Ok so heres my review of the Element Case Vapor, I like many others on the other thread ordered this on July 3, and been eagerly waiting and anticipating the arrival of this case. I also received version 1 of the case, so this review is for version 1. Ive had this case for over a day now and been testing to make sure everythings functional. Let me also say that I am not an employee or spokesperson for Element Case and all of this is just my honest opinion.
Design: I think that this case is one of the sleekest and most beautiful looking cases for the iPhone 4, theres nothing else out there that can compare to this. Having said that if you are one of those people that like to exchange cases every so often, taking this on and off is a pain in the ass. Also the Design wont allow for third part cables or headphones that are at a 90 degree angle. Im going to have to buy an extender for both my cars audio system, so if any of you guys have any suggestions please let me know. Also holding this case feels comfortable in the right hand, and the two bumps makes it comfortable to hold while playing games in landscape view. Holding the case in your left hand takes some getting use to, if you hold it so that you pinky is on the bottom bump then its ok, holding it any other way is just painful. You have to remember this thing is made out of aluminum, its not soft! I also have no problem thinking that it may slip, if you hold it right the bumps help in securing the case in your hand.
Signal Reception: Let me start by saying that I had a OSIR Carbon fiber case for my 3GS and that case would affect the signal strength by 1-2 bars but only in weak signal areas, and where my wifes 3GS could hang on to 1 bar, that case showed no bars or Out of Service. I only bring this up just to let you guys know my experience in using a case that affects reception. In my house I only get 2-3 bars of reception after upgrading to 4.0.1, but as you can see in the picture it shows 4 bars (must be a good day). So as far as this is concerned I have no issues with signal reception. I also tested Google Maps for GPS and it was able to pinpoint my location, and while driving It had no problem following me as I drove. I dont have any 3rd party apps that use GPS so I cant comment on how it may impact those apps. I also had no issues with WiFi.
Verdict: This case definitely has more cons than pros, but if you are like me and like form over function and you have no signal issues when you put this case on than this is for you. I know other people have signal issues when using this case but I must be lucky that I dont or maybe Its my iPhone that doesnt have no issues??? Also this case is $80 this might be a problem for some, but for me its the price you pay to have a unique case. Anyways thanks for reading and please take it easy on me for any grammatical errors I may have in writing this review. FYI my phone has the SGP carbon back and Its not the one you purchase from Element.
Design: I think that this case is one of the sleekest and most beautiful looking cases for the iPhone 4, theres nothing else out there that can compare to this. Having said that if you are one of those people that like to exchange cases every so often, taking this on and off is a pain in the ass. Also the Design wont allow for third part cables or headphones that are at a 90 degree angle. Im going to have to buy an extender for both my cars audio system, so if any of you guys have any suggestions please let me know. Also holding this case feels comfortable in the right hand, and the two bumps makes it comfortable to hold while playing games in landscape view. Holding the case in your left hand takes some getting use to, if you hold it so that you pinky is on the bottom bump then its ok, holding it any other way is just painful. You have to remember this thing is made out of aluminum, its not soft! I also have no problem thinking that it may slip, if you hold it right the bumps help in securing the case in your hand.
Signal Reception: Let me start by saying that I had a OSIR Carbon fiber case for my 3GS and that case would affect the signal strength by 1-2 bars but only in weak signal areas, and where my wifes 3GS could hang on to 1 bar, that case showed no bars or Out of Service. I only bring this up just to let you guys know my experience in using a case that affects reception. In my house I only get 2-3 bars of reception after upgrading to 4.0.1, but as you can see in the picture it shows 4 bars (must be a good day). So as far as this is concerned I have no issues with signal reception. I also tested Google Maps for GPS and it was able to pinpoint my location, and while driving It had no problem following me as I drove. I dont have any 3rd party apps that use GPS so I cant comment on how it may impact those apps. I also had no issues with WiFi.
Verdict: This case definitely has more cons than pros, but if you are like me and like form over function and you have no signal issues when you put this case on than this is for you. I know other people have signal issues when using this case but I must be lucky that I dont or maybe Its my iPhone that doesnt have no issues??? Also this case is $80 this might be a problem for some, but for me its the price you pay to have a unique case. Anyways thanks for reading and please take it easy on me for any grammatical errors I may have in writing this review. FYI my phone has the SGP carbon back and Its not the one you purchase from Element.
