iPhone 5 Cases That Will Piss Off Jon Ive.

By W.B. Goh, posted Sep 21, 2012 at 1:25 PM, 17,732 views,

iPhone 5 Cases That Will Piss Off Jon Ive.

Now that we’re all about to get the next generation iPhone in our grubby little hands, it is time we shifted our focus to the accessories! Most people don’t want to get their hot new toy dirty or damaged on the first day… Whether or not we are showing blatant disregard for John Ive’s feelings by buying a case, the bottom line is our investment is protected. Here’s a case roundup for those of us who care for our gear.

We know some people who’ve braved the chilly night weather and snaking queues just to end up keeping their precious iPhones in their shrink-wrapped boxes until they find a nice protective casing or at least a screen protector. Such a pity, no?

We collected and tested over 30 different protective cases direct from a China Reseller in Shenzhen. Among all the cases, we’ve picked out the most interesting 10 and featured them in detail. We present our findings below.

All the mentioned cases have been tested by us and are 100% safe to buy. Comparing the pricing of these products with some local stores, we find that the same stuff of equal quality (maybe with different packaging) in retail shops are almost 2-3 times more expensive.

iPhone 5 Two-Tone Soft Bumper

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Hybrid (Soft Silicone + Plastic)
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, Glossy with Matte edges
Device Coverage: Sides
Weight: 8 g
Dimensions: 12.7 × 6.2 × 0.9 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Super lightweight

Con: Minimal coverage

Hands-on Review

Equivalent of a bikini for your iPhone 5, it covers just the edges of the chamfer and shows off all the sexy aluminum and glass.

The thick, raised lip slightly improves grip and lets you rest your phone on its front or back without worrying about it picking up scratches. The covered power and volume buttons are a nice touch, preventing dust from gunking them up. All ports and controls remain fully accessible.

Made for the minimalist consumer who absolutely detests bulk. Screen and back protector films are definitely recommended if you go with this one.

Game Boy Soft Shell for iPhone 5

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Soft Silicone
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, Matte
Device Coverage: Sides and Back of iPhone
Weight: 29 g
Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.3 x 1.2 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Retro gaming look

Con: Game Boy stretched out of proportion

Hands-on Review

Sporting a tried and tested design ported straight over from the iPhone 4 / 4S era, this soft shell is a doppelganger for the original Nintendo Game Boy, albeit a tad shrunken and then stretched. At least the D-pad, screen and buttons remain respectively proportional along with the cutouts forming the Game Boy’s speaker grill. The colors are also quite faithful to the original portable gaming device. A closer look shows that the little “Off-On” and “Phones” indicators were omitted, likely due to changes like the iPhone 5’s headphone jack being moved to the top.

All buttons are fully covered up and the mute switch is recessed, ensuring you don’t accidentally knock it to the wrong mode. The beveled lip surrounding the screen prevents scratches when you leave the phone face down on a flat surface. The usual cutouts are there, for the camera and flash, to the new Lightning connector and headphone jack.

Firmly targeted at the retro gamer crowd, the Game Boy soft shell for iPhone 5 is sure to boost your retro gamer cred. Extra points if you trip out your phone with a 8-bit graphics, sounds and chiptunes.

iPhone 5 Bottom-flip Mirror Leather Case

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Faux leather, hard plastic
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, Semi-Matte
Device Coverage: All-rounded
Weight: 92 g
Dimensions: 13.3 × 6.1 × 1.9 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Embedded vanity mirror

Con: Cannot flip open fully with headphones plugged in

Hands-on Review

A simple bottom flipper faux leather case, it provides protection for all sides, including the screen and back. The faux leather is comfortable to hold and a magnetic catch keeps it closed, opening with just a flick. A vanity mirror embedded inside the cover allows for a quick makeup check or to see if anyone’s looking over your shoulder while you type up some steamy messages.

The iPhone is housed in a hard plastic shell that has a pretty diamond-pattern etched into the inner back surface. Overall, it is a decent case but there are a few gripes. The Lightning port is blocked while the cover is closed and the cover cannot flip open fully while headphones are plugged in.

This elegant and classy case is suitable for the office or any formal occasion.

iPhone 5 Suede Leather Flip Cover w Contrast Flap

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Faux leather, hard plastic
Texture / Finishing : Hard, rough skin texture, Matte
Device Coverage: All-around, top and bottom edges slightly exposed
Weight: 35.79 g
Dimensions: 12.8 × 6.5 × 1.4 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Trendy design in warm, pastel colors

Con: Picks up stains quite easily

Hands-on Review

Standard side-flip faux leather case with a trendy design and cheery, soothing color scheme. The pattern etched into the outer cover seems to morph back and forth from a wall of stacked cubes to pretty snowflakes. Inside the cover are two convenient pockets for credit or metro cards.

The hard faux leather is textured and greatly enhances grip while the iPhone rests easy in the inner hard plastic shell that is covered with a baby-skin-smooth matte coating. While the leather is scratch resistant, it does pick up dirt stains quite easily due to the fairly large texture grain. A small metallic eyelet on the upper part of the spine is perfect for the included mobile phone strap.

This case oozes classy chic vibes and is great for the hip and young-at-heart.

iPhone 5 Soft Shell of Custom LEGO Design

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Soft Silicone
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, Matte
Device Coverage: Front, back, sides
Weight: 38.06 g
Dimensions: 12.5 × 6.1 × 1.1 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Thick studs on the back provide enhanced shock absorbance

Con: Not enough included “brick” pieces to play with

Hands-on Review

Fans of LEGO are sure to instantly recognize this case as a tribute to the insanely popular toy invented by Ole Kirk Christiansen. The soft silicone “bricks” are removable and can be reconfigured as desired. If you so desire, you can actually buy two or more of these cases and link them using those “bricks” up to form a giant array of iPhone 5s. A more practical reason for the “bricks” is to act as additional shock absorbers or to hide the fact that the phone has a rear camera.

These come in a dazzling range of bright, attractive colors and are suitable for kids and adults alike. Just like with the real McCoy, there is no age limit for FUN!

iPhone 5 Bi-Fold Leather Case of Natural Worn-out Finish

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Hard faux leather, hard shell
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, natural worn-out leather, matte
Device Coverage: All-around, top and bottom edges slightly exposed
Weight: 45.44 g
Dimensions: 12.5 × 6.4 × 1.7 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Realistic looking leather

Con: Top and bottom edges are slightly exposed

Hands-on Review

Its classy looks and understated style are well complemented by its stable of useful functions. The realistic faux leather covering looks great in any setting and situation. The magnetic-catch-secured cover opens to the left and reveals three pockets for credit cards and metro season tickets. A hidden fourth pocket between them and the outer cover provides a good hiding place for some emergency cash or a precious photograph.

The back of the case has a fold that turns it into a horizontal stand for watching movies or videos on YouTube. Although this is a great feature, it does take some conditioning to get the case to stay folded at the desired angle. The strap that secures the cover also tends to get in the way at times.

All things considered, this would make a great Thanksgiving Day gift for a loving spouse or father.

iPhone 5 World’s Thinnest 0.3mm Durable Hard Shell

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Hard plastic
Texture / Finishing : Semi-smooth, Matte
Device Coverage: Top and sides; bottom edge slightly exposed
Weight: 8.18 g
Dimensions: 12.4 × 5.9 × 0.8 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Barely there, thinnest case ever

Con: Almost no shock protection

Hands-on Review

Think of it as the Trojan Supra of the iPhone case world. This hard shell case is arguably the thinnest one yet. Odorless and translucent, the hard shell fits snugly onto your iPhone 5 for that coveted “bareback” feeling while providing protection from scratches and very slight bumps. The semi-smooth finish also gives it a firmer grip to help prevent the phone from dropping during use.

Definitely the one to get for those who are fatally allergic to bulk and desire to feel that much closer to their loved ones.

iPhone 5 Soft Shell w Lightning Port and Audio Jack dust covers

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Soft silicone
Texture / Finishing : Smooth with roughened area on sides, Matte
Device Coverage: Top, bottom and sides; Built-in dust covers for Lightning port and audio jack
Weight: 16.58 g
Dimensions: 12.5 × 6.0 × 1.0 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: One of the few silicone cases with built-in dust covers

Con: No raised lip to protect screen when laid face down

Hands-on Review

Seemingly just another translucent silicone soft shell, this one actually comes with extra built-in flaps that act as dust covers for the Lightning port and audio jack, providing even more protection for your precious gadget. The roughened areas on both sides greatly increase the grip on the phone, allowing you to carry on talking during even the roughest commute.

Probably to make it slimmer than the competition, the shell circumference is made almost flush with the screen, meaning there is no protection from scratches when the phone is laid flat face down.

A slightly modified silicone soft shell, this case is improved in some areas and worse in others. Still, it offers something only few silicone shells do. For the seasoned user who hates dealing with dust trapped in ports.

SGPCase LinearEX Glossy Bumper for iPhone 5

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Hard plastic
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, Glossy
Device Coverage: Sides
Weight: 4.69 g
Dimensions: 12.5 × 6.0 × 0.8 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Customizable colors

Con: Limited protection

Hands-on Review

If you constantly feel boredom creeping up on you when rolling with a regular bumper, it might be time to mix things up with this customizable one. A two-piece ensemble, this bumper offers a quick and easy way to change your iPhone’s look in seconds. Each complete set is made up of two parts—“A” (top/left sides) and “B” (bottom/right sides).

Just form a complete set using parts of any color combination and you get an instant new look. Putting on and removing the bumper is literally a snap. The glossy finish gives it a sexy edge and enhances grip somewhat, but is unfortunately highly susceptible to scratches.

Due to it being a scratch magnet, this bumper is recommended only to careful users who also happen to like minimalist, customizable protection for their iPhones.

Newtons Curved Hard Shell for iPhone 5

Product Specifications

Main Material(s): Hybrid (Hard plastic + Silicone)
Texture / Finishing : Smooth, Glossy
Device Coverage: Back, sides
Weight: 16.75 g
Dimensions: 12.5 × 6.0 × 0.9 cm

M.I.C Review Rating

Grip and Handling:
Shock-protection:
Scratch and Stain Resistance (case):

Pro: Curved back surface for better grip and handling

Con: Back surface susceptible to scratches

Hands-on Review

Made of a hybrid of hard plastic and silicone, the case has the protective properties of both. The hard plastic back surface takes the brunt of impacts and the softer silicone side edges absorb the shock and act as anti-slip surfaces when placed face down. Power and volume buttons are protected from dust and moisture while the generous camera cutout ensures great pictures every time.

Its futuristic and minimalist design brings to mind high-tech sci-fi movies like Tron. A perfect fit for the tech-savvy crowd living life on the bleeding edge.

You can get these cases via WantMi Shop