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Atomic iPhone Aluminum Case review

White/Rhino said:
Good catch. Looks like he is still sold on his case. I ordered mine 5 days ago. I wish it would get here so I could test it AND POST PICS for everyone. As it stands now there isn't enough info out there.
Click to expand...

The more I see the Atomic, the more it really does look like a cheap knock off to me. Again, that's just my opinion, and only from the limited photos I've seen, but I don't like it. I still like the look of the Vapor better, but hate the company and the fact that I had to make the case work myself. The more I see of the aluminum cases, the more I'm just about to give up on the whole idea of them. I'm not sure if anyone can pull this type of case off, and not have it destroy signal reception in most instances.
 
nolesfan said:
For most of that I agree. It's very very hard to get these cases working properly. But in all honesty it's a very sharp case in person. It really is.
Click to expand...

Holy crap there is another thread about this case.

Anyway, nolesfan,

First off, it is not a sharp case in person. It is literally a piece of metal that comes in a plain white box wrapped in shrink wrap. I had to straight up destroy the box getting into it.

Second, the case does look cheap as hell. The case literally rests right in top of the metal band and scrapes against it. I know this will damage my phone on day to day use, hence one of the reasons I'm not using it.

Third, I truly feel like I was tricked. I have a couple of e-mails from the sales guy (Uddi I think is his name) and he said they could do a Black frame with a red cap, but they sent me the opposite. Not to mention the carbon back plate was literally a Lucky Labs.

Finally, it doesn't look like the pictures on their site when on the phone. Mine hugs the antenna band like a glove and when it was on my phone, I could hear the metal on metal contact.

Now I will say, at least contact with the company was good and quick. Also, the color/finish of the case is pretty good. Not Element quality but decent. The lack of logos again, is a plus. Also the dock port isn't as deep as the Element case but still requires an "Apple-sized" charger.

Also, the reception issue really wasn't an issue. My theory is that my iPhone 4 is literally brand new (less than 2 weeks when I received the case). I don't have the "death grip" problem at all. Even without a case. I was worried because I am left-handed but I have tried to kill the reception and I couldn't do it. I'm thinking Apple silently has been rolling out an updated iPhone 4, hence the reason they are killing off the case program.

I will be sending Atomic an e-mail to find out what the return policy is. I feel like I just wasted $85 bucks (70+15). I don't feel that way with the Element case at all.

Sorry, giant rant I know. Look, the case isn't terrible for me reception wise, but it is still a cheap knock off overall. Also, I made the pictures huge because I wanted to make sure people could see the fine details or lack thereof.

Side-note: I honestly can't believe they sent me the wrench and the screws in a dime bag. Haven't see one of those since college.
 
No, I can tell you that apple has not addressed the issue with any up date because it can not be fixed with any update!! Its HARDWARE people. I promise that your phone has the death grip. Put your phone in field test mode and then tell me it does not. My phone is less than two weeks old because I had to get it replaced and it has it. They all do and will continue to and long as they keep this design. Plain and simple. So I can already tell your one of those people.
rapaleeman said:
Holy crap there is another thread about this case.

Anyway, nolesfan,

First off, it is not a sharp case in person. It is literally a piece of metal that comes in a plain white box wrapped in shrink wrap. I had to straight up destroy the box getting into it.

Second, the case does look cheap as hell. The case literally rests right in top of the metal band and scrapes against it. I know this will damage my phone on day to day use, hence one of the reasons I'm not using it.

Third, I truly feel like I was tricked. I have a couple of e-mails from the sales guy (Uddi I think is his name) and he said they could do a Black frame with a red cap, but they sent me the opposite. Not to mention the carbon back plate was literally a Lucky Labs.

Finally, it doesn't look like the pictures on their site when on the phone. Mine hugs the antenna band like a glove and when it was on my phone, I could hear the metal on metal contact.

Now I will say, at least contact with the company was good and quick. Also, the color/finish of the case is pretty good. Not Element quality but decent. The lack of logos again, is a plus. Also the dock port isn't as deep as the Element case but still requires an "Apple-sized" charger.

Also, the reception issue really wasn't an issue. My theory is that my iPhone 4 is literally brand new (less than 2 weeks when I received the case). I don't have the "death grip" problem at all. Even without a case. I was worried because I am left-handed but I have tried to kill the reception and I couldn't do it. I'm thinking Apple silently has been rolling out an updated iPhone 4, hence the reason they are killing off the case program.

I will be sending Atomic an e-mail to find out what the return policy is. I feel like I just wasted $85 bucks (70+15). I don't feel that way with the Element case at all.

Sorry, giant rant I know. Look, the case isn't terrible for me reception wise, but it is still a cheap knock off overall. Also, I made the pictures huge because I wanted to make sure people could see the fine details or lack thereof.

Side-note: I honestly can't believe they sent me the wrench and the screws in a dime bag. Haven't see one of those since college.
Click to expand...
 
rapaleeman said:
Holy crap there is another thread about this case.


I will be sending Atomic an e-mail to find out what the return policy is. I feel like I just wasted $85 bucks (70+15). I don't feel that way with the Element case at all.

Sorry, giant rant I know. Look, the case isn't terrible for me reception wise, but it is still a cheap knock off overall. Also, I made the pictures huge because I wanted to make sure people could see the fine details or lack thereof.

Side-note: I honestly can't believe they sent me the wrench and the screws in a dime bag. Haven't see one of those since college.
Click to expand...

fyi,
i email their sales dept. a few days ago for the return/refund policies and they email me back with "3 days" ...

interesting isnt it?!
not too much faith in their products? ...😕
 
nolesfan said:
No, I can tell you that apple has not addressed the issue with any up date because it can not be fixed with any update!! Its HARDWARE people. I promise that your phone has the death grip. Put your phone in field test mode and then tell me it does not. My phone is less than two weeks old because I had to get it replaced and it has it. They all do and will continue to and long as they keep this design. Plain and simple. So I can already tell your one of those people.
Click to expand...


I realize it is a hardware issue. I'm thinking that some of the newer phones are actually different. There have been numerous articles of new antenna hardware for the iPhone 4 being rolled out after September 30th (google it). I'm thinking they rolled it out slightly ahead of schedule (and I'm not alone) so that after September 30th all the iPhone 4 devices in store will be the "updated" devices so they don't have to continue to supply free bumpers to people.

For what it's worth, in field test mode, my phone doesn't fluctuate any more or less when I'm holding it in death grip mode. Same way it doesn't fluctuate ay differently when it is in either the Element or the Atomic case either.
 
rapaleeman said:
Holy crap there is another thread about this case.

Anyway, nolesfan,

First off, it is not a sharp case in person. It is literally a piece of metal that comes in a plain white box wrapped in shrink wrap. I had to straight up destroy the box getting into it.

Second, the case does look cheap as hell. The case literally rests right in top of the metal band and scrapes against it. I know this will damage my phone on day to day use, hence one of the reasons I'm not using it.

Third, I truly feel like I was tricked. I have a couple of e-mails from the sales guy (Uddi I think is his name) and he said they could do a Black frame with a red cap, but they sent me the opposite. Not to mention the carbon back plate was literally a Lucky Labs.

Finally, it doesn't look like the pictures on their site when on the phone. Mine hugs the antenna band like a glove and when it was on my phone, I could hear the metal on metal contact.

Now I will say, at least contact with the company was good and quick. Also, the color/finish of the case is pretty good. Not Element quality but decent. The lack of logos again, is a plus. Also the dock port isn't as deep as the Element case but still requires an "Apple-sized" charger.

Also, the reception issue really wasn't an issue. My theory is that my iPhone 4 is literally brand new (less than 2 weeks when I received the case). I don't have the "death grip" problem at all. Even without a case. I was worried because I am left-handed but I have tried to kill the reception and I couldn't do it. I'm thinking Apple silently has been rolling out an updated iPhone 4, hence the reason they are killing off the case program.

I will be sending Atomic an e-mail to find out what the return policy is. I feel like I just wasted $85 bucks (70+15). I don't feel that way with the Element case at all.

Sorry, giant rant I know. Look, the case isn't terrible for me reception wise, but it is still a cheap knock off overall. Also, I made the pictures huge because I wanted to make sure people could see the fine details or lack thereof.

Side-note: I honestly can't believe they sent me the wrench and the screws in a dime bag. Haven't see one of those since college.
Click to expand...

rapaleeman, how was the GPS in your experience with the Atomic? Did you try it? Wifi or bluetooth? And did anything keep the case off the antenna? Is it designed to ride on the edge of the glass surfaces (front and back)?
 
archrider said:
Wow a lot of hot posts removed. Glad I got to read the drama.
Click to expand...

Let's never speak of that stuff again. Good grief it was bad. Let's just talk about the case, if anyone has anything to say about it. Not sure we have enough people with them to have a discussion though
 
chris975d said:
rapaleeman, how was the GPS in your experience with the Atomic? Did you try it? Wifi or bluetooth? And did anything keep the case off the antenna? Is it designed to ride on the edge of the glass surfaces (front and back)?
Click to expand...

Actually the GPS was fine. GPS put me right where I was supposed to be (at my house and at my local Best Buy when I tried it).

Also I use my really overpriced Oakley O Rocker Pros and the Bluetooth connectio to those was fine. It did cut the range a little though. I usually have my phone on my passenger seat when I drive and had no issues there. When I had my phone in my oversized cargo pockets in my pants though they cut out a little. Not serious but not great either.

Wi-fi worked but was also slightly degraded. I used it once at my house and had 2 of the bars instead of 3 and I was right next to my router. Didn't run a speed test at all though.

And no, there is nothing keeping the case off the antenna. That was my number one gripe. I rides right up on the glass and fits in there snuggly. Hence the reason I will not put the case back on after I took it off. The metal on metal grinding action is almost unbearable.

If you look at the pictures I posted you can see the tiny lip but that is all metal and the lip is very tiny. The metal did touch the glass. At least the Element (the only other metal case I've used so far) didn't do that so I wasn't as concerned and felt a little more protected. Obviously these cases are for looks but I can see the case doing more harm than good in a fall.
 
thepsychopinkie said:
I have to put my phone on silent pretty often, how easy is it to switch the toggle for that with either case?
Click to expand...

That is the same on both cases as they have identical cutouts. The Element cutouts are a little deeper in total, but for the volume and vibrate switch it doesn't matter since the cutout is huge.

The Element case is deeper at the dock port and the volume isn't as cutout. The actual on/off button is permanently mounted in the Element case and just a slip in/out (fake button) on the Atomic.
 
rapaleeman said:
That is the same on both cases as they have identical cutouts. The Element cutouts are a little deeper in total, but for the volume and vibrate switch it doesn't matter since the cutout is huge.

The Element case is deeper at the dock port and the volume isn't as cutout. The actual on/off button is permanently mounted in the Element case and just a slip in/out (fake button) on the Atomic.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I am still waiting for my Element to show up. I am getting the feeling that it was a better choice to go with the Element as opposed to Atomic. Sad, though I really wanted them to be on par with each other. They feeling I get is Atomic is inferior, or am i off base?
 
I would not call the button "fake". It's just removable to that it sits flush in the case instead of sticking out where it can be pushed on accident. At least the video I seen said that and the pictures I have seen have shown the same. Actually, it's a pretty smart idea.
 
Inferior in what way exactly? They look close to the same but I think its like anything else, they both have faults and quality's. I have looked at them both pretty hard and have decided to try an Atomic. But I tend to go against the grain.
thepsychopinkie said:
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I am still waiting for my Element to show up. I am getting the feeling that it was a better choice to go with the Element as opposed to Atomic. Sad, though I really wanted them to be on par with each other. They feeling I get is Atomic is inferior, or am i off base?
Click to expand...
 
Kansasjayhawks said:
Inferior in what way exactly? They look close to the same but I think its like anything else, they both have faults and quality's. I have looked at them both pretty hard and have decided to try an Atomic. But I tend to go against the grain.
Click to expand...

Inferior in that from what i have read from people who have actually received the Atomic and the Element, that "fit" is better on the Element and that the overall feel is that the Element is better. Being that is based off of other people's opinions it make it hard for me make my own definitive opinion without having a sample of both. That was aimed more as a question than a statement anyhow.
 
Oh, I see. Who knows which one you would like better. I am tired of the element waiting game to be honest. It's been 2 months now and still nothing. Just go with what YOU like or think you would like you know? I tend not to listen to other people when it comes to cases and such because everyone's opinion's vary alot. But either way, I am sure you will be happy.
thepsychopinkie said:
Inferior in that from what i have read from people who have actually received the Atomic and the Element, that "fit" is better on the Element and that the overall feel is that the Element is better. Being that is based off of other people's opinions it make it hard for me make my own definitive opinion without having a sample of both. That was aimed more as a question than a statement anyhow.
Click to expand...
 
thepsychopinkie said:
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I am still waiting for my Element to show up. I am getting the feeling that it was a better choice to go with the Element as opposed to Atomic. Sad, though I really wanted them to be on par with each other. They feeling I get is Atomic is inferior, or am i off base?
Click to expand...

The thing is that the Element is obviously higher quality. While others may laugh at my need for something on the inside, even the little foam "stickers" on the Element are better than nothing on the Atomic case. Literally wait until you put the Atomic on and hear that grinding metal on metal sound.

As for the button, it is a good idea in theory bu making it flush actually made the on/off a little harder to press. No terrible but not quite perfect either. This may be preference but it actually was harder to press than the Element case was.

Bottomline is this: If you line the two cases up you can tell which one is hte better quality product. I'm even excluding packaging too. Just the 2 metal pieces. You will be able to tell which one is the Element (even if the logos were removed too).

Had the Atomic been maybe 20-25 bucks then I would be so hard on it, but for a $10 discount basically off the 79.99 asking price of the Element it feels overall cheap.

This is also ignoring the carbon fiber backplates too since the Element actually is a solid piece of metal/alluminum that you stick on the phone. The Atomic is a Lucky Labs sticker/wrap.
 
My reason for ordering the Atomic was mostly curiosity. I really wanted to see how it would stack up against Element. The Element is a very well made case. It looks and feels very high end. They did a lot of things right and a lot wrong. That's what happens when things get rushed to the market. The size of the headphone jack and 30 pin connector cut out need to redesigned on the Vapor 4 .I found that i was always trying to cut down my accessories or buy new ones and that's became a total hassle. The case itself I found very slippery. I didn't want to drop my IPhone with only 5 micro thin pieces of foam and a thin metal shell to protect it. I didn't have signal problems but I don't attribute that to the design as much to the signal strength for my Mobile provider. I ran quite a few test with two different service providers using the same handset and had completely different results. My Iphone 4 is unlocked and can use any providers chip just by popping it in.

I think that the two new cases form Fusionwerkz & Alumacase have taken the good features of the Vapor and will address some of the not so good features. My money is on the Fusion Raw.
 
So you didn't like the Atomic or have you not got it yet? Any pics you could share?
White/Rhino said:
My reason for ordering the Atomic was mostly curiosity. I really wanted to see how it would stack up against Element. The Element is a very well made case. It looks and feels very high end. They did a lot of things right and a lot wrong. That's what happens when things get rushed to the market. The size of the headphone jack and 30 pin connector cut out need to redesigned on the Vapor 4 .I found that i was always trying to cut down my accessories or buy new ones and that's became a total hassle. The case itself I found very slippery. I didn't want to drop my IPhone with only 5 micro thin pieces of foam and a thin metal shell to protect it. I didn't have signal problems but I don't attribute that to the design as much to the signal strength for my Mobile provider. I ran quite a few test with two different service providers using the same handset and had completely different results. My Iphone 4 is unlocked and can use any providers chip just by popping it in.

I think that the two new cases form Fusionwerkz & Alumacase have taken the good features of the Vapor and will address some of the not so good features. My money is on the Fusion Raw.
Click to expand...
 
White/Rhino said:
My reason for ordering the Atomic was mostly curiosity. I really wanted to see how it would stack up against Element. The Element is a very well made case. It looks and feels very high end. They did a lot of things right and a lot wrong. That's what happens when things get rushed to the market. The size of the headphone jack and 30 pin connector cut out need to redesigned on the Vapor 4 .I found that i was always trying to cut down my accessories or buy new ones and that's became a total hassle. The case itself I found very slippery. I didn't want to drop my IPhone with only 5 micro thin pieces of foam and a thin metal shell to protect it. I didn't have signal problems but I don't attribute that to the design as much to the signal strength for my Mobile provider. I ran quite a few test with two different service providers using the same handset and had completely different results. My Iphone 4 is unlocked and can use any providers chip just by popping it in.

I think that the two new cases form Fusionwerkz & Alumacase have taken the good features of the Vapor and will address some of the not so good features. My money is on the Fusion Raw.
Click to expand...

Honestly, that was my reason for ordering it too. I was looking for a better dock port and a little more cushioning/padding overall.

My reception is the same way on the providor. Before I fully switched to AT&T I used a T-mobile sim in my iPhone 4. Now that I am fully AT&T it is a night and day upgrade in overall signal everywhere. Went from 1 bar in my house to 4 bars instantly and all the time. Sometimes even a full 5.

I will say that despite the negatives on the Atomic Customer service that some have posted, they have been great to me in that sense. While I wasn't satisfied overall with the product their service has been top-notch and they are processing my return as I type this. Thumbs up in that department.

Based on the last e-mail I received from them, they are going ot be adding some new products and being the kind of person I am I will take a look and evalute and most likely purchase. I have like 10 cases already and will be adding to the collection if something strikes my eye.

Alumacase could be good as long as the inner lining publicity is true. I'm hoping so. The Raw looks terrible to me though. Just not a fan. Different strokes for different folks.
 
Kansasjayhawks said:
So you didn't like the Atomic or have you not got it yet? Any pics you could share?
Click to expand...

I ordered it late evening on September the 14th. I haven't gotten a shipping notice yet. When it does arrive I will be sure to post a bunch of pics and give impressions.

The good news is my Exogear batter case finally shipped so I hope to give some feedback on than case in a few days. It's not as pretty but extra juice is always a good thing.
 
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