Review: Tech21 Patriot for iPhone 6 Plus

[kgenova]

I have to say that I am quite impressed with the Tech21 Patriot case. The material it is made of--a combination of TPU and their proprietary FlexShock impact resistant material--feels really good in the hand. The texture is quite similar to that of the Tech21 Tactical case. My iPhone 6 Plus felt very well protected in this case. There is also an included belt holster, which has a kickstand function, for people who are interested in using that functionality.

They had some issues earlier on with their built in screen protector (it wouldn't lie flat enough against the phone's touch screen, causing usability issues), but those appear to have been resolved. The screen protector isn't the crowning jewel of the Patriot case, but it is perfectly usable, and I like it better than the built in screen protectors of other protective cases I have tried, such as the Griffin Survivor All-Terrain. The screen clarity is slightly affected, and you notice that the screen protector is there when you are typing, but swiping up and down and back and forth is unimpeded. The touch id membrane works fine--I didn't really notice a difference in unlocking speed compared to an uncovered home button.

Audio quality is fine, despite the protective mesh over the speakers. The big mystery to me with this case is why they left the camera opening unprotected. All the other port openings are nicely covered, but the camera opening is huge and completely unprotected against dust and water.

Overall, I just really like it! Here are some pics and my YouTube review:

Thanks!

Kristin

 

[macher]

I have to say that I am quite impressed with the Tech21 Patriot case. The material it is made of--a combination of TPU and their proprietary FlexShock impact resistant material--feels really good in the hand. The texture is quite similar to that of the Tech21 Tactical case. My iPhone 6 Plus felt very well protected in this case. There is also an included belt holster, which has a kickstand function, for people who are interested in using that functionality.

They had some issues earlier on with their built in screen protector (it wouldn't lie flat enough against the phone's touch screen, causing usability issues), but those appear to have been resolved. The screen protector isn't the crowning jewel of the Patriot case, but it is perfectly usable, and I like it better than the built in screen protectors of other protective cases I have tried, such as the Griffin Survivor All-Terrain. The screen clarity is slightly affected, and you notice that the screen protector is there when you are typing, but swiping up and down and back and forth is unimpeded. The touch id membrane works fine--I didn't really notice a difference in unlocking speed compared to an uncovered home button.

Audio quality is fine, despite the protective mesh over the speakers. The big mystery to me with this case is why they left the camera opening unprotected. All the other port openings are nicely covered, but the camera opening is huge and completely unprotected against dust and water.

Overall, I just really like it! Here are some pics and my YouTube review:

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YouTube: video

Thanks!

Kristin

It's a shame cause the Patriot is a VERY nice case except for the screen protector. It's HORRIBLE. Too much space between the built in screen protector, have to tap hard and makes a sound when you tap. If they fix this issue this case would be GREAT.

 

[kgenova]

It's a shame cause the Patriot is a VERY nice case except for the screen protector. It's HORRIBLE. Too much space between the built in screen protector, have to tap hard and makes a sound when you tap. If they fix this issue this case would be GREAT.

Hi Macher. I replied to your other thread about this issue. I totally know what you mean about the screen protector issue because the first review sample I was sent had the same problem. But at least for the 6 Plus, they seem to have fixed the problem, as my replacement--the one I reviewed--was fine. Perhaps I just got lucky? Or perhaps this is a 6 versus 6 Plus issue? I reviewed the 6 Plus version...

Kristin

 

[scjr]

Another great review!

What is it Tech21 and their camera cutouts?

 

[kgenova]

Another great review!

What is it Tech21 and their camera cutouts?

Thanks!

I don't know why they are so in love with the oversized camera cut outs--it's kind of bizarre. You'd think with all the negative press they have received about it that they would change their cases, but as far as I know, the only case with small camera cut outs is their exclusive through the Apple Store--the Evo Mesh case...

Kristin

 

[macher]

Another great review!

What is it Tech21 and their camera cutouts?

Yea I don't get it either. The Patriot in my opinion has so much potential compared to the likes of the Otterbox Defender. I think it's just as protective as the Defender but WAY nicer looking and better quality.

 

[macher]

Ok I just got the Otterbox Defender cause I wanted to test it out. With AT&T I get 14 days to return it. I'm very impressed with the Defender. It's not a bad looking case and the screen FITS very flat on the iPhone screen and is a MUCH better experience than the Patriots screen protector. I received my Patriot screen protector and although it fits flat it's not as smooth as the Defender screen protector.

 

[kgenova]

Ok I just got the Otterbox Defender cause I wanted to test it out. With AT&T I get 14 days to return it. I'm very impressed with the Defender. It's not a bad looking case and the screen FITS very flat on the iPhone screen and is a MUCH better experience than the Patriots screen protector. I received my Patriot screen protector and although it fits flat it's not as smooth as the Defender screen protector.

Interesting! They must have made some serious improvements from prior model versions. I haven't looked at the Defender since the iPhone 5, so I'm quite behind. Glad to hear that the screen shield is working out so well for you. Did I understand you correctly that you had also received your Tech21 Patriot replacement and that it was properly flat this time? If so, that is good news on the Patriot front, even if it isn't quite as good as the Otterbox Defender's screen protector. That warped screen bug they had was seriously irritating. How does the rest of the Defender case compare to the Tech21 Patriot?
You also might be interested in checking out the new Thule Atmos X4 case that was just released. I'm not sure if it is available in stores yet, but I will be reviewing it once I get my review sample next week. Like the Tech21 Patriot and the Otterbox Defender, it has drop protection (2 meter) and an integrated screen shield that is supposed to provide impact protection for your screen. It retails for $59.99, I think. It looks very promising!

Kristin

 

[macher]

Interesting! They must have made some serious improvements from prior model versions. I haven't looked at the Defender since the iPhone 5, so I'm quite behind. Glad to hear that the screen shield is working out so well for you. Did I understand you correctly that you had also received your Tech21 Patriot replacement and that it was properly flat this time? If so, that is good news on the Patriot front, even if it isn't quite as good as the Otterbox Defender's screen protector. That warped screen bug they had was seriously irritating. How does the rest of the Defender case compare to the Tech21 Patriot?
You also might be interested in checking out the new Thule Atmos X4 case that was just released. I'm not sure if it is available in stores yet, but I will be reviewing it once I get my review sample next week. Like the Tech21 Patriot and the Otterbox Defender, it has drop protection (2 meter) and an integrated screen shield that is supposed to provide impact protection for your screen. It retails for $59.99, I think. It looks very promising!

Kristin

If the Thule case back is like the other Thule versions I'm not a big fan of the back.

The Otterbox screen protector to me almost doesn't feel like there's a built in screen protector as it's very smooth. The new Patriot although it almost sits flat as the Defender doesn't feel as smooth. Maybe the Patriot's screen protector offers better screen protection?