Review: Thule Atmos X4 for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus with Revised Screen Protector!

[kgenova]

October 4, 2105 update on the screen protector issues with the Atmos X4. Thule finally sent me out the revised screen protector, and the design flaw that kept the user from being able to easily swipe up to access Control Center has been fixed. I'm very happy with the new screen protector, and I think it elevates the Atmos X4 to the status of nearly perfect case. With 2 meter drop protection, grippy sides, easy press buttons, generous port openings and an integrated screen protector which gives you 5x shatter protection and allows you to access Control Center, the Thule Atmos X4 is just fantastic. Note: I wasn't able to re-test this case on my iPhone 6, because I sold it, but I expect the iPhone 6 or 6s should perform in pretty much the same way as iPhone 6s Plus version that I tested. Here's the updated review for the Atmos X4 for the iPhone 6s Plus...and yes, this does fit both the iPhone 6 Plus and the 6s Plus. The fit is slightly tighter on the 6s Plus, but it is still fine:

Thanks!

Kristin

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Well, I finally got my long-awaited review sample of the Thule Atmos X4 and I am overall quite impressed with the case. It is very similar to the Atmos X3 in many ways, but they have made a solid effort to fix the few issues the Atmos X3 had and add additional functionality: an integrated screen protector. The screen protector is overall quite nice--it has an excellent optical clarity and touchscreen sensitivity and is supposed to provide five times as much protection as a naked iPhone screen. Unfortunately, it is quite finicky to install and it also impedes access to the control center as the bottom of the screen protector affects your ability to swipe up properly. On the positive side, they have greatly enlarged the port openings, so third party headphones and lightning cables shouldn't be a problem, and the buttons are much easier to press than the ones on the X3. Overall, I really like it and think it is a significant upgrade to the Atmos X3.

Here are some pics and my YouTube review:

Thanks!

Kristin

 

[stcizzle]

Well I guess I just figured out why best buy had all the x3s on clearance lol haha guess it will be returned now for the x4

 

[danny8200]

Can you use the case without the screen protector that's included?

 

[ipos]

the integrated screen protector will take away the retina screen of the iphone

 

[kgenova]

Well I guess I just figured out why best buy had all the x3s on clearance lol haha guess it will be returned now for the x4

I don't know--they may keep offering both simultaneously. Not everyone wants an integrated screen protector, and the X4 retails for $20 more than the X3. Think of the Candyshell and the Candyshell with Faceplate--Speck offers both...

 

[kgenova]

the integrated screen protector will take away the retina screen of the iphone

Honestly, the screen protector looks and feels great. This is actually the best case with integrated screen protector combo that I've come across. The install is difficult, and I'm irritated by the Control Center problems, but other than that, the screen protector is great and a definite addition to the Atmos X4.

 

[kgenova]

Can you use the case without the screen protector that's included?

Absolutely. It just becomes an improved Atmos X3 at that point--one with easily clickable buttons, one that you can use most third party cables with, and one with an even better grip.

 

[rmarcucci]

I think Thule changed the desing. Check the website and notice that the border over the home button is diferent from yours (makes easier to get CC).

 

[kgenova]

I think Thule changed the desing. Check the website and notice that the border over the home button is diferent from yours (makes easier to get CC).

I think you are absolutely right! I looked closely at the picture on the Thule website, and the plastic border near the home button is clearly different. I will contact Thule ASAP regarding this and report back . I really hope they have fixed it. Thanks!!

Kristin

 

[AE14]

thank you Kristin. I am curious. If is is fixed, i would consider the purchase even at $60

 

[kgenova]

thank you Kristin. I am curious. If is is fixed, i would consider the purchase even at $60

I will find out as soon as I can

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Thank you, Kristin. I have really enjoyed your review. It looks like a great case and I will definetly buy one as I use Thule for my other products as well.

P.S.: Yes, they changed the design. Seems it became easier to install and fits better.

 

[danny8200]

This looks really cool. I like that black and orange color. I would get one but already have too many cases.

 

[danny8200]

Is the screen protector completely adhered to the screen or is it like the otter boxes?

 

[kgenova]

Thank you, Kristin. I have really enjoyed your review. It looks like a great case and I will definetly buy one as I use Thule for my other products as well.

P.S.: Yes, they changed the design. Seems it became easier to install and fits better.

I hope so! Not sure why they would be sending an older product model out to reviewers -- must be an oversight, I guess If they have fixed the Control Center issue, I'm sold!

 

[kgenova]

Is the screen protector completely adhered to the screen or is it like the otter boxes?

Completely adhered.

 

[macher]

Completely adhered.

Did you notice any space between the built in protector and the iPhone screen? I gave up on the Tech21 Patriot case.

 

[kgenova]

Did you notice any space between the built in protector and the iPhone screen? I gave up on the Tech21 Patriot case.

There's absolutely no gap with this screen protector--it adheres completely to the screen in all directions. It is quite excellent aside from the control center issue.

 

[macher]

There's absolutely no gap with this screen protector--it adheres completely to the screen in all directions. It is quite excellent aside from the control center issue.

Think they'll come out with another version to fix the control center issue.

 

[kgenova]

Think they'll come out with another version to fix the control center issue.

It looks like there is evidence that they have. I'll let you guys know as soon as I find out more.

 

[Truefan31]

I think the x4 with a good glass screen protector would be just as nice and no cc issues

 

[kgenova]

I think the x4 with a good glass screen protector would be just as nice and no cc issues

The screen protector that the Atmos X4 comes with gives you 5x the amount of screen protection as a naked screen. That's a lot more protection than a glass screen protector...

 

[Truefan31]

The screen protector that the Atmos X4 comes with gives you 5x the amount of screen protection as a naked screen. That's a lot more protection than a glass screen protector...

Yeah but you don't have to worry about not being able to use the control center. There's a lot of good glass screen protectors.

 

[kgenova]

Yeah but you don't have to worry about not being able to use the control center. There's a lot of good glass screen protectors.

Well, hopefully Thule has fixed the Control Center issue. Honestly, if they have, I would prefer their integrated screen protector to a glass screen protector. It feels very much like glass and I love the 5x screen protection. I'm really enjoying having it on my 6 Plus. Tempered glass screen protectors are great, but they simply don't provide that much drop protection.

 

[AE14]

Did they send you one for the 6 plus? I thought your review was for the 6