For those customers who have an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus and a corresponding olloclip lens kit, it can be annoying to remove the iPhone's case and attach the lenses. olloclip has solved that problem by introducing a very nice iPhone 6/6 Plus case that needn't be removed. Plus, it's a very nice case in its own right.
Previously, olliclip had introduced the Quick-Flip case for the iPhone 4/4s or 5. I reviewed it and thought it was great. However, it has one mild negative. The top assembly, the Quick-Flip corner, swivels away to make room for the lens. In the review, I cited olloclip's testing of more than a 1,000 cycles, and mine never had a problem. Even so, no moving parts is a more pleasing solution, and that's what olloclip has achieved.
olloclip says:
olloclip introduces the newly designed olloCase, a slim, protective case for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. olloCase has an innovative design that allows a seamless integration with olloclip photo lenses. As a result, the user can simply attach their favorite lens and take stunning photos and videos with no need to remove or modify the case.
“This new case is a significant improvement over our previous version. It improves speed and removes any unnecessary obstacles between a user and the photos or videos they want to shoot,” said Patrick O’Neill, CEO and founder.
Features
- Grip lines recessed into rubberized shock-resistant bumpers allow for complete control when taking photos or simply browsing the web.
- Sturdy scratch-resistant back for added protection.
- A raised bezel keeps the screen from contacting flat surfaces.
- The olloCase is compatible with all the available lens kits for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
- Available in two colors -- matte clear with dark gray bumper and matte smoke with black bumper (shown here).
Prepping the olloCase
The first thing to do is to remove the insert that was placed in the lens kit to accommodate either the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. If you don't, the lens kit won't properly fit over the case. This is not a big deal because once you have the olloCase, it's not likely you'll want to attach a lens kit on the bare iPhone.
This case fits onto (and comes off) the iPhone 6 more easily than many cases I've tested thanks to the outer rubber bumper. And thanks to the texture of the outer bumper, it'd much easier to press the power/sleep and volume buttons than, say, the Griffin Survivor Core—which Nancy Gravley reviewed but I also tested.
Using the olloCase
I've has a chance to use the olloCase for a few days including several outings over the weekend. I found it to be easy to grip, yet slender and good looking. Because the outer bumper is soft, the buttons are very easy to push. The case itself is semi-transparent ("matte smoke") and reveals the Apple logo on the back.
The iPhone 6 version, which I received, is a light case: 21 grams (0.74 ounces), on par with the iLuv Vyneer. The iPhone 6 Plus version weighs 30 grams (1.05 ounces).
Interestingly, olloclip has elected to leave the entire bottom of the phone uncovered, something I appreciate—for now because it just looks so much better. Also, it seems that other case developers wrestle to some extent with how to create openings on the bottom of the case, and all that does is make them look weird and weakens the material (except for the Nuguard KX which is very strong material.) On the other hand, they provide more protection. It's a tough call. You can judge from the photo below.
Top to bottom: olloCase, iLuv Vyneer, iLuv Regatta,
Griffin Survivor Core, Nuguard KX
The only complaint I have about this case is the area around the rear-facing camera lens. Because of the design of the lens kits for the iPhone 6, which has a protruding lanes barrel, there is an oddly shaped opening and gutter region onto which the lens kit fits. While functionality ought to trump symmetry and physical beauty, there may be some who would object to the looks of this design.
Detail of the case cutaway for lens assembly.
All in all, this case is a step up from the olloclip Quick-Flip case that was all plastic and didn't have that soft, grippy gutter on the outside. The olloCase compares favorably with my other favorite cases for the iPhone 6, the iLuv Vyneer, the Griffin Survivor Core, and the NewerTech NuGuard KX.
Pricing & Availability
The olloCase is priced at US$29.99 for both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus versions. Pre-orders have started, and I am told by Mr. O'Neill that both cases will ship this month.
The Verdict
As a reviewer, I take a lot of photos of products that can benefit from a macro lens. Accordingly, because this case is so similar to my other favorite cases in style, protection and design, I'm leaving it on my iPhone 6 for the foreseeable future.