Category: iPhone 5 Cases

iPhone 5 Case Review: the Diztronic, a $12 Case That’s a Solid Value

Diztronic iPhone 5 Case

The affordable Diztronic ($12) is a bestselling case on Amazon.com that averages 4.5 stars from reviewers—but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great case. The Diztronic is a thin, lightweight, soft-plastic case that fits snugly around the iPhone 5 and is available in several colors. I put the Diztronic through its paces the past 3 weeks and below are my impressions.

Video Review:

What It’s Made Of. The Diztronic is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The material is flexible and feels a bit like soft plastic. The material is thin and barely adds any weight or bulk to the iPhone 5. The case’s surface has an almost entirely matte look (not shiny) and a slight, barely noticeable texture that makes the case feel soft in the hand. It’s pleasant to hold, but doesn’t exactly have an “expensive” or premium feel to it.

Review Summary


Price: $12

Art of the iPhone’s Rating:
★★★★★ (3 stars out of 5)

Review Summary: A thin and flexible case that fits the iPhone 5 like a glove and doesn’t interfere with any of the device’s ports, buttons, and features. The lone downside is that its thin profile means there’s not much shock absorption. At $12, a solid value.

The inner lining of the case is made of the same soft material, so the case itself won’t scratch the iPhone with use over time, a huge plus when it comes to the iPhone 5’s delicate, scratch-prone rim and edges.

Protection. Because the Diztronic is so thin, its shock absorption properties are minimal. The Diztronic is not the case to give to the monkey at the local zoo (or your 2-year-old, for that matter) for a little iPhone 5 playtime.

For the screen, the case has a slightly raised rim that sticks up about a half millimeter. The rim has a slightly different feel than the rest of the case—like a hard vinyl—and has a shiny/glossy black look. This raised rim prevents the iPhone’s screen from touching surfaces when the iPhone is lain of face down. But, of course, it will do nothing if you accidentally drop your iPhone 5 and its screen hits a rock (but very few cases will).

Diztronic iPhone 5 case inside

Fit. The Diztronic fits the iPhone 5 like a glove. The fit is easily the case’s best attribute—they nailed it. When slipped around the iPhone 5, there is no looseness or creakiness—the iPhone 5 feels just as solid with the case on as off, and if you have an iPhone 5, you’ll know its slab-like solidity is one of its endearing design elements.

Diztronic case with volume buttons and mute switch

Accessibility to the iPhone’s Features. All of the iPhone 5’s buttons work as expected with the the Diztronic case on. Likewise, all ports (headphone jack and Lightning cable) are accessible with the case on, with the exception of the SIM tray slot on the iPhone 5, but few will care about that. The case does cover the iPhone’s sleep and volume buttons with its own simulated buttons, but the buttons work as expected when pressed and even maintain some clickiness, a rarity in iPhone cases. There is also a large cutout area around the iPhone 5’s camera, giving plenty of clearance for the flash LED to do its job.

Diztronic iPhone 5 Case bottom

Looks. The Diztronic is available in 6 different colors, including 3 special “glitter” style cases. You won’t win any fashion awards with the Diztronic, although the glitter-style cases do offer a bit of style. That’s not to say these are ugly cases either—just plain Janes.

Conclusion

The Diztronic ($12) is a solid case and a tremendous value due to its low price tag. The Diztronic fits light a glove and leaves all the iPhone’s ports and buttons working as expected. However, it’s much too thin to truly be a good protective case, but enough for everyday wear and tear. I can recommend it for its solid design and great value.

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases From Speck

Speck Candyshell case for iPhone 5

Speck CandyShell
$34.95
The Speck Candyshell for iPhone 5 is glossy eye candy. It’s smooth nail-polish exterior will catch the eye, but it’s two-layer construction will catch the bumps and bruises destined for your iPhone 5. The CandyShell’s two layers are composed of a soft-rubber inner layer provides some shock absorption, and a hard-plastic exterior that provides rigidity, and, of course, its glossy good looks. Available in several color themes. Check the case out at the Official Speck Candyshell website.
Speck Candyshell Satin iPhone 5 cases

Speck Candyshell Satin
$34.95
Everything feels better in satin, even the iPhone 5. Ok, the CandyShell Satin isn’t really made from satin. It’s really just like a regular Speck CandyShell except with a special coating that makes it feel soft and slightly textured. Other than that, you get the same two-layer protection as the regular CandyShell, with a soft rubber lining and a hard-plastic exterior. Available in several colors. Get details at the official CandyShell Satin website.
Speck Candyshell Grip iPhone 5 Cases

Speck Candyshell Grip
$34.95
Get a grip on the iPhone 5 with the Candyshell Grip. It comes with embedded bands of rubber that give purchase to your fingers. Other than the special grippy bands, it’s a regular CandyShell case with two-layer protection—a soft-rubber interior and a hard-plastic exterior. Check it out at the official Speck Candyshell Grip website.
Candyshell Flip case for iPhone 5

Speck CandyShell Flp
$34.95
Have a dock? You’re going to flip for the CandyShell Flip. The bottom of the case flips out (but stays attached) to let you dock the iPhone 5 with little hassle. Now all that has to happen is for someone to make an actual iPhone 5 dock. Damn you, Lightning connector. Check it out here at the official Speck CandyShell website.

Speck SmartFlex Card case for iPhone 5

Speck SmartFlex Card
$34.95
The SmartFlex Card case can hold up to 3 credit cards in a special slot on its back, you know, the same cards you maxed out buying the iPhone 5, iPad 4, and iPad Mini. The slot has a “special tensioning system” to keep the cards (or folded cash money) secure and prevent them from slipping out. The SmartFlex is made of a flexible polymer (sort of like a cross between plastic and rubber). Available in 5 different colors. Check it out
Speck SmartFlex View case for iPhone 5 with stand

Speck SmartFlex View w/ Stand
$34.95
The SmartFlex View case has a built-in stand that can prop up the iPhone 5 in both portrait and landscape views. Available in 5 different colors, the View is made of a flexible, lightweight polymer that maintains the svelte profile of the iPhone 5. Click it out at the official Speck SmartFlex View website.
Speck PixelSkin case for iPhone 5

Speck PixelSkin
$24.95
Got rubber? With the Speck PixelSkin you do. All that rubber gives you great shock absorption and all-around protection for your iPhone 5. The PixelSkin’s surface is texturized with large squares to supply your fingers extra grip on the iPhone 5—as if rubber wasn’t grippy enough already. Available in 5 different colors. Check it out hereat the official PixelSkin website.
Speck PixelSkin HD case for iPhone 5

Speck PixelSkin HD
$29.95
The Speck PixelSkin HD differs from the normal PixelSkin in that it’s made out of thermoplastic polyurethane. This material is more like soft plastic rather than rubber, and thus has a more solid feel to it. The surface of the HD is textured with small squares to improve grip. It’s a thin, durable case that adds some protection to your iPhone 5. Check it out here at the official Pixelskin HD website.
Speck Fabshell case for iPhone 5

Speck Fabshell
$29.95
“Girl, that iPhone case is just fab-u-lous.” That’s what your snobby hot friends will say when they see your iPhone 5 in the stylish Speck Fabshell case. The Fabshell a hardshell case covered in fabric available in 7 different patterns. With the Fabshell, you can be snobby and hot too! Call me? More info at the official Speck Fabshell website.
Speck FabShell Burton case for iPhone 5

FabShell Burton
$39.95
The Fabshell Burtons stylish exteriors are inspired by Burton Snowboards, founded by Jake Burton Carpenter. Like the regular Fabshells, the Burtons are hard-shell cases covered in stylish fabric patterns—except these patterns are for ultracool snowboarders like you. More info here at the official Speck Fabshell Burton website.

Review: SwitchEasy Tones Case for iPhone 5

SwitchEasy Tones for iPhone 5 Case

The SwitchEasy Tones ($25) is one of the better-looking early iPhone 5 cases thanks to its two-tone color scheme that mimics the iPhone 5’s stylish exterior. In addition to the black and gray version I reviewed, there is a white/gray version and 5 other color combos. The Tones is a thin, hard-plastic polycarbonate case that maintains the iPhone 5’s thin and lightweight feel, and its surface is slightly textured, giving it a comfortable feel in the hand.

No Protective Lining. The one thing I’ve learned from reviewing iPhone cases over the years is that the case itself can scrape up an iPhone pretty well over time. This usually occurs with hard plastic cases that don’t include a protective lining as a buffer against the iPhone’s surface. Unfortunately, the SwitchEasy Tones lacks such a lining. Because the iPhone 5’s rim and edges are unusually susceptible to scuffs and scrapes, the SwitchEasy Tones is not an ideal case for the iPhone 5.

SwitchEasy Tones case for iPhone 5 inside view

Lack of Shock Absorption.The SwitchEasy Tones is much too thin to take on much shock absorption, and its hard-plastic polycarbonate material doesn’t dampen shock energy from accidental drops much. Even though the iPhone 5 is a more durable phone from a shock absorption point of view, it’s definitely not invincible. The SwitchEasy Tones case won’t give you much peace of mind in the area of protection.

Video Review:

Buttons and Ports. It’s not all bad news with the SwitchEasy Tones—all buttons and ports of the iPhone 5 are accessible and work as expected with the case on. The lone problem area is the ringer/mute switch, which requires some finger digging to reach with the case on thanks to a narrow opening.

Review Summary


Price: $25

Art of the iPhone’s Rating:
★★★★★ (2 stars out of 5)

Review Summary: A nice looking case that unfortunately lacks a protective lining to prevent the hard-plastic case itself from scratching the iPhone 5’s delicate rim.

Fit. Another design element the SwitchEasy Tones gets right is fit. The Tones case snaps on tight and fits like a glove. There is no creaking or loose gaps. The iPhone 5 feels just as solid with the case on as without. The fit is impressive considering how fast the Tones came to market after the release of the iPhone 5.

Review Conclusion

The SwitchEasy Tones ($25) is a good-looking case that mimics the two-tone style of the iPhone 5’s exterior, but it lacks a protective lining inside, which means the hard-plastic case itself can scratch the delicate edges of the iPhone 5. A lack of shock absorption and a hard-to-access area for the iPhone’s ringer switch make this case a dud. Too bad, because it’s quite styling.

Pros:

  • Maintains the two-tone look of the iPhone 5 (available in 7 different color schemes).
  • Tight and slim fit maintains sveltness of iPhone 5.
  • Does not interfere with use of iPhone’s buttons and ports, with one exception (see Cons below)

Cons:

  • Not much shock absorption.
  • Lack of protective lining means case itself could damage iPhone over time.
  • Ringer switch is hard to access.

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases from Ballistic

iPhone 5 Ballistic SG Maxx case

Ballistic SG MAXX
$49.99
The Ballistic SG MAXX has 4 layers of protection….4! Layer 1 is silicone rubber with padded corners. Layer 2 is hard polycarbonate plastic. Layer 3 is shock resistant polymer. And Layer 4 is a molded screen protector. Comes with a belt-clip holster for quick-on-the-draw phone calls. Available in several different colors. Check it out at the Official Ballistic SG MAXX website.
Ballistic Every1 Case for iPhone 5

Ballistic Every1 with Stand
$49.99
The Ballistic Every1 is another 4-layer case, this time with a built-in kickstand. The Every1 has what Ballistic calls “Air Gap Suspension Springs,” which the company describes as surrounding “your phone with 1mm of air so your phone never lays against a hard surface.” Whatever that means. Comes with a belt-clip holster and available in several colors. Available at the official Ballistic Every1 website.
Ballistic Smooth Case for iPhone 5

Ballistic Smooth
$29.99
The Smooth is Ballistic’s slimmest case and best looking (in my opinion). The case’s corners are its most interesting feature. Each case comes with 4 different-colored sets of interchangeable corners (4 pieces in each set for 16 total), which add extra protection for the iPhone’s impact points. Available in several color schemes. Available at the official Ballstic Smooth website.
Ballistic Hard Core iPhone 5 Case

Ballistic Hard Core with Stand
$59.99
The Ballistic Hard Core has a ridiculous 5 layers of protection. 2 layers of shock-absorbing polymer, 1 layer of hard plastic, an optional layer of silicone rubber, and a clear plastic screen protector. A built-in stand lets you prop up the iPhone on a desk. Comes with a rotating belt-clip holster. Click here for the official Ballistic Hard Core website.
Ballistic Shell Gel case for iPhone 5

Ballistic Shell Gel
$34.99
The Ballistic Shell Gel offers 3-layers of protection. Layer 1 is shock-absorbing polymer, Layer 2 is hard polycarbonate, and Layer 3 soft silicone rubber. The case features extra padding at the iPhone’s 4 impact points (the four corners). More info at the official website for the Ballistic Shell Gel case.

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases from Case-Mate

Case-Mate Pop case for iPhone 5 with stand

Case-Mate Pop! with Stand
$35
The Case-Mate Pop! comes with a flip-out stand built into its back, convenient for viewing while sitting at a desk or on an airplane. This year’s Pop! cases are available in a new array of “high energy” colors along with the tradition black or white. The Pop! is a two-layer protective case with a soft rubber interior and hard polycarbonate exterior. Check it out at the official Case-Mate Pop! website.
Case-Mate Tough Extreme case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Tough Xtreme
$50
We really liked the previous generation of the Tough (review) for its excellent protection. This year’s Tough Xtreme has been upgraded with a built-in screen protector, similar to the popular Otterbox Defender. Case-Mate says the Tough Xtreme delivers its “highest level of protection in the thinnest possible construction.” Check it out at the official Case-Mate Tough website.

CaseMate Barely There case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Barely There
$30
The Barely There is a Case-Mate classic. A thin, snap-on, hard plastic case with a soft-touch finish that feels comfortable holding in your hand. Available in a veritable rainbow of colors. Available soon at the official Case-Mate Barely There website.
Case-Mate Snap case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Snap with Stand
$35
The Snap case comes with a built-in spring-action stand that Case-Mate describes as “rapid deploy.” You’ll poke your eye out! The Snap is made from “soft material” and has a raised bezel around the front screen to offer some added protection. More info at the official Case-Mate Snap website.

Case-Mate Pop ID case for iPhone 5

CaseMate Pop! ID
$40
Leave your wallet at home with the CaseMate Pop! ID. The Pop! ID can hold two credit cards in a specially designed pouch on the back of the case. The Pop! has a dual-layered design for solid protection that features a soft impact-resistant interior layer and a hard durable exterior layer. Available soon in several different colors from the official Case-Mate Pop! ID website.
Case-Mate Quilted case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Madison Quilted
$70
The stylish Case-Mate Madison Quilted case makes quite a fashion statement. The premium style means a premium price. Check out the Official Case-Mate Madison Quilted website for when more info becomes available.
Case-Mate RPET 100 Percent Recylced iPhone 5 Case

Case-Mate rPET Recycled
$35
The Case-Mate rPET is a translucent case that is, yes, made from 100% recycled material. Feel good about yourself and still have your iPhone looking stylish, available in a wide array of translucent colors. The case looks best with a white iPhone (in my opinion). More info at the official Case-Mate rPet website.
Case-Mate Artistry Woods case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Artistry Woods
$50
The Case-Mate Artistry Woods offers a more natural look with its “genuine exotic hardwoods.” The cases are accented with brush aluminun accents to add durability. The case has an inner silicone rubber lining to add cushioning and shock absorption for your iPhone 5. Check it out at the official Artistry Woods website.
Case-Mate Artist Series cases for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Artist Collection
$35
The Artist Collection from Case-Mate is a version of the Barely There case featuring special designer prints from various talented artists. The collection currently has over 80 unique designs available. You can browse through them all at the official website for the Artist Collection series.
Case-Mate Xing case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Xing Panda
$30
The Case-Mate Xing case features a cute panda design along with a special charm that hangs off the bottom corner. Case-Mate has 3 more animals available: a peacock, monkey, and penguin, all with their own special charms. Available from the official Case-Mate Xing website.

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases from Griffin and Otterbox

Griffin

Griffin Chevron Case for iPhone 5

Griffin Chevron for iPhone 5
$24.99
The Griffin Chevron is a super-slim hardshell snap-on case with some purty, purty patterns. I usually don’t recommend these kinds of cases due to lack of protection and the fact that if they aren’t lined with a soft material, they can scratch your iPhone. But if you like them purty patterns and very thin cases, thin hardshell cases are usually very affordable. Not yet available for preorder, but you can check the cases out at the official Griffin Chevron website.
Griffin Survivor for iPhone 5

Griffin Survivor
$49.99
Griffin says the Survivor is the most protective case they’ve ever built. They even brag it has been tested to meet or exceed US Department of Defense Standard 810F, whatever that is. The case is two layers: a hard polycarbonate frame surrounded by shock-absorbing silicone rubber. Also comes with a manly belt clip. Available from the official Griffin Survivor site.
Griffin Reveal for iPhone 5

Griffin Reveal
$19.99
The Reveal are thin clear plastic cases that let everyone know, hey, thats the iPhone 5 I’m carrying, how ya like me now, while adding a splash of color around the iPhone’s edges. I’m personally not a big fan of these cases (historically, the clear plastic tends to get scratched and smudged over time). Find more info at the official Griffin Reveal website.
Griffin Kazoo case for iPhone 5

Griffin KaZoo
$24.99
The Kazoo cases are built for kids or the kid at heart. They are made from soft silicone (rubber), which also means decent shock absorption. Available in blue elephant or monkey. Your kids has an iPhone 5? Lucky kid. Available at the official Griffin KaZoo website.

Griffin Animal Parade iPhone 5 Case

Griffin Animal Parade
$19.99
The Griffin Animal Parade cases are cute, extremely cute. Koala Bear? Hello. There’s also an Animal Parade app you can download to add a matching wallpaper to your iPhone. At $19.99, they ain’t too expensive either. Available at the official Griffin Animal Parade website.
Griffin Wise Eyes iPhone 5 Cases

Griffin Wise Eyes
$24.99
A wise old owl once told me to always have a case around your iPhone. Griffin Wise Eyes is a thin polycarbonate (hard plastic) case covered in owls—what a hoot! The case is so thin it will barely add any weight or thickness to your thin iPhone 5, yet protects it from everyday scrapes and scratches. Available from official Griffin Wise Eyes website.
Griffin Moxy

Griffin Moxy
$29.99
Those with moxy enough to wear leopard prints should check out the Griffin Moxy case series for iPhone 5, which combines style with protection. Available in several different types of patterns, including tiger stripes and snow leopard white, the Moxy is a polycarbonate case with a thin rubber lining inside to protect your iPhone’s surface from the getting scratched. A case for when things get rough in the urban jungle. Check it out at the official Griffin Moxy website.
Griffin Protector iPhone 5 Case

Griffin Protector
$19.99
The Griffin Protector is why I like silicone rubber cases, at $19.99, it’s cheap but its thick silicone offers good protection, especially in the shock absorption area. Sure, silicone has its downsides—pull it out of a pocket and it can be covered with lint. Never a big deal for me. Check it out at the Griffin Protector website.
Griffin Mustachio case

Griffin Mustachio
$24.99
Nothing is more beautiful than a finely styled mustache. Curl up the corners and the ladies come a running. The Griffin Mustachio Case is inspirational. Sure, it’s merely a thin hard-plastic case with pictures of mustaches on it, but so what. Found at the official Griffin Mustachio website.

Otterbox

Otterbox Defender for Apple iPhone 5

Otterbox Defender for iPhone 5
$45
Otterbox is known for its best-in-class protective cases, why should the iPhone 5 cases be any different? The Otterbox Defender is its flagship protective case, and it follows the same successful three-layer formula as previous generations: a polycarbonate (hard plastic) skeleton wrapped with a thick silicone rubber protective shell along with a built-in screen protector to help prevent scratches to the iPhone’s glass screen. The Defender is available in a ton of colors this time around as well. Available for preorder from the official Otterbox Defender website.




Otterbox Reflex case for iPhone 5

Otterbox Reflex
$34.95
The Reflex is a lightweight 2-piece case that is easy to slide on and off for docking purposes. One interesting feature is the air cushions in the cases’s corner help absorb impacts. Made of a combo of poylcarbonate and rubber. Available for preorder from the official website.
Otterbox Commuter case for iPhone 5

Otterbox Commuter
$34.95
The Commuter is a good compromise between protection and pocketability. It has two layers of protection (hard plastic and rubber) and comes with an adhesive clear screen protector. Available in several different colors. Check it out at the official Commuter website.
Otterbox Skeleton case for iPhone 5

Otterbox Prefix
$24.95
The Prefix is Otterbox’s affordable line of cases. It has a unibody design with a hard inner skeleton yet a textured outer silicone exterior for a softer feel in than hand. Interior rubber pads help protect your iPhone 5 from damage from the case itself. Official Otterbox Prefix website.