Element Case Solace Review Thread

[Mobster1983]

I preordered the Element Case Solace and it just came in. First impressions are pretty good. I have the silver/blue version. The blue is very dark and metallic, so it changes shade in the light. The case overall looks very sharp. The fit is perfect and has a slight lip so your screen stays off the table if you lay it face down.

Volume buttons and mute switch are very easy to press and work well. The case material is smooth, but does provide a little extra grip. It is also very solid and does not yield easily. The case is light, but does add a slightly noticeable bit of weight to the phone.

Headphones and lightning adapter fit perfectly. Overall the case feels very well made, is solid and looks great.

***Update***
I received my iPhone 5S today. Unfortunately, I can't use my T-Mobile phone on Verizon so I have to wait three more weeks until my Verizon contract ends. *sadface*

I did test out the iPhone 5s in this case. First off, when I took the case off my iPhone 5 there were NO scratch marks. I looked closely because I was worried about this same thing. The fit is very tight and the phone does not move at all in the case. The softer sides seem to be primarily what touches the phone so no issues there, guards are not required IMO.

One of the big questions is about the iPhone 5S flash. Fortunately the camera opening is plenty large enough and fits the new dual flash with plenty of room to spare. This case definitely works for both the iPhone 5 and 5S.

The black sides do seem to be removable. Part of mine was loose when I got it, which concerned me, but once I put the phone in the case you couldn't even tell. I do not know if there is glue holding it in place or not, but if you wanted you could probably switch that part out with another color.

I hope this helps answer all your questions.

 

[Mobster1983]

More photos. The case is currently on an iPhone 5. The only possible issue may be the flash on the iPhone 5S. It looks like it should be fine, but I will try that out when I get the iPhone 5S this weekend.

 

[Mobster1983]

Last set.

 

[ABC5S]

You might be right. But the dual flash may end up hurting you by the looks of it. I bought the Tough Armor case that showed the 5s dual flash area, and it looks good. Hope you have luck.

 

[Partridge]

The china connection explains why the chinese fakes have always come with such good accessories (wrenches, transit cases, etc.).

Anyway, hard to say from just looking at pictures, but the finish on the metal parts looks a lot more like a coarse sandblast type finish aluminum instead of the finer finish on their US products.

Is there any padding on the metal parts at all to keep them off the phone? And is that just a piece of Kapton tape over the power button holding it place??

 

[Dino F]

More photos. The case is currently on an iPhone 5. The only possible issue may be the flash on the iPhone 5S. It looks like it should be fine, but I will try that out when I get the iPhone 5S this weekend.

Last set.

Nice pics!

Gotta say - the blue colour looks extremely dark indeed - almost black in some of your pics!!

is it more of a navy colour or a Royal blue? I would go for the blue but don't want it to be too bright!

 

[Mobster1983]

The metal parts do not have any padding to keep them off the phone. Hopefully it doesn't scratch it. And that is tape on the home button.

I'm not too worried about the dual flash. It looks like it will fit, albeit barely. And if there is an issue, Element case has always had great customer service in my experience so I'm sure they would correct it.

The blue is definitely a darker Navy blue. I also like the darker blue and this one is perfect IMO.

 

[Aays06]

I ordered the Italian red and grey metallic. Should be here next week. Will post pics when they arrive. Will decide which one I want and return the other.

 

[seanerin]

Hi, I am thinking about the solace for my 5s. After having it for a few days, what do you think of the case? Element told me there is a lip for face down protection. Is that so? Does it accommodate the new flash of the 5s? Thank you.

 

[Mobster1983]

Hi, I am thinking about the solace for my 5s. After having it for a few days, what do you think of the case? Element told me there is a lip for face down protection. Is that so? Does it accommodate the new flash of the 5s? Thank you.

After the first few days I love it. There is a lip that will protect the screen if you place it face down. No scratches or anything on the case yet.

I do think it will accommodate the iPhone 5S flash, but i'll have to wait and see for sure when my phone gets in this week.

 

[seanerin]

Thank you for your response. Is the fit snug? (any wiggle along the sides?) Are you concerned that the metal on the case will scratch the phone? Sorry for the barrage of questions. Take care and thank you again.

 

[freedom898]

Hey Mobster1983, thanks so much for posting these pictures. I've been debating whether to get the blue or black solace and from your pictures it seems the blue is almost black. If at all possible I would be very grateful for a picture showing the case under a lot of light so I can see how blue the case gets.

 

[agpatel]

How big is the lightening connector opening? Would it fit something like a Monoprice cable? Was going to get the black and they ended up selling out before I could place a order.

 

[Legionnaire]

Cost?

 

[Vetvito]

This one is only like $80 right?

They didn't give you any rash guards to go on your phone first?

 

[Legionnaire]

Only? That's exspensive IMHO for just a frame with no cushion either

 

[Synomenon]

Are the black rubber pieces on the sides, removable? The dark blue Solace would look good if those pieces were white.

Also, I'm surprised that it doesn't fit around the dual flash on the 5S. I even got emails from Element advertising it for the 5S.

 

[CSwinton]

So is the camera / flash cutout on the back large enough for the new 5s flash? I doubt a company like Element Case would market them as 5s cases if they didn't work, but I'd like to be sure before dropping a bunch of money on a new Solace case.

 

[arayofray]

So is the camera / flash cutout on the back large enough for the new 5s flash? I doubt a company like Element Case would market them as 5s cases if they didn't work, but I'd like to be sure before dropping a bunch of money on a new Solace case.

would love to know the same answer too. also, does anybody have realtime pics of italian red to share?

 

[IndyMark]

Couldn't wait any longer and ordered the trigger on a Solace case in Italian Red this morning for my new iPhone 5s. I upgraded to 3-day shipping so I could get it in my hands a little sooner.

Crossing my fingers that I will love this case as much as the Element Case Formula 4 that I used on my iPhone 4s.

 

[psychonaut]

would love to know the same answer too. also, does anybody have realtime pics of italian red to share?

Flash works fine on the 5S as I have tested it. Just completed my video review of this case today but will not post until later as I need to edit it, etc...

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about it and I will be happy to answer. I have the case in Grey.

 

[Mobster1983]

First post updated with information after I received my iPhone 5S today.

 

[djstile]

I received this case earlier this week and while I love the look of the case I will be returning it. I frequently use my iphone with one hand and I've found the edges of the aluminum crown pieces dig into my hands making this case uncomfortable to use.

 

[yos]

Element Case - Solace Antenna Interference

I'm also considering this case based mostly on the design and looks however given the aluminum top/bottom caps will this interfere with the signal and reception of your iPhone 5S? I understand the antenna is located at the bottom of the phone.

Also, any issues with other models of Element Cases in terms of signal reception given some are aluminum/titanium/ and/or metal?

Beside the signal quality how is the drop protection? If you typically drop it from chest length below will it stand common drops?

 

[mingenyx]

Received this case saturday, it feels very nicely made (minus the fact in my head knowing it was made for probably dirt cheap in china) paying $80 i was hesitant on, but before it i tried out the Sector 5 Black Ops Elite and that case wasnt for me, the sharp designs on the sector 5 line were uncomfortable and the price tag made me worried on scratching the case so it was rediculous,

the solace on the otherhand is comfortable to hold, it holds slimmer than that of the sector 5 series and the buttons have excellent feedback (along with the mute button easily to reach), case feels well built and makes my phone feel solid. I wish it was cheaper thn $80 but I am happy with this case purchase

I liked how element cases are made in the usa, so when this one is "designed in california" but made in china it still is a big turn off for the price