iPhone 3GS Cases: Long-term results

BeatMaster · 16 Feb 2010 at 21:24

As I've just had my iPhone 3GS replaced, I was wondering what people's thoughts were on the cases they've bought after using them for a while. I originally had the Incase Slider but somehow the metal surround became quite scratched so was thinking of going for a different case this time around.

So, the question is which case have you got and how have you found it in terms of protection, practicality and aesthetics. I'm tempted by the SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel Arctic but has anyone had experience of this case?

Look forward to hear what people have to say

Spyhop · 16 Feb 2010 at 21:40

My experience: The rubbery one-piece ones that you stretch around the phone to fit end up getting floppy and crap.

Two-piece rigid ones are better.

SiriusB · 16 Feb 2010 at 21:41

I have this Sena case in black for my 3G. It is compatible with the 3GS also. I bought this after I had my iPhone repaired and it came back with an intact, scratch-free case! [I really do think they just sent me a new iPhone rather than repair mine!]

Protection
If you dropped your phone from a great height it might soak up some of the impact, depending on how it fell. In terms of scratches, the only places you will get any is on the very corners of the bevel. Assuming you dont drop it then scratching these parts is unlikely.

Practicaility
All the sockets and switches are accessible through very well-positioned gaps in the leather. They even made sure the proximity and light sensors aren't obscured by the case too!. The camera is also uncovered.

The flap is magnetic so closes and stays closed. You can open it with just a quick flick of your thumb, so very quick to answer a phonecall etc. It also comes with a very sturdy belt clip with a very clever attachment [so you don't have to chop your belt off like with some cases just to answer the phone!]. This is entirely optional so you dont have to have it.

Aesthetics
Just check out the link and make up your own mind. I love the look and feel of this case. A little expensive but well worth it for me.

Burned_Alive · 17 Feb 2010 at 10:12

I have the Incase Slider and although it felt like it was offering good protection (the back is immaculate), it has now started to scratch the chrome bezel as you mention. The paint has also worn through to the black plastic underneath in only 3 months. So I'll be ditching it in favour of a Switcheasy CapsuleRebel M.

And I've actually just contacted apple regarding the issue and they're giving me a full refund, which is pretty good.

BeatMaster · 17 Feb 2010 at 10:57

I'm glad I wasn't alone on the issue with the Incase Slider. Sadly bought mine from the Carphone Warehouse so I doubt they'll be as forgiven as Apple. I think I'll definitely order a different case this time around which will hopefully fair better! Cheers SiriusB for your thoughts on the Sena Case

steveo · 17 Feb 2010 at 12:04

got a SwitchEasy RebelSerpent which is a fantastic case had a crappy one that the O2 guy gave me which lasted about a month before i ripped it of and went for the switcheasy, glad i did

Luxor · 18 Feb 2010 at 14:30

A Speck Candyshell has been the best looking, robust and easy access case I've used.

It doesn't scratch/rub the back of the phone like many cases do, has rubber coverings over volume controls/power button and sits very well in the hand. Yes I've dropped it and it's experienced a fall of nearly 6 feet onto concrete and the phone was unscathed. (Poo yourself moment! :eek:

)

If you put a screen protector on the front it adds that extra screen scratch resistance. The rubber gasket around the front bezel sits proud so you can also keep it face down on a table.

I've got the Waxstick white flavour but I believe it comes in a few different colours including black.

It's held up well over the last 5 months and overall it's fab

Blackhawk47 · 18 Feb 2010 at 18:14

I got the Diesel Hastings pouch about a month or so ago and its been great so far.

Think I prefer the pouch unless I needed something more heavy duty like a Switcheasy or something.

Kainz · 18 Feb 2010 at 21:07

I use bodyguardz skins and nothing else. Can't see the point in getting a sleek device and spoiling it with a fugly case :/

SiriusB · 18 Feb 2010 at 22:07

A scratch-free screen and functionality is way more important to me than what it looks like. If a gorgeous black leather case does the job, then I don't give a stuff about how anti-sleek it is. Besides, your phone spends most of its life in your pocket anyway - im sorry Kainz but as a case your trousers aren't very sleek either!

Millionfish · 19 Feb 2010 at 00:04

I use this Sena WalletBook Case

I'd rate rate it 7 out of 10. Not 10 because it holds the phone upside down when on it's back and no room for money and only a couple of cards.

SiriusB · 19 Feb 2010 at 00:07

A nice case. The issue I would have with that is if someone nicks your wallet, they have your phone too!

Feek · 19 Feb 2010 at 00:16

I'm still using my SwitchEasy CapsuleNeo case, no problems with looseness and with the rubber inner case there's no chance of my phone being scratched.

I'm very happy with it.

FreeStream · 19 Feb 2010 at 01:21

Feek said:
I'm still using my SwitchEasy CapsuleNeo case, no problems with looseness and with the rubber inner case there's no chance of my phone being scratched.

I'm very happy with it.

Same!!!

There are a small amount of scratches on the back of the phone from where dust is slowly moved but apart from that, spotless!

icedbullet · 19 Feb 2010 at 14:59

I got this for my ipod touch 3g

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....87029&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_2119wt_1165

For £8 its a total bargain. Give full protection to my ipod (no screen protector thouch). The leather is cushioned and the stylus it comes with is good (i prefer to use my finger though). There is one available for the Iphone too. If your on a budget this is the way to go.

Slogan · 19 Feb 2010 at 15:03

I find it hard to beat my Incase Slider (white, plastic).

BeatMaster · 19 Feb 2010 at 18:27

Slogan said:
I find it hard to beat my Incase Slider (white, plastic).

Do you not find it scratches the bezel?

BeatMaster · 19 Feb 2010 at 20:54

Luxor said:
A Speck Candyshell has been the best looking, robust and easy access case I've used.

It doesn't scratch/rub the back of the phone like many cases do, has rubber coverings over volume controls/power button and sits very well in the hand. Yes I've dropped it and it's experienced a fall of nearly 6 feet onto concrete and the phone was unscathed. (Poo yourself moment! )

If you put a screen protector on the front it adds that extra screen scratch resistance. The rubber gasket around the front bezel sits proud so you can also keep it face down on a table.

I've got the Waxstick white flavour but I believe it comes in a few different colours including black.

It's held up well over the last 5 months and overall it's fab

Just order a waxstick white one for just shy of £15 delivered. After seeing a few videos and several photos, it looks like it protects the bezel very well and with the inside been a soft rubber it should hopefully result in no scratches

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, really appreciated! Will keep the thread updated once the case has arrived and I've had chance to road test it.

PardonTheWait · 19 Feb 2010 at 22:18

The Candyshells are really nice, the only reason I haven't grabbed one from work (I love the green one) is that they're a faff to get the phone out of and my dashboard mount is for a naked phone.

I use a couple of Incipio Feathers and they're not as kind to the phone as full on rubber lined ones, but they do have a softish coating on them and they don't biff the phone off too much. My phone's in and out of the case lots of times a day as well.

I think I'm going to get myself a Speck Pixelskin as well, they're massive and lumpy and hilarious but I love them.

Luxor · 20 Feb 2010 at 12:02

PardonTheWait said:
The Candyshells are really nice, the only reason I haven't grabbed one from work (I love the green one) is that they're a faff to get the phone out of and my dashboard mount is for a naked phone.

I think I'm going to get myself a Speck Pixelskin as well, they're massive and lumpy and hilarious but I love them.

Unless I'm mistaken I think the green candyshell is one of the previous colours before the update. The newer ones are much easier to get out if you have the knack. Coming from the volume side, I just lift the front side slightly and push from the back and the phone pops out.

Saying that though, other cases are easier to get the iphone out of on a regular basis.

Pixelskins are indeed mental and hillarious, you don't see many about! No idea what they are like to own though.