The styles varied from the minimalist to the exotic, from the machine-milled to hand crafted. There were drab cases, fancy cases, simple cases, complicated cases, cases that had to be assembled, and even some cases, like iPro’s iPhone lens, that were purpose-built.
The following is an overview of some of the cases I saw.
Proof Duo for iPhone 4/4S
Available in: Aqua, Clear Red, Smoke, White, Flash Green, Black, Hot Pink, Cool Grey, and Infrared
Composition: 100% polycabonate with UV coating inside and out
Features: Recessed backside of power button. Specially cut grooves inside the case contour around the metal band of the phone. Avoids unnecessary contact with front and back glass panels. Unique clip design assures easy loading and unloading of phone while securely fastening the phone to the case. Package includes cleaning cloth and plastic shield for phone front.
Price: US$29.99 (extra bottom clip $7.99)
My Assessment: I like the look of these cases as well as the ease of inserting and removing the phone. The groves help assure a good fit and the composition of the case makes it easy to hold.
Proof Duo iPhone 4/4s case
Snap HD case for iPhone 4/4s
Available in: Black, White
Composition: soft rubber bumper with hard plastic back. Back has a clear matte finish.
Features: Straight forward and simple protection. No frills packaging. Quality goes into the product. Easy to insert and remove phone.
Price: $19.99
My Assessment: This company, run by young entrepreneurs, seeks to have a useful case at the lowest possible price. The phone inserts and removes with ease and makes a very fine utilitarian protection for an iPhone.
Snap HD iPhone 4/4s case
moshi iGlaze XT case for iPhone 4/4S
Available in: Crystal Clear
Composition: Hard surface plastic enhanced for scratch protection and “flash friendly,” meaning no interference to iPhone’s built-in flash that can cause unwanted flare in photos.
Features: 0.8mm thickness for minimalist style and protection. Package includes a protective backing that can be placed over the back of the case to prevent scratching, and a small polishing cloth.
Price: $25.00
Fits: AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4/4S only
My Assessment: This clear case allows all the beauty of the iPhone to shine through. Built with the quality long associated with the moshi name, buyers can rely on a strong, well designed case.
moshi iGlaze XT case for iPhone 4/4s
moshi iGlaze case for iPhone for 4/4s
Available in: matte style finish in Champagne Pink, Tyrian Purple, Burgundy Red, Titanium, Arctic Silver, Graphic Black, Pearl White, and Crystal Clear
Composition: hard surface plastic enhanced for scratch protection and “flash friendly”, meaning no interference to iPhone’s built-in flash that can cause unwanted flare in photos.
Features: 0.8mm thickness for minimalist style and protection. Package includes a protective backing that can be placed over the back of the case to prevent scratching, and a small polishing cloth.
Price: $25.00
My Assessment: The simplicity of this case, combined with the beauty of the matte finished color options can cause viewers to take this case for granted, but that would be a mistake. While extremely thin, the case can never-the-less be counted on to provide excellent protection for your phone. While easy to insert the phone, it is more difficult to remove it.
moshi iGlaze case for iPhone 4/4s
Heather Brown Collection case for iPhone 4/4s from Power Support
Available in: Waikiki Surf Girl Air Jacket
Composition: hard surface plastic.
Features: 1mm thickness. Unique artistic deign printed with durable ink and high quality printing process. Fifteen percent of purchase donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer foundation.
Price: $54.95
My Assessment: This case will provide the protection that any iPhone case should provide. The hard surface plastic is strong and the case is tight fitting so that it will cling well to the phone. It is very thin. The uniqueness is in the design. The striking, brilliant colors of the pin and ink drawing are difficult to appreciate in a computer image. The case as a whole is an artistic statement.
Heather Brown Collection case for iPhone 4/4s
White-Diamonds Grid case for iPhone 4/4s
Available in: black/gray/dark gray, pink/white/dark pink, an gray, white, black
Composition: hard plastic, clear sides with rough surface and infused design on back. The back has four Swarovski elements embedded into the surface.
Features: the unique design and the Swarovski elements for a nice touch of bling. The rough sides provide a good grip. Currently available on five continents. These cases will be available in the U.S. through Target and Walmart within next two months. Package includes screen protector and cleaning cloth.
Price: $+/-30.00
My Assessment: This is a very nice, understated, sophisticated case. The four embedded elements add style without overpowering. It is easy to hold and easy to insert and remove a phone.
White-Diamond Grid cases for iPhone 4/4s
HubInnovations for iPhone 4/4s
Couture Classic
Available in: White, Black, and Pink.
Features: heavy duty plastic case is in two pieces that clip together. The design, which includes Swarovski crystals, is raised about ¼-in and is applied by hand to each case. Made in the US, Comes in a black velveteen pouch.
Price: $79.95
My Assessment: More bling for your buck. As with the case listed above, this case is well made and will provide good protection for your phone beneath the sparkly design. The two piece design makes it easy to insert and remove your phone.
Couture Pretty Girl
Available in: White, Black, and Pink.
Features: heavy duty plastic case is in two pieces that clip together. The design, which includes Swarovski crystals, is raised about ¾-in and is applied by hand to each case. Made in the US, Comes in a black velveteen pouch.
Price: $79.95
My Assessment: A nod to 50’s Hollywood, inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s classic look. Jewels, crowns and fleur de lis stud the case, giving a throwback style to a modern device. More bling to share. The two piece design makes it easy to insert and remove your phone.
Couture Punx
Available in:White, Black, and Pink.
Features: heavy duty plastic case is in two pieces that clip together. The design, which includes Swarovski crystals, is raised about ¾-in and is applied by hand to each case. Made in the US. Comes in a black velveteen pouch.
Price: US$79.95
My Assessment: You want your bling? Studs and chains. Handcuffs and pistols. Black jewels and gold skulls. From Rancid to the Ramones, an homage to ’70s punk rock. You will love it or loath it, but no one can say it is not different and underneath the bling it is a well made, sturdy case.
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Aluminum iPhone case from Crimson for iPhone 4/4s
Available in: Black, Red, Silver, Polished Silver, Polished Gold, 24K Gold, Chrome, Orange, Pink, and Purple.
Features: case made from aircraft-grade aluminum that wraps around the outside and is screwed together on four corners at conjunction with corner bumpers. Packaging includes (Anti-fingerprint, front/rear) of Crimson Premium Film Surface Protectors, hex wrench and two spare screws. The 24K gold and chrome styles are more expensive than the other color choices.
Price: $39.95-$69.95
My Assessment: Many attendees were drawn to this avant garde style and I agree with their assessment that it is quite attractive. It is also light weight due to the aluminum composition. I have some concerns related to lost screws over a period of time and the absence of any real back protection, but is truly an attractive case.
I think you will agree with me that there is something here for just about every taste and desire. One thing all of these cases have in common. Each requires a cable for recharging your phone while wearing the case.