Yeah, that was one of my primary concerns. The case didn't feel super tight to me, and had some flex on the long edge. That is somewhat live-able for me, the non-functional power button was not...
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Atomic Hybrid Composite Case IP4
- Thread starter tsboy69
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yeah, that was one of my primary concerns. The case didn't feel super tight to me, and had some flex on the long edge. That is somewhat live-able for me, the non-functional power button was not...
Ha... Yup a power button that doesnt work is unacceptable. But im still concerened about this delrin piece not sticking flush with the phone and having flex in it... Anyone can provide some help? Or should I try to contact them by email again?
It's weird, because I get a response from their CS usually in around 10 mins. Yesterday I posted about my brushed cap having scratches, and I showed them a close up pic and they shipped a replacement cap today. Thumbs up for the excellent CS in my case!
I received my new case and cap today. Power button is fine, but it still has the same problem you mentioned. The long delrin edge with the logo does not stay flush (has some play) especially in the middle. I definitely did not overtighten the screws. They e-mailed me to see if I got the case, so I replied and asked if there were any other thoughts about this issue.
I had a SwitchEasy Nude clear case on my iPhone4 but it never looked good because dust would accumulate around the edges and back - the phone lives in my pocket. After a few removals of the case to clean things up the plastic started to buckle where it was thin, around the mute switch and volume buttons, so it was clearly time to try something else.
After looking at all of the aluminium cases available I decided to give the Atomic Hybrid a go and so I ordered a black/gunmetal case last Tuesday and it was delivered just two days later - and I'm in the UK! Can't fault the service from Atomic or UPS.
The case quality is truly excellent, as is the carbon fibre style sticker for the back of the phone, and it looks very classy indeed. It's a perfect fit and the extended power button works fine - either I've been luckier than others or the manufacturing process has been refined. The case is a little taller than I expected but this is to accommodate the screws that hold the two parts together. The only issue I have had is that my Sony noise-cancelling earphones no longer fit in the audio socket due to the increased depth which is a shame. For that reason only I'll be trying an Element Vapor Pro FE next.
After looking at all of the aluminium cases available I decided to give the Atomic Hybrid a go and so I ordered a black/gunmetal case last Tuesday and it was delivered just two days later - and I'm in the UK! Can't fault the service from Atomic or UPS.
The case quality is truly excellent, as is the carbon fibre style sticker for the back of the phone, and it looks very classy indeed. It's a perfect fit and the extended power button works fine - either I've been luckier than others or the manufacturing process has been refined. The case is a little taller than I expected but this is to accommodate the screws that hold the two parts together. The only issue I have had is that my Sony noise-cancelling earphones no longer fit in the audio socket due to the increased depth which is a shame. For that reason only I'll be trying an Element Vapor Pro FE next.
They're not headphones, they're earphones with a 3.5mm plug but the atomic case is so deep at the top that the plug just pops out.
You mean an extended adapter? I think the problem is my earphone plug is right-angled and they hadn't compensated for that in the design.
Super!
I got my case on Mon. I love it. Excellent fit, no problem with power button. I have a metal dock and was able to push the connector slightly higher thru the opening and have no problem docking. Absolutely no signal loss. Looks great and the composite even feels like aluminum. Only problem I had was lining up the screw holes to fit it together. Tight fit, aligns perfectly with the phone. I ordered the black with the orange but couldn't decide if I wanted that or blue. I then ordered the blue end-cap but after hearing all the complaints, don't know if I want to change it. I have tried several aluminum cases, ALL with big signal loss. This is great.
I got my case on Mon. I love it. Excellent fit, no problem with power button. I have a metal dock and was able to push the connector slightly higher thru the opening and have no problem docking. Absolutely no signal loss. Looks great and the composite even feels like aluminum. Only problem I had was lining up the screw holes to fit it together. Tight fit, aligns perfectly with the phone. I ordered the black with the orange but couldn't decide if I wanted that or blue. I then ordered the blue end-cap but after hearing all the complaints, don't know if I want to change it. I have tried several aluminum cases, ALL with big signal loss. This is great.
I got my case on Mon. I love it. Excellent fit, no problem with power button. I have a metal dock and was able to push the connector slightly higher thru the opening and have no problem docking. Absolutely no signal loss. Looks great and the composite even feels like aluminum. Only problem I had was lining up the screw holes to fit it together. Tight fit, aligns perfectly with the phone. I ordered the black with the orange but couldn't decide if I wanted that or blue. I then ordered the blue end-cap but after hearing all the complaints, don't know if I want to change it. I have tried several aluminum cases, ALL with big signal loss. This is great.
Glad you like it. I am returning mine. After a long e-mail exchange with a sarcastic sales rep, they agreed to give me a full refund. The composite always felt like cheap plastic to me, and was so loose fitting on my phone that I had scuff marks when I removed the case (luckily they buffed out). I can only conclude that they are OK with some of the cases not being up to speck.
Frankly, I might have considered working with them some more, but after their process of 1) denial of a problem, 2) accusing me of tampering with the case to create a problem, 3) denial again, and 4) finally admitting that "99% of our cases fit correctly," - well I am done. I had the 1%, and am disgusted with their customer service.
I will be purchasing an e13ctron when it comes out for the CDMA iPhone.
Last edited:
Yes, got it and tried it. While the power button was fixed, the case still bowed out in the middle and was loose and "wiggly" over the rest of the phone. I might be picky, but I figured for a $90+ investment (with shipping), it should be better than that. Even still, I was thinking about just living with it, but the scuff marks on my phone freaked me out, and the experience with customer service just left me speechless. At that point, I just didn't want them to have my business.
Sorry to hear that. The replacement case they sent me, is identical to my defective one and for the pwr button to be able to more or less work, I have to leave the screws somewhat loose. Too bad, as it is an attractive case.
Sorry to hear that too. My sentiments are with you exactly. It is an attractive case - I got lots of compliments the day I tried to use it... But ultimately, it looks like a design fail. Between the 2 of us, that is 4 defective cases in a short period of time. As I said before, it seems their quality standards have taken a big dip.
I am now looking at the e13ctron or possibly the Vapor Pro once they come out for CDMA phones.
You are correct the case draws compliments. I set my case on a bar and 2 people at the same time asked me about it. I received 3, one with chrome cap is stunning. Fits flush and the power button works great. I saw a review on you tube one guy saying its the best sleep awake button. Anxiously waiting for the Diamondback too. Must be a few buttons out there that dont work.
Guillermo
Guillermo
Just wondering if anyone who has both can comment
How is this different from Element Case's?
And I really like the design of this and the former mentioned, BUT I HATE THE THICKNESS, anyone know a similar designed case but a lot thinner around the edges?
How is this different from Element Case's?
And I really like the design of this and the former mentioned, BUT I HATE THE THICKNESS, anyone know a similar designed case but a lot thinner around the edges?
This case is signal friendly compared to any of the FULL-aluminum cases. There is lots of good info in this thread
I have had two elements and three hybrids ( not just caps)...the hybrid passes the signal perfectly and I have never had any problem with fit or finish. I have a vapor pro on order so I'm not a atomic cheerleader. The hybrid works above all else...so far....
Return/Exchange
I love mine. I have a blue & orange cap, but scratched the orange. They promised to send me a new one + exchange my blue. Never heard from them again. Went to FedEx but coul;dn't ship it. They told me the 'return address' was bad. Emailed them again, but as usual, never got a reply. Didn't bother with UPS. Probably cost almost as much to ship as the cap itself. Will never buy anything from them again. Anyway, if the iPhone 5 back is aluminum, as rumored, any aluminum case will work.
I love mine. I have a blue & orange cap, but scratched the orange. They promised to send me a new one + exchange my blue. Never heard from them again. Went to FedEx but coul;dn't ship it. They told me the 'return address' was bad. Emailed them again, but as usual, never got a reply. Didn't bother with UPS. Probably cost almost as much to ship as the cap itself. Will never buy anything from them again. Anyway, if the iPhone 5 back is aluminum, as rumored, any aluminum case will work.
Quick Review
My case fits perfectly, with either of the 2 end caps. Power button works fine. Got an email with tracking number from USPS & Atomic, after posting last thread. I guess they decided to replace the orange one that I scratched. As far as the signal, perfect on VZW phone. Great phone, no dropped calls like ATT. Have 2 fully aluminum cases, Blade and Gasket case (ID America). Tried tape, rubber cement and Rubber Coating Spray. Nothing works. DO NOT WASTE your money. All aluminum cases will KILL the signal. From what I've been reading, they have decided to move the antenna on iPhone 5 and incorporate it into the apple logo, with an aluminum back cover. If you guys want an all aluminum case, wait for the new phone.
My case fits perfectly, with either of the 2 end caps. Power button works fine. Got an email with tracking number from USPS & Atomic, after posting last thread. I guess they decided to replace the orange one that I scratched. As far as the signal, perfect on VZW phone. Great phone, no dropped calls like ATT. Have 2 fully aluminum cases, Blade and Gasket case (ID America). Tried tape, rubber cement and Rubber Coating Spray. Nothing works. DO NOT WASTE your money. All aluminum cases will KILL the signal. From what I've been reading, they have decided to move the antenna on iPhone 5 and incorporate it into the apple logo, with an aluminum back cover. If you guys want an all aluminum case, wait for the new phone.
Return/Exchange Updated
Well, they replaced my scratched orange cap & also gave me a brushed to replace the blue, which was a 'bad fit-gaps'. To bad. Got to like the blue after all, but had to to send it back, USPS. Wish they had just replaced the blue instead of sending the brushed. My fault. Hate to spend another $35, but I really want the blue. It really grew on me. The shipping is a killer. Atomic, you're the best. Highly recommended. Thanks again.
Well, they replaced my scratched orange cap & also gave me a brushed to replace the blue, which was a 'bad fit-gaps'. To bad. Got to like the blue after all, but had to to send it back, USPS. Wish they had just replaced the blue instead of sending the brushed. My fault. Hate to spend another $35, but I really want the blue. It really grew on me. The shipping is a killer. Atomic, you're the best. Highly recommended. Thanks again.