Hey guys so i received the sample Aura Pro IPhone 4s case from ICEMDesign.
This review will be based on the fact the case is at testing and pre-production stage.
DESIGN
The case comes in three parts. The main body sits round the sides of the phone and comes with rubber inserts to stop it from touching the metal band and to stop it from affecting the signal. The thinner rail piece slided onto the main piece and slides from the top down and clicks into place at the bottom making it flush with the main piece. You can also include a backplate to the thinner piece before applying it to the main body. The rail like system works well and is much better than screwing it in. Without the backplate it does move around slightly but really it's hardly noticeable. Both the volume up/down and sleep/wake are metal and have a nice tactile feel to them much like the original IPhone buttons. The charging port is nice and big and no problems arise when using the stock IPhone cable or a third party cable. I don't know about docking because i do not own one. The headphone port is slightly recessed but i was able to fit my Sennheiser IE8's with an l shaped jack with no problems. It also has a small lanyard double holed system next to the headphone port if you want to use one.
SIGNAL
I get four bars of 3G at home consistently and with the case on it drops down to three. Calls were no problem. Clear voices with no distortion, no break ups or interference. When browsing this took a slight hit but it was merely milliseconds compared to having the case off. GPS was fine also when using Google maps and dropping a pin on your location faired well along with using it for travel. I had zero problems on wifi with this case.
ACCESSORIES
This case only came with a clear backplate made of plastic although other colours can be bought separately. In the future these backplates will be made of an impact resistant material called Poron. I feel more choice would be nice with the purchase although a wide range of coloured backplates are available (sold separately).
PROS
Great ease of putting the case on and taking it off
looks
Ability to charge with the case on
Choice of backplate or not when fitting
Lay on the table design (although slight)
CONS
Slight signal degradation
May not be able to be used with a dock
Not all headphones may fit the recessed headphone port
Slight movement with no backplate on the case
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was sceptical of this case after Gadgetmacs review but pleasantly surprised after using it for a couple of days. If your signal is already bad then this might not be for you. However if you have a generally good one then i would recommend this. Based on the looks, the ease of applying the case, the available accessories and the feel then i would buy this myself.
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