case ($30) is a thick silicone rubber case that offers good protection, but unfortunately suffers from at least one major design flaw (a hard-to-press sleep button) that ruins its chances at becoming a recommended iPhone case. Full review.

5.9

 The Case-Mate Torque iPhone 4 case ($25) is an average all-around silicone case at an expensive price. Nothing about it distinguishes from cheaper competition except its unique patterned back. Full review.

3.5

 The MiniSuit Smoke Skin Circle iPhone 4 case ($15) is a transparent case made of semi-pliable plastic. Its fatal flaw is a hard-to-press sleep button that had our fingers hurting after just a day of use. Subpar looks and an instant aged look make this case a poor choice. Full review.