Rate and review your iPhone protection

Associate
Joined
3 Oct 2006
Posts
2,304
Location
London
So, just like other new iPhone owners, I'm wondering what the best way to protect my new precious is? Would any exisiting iPhone owners care to share their experiences with their chosen of the oh so many different cases that are out there?
 
My pocket.

Protection 0/5
Cost 5/5
Style Depends

I have a ZAGG invisible shield but haven't bothered installing it, once i Have scratchesd it once maybe I will think about it.
 
I only have a screen protector on mine and it's done a superb job, highly recommended.

No need for any other protection as its in my pocket and it's one of those good iPhones with an Aluminium back ;) not a scratch in site on the back.

:p
 
I don't get why someone would choose a screen protector over a case.

In my experience the glass is the most durable bit.. it's that pesky metal trim that is the first bit to go :(
 
Ive got an invisible shield thingy on the back as I hate the feel of them on the front

Its a random make, not official one, from USA, took 1 week to get here and cost me £3 and it works a treat
 
Ive got an invisible shield thingy on the back as I hate the feel of them on the front

Its a random make, not official one, from USA, took 1 week to get here and cost me £3 and it works a treat

Glass nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! lol
 
Bodyguardz skin installed last night. I've long used Invisible Shield on all my devices but ripped that off the phone to try BG. BG looks and feels miles better, it goes on easier too. I only went for the front of the iPhone as I'm buggered if wasting hours doing the rear (like I did and failed with the IS).

Protection: The main thing is that the screen is safe from scratches. Couldn't care less about the rear. My Plod Touch has an IS on the front only too as the rear developed scratches in minutes.
Ease of Application: 3 mins and I was done. It goes on easier than IS, looks and feels better but feels thinner. Unlike what most people say, it is different material compared to IS and Best Skins Ever.

Cases are t e h suck imo. I always shield my devices and they look great. The Touch/Phone are the only devices not completely shielded all round. I keep my phone in my rear jean pocket fyi.
 
Last edited:
I don't get why someone would choose a screen protector over a case.

Because i don't want a horrible huge case going over an already big phone!? The screen is the main thing on the phone which you look at, i don't want scratches on it.

Mine still looks new, scratches on the trim buff out with a good cloth and polish :p
 
Screen protector and that is all, it's done the job fine so far. I did try one of those invisible skins but didn't have the patience to fit it properly.
 
I did have an invisible shield but took it off as I didn't like the feel of it. I now ride naked and have a foof to stop it getting cold. I'll be sticking with the foof approach as it means I can handle the device naked (and it's sexy electronics to hold!) but get extra protection when it's in my pocket or lying on a desk etc.
 
I brought 2 forms of protection, in the interest of keeping the phone as pristine as possible for future sale. As it will undoubtedly be sold at some point, and seeing how much some of the first gen iPhones were going for, im sure Apple will release another I can upgrade too.

So, I brought 1 x Belkin Silicone Sleeve = £15 from Apple Store, and 1 x ZAGG sheild, front only, of which I brought two, worked out at about £6 each shipped IIRC.

Firstly the sleeve: Wanted the least intrusive cover I could get, minimizing bulk was pretty much key. Didn't want anything covering too much of the phone (Like those with full frontal covers including the home button) as I still wanted it to at least look like an iPhone. Had a play with a few at the Apple store and deduced this to be the best for my needs. WARING: Belkin do these sleeves in some STUPID colours. I found this black/clear line one at the back of the shelf, as it was mainly populated by pink and green ones. Unfortunately they all had the line design, but you don't really see that when you're using it. And aslong as it covers up the big apple logo on the back, i don't mind! It also covers the silver rim around the front of the phone, which i find way more aesthetically pleasing than the chrome edging. Looked cheap imo!

Problems: With the sleeve being lightweight, it naturally offers less protection than it's hardcase counterparts. Also due to the cover having no structual rigidity, the small peice of rubber that goes over the bottom front edge can flap about a bit (As there is a long hole in the bottom to accomodate the speaker/mic/connection). It's proved to be nothing more than an annoyance, though i could see if i were to drop it there, edge protection for the bottom would be compromised. Though hopefully the corners are solid enough to take the impact, i doubt you would ever drop it clean flat edged!

Something which is both a problem and a bonus, is how easy the case is to get on and off. Due to being rubbery it doesn't light tight pockets, and will grip when trying to pull out, and sometimes come off if you just try and angrily stuff it in. Feel free to make innuendos on the previous sentence. Another slight annoyance is due to the case not being stretched onto the phone tighter than a size 6 dress on a fat lass, bits of dirt from your pocket and such can get between the case and the phone, so just whap it off every so often and check for ****.

The ZAGG Inivisible Sheild: MAny people have asked about this in the iPhone 3G thread, so here is my as 'down-the-line-as-possible' opinion. I don't exactly hold interest in the company so it's no odds to me anyhow. First off, for those worried about instalation, DON'T BE! They give you everything you need to install it with minimal ease. Aslong as you do it in a clean environment (Bathroom post running the shower - Steam takes the dust out of the air) and use the spray provided (Godsend - seriously!) it's dead easy.

I've tryed deliberately scratching it post with normal encounterable things such as fingernails and keys, and it seems fine so far.

It is a different surface to touch than the glass, and isn't as slippery nor smooth. Some may like this, some may not. All i can suggest is using one with it applied and see how you feel. One thing the surface definitely does is hold onto muck more. I've noticed my screen notably dirtier when using the sheild. Though it's still just as easy to wipe off, the only thing i found the glass holding onto was grease from your fingertips.

There aren't really any bad points to this product. It does exactly what it says on the tin. I can't vouch for how easy it is to install the back, as i just brought the front cover, but then i wanted the edges protecting most of all, which the Belkin case does better.

Now with both installed i don't feel the need for a dock, as I can happily place it on the desk without fear of it scratching. I also lobbed it into my bag the otherday when riding some downhill, and despite all the stuff in there, keys, big bottles of water, other phones, etc, it came out glistening.

As it's worthless without pics, here are a couple, happy to answer any Q's :)

Front_Complete.jpg


Phone_Case.jpg
 
I use the Zagg full body shield, the back was a nightmare to get on as its ultra fiddly and even when its on its not perfect. But I think thats mainly my fault, I reckon if I was to do it again right now, it ll be much easier.

Protection wise is great, the added rubberyness gives the phone a nice grip.

I had the griffon case from CPW, it managed to scratch the back of my iphone and shred a thing layer of the metal ring around the camera. Wont be using that case again thats for sure.
 
I have the invisible shield.
Front was easy to apply but the back was a nightmare. Still can't get all the corners to stay flat and flush to the phone after removing and re-applying several times.
Will probably take it off as it feels crap in my hand now.
 
Back
Top Bottom