Urban Armor Gear has introduced a line of iPhone 5/5s lightweight, impact resistant cases that are available in seven colors. These cases have a unique feature that many may appreciate, which I'll describe below. This case is quite reasonably priced, at US$34.95 from the company's web site. I also found them on Amazon starting at $18.00.
Urban Armor Gear iPhone 5/5s case.
Each case includes a heavy duty screen protector and a small cleaning cloth. The case is composed of a soft silicone core inside an armor shell. The case will fit comfortably on phones that have a tempered glass screen protector. There is easy access to the ports.
In each case, the inner soft silicone core is black. Just to be clear, the armor shell is not a separate piece, it is permanently attached to the inner silicone portion of the case. The armor shell is available in the following colors.
Color options
This case meets military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6).
Inside view.
The unique feature to this case is the over-sized tactile buttons. It is easy to find them in poor light and they are perfectly positioned to increase or lower the sound. This feature should be of interest to persons with vision impairments and, indeed, when I shared the design with a friend who meets that criteria, her response was very positive.
View of tactile buttons.
Using The Product
Inserting the phone into the case is simply a matter of snapping it in place. Once in place, the case fits tightly. Removing the case is not as easy, but I was able to do it in a matter of moments once I figured out that I should start in the upper left corner and work my away around.
The packaging is fairly simple and clean cut, but it gives the purchaser a clean view of both the front and the inside of the case. This case is very light weight, and there is enough tactile surface to prevent it from feeling slippery.
Do I Recommend It?
I do. The cases are attractive and sturdy, yet they are also lightweight. The price is very reasonable for a case that emphasizes both impact resistance and drop protection.