Body Gloves new Diamond iPhone 4 case is a hybrid style case that utilizes a silicone jacket design sort of like the CandyShell and the Case-Mate Pop case. Generally speaking, the Body Glove Diamond for the iPhone 4 is injected with a thin layer of TPU (Thermo Polyurethane) material and a hard outer part that is made up polycarbonate. It also features a very stylish and cool looking striped pattern on the back, hence the name Diamond. Does the Body Glove Diamond have what it takes to best some of the other issues (flaking, scratching of the back) made by the Pop case and the CandyShell? Read on for the full review of the Body Glove Diamond to find out.
Before we begin lets just take a quick look at everything that is included with the Body Glove Diamond. In the packaging (which is very simple and minimalistic) is the case itself wrapped in plastic wrap as well as some instructions on how to remove the case from your phone, this is due to the fact that the case does take some effort to remove. Thankfully, Body Glove has realized this and are currently addressing the issue and working on a new design.
Lets take a quick glance at all of the port access and the button openings. At the top of the case you have one single opening for the audio jack as well as a nice covering for the sleep/wake button. The audio jack is a fairly good size and you should not have any trouble when it comes to using fairly larger size cables and jacks. As for the sleep and wake button, it is a little numb at first, but after a few days of use it becomes very responsive. On the side of the case you have one opening for the volume rockers and the silent switch. Both of these were easy to get to and I had no problem registering either function. However, I did find that every time you try and push the volume rockers, the piece of polycarbonate that separates the bezel and the buttons is very flimsy and will move around quite a bit when you are turning up and down your volume.
On the bottom of the case you have three individual cutouts for the speaker, the mic, and the thirty pin dock connector. While most cables should fit just fine in the opening, fairly large size cables may not be compatible and I can absolutely guarantee that you will not be able to dock this. Going to the back of the case you do have a single cutout for the camera and the flash. I am happy to report that the flash is not affected at all by the camera cutout.
Unfortunately, there are a number of things that I must point out before you decide to purchase this case. First, the back scratched like no other. Being an owner of the CandyShell (which scratches a ton, to say the least) I have found that the Body Glove Diamond actually scratched about the same, if not more than the CandyShell. Another thing about the case is that it is a pain to get off your phone. It took me a few minutes to force each corner off of the phone. As mentioned in the beginning of the review , Body Glove is currently fixing the Diamond so that it is easier to take off your phone. As far as protection goes, you will get some decent protection due to the soft inner layer that engulfs your phone. I would also like to mention that since the case is made out of polycarbonate, it isnt very grippy and may slip out of your hand if you do not have a firm grip on it.
Now, there are a few things that are admirable about this case. The first being the fact that it is very slim and doesnt add a lot of bulk to the already slim design to the iPhone 4. I also found that it does work with screen protectors, a very good thing since a lot of people these days use screen protectors on their phone. As far as the design of the case goes, its definitely very cool. The diamond pattern that is showcased on the back also wraps around the bottom portion of the front bezel of the phone, making for a very unique and modern look. Last but not least, I would like to point out that it does feel very comfortable in your hand. Even though it is slippery (as mentioned above) it is very thin and feels like it is a part of the phone and almost feels like you're holding a naked iPhone, although not quite.
Overall, the Body Glove Diamond for the iPhone 4 is a good case. It definitely has enough potential to be a great or awesome case, but until Body Glove can fix some of the issues (the removal process is in the works), I cannot recommend this for $24.99 if you are specific n your needs. If you can get past some of the design issues, you will definitely find that the Body Glove Diamond does add a very cool look to your phone, however, if you do not care about looks and are juts looking for a case for your phone, you may want to look elsewhere, at least until some of the issues are solved. You can pick up the Body Glove Diamond for the iPhone 4 on Body Gloves website for 24.99 and is available in one color and includes the case itself and an instruction sheet on how to remove the case. Hit up the link for more information.
Rating: 3.5/5
