I had the 3G/3GS case too and it wasn't this difficult. I might return this case because of this and it's seemingly too thick thickness.
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REVIEW: Seidio Innocase II Surface Case & Holster (High Res Pics)
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I had the 3G/3GS case too and it wasn't this difficult. I might return this case because of this and it's seemingly too thick thickness.
I really appreciate you guys trying to help but believe me, I know how to take off a case. I've tried every possible method to get this thing off short of pliers or a vice grip and it hasn't budged. My hands are actually tired and sore from trying for so long. It should not be this hard to remove a case. Pushing on the bottom piece makes sense but it's not helping. It's not like you can feel anything pushing in when you apply pressure there either - the thing is just so damn tight that it won't move. I don't know what else to try at this point. Even if I want to return the thing and get a refund I can't do it unless I send my phone in with it
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.I got mine today and I LOVE IT. It has a reallly nice feel, looks amazing, and adds no bulk whatsoever. I really don't know what you guys are complaining about. Maybe you got defective ones.
I've never had a Seidio product so this is a nice surprise.
As for taking off the case, yeah, it's tricky, keyword: tricky. It's not about force, it's about technique.
Listen to these instructions carefully.
With your left hand, grip the sides of the top-half of the case. What you want to do is squeeze it so that the middle of the case arcs upwards a bit, don't be afraid to do it firmly. Note: it won't visually arc upwards much, the material isn't that flexible, but just know that that is basically what you're trying to accomplish (no matter how slight the arc is)
Next, with your right hand, also grip the sides of the bottom-half of the case, WHILE you use your index and middle fingers to push down on the middle of the case underneath where the top and bottom halves of the case meet. NOTE: do NOT push down right underneath the separation of the top and bottom halves, instead, go down a bit more. If you push right underneath where the seam is, then you are not achieving the desired effect and the case will likely not open.
Essentially what you are trying to accomplish is get the top-half to arc upwards, while making the bottom-half to arc downwards.
Finally, while you are doing this, pull the bottom-half of the case to slide it off.
Listen: I think it's a good thing that it's not so easy to come off. As a slider case, I was concerned that the case would come off accidentally.
True, being new to the case it is pretty scary not knowing how to take off the case, Seidio could have definitely done better in this respect. In fact, the so called 'instructions' provided with the case are very vague and use the previous model of the case (for iPhone 3GS) in the pictures.
However, if you don't go into raging caveman mode where you're freaking out and thinking it's all about force, yet being afraid to apply it to begin with, then you won't accomplish anything. Use the technique I mentioned above and taking off the case becomes an afterthought.
DON'T BE AFRAID about 'scratching the iPhone 4 while taking/putting on the case', that's why the damn felt lining is in the inside of the case.
I know the instructions might seem long and complicated but that's because I had to type them up, I would post a video if I had decent recorder. Just take the instructions one by one and you'll see it's pretty straightforward.
I've never had a Seidio product so this is a nice surprise.
As for taking off the case, yeah, it's tricky, keyword: tricky. It's not about force, it's about technique.
Listen to these instructions carefully.
With your left hand, grip the sides of the top-half of the case. What you want to do is squeeze it so that the middle of the case arcs upwards a bit, don't be afraid to do it firmly. Note: it won't visually arc upwards much, the material isn't that flexible, but just know that that is basically what you're trying to accomplish (no matter how slight the arc is)
Next, with your right hand, also grip the sides of the bottom-half of the case, WHILE you use your index and middle fingers to push down on the middle of the case underneath where the top and bottom halves of the case meet. NOTE: do NOT push down right underneath the separation of the top and bottom halves, instead, go down a bit more. If you push right underneath where the seam is, then you are not achieving the desired effect and the case will likely not open.
Essentially what you are trying to accomplish is get the top-half to arc upwards, while making the bottom-half to arc downwards.
Finally, while you are doing this, pull the bottom-half of the case to slide it off.
Listen: I think it's a good thing that it's not so easy to come off. As a slider case, I was concerned that the case would come off accidentally.
True, being new to the case it is pretty scary not knowing how to take off the case, Seidio could have definitely done better in this respect. In fact, the so called 'instructions' provided with the case are very vague and use the previous model of the case (for iPhone 3GS) in the pictures.
However, if you don't go into raging caveman mode where you're freaking out and thinking it's all about force, yet being afraid to apply it to begin with, then you won't accomplish anything. Use the technique I mentioned above and taking off the case becomes an afterthought.
DON'T BE AFRAID about 'scratching the iPhone 4 while taking/putting on the case', that's why the damn felt lining is in the inside of the case.
I know the instructions might seem long and complicated but that's because I had to type them up, I would post a video if I had decent recorder. Just take the instructions one by one and you'll see it's pretty straightforward.
I had the Innocase and holster for my 3G and loved it! I'm not completely sold on the looks of the i4 Innocase, but I don't think that's going to stop me from getting one. The quality of my 3G case was extremely high. It felt great in my hand, which was was mattered most to me. Combine that with the highest quality belt clip of this style that I've ever used (and I've used a few) and that's enough to make me want to try the iPhone 4 Innocase despite not entirely loving the looks.
Has anyone tried the Active case? I'm really interested in hearing about that, but I really like the thinness of the Innocase? Does 2mm make that much difference? A+ cases and clips overall.
Has anyone tried the Active case? I'm really interested in hearing about that, but I really like the thinness of the Innocase? Does 2mm make that much difference? A+ cases and clips overall.
Again, having had 'bulky' cases before, I know for fact that this case is not bulky.
The thing is that the form factor of the iPhone 4 is different, it's squared/rectangular, whereas the previous iPhone models had a curved back, which felt more ergonomic. The iPhone 4, despite all the hype, feels a bit weird if you try to hold it the same way as previous models, because of the squared corners on the edges, instead of a smooth curved back.
This characteristic is even more pronounced when you add a case, no matter the thickness. So when you hold an iPhone 4 with a case it might feel closer to holding a brick (exaggeration), when really the case isn't all that bulky.
In any case, if you want something even thinner at the expense of less protection (be my guest to spend ~$30 for a cheap piece of plastic that only protects against scratches), then there is the SwitchEasy Nude and the Incipio Feather as well, among others.
The thing is that the form factor of the iPhone 4 is different, it's squared/rectangular, whereas the previous iPhone models had a curved back, which felt more ergonomic. The iPhone 4, despite all the hype, feels a bit weird if you try to hold it the same way as previous models, because of the squared corners on the edges, instead of a smooth curved back.
This characteristic is even more pronounced when you add a case, no matter the thickness. So when you hold an iPhone 4 with a case it might feel closer to holding a brick (exaggeration), when really the case isn't all that bulky.
In any case, if you want something even thinner at the expense of less protection (be my guest to spend ~$30 for a cheap piece of plastic that only protects against scratches), then there is the SwitchEasy Nude and the Incipio Feather as well, among others.
I had a few Seidio cases for my 3GS: 3 different colored Innocase Surface II cases along with the holster and finally the Innocase Rugged with holster. I was always pleased with both the quality of their products and their customer service. I'm still waiting for them to release the Innocase Rugged for the IP4 but I think I might just order the Surface now and then do the add-on Rugged pack once they finally release it. Now to decide what color....
I agree with what you said here. I also want to add that the new Innocase definitely appears to be thicker than the old Innocase. I noticed that on the website they only refer to the new case as "slim" while the case for the 3G/3GS is listed at 1mm (I'm quite sure the new case is thicker than 1mm). I understand that the shape of the iphone 4 makes it feel weird when you hold it and these squared off cases just feel bulkier in general (it's one of the reasons I'm still looking for a case that's more rounded). I've also come to the conclusion that I really don't like the shape of the iphone 4 at all. It does not feel good in my hands naked and it doesn't feel much better with the Innocase on it either. I wish they had just stayed with the shape of the 3GS but I'm hoping that I can find a case that will get me closer to that shape.
Anyone with this case that can give some input on screen protector compatibility. The Incase slider is not screen protector friendly, ie. it causes the edges to bubble up for most people. How does this one work with the front protectors?
Mine is pretty good. I did have to do some work with a file to eliminate it. I have a PS Anti-Glare on my iPhone and it is on perfectly centered.
S-
I just received the Ash Grey Innocase II Surface Combo, and I like it more than I thought I would. It looks much better in person than in pictures (but still not as good as the 3G/3Gs version, imo). The case does add some bulk to the iPhone, and I'm still not really too fond of the design on the back...but overall I do like the case. For me the best part is Seidio's belt clip. It is easily the best belt clip that I've used on any phone.
So far I haven't noticed any problems with the case. The camera/flash cutouts seem to work well and do not create any washout from the flash. As far as fit goes, it seems ok. The top piece fits perfectly, but the bottom is just a little bit loose. However, when the case locks, it is solid and doesn't seem like it will come apart accidentally. I tried pulling it apart, and the case will not open unless pressure is applied to the bottom piece just below the joint. I'm not sure how it will be after some use, but for now I feel confident that the phone is secure.
I'm using it with the SGP Oleophobic screen protector, and I have managed to get one bubble at the top. That is my fault though, because the screen protector isn't really placed square or centered on the phone. I hate applying screen protectors, and I'm really bad at it lol. None of my applications turn out perfect, but they are good enough for me
If anyone has questions, feel free to ask. I'll try to post pictures when I get my camera back later this week.
So far I haven't noticed any problems with the case. The camera/flash cutouts seem to work well and do not create any washout from the flash. As far as fit goes, it seems ok. The top piece fits perfectly, but the bottom is just a little bit loose. However, when the case locks, it is solid and doesn't seem like it will come apart accidentally. I tried pulling it apart, and the case will not open unless pressure is applied to the bottom piece just below the joint. I'm not sure how it will be after some use, but for now I feel confident that the phone is secure.
I'm using it with the SGP Oleophobic screen protector, and I have managed to get one bubble at the top. That is my fault though, because the screen protector isn't really placed square or centered on the phone. I hate applying screen protectors, and I'm really bad at it lol. None of my applications turn out perfect, but they are good enough for me
If anyone has questions, feel free to ask. I'll try to post pictures when I get my camera back later this week.
I would also like to add to my previous posts: this case does NOT exhibit the flash issue.
As I predicted in the first page, the separation between the camera and the flash holes actually helps to prevent this. You would understand if you knew how the flash issue was occurring to begin with.
As I predicted in the first page, the separation between the camera and the flash holes actually helps to prevent this. You would understand if you knew how the flash issue was occurring to begin with.
I did the exact same, file some of the edges that pushed up against the PS crystal til it sat flat. I also had to put a couple layers of old protectors on the back to bulk up the phone so the case would not come apart. Now it's working like it should.
Great pictures cosmo. The case is still to thick for my taste tho. Place an incase slider on the iP4 then remove it and put on the Seidio case on and it helps to see the slight but difference in size/feel. The Seidio case has a sharper edge and covers the screen just a bit more.
The Seidio cut outs are great tho and they are much better than most of the other cases.
The Seidio cut outs are great tho and they are much better than most of the other cases.
I've noticed that pictures don't really do the case justice. The pictures make it look like a cheap slippery plastic or something, which is bad cause the feel of the case is one of my favorite things. It feels kind of leathery and slick/smooth, don't know how to describe it, and it looks just as great. (not cheap silliconey, rubbery, or shiny hard plastic-ish).
Judging from those last pictures I'm guessing this case is slightly thicker than the InCase Slider?
Really? The old Incase Slider was definitely bigger/thicker than the Innocase Surface for the 3g/3gs. If the new Slider is thinner than the the Surface, I may want the Slider instead. Plus if it's more rounded than the Seidio, that's even better because I don't like how square the Seidio is.
Thanks for the compliment, srl7741. I just wanted to post a few quick pictures to help people decide. The OP posted some really nice pics of the black Innocase and I thought it would be great to see other colors too, as people get them.
maverick86, from what I've seen in a video review of the Incase Slider, it does seem thinner than the Seidio. The bezel on the slider also looks smaller than the one on the Seidio. Overall, I actually prefer the look of the slider, but the Seidio's felt lining and belt clip are what sold me on it.
I've been using the Innocase for a day now, and I really like it. The iPhone 4 already feels really solid, and the Innocase makes it feel even more so. The thickness of the case does make the phone more bulky, but it also seems like it adds quite a bit of protection. Maybe not from serious drops, but it will definitely protect it from day to day bumps.
Some people may not like the added thickness, but I think it is a worthy trade off.
maverick86, from what I've seen in a video review of the Incase Slider, it does seem thinner than the Seidio. The bezel on the slider also looks smaller than the one on the Seidio. Overall, I actually prefer the look of the slider, but the Seidio's felt lining and belt clip are what sold me on it.
I've been using the Innocase for a day now, and I really like it. The iPhone 4 already feels really solid, and the Innocase makes it feel even more so. The thickness of the case does make the phone more bulky, but it also seems like it adds quite a bit of protection. Maybe not from serious drops, but it will definitely protect it from day to day bumps.
Some people may not like the added thickness, but I think it is a worthy trade off.
Sapphire Blue Innocase + a few more details
Hello everyone!
I have received my order from Seidio for the Innocase II Surface Combo + Ultimate Screen Guard today. I took plenty of pictures during my unboxing and install to post a review here, but it seems I was too late! XD
Thanks for the great review Stangs55, I agree with you that it is indeed a very nice case.
Since some people mentioned that they would like to see pictures of other colors for this case, I thought that I would still post some of my pictures as I have bought the Sapphire Blue model.
All in all, I have a few things to add concerning the cut-outs for the buttons, the inside of the case, the case two-part locking system, how the camera/flash cope with the case, compatibility with the Seidio protective film and a small complaint about the holster.
Without further ado, here are some general pictures:
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![]()
I like how they did a smooth cut-out for the noise cancellation mic.
The cut-outs for the buttons and controls
From the measurement I made, the case is approximately 1.5 mm thick, which could be too thick for some people. With that in mind, the design of the cut-outs of the sleep/wake button and the volume/ringer controls that go all the way to the back is better, because it allows your fingers to reach the buttons far more easily than if these were simple holes. In the next picture, imagine your fingers trying to click the controls without the clearance in place.
![]()
The inside of the case
The case has a soft material inside that protects the back of the phone from scratching when you slide it in, which feels a lot more secure.
![]()
As a small side note, I found very funny that they took the time to add the camera next to the receiver in the original packaging example, but kept a very old screenshot (from iPhone OS 1 I believe) to represent the user interface... XD
![]()
The case two-part locking system
As some users complained, the case can be quite hard to remove the first time you try. I had issues removing it the first time too, but I managed to get it off.
Blaenk posted a very good and detailed tutorial on how to snap it off without damage.
This only proved to me that the case will definitely not come off accidentally, at least.
![]()
How the camera/flash cope with the case
Some of you expressed concerns over the design of the cut-outs for the camera and flash. Here is a close-up of it and my observations just below.
![]()
While the hole seems deep, it does not affect the camera at all... but the flash's range is slightly blocked by the edges. You can clearly see in the next picture what I'm talking about.
![]()
However, the flash reaches everything that is in the camera's sight, unless what you want to take a picture of is really, really close to the it. So that is NOT, in fact, an issue.
From the few test shots I've got, the flash does not reflect into the camera. Thanks to the small portion of the case that comes between these two, as some of you have mentioned.
So, from my personal observations, the case does not affect the quality of the camera/flash of the phone.
Compatibility with the Seidio protective film
As I said before, I bought an Ultimate Screen Guard alongside the Innocase combo.
Since the film and case come from the same company, you would tend to think that they should fit perfectly together... right? RIGHT!?
Seems like not.
![]()
This small bubble appears every single time I snap the top of the case on. The protective film is perfect before I put it on, but the case creates this bubble when slid in. No matter how hard I tried, it won't come off.
What I found interesting is that C0SM0 has a bubble at the exact same position. This leads me to believe that there is something at that spot of the case that creates this bubble, no matter what you do.
Oh well...
A small complaint about the holster
Don't get me wrong, the holster is a great design and fits perfectly with the cased iPhone.
However, I have a minor complaint about the lack of structure at the top of the holster to hold back the phone when you squeeze the back clip.
Let me explain with pictures, here you have the holster at rest with the cased phone. You can clearly see a gap between the two.
![]()
There you have the holster when I squeeze the back clip.
![]()
It bends towards the phone and opens the top clip, which isn't very nice and feels wrong... it feels like it's going to break after a lot of use.
What I am going to do from now on is put and remove the holster from my belt/pants without the phone in it. It isn't that big of a deal, it would've just been nice to be able to do that with the phone in and having the action not feel weird.
Conclusion
All in all, the Innocase II Surface is a great case and I definitely recommend the holster if you want to have an easy access to your phone.
The cut-outs for the buttons are well thought of, the locking system is reliable and the camera/flash are not affected at all by the case.
Aside from minor complaints, the design is very good and the case feels great in your hands.
My rating: 9.5/10
Thanks for reading and have a nice day everyone!
Hello everyone!
I have received my order from Seidio for the Innocase II Surface Combo + Ultimate Screen Guard today. I took plenty of pictures during my unboxing and install to post a review here, but it seems I was too late! XD
Thanks for the great review Stangs55, I agree with you that it is indeed a very nice case.
Since some people mentioned that they would like to see pictures of other colors for this case, I thought that I would still post some of my pictures as I have bought the Sapphire Blue model.
All in all, I have a few things to add concerning the cut-outs for the buttons, the inside of the case, the case two-part locking system, how the camera/flash cope with the case, compatibility with the Seidio protective film and a small complaint about the holster.
Without further ado, here are some general pictures:
I like how they did a smooth cut-out for the noise cancellation mic.
The cut-outs for the buttons and controls
From the measurement I made, the case is approximately 1.5 mm thick, which could be too thick for some people. With that in mind, the design of the cut-outs of the sleep/wake button and the volume/ringer controls that go all the way to the back is better, because it allows your fingers to reach the buttons far more easily than if these were simple holes. In the next picture, imagine your fingers trying to click the controls without the clearance in place.
The inside of the case
The case has a soft material inside that protects the back of the phone from scratching when you slide it in, which feels a lot more secure.
As a small side note, I found very funny that they took the time to add the camera next to the receiver in the original packaging example, but kept a very old screenshot (from iPhone OS 1 I believe) to represent the user interface... XD
The case two-part locking system
As some users complained, the case can be quite hard to remove the first time you try. I had issues removing it the first time too, but I managed to get it off.
Blaenk posted a very good and detailed tutorial on how to snap it off without damage.
This only proved to me that the case will definitely not come off accidentally, at least.
How the camera/flash cope with the case
Some of you expressed concerns over the design of the cut-outs for the camera and flash. Here is a close-up of it and my observations just below.
While the hole seems deep, it does not affect the camera at all... but the flash's range is slightly blocked by the edges. You can clearly see in the next picture what I'm talking about.
However, the flash reaches everything that is in the camera's sight, unless what you want to take a picture of is really, really close to the it. So that is NOT, in fact, an issue.
From the few test shots I've got, the flash does not reflect into the camera. Thanks to the small portion of the case that comes between these two, as some of you have mentioned.
So, from my personal observations, the case does not affect the quality of the camera/flash of the phone.
Compatibility with the Seidio protective film
As I said before, I bought an Ultimate Screen Guard alongside the Innocase combo.
Since the film and case come from the same company, you would tend to think that they should fit perfectly together... right? RIGHT!?
Seems like not.
This small bubble appears every single time I snap the top of the case on. The protective film is perfect before I put it on, but the case creates this bubble when slid in. No matter how hard I tried, it won't come off.
What I found interesting is that C0SM0 has a bubble at the exact same position. This leads me to believe that there is something at that spot of the case that creates this bubble, no matter what you do.
Oh well...
A small complaint about the holster
Don't get me wrong, the holster is a great design and fits perfectly with the cased iPhone.
However, I have a minor complaint about the lack of structure at the top of the holster to hold back the phone when you squeeze the back clip.
Let me explain with pictures, here you have the holster at rest with the cased phone. You can clearly see a gap between the two.
There you have the holster when I squeeze the back clip.
It bends towards the phone and opens the top clip, which isn't very nice and feels wrong... it feels like it's going to break after a lot of use.
What I am going to do from now on is put and remove the holster from my belt/pants without the phone in it. It isn't that big of a deal, it would've just been nice to be able to do that with the phone in and having the action not feel weird.
Conclusion
All in all, the Innocase II Surface is a great case and I definitely recommend the holster if you want to have an easy access to your phone.
The cut-outs for the buttons are well thought of, the locking system is reliable and the camera/flash are not affected at all by the case.
Aside from minor complaints, the design is very good and the case feels great in your hands.
My rating: 9.5/10
Thanks for reading and have a nice day everyone!
edit* there was another post with more great pictures but it's gone now.
^^More awesome pictures, great stuff. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with how the Seidio case fits or works. It's a great case, fits well and also fits very well w/the clip in the combo.
I just happen to purchase the incase slider while I was waiting on the Seidio case to be delivered and when I installed the Seidio case I felt and saw the difference. The incase slider is thinner and less intrusive on or around the front edge of the iP4. If you have a chance to put both cases on your iP4 try it and you will see/feel what I mean.
I'm keeping both cases and actually going to keep using the iP4 naked with the Seidio clip. Guess I'm just not in the mood for a case around the iP4 yet.
almost cancelled by kept my order.
so, mine shipped today, sage surface II holster combo, as date mentioned on their website, 8/20.
can't wait.
thanks to those who post your pictures and provided input!
so, mine shipped today, sage surface II holster combo, as date mentioned on their website, 8/20.
can't wait.
thanks to those who post your pictures and provided input!
I'd like to try a Slider out but I can't seem to find any in my local stores. Only thing that worries me is that it seems like the Slider bubbles screen protectors pretty badly. I have a PS Anti-Glare on now and it's almost perfectly straight but it still might bubble. My Candyshell doesn't bubble it at all though.