Griffin’s Survivor iPhone 5 Case is Rugged

The new Survivor iPhone 5 case from Griffin Technology styles itself as a military-duty case and belt clip. Based on the wide range of color options offered, that moniker might bring a smile to some. Nevertheless, this case is indeed rugged with three layers of tough protection and a belt clip which doubles as another layer of security.

Appearance

This case looks rugged. It’s thick, approximately 1.5-in (38.1 mm). The color choices are vivid, whether solid color or two tone. There are currently 11 color options available. Griffin will shortly release another eight options, including camouflage. Although it will probably fit into cargo pants pockets, it is not going to work with other kinds of pockets, such as jeans or slacks, so purchasers should choose a color combination with the understanding that the case will be attached to a belt and become part of their ensemble.

Color combinations currently available for the Survivor case

 

Additional color combinations to be released shortly

Sturdiness

There is no question that the Survivor is a sturdy case. It has been designed and tested to meet or exceed US Department of Defense Standard 810F, and it will protect an iPhone 5 from dirt, sand, rain, shock, and vibration. The base section is composed of a rigid inner shell surrounded by thick heavy-duty silicone. Every port has a cover that can be snapped shut. The camera cover opening is large and will stay back out of the way when your camera is in use.

There is a display shield that snaps in place over the top of the case once the iPhone has be put in place. This shield has a clear screen protector built-in. It is rigid, but I was able to scratch it with a very sharp pin.

The final piece of protection is the belt clip which holds the whole thing together. When using, it is necessary that a user fasten the belt clip at the bottom first, and then at the top to insure a good grip.

Components of Survivor case

Ease of Removing the iPhone

Installing the iPhone 5 in the Survivor case was not difficult. Removing it was another story entirely. It took me 30 minutes to remove my phone, and the only way I finally did it was by disassembling the case. Big, rugged, sports enthusiasts or members of the military may not have had such a problem, but for me to give a high rating in this area I feel anyone should be able to do something as simple as remove their phone without disassembling the case with the aid of a sturdy letter opener to pry the case open.

Using the Case

The case is easy to use. The spring loaded belt clip is well made and easily opens to release the phone for use. It is easy to use the phone through the face cover and very easy to get to and use any of the needed ports. They are well designed and easy to access. The belt clip rotates so the case can be worn horizontally or vertically.

Packaging & Warranty

The packaging is colorful and demonstrates the image of the product that Griffin wishes to convey. The case is safely packaged so that it is not damaged during shipment. The Survivor case is warrantied for one year to be free of defects in materials and workmanship that result in failure during normal usage.

Survivor case packaging

Do I recommend it?

It is a well made case at a reasonable price. The only problem is the difficulty related to removing the phone from the case. If buyers do not consider that to be a problem for them, then I do recommend this case because of all the other elements covered in this review.

Product: Survivor Case for iPhone 5

Company: Griffin Technology

List Price: US$49.99

Rating:

Pros:

Strong and sturdy case provides plenty of protection for an iPhone 5 including a well designed belt clip.

Cons:

Some users will find it very difficult to remove the phone from the case.