Spigen iPhone Cases Still Good!
Spigen comes through again with quality and affordable cases for iPhones.
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Went with the Caseology Vault for My iPhone 7
While there was a surprising number of cases available for the iPhone 7 at its launch, I was drawn to Caseology’s Vault case with its carbon fiber styling. At roughly $10, the case doesn’t actually have carbon fiber in it, just a facade that mimics the look of carbon fiber. Hey, it works for me!
The case offers sufficient protection, but it’s not heavily padded against serious bumps and bruises. The styling plays into the feel of the case with the carbon fiber accents offset by matte black paneling. None of the case materials is slick or slippery. The back of the Vault is smooth yet grippy.
Although I like the case overall, I do have two concerns with its design. In general, the case doesn’t seem snug enough. When the iPhone 7 gets hot, it feels like the case expands, getting a little looser. Second, the cutout area for the mute switch is frightfully thin. It definitely seems like the weak point that’ll break first.
But for now, I’m happy with the look, feel, protection, and value of the Caseology Vault.
My First iPhone 7 Accessory Purchased
A new phone means a new case. While I’m satisifed with my current Spigen case for my iPhone 6, the look of this Caseology Vault Series in Stealth Armor won me over, especially for ten bucks. Although it’s not carbon fiber, I do like its faux look. Just hoping it looks okay in real life.
Review an iPhone SE Case?
I guess it’s not a well kept secret that Apple is about to announce a new iPhone model. The supposedly small form factor SE model already has cases ready for review.
iPhone 6s Cases Already for Sale
Ahead of the formal announcment of the latest iPhones, the rumored iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, protective cases are already available for sale. Spigen is advertising their pre-release selection on Amazon and at a reduced price. I don’t get how this is happening, but hey, Spigen is based out of Irvine, CA so all is good, right?
Of the current offerings, I’m leaning towards the Neo Hybrid EX
Wait, what? No free shipping on Amazon and not eligible for Prime?!? Add $5 for standard shipping with arrival in October? Pass for now…
But wait, Spigen has a store on eBay as well. Prices are comparable or even better than Amazon, and shipping is free (but still delayed until early October).
Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Carbon Fiber iPhone 6 Case
Getting a case for your iPhone is a somewhat complicated choice. Protection, weight, looks, feel, cost – there are so many variables to consider before making your pick. For example, take this awesome looking iPhone 6 case constructed out of carbon fiber. Made by Carbon Trim Solutions, this case is stylish in gloss or matte and affords great protection. But it does cost roughly $80. But just look at it, and the cost becomes more palatable.
Well, as a holiday gift, I surely wouldn’t complain upon receiving this unique-looking case. I’m leaning more towards the muted matte finish hint, hint.
More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.
Follow Gee Why’s board Holiday Gift Guide 2014 on Pinterest.
Leaning Towards the Spigen iPhone 6 Case
I’m always leery of phone cases that are available before the phones themselves, but if I were to get an iPhone 6 case right away, I’d get the Spigen Neo Hybrid Metal, specifically in Metallic Blue. It looks grippy and stylish enough. My main concern with this case is the back cutout for the Apple logo. I’m thinking gunk and dust can get in via this opening.
Unfortunately, other Neo models without the cutout are available but not in the bright blue. Cost is reasonable though prices do vary depending on colors.
Belkin Orla Kiely iPad Mini Cases on Special
Normally, these cases are $50. Many are currently discounted to $10. For whatever reason (July 4th special??), when you checkout, you get an additional 75% discount applied. So the reduced $10 price comes down to $2.50! Okay, the catch is, for Hawaii at least, that standard shipping is around $7 so the total goes back up to about $10 for the case.
This Belkin case reminds me of the Dot Cover which I originally had and am satisfied with. Although the fold over magnetic tab is slowly ripping off due to wear and tear, the case has survived bumps and drops. While there are better, tougher cases out there, I can’t dispute the $10 price tag.
Liking the Look of the Speck FitFolio
I’m liking the look of this Speck FitFolio case for the full-sized iPad. Good enough reviews at Amazon
Belkin Dot Cover No More?
My experiences with Belkin cases have been good thus far, so I went with another one. This time, I got a Belkin Dot cover with stand for my Dwellable iPad Mini. But now, looking on Belkin’s web site, I don’t see this case offered. I guess it’s no more. Still though, it’s more than a decent case.
The Dot cover is not too heavy but provides sufficient protection to the front and back of your iPad Mini. For awhile, I doubted the magnetic auto-wake trigger of this case, but it is there. Open the cover, and the Mini awakens. The magnetic clasp not only keeps the cover securely closed but strengthens the cover’s structure when open for viewing. I like the overall feel of the cover’s material, providing enough grippy texture.
There are two minuses with this case though small. The stand only works in landscape orientation. If you want to stand up the Mini in portait orientation, you’re going to have to lean it on something. I’ve seen other cases where the iPad can swivel in the stand, but with the low profile of this case, this feature isn’t offered. Secondly, I can’t easily adjust the volume buttons or mute switch. There’s just not enough space for my finger to fit in the recess of the case. No biggie, just humbug.
For the overall cost of the Belkin Dot case, I can’t complain with what I got.
Belkin Grip Candy Sheer Black and Green
While I’m pleased with my Belkin Grip Candy Sheer case in gravel/reflection (i.e. teal and black), I think the black/green color combo is a better look, especially on a black iPhone 5.
Oh yeah, Best Buy now carries the black/green Belkin case if you’re looking to buy.
Update 11/28/2012: Here’s one more image of the case still in its box.
Picked Belkin Grip Candy Sheer Case
It’s only a matter of time before more and more cases for the iPhone 5 hit the market. To provide basic protection in the meantime, I picked up the Belkin Grip Candy Sheer Case in the Gravel/Reflection (Teal/Silver) color scheme. Best Buy has some iPhone 5 cases in stock from a variety of vendors: Belkin, Speck, In Case, Griffin Technology, Incipio, Otterbox, and a few more. But I like the simplicity of this basic Belkin case.
I would have preferred the black/green color combo, but that’s currently unavailable. The case I bought doesn’t have the Belkin logo dots on the back, bottom right corner.
Here are pictures of this case on a black iPhone 5. Yes, the case looks more dramatic on a white iPhone, but it don’t look bad on the black.
