Early iPhone 4 Cases Show Mixed Quality

[MacRumors]

iPhone cases have always been a very popular accessory amongst readers, but has gained even more attention with the iPhone 4 as it can help alleviate some of signal issues you might encounter.

Our iPhone accessories forum has been active with photos and user reviews of the current options. iLounge, however, has taken a more formal approach to reviewing the early iPhone 4 cases and has posted some first impressions. Unfortunately, early case designs can have problems as Apple does not share upcoming product device dimensions with accessory manufacturers before the official announcement. As a result, most of the early in-store case designs were based on the rumored iPhone 4 specs. According to iLounge, this shows:

Developers really rushed out the first handful of cases in order to get early options into AT&T and Best Buy stores, and in some cases are going back and fixing problems they discovered only after the iPhone 4 became available. Issues with the iPhone 4 flash have been most widely discussed, particularly in cases from iFrogz that have mysteriously not arrived here for testing, but also in other cases with backs that weren’t cut to allow the flash enough room to fire.

Incipio was singled out as one of the manufacturers with good early cases, while iLounge felt that Apple's bumper cases weren't worth recommending at all. They point out a common issue with the bumper cases that only work with the newer slimmer connection cables that Apple has been recently shipping.

Now that accessory manufacturers have the iPhone 4 in hand, we should expect to see improved cases over time. We also hope to see some more creative accessories and add ons in time.

iFixit's teardown revealed that the iPhone 4's glass back slides right off after only removing the two bottom screws. Such a trivial replacement procedure could open the door to 3rd party replacements for the iPhone 4's back.

Article Link: Early iPhone 4 Cases Show Mixed Quality

 

[wikoogle]

iFixit's teardown revealed that the iPhone 4's glass back slides right off after only removing the two bottom screws. Such a trivial replacement procedure could open the door to 3rd party replacements for the iPhone 4's back.

That's awesome.

A white back with a black front and a black bumper would the perfect combo, way better than any case.

I hate that the bumper doesn't cover up the back of the phone and leaves the back exposed to scratches, cracking and other damage. That is the only reason I wanted to get a case.

Also, the white iPhone looks hideous from the front, but absolutely gorgeous from behind, especially when it has a black bumper on it.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/27/white-iphone-4-early-diy-edition-with-a-touch-of-black/

So I plan to use that same iPhone 4 OEM parts source engadget used to get the white backplate (or a quality third party maker). And if the back ever gets cracked (or I need to return it to Apple for support), I can always put back the original black backplate on.

Does apple have any way to find out? As long as I save the original back and swap it back for any warranty help, how could they?

I think it's by FAR the best option. Atleast until someone makes this...

I'm far more interested in cases that enhance the iPhone's design and maybe one that can add another, more luxurious dimension to it. I'm not a fan of all these 'overly durable' skater boy/surfer type cases that take something away from the actual phone. I doubt any of these people have nice watches, they'd be too afraid it would break or scratch. :|

How about a single slab of swarovski crystal or etched czech glass for the discerning lady...or even a 24ct gold bullion rectangle for the wealthy-but-dim among us It's all good...shame I don't have the means to produce any of it

 

[queshy]

Hah, this happens every year...

 

[TripHop]

Scored A Blue Silicon Case 4th Weekend For $2.73 Delivered

Scored A Blue Silicon Case 4th Weekend For $2.73 Delivered. The photo looks good and the Royal Blue looks like it'll really show off my WHITE 32s brighter side perfectly.

 

[ltldrummerboy]

I got the Case-Mate one that looks like a tire. We'll see when it gets here. I'll just use it to tide me over until Switcheasy releases cases.

I'd also love to try replacing the back of my phone with a piece of mahogany that has a mother-of-pearl inlay.

 

[Agent OrangeZ]

Wow... the chicks can get their iPhone backs changed to pink if someone steps up and makes it.

 

[stanny]

Looks pretty rugged. I like it.

 

[Matthew Yohe]

Just a note: iPhone 4 has been in my pocket (alone) since day one, and I have 0 scratches. I'm still interested in a bumper for those accidental drops, but as far as scratching goes, no problems there.

Anyone who has scratched theirs has really mistreated the phone, as this certainly does not scratch easily.

 

[jbuck777]

I'd also love to try replacing the back of my phone with a piece of mahogany that has a mother-of-pearl inlay.

That would honestly be the sickest and classiest iPhone back, hands down.

Well, I know what Im going to be working on out in the shop one of these days.

 

[rickdollar]

My Bumper came today. I had to do some work with the X-Acto knife around the headphone jack so i could use some damn headphones in the thing. Works ok now. It's enough protection for me and feels great in the hand but I'm sure better alternatives will be around soon.

And I'll add that the Bumper really does get rid of the signal issue. When I held the phone naked, I would lose 2 bars to No Service. Now I can't make it lose any signal no matter how I hold it. Very happy about that as coverage in my area isn't very good to begin with.

 

[vile]

Just a note: iPhone 4 has been in my pocket (alone) since day one, and I have 0 scratches. I'm still interested in a bumper for those accidental drops, but as far as scratching goes, no problems there.

Anyone who has scratched theirs has really mistreated the phone, as this certainly does not scratch easily.

+1

same for me not a single scratch and I carry it around all the time (no case just bumper)

 

[anim8or]

I bought a GEAR4 case with my iphone 4 as it was the only case the O2 store had....

Its ok.... but definitely needs refining.

I think the hole for the flash on all the iphone 4 cases needs to be big enough to allow the flash to shine, yes the hole is big enough to see the flash but i get reflection off the rim of the case when taking pictures with my iphone in the case... basically leaving a huge white/yellowish circle on the left of all my pics taken with a flash....

I have been shopping around to see other case but they all seem to be in short supply!!!

 

[Zunjine]

Scratches?

I have to agree with the prior posters re. scratching. Glass is not easy to scratch. Do you worry about scratching a glass coffee table when you plonk your keys down on it?

This is why I'm using a bumper case with an open back. The rubber edges make it harder to drop the phone and the open back means less bulk. The steel band is more likely to pick up scratches than the glass panels anyway.

The only thing I don't like about the bumper is that the buttons rattle a little bit when you shake it. Makes it feel a bit cheap compared to the solid build of the phone itself. Also, it is a shame to cover that steel band. Naked, the phone looks amazing. Now, a clear rubber bumper, that would be awesome. I don't know what the technical barriers to such a bumper are - can you make rubber clear enough?

 

[Rayfire]

That's why Incase and Switcheasy are taking their time

 

[Piggie]

If removing two screws means the back slides off.

Then why not just make the battery user replaceable?

 

[Erwin-Br]

I don't get it. Why hide a beautiful design with an ugly cover? Why is it important to prevent scratches if you won't be able to see the phone anyway?

 

[ValSalva]

My temporary case does a good job protecting the iPhone but it vignettes the camera. It was the best one I could find at BestBuy a few days after launch. AT&T didn't have one single case in stock at the time. I'm waiting for a good holster case to fit on my belt.

 

[PaperMacWriter]

Is there any case that has a loop for a wrist strap? My main concern is using it as a camera on vacations, and holding it in places where it may fall great distances - I use my pocket camera with a strap and it's saved it many times. Is/will/have there been iPhone cases with wrist straps?

 

[StellarZ]

The Vapor by Element

Is anyone considering The Vapor by Element? It's the only one I'm liking so far here are some pics.

So I typically wouldn't have posted the pink one, but it's the only one that shows the carbon fiber backplate

It's a little pricy at $79.95, but it's frakin sexy!

They are taking pre-orders here if anyone is interested. It will be available July 12.

 

[mattwolfmatt]

Is anyone considering The Vapor by Element? It's the only one I'm liking so far here are some pics.
So I typically wouldn't have posted the pink one, but it's the only one that shows the carbon fiber backplate

It's a little pricy at $79.95, but it's frakin sexy!

They are taking pre-orders here if anyone is interested. It will be available July 12.

Could you have please made them bigger? Also more pics would've been nice.

 

[urbanrant]

If the back slides right off easily, does it mean user replaceable OEM battery?

 

[musicrocks182]

They are giving out free-ish cases on cases.com Just pay shipping which is like 3 bucks.

 

[steerpikegg]

This really bugs me why people bother with cases.

Apple spend millions developing a beautiful looking, slimline iPhone with scratch resistant glass, and the first thing people do is slap it in a bulky, ugly case effectively doubling the thickness and weight and hiding the design Apple spent so much R&D on.

People always bang on about how Apple products are beautiful etc, and then hide them away.

 

[ElDogman]

which of these cases doesn't have all those flash problems?

 

[3583582]

If removing two screws means the back slides off.

Then why not just make the battery user replaceable?

Because they would have to waste space, redesign etc to make it user replaceable. Not worth it.