Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

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

Thank you for your fast reply :)

I am really looking forward to your video review. Hopefully, the installation work is not too noisy - or will finish soon, so it does not bother you all day.

I also saw that your new iPhone 6S Plus arrived - is the fight with the Thule X4 too tight or does it go well with it? I was under the impression Thule advertises the same case for both phones ;)
 
Noreh said:
Thank you for your fast reply :)

I am really looking forward to your video review. Hopefully, the installation work is not too noisy - or will finish soon, so it does not bother you all day.

I also saw that your new iPhone 6S Plus arrived - is the fight with the Thule X4 too tight or does it go well with it? I was under the impression Thule advertises the same case for both phones ;)
Click to expand...
I tried on the X4 right after I got my 6s Plus, and I thought the fit seemed a little tight, but I was also caught up in new phone paranoia at that point (you don't even want to breathe on it wrong!). I have since put the X3 on, and it fits fine, so I suspect the X4 will be fine when I try it back on this afternoon.
 
kgenova said:
The revised screen protector arrived yesterday, and I haven't put it on yet, but I will hopefully get a chance to shoot a review video with it this afternoon. I'm having new gutters and downspouts installed on my house today, so it is quite noisy at times and may interfere with my video plans, but I'll get it out as soon as possible, and will, of course, post here!
Click to expand...

Looking forward to hearing more about the newer version when it comes to the 6s.
 
Last edited:
Just got back from Best Buy, tried out the Thule Atmos x3 with the 6s, it's definitely snug but still looks good. I'm wondering if the faceplate for the x4 sticks out a lot when it comes to the 6s. Any feedback would help. Thanks all.
 
OK, so I installed the revised X4 screen protector, and it works wonderfully. The X4 does indeed fit on the 6s Plus, although it is a tighter fit, unsurprisingly, than on the 6 Plus. The cut-outs on the revised screen protector allow access to Control Center and everything seems to work great. No issues with 3D Touch. The only negative I find with it is that the plastic of the screen protector is not as smear-resistant as a tempered glass screen protector would be, but that has been true with every plastic screen protector I have tried. Nothing beats the lovely, smear-free performance of tempered glass, but with its 5x shatter protection, the screen protector on the Thule Atmos X4 is going to be much more protective than a tempered glass screen protector would be. Here's my updated review:

Thanks!

Kristin
 
  • Like
Reactions: obatron1, jmantn and THE JUICEMAN
kgenova said:
OK, so I installed the revised X4 screen protector, and it works wonderfully. The X4 does indeed fit on the 6s Plus, although it is a tighter fit, unsurprisingly, than on the 6 Plus. The cut-outs on the revised screen protector allow access to Control Center and everything seems to work great. No issues with 3D Touch. The only negative I find with it is that the plastic of the screen protector is not as smear-resistant as a tempered glass screen protector would be, but that has been true with every plastic screen protector I have tried. Nothing beats the lovely, smear-free performance of tempered glass, but with its 5x shatter protection, the screen protector on the Thule Atmos X4 is going to be much more protective than a tempered glass screen protector would be. Here's my updated review:

Thanks!

Kristin
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update! I'm seriously debating between this and the Apple leather. Looks vs function I guess. I'm also a little worried about the screen protector taking away from the screen quality but everything I've seen says that's not that case. Hard life I have here! Thanks again.
 
THE JUICEMAN said:
Thanks for the update! I'm seriously debating between this and the Apple leather. Looks vs function I guess. I'm also a little worried about the screen protector taking away from the screen quality but everything I've seen says that's not that case. Hard life I have here! Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I think it would provide lots more protection than the Apple leather case, but will be thicker, of course. And as for the screen protector, I think it works wonderfully and feels almost as good as glass...but not quite. It is also more smear prone than glass, but that is true of every plastic screen protector I've come across. However, 5x shatter protection is darn impressive!! Good luck with your decision!
 
  • Like
Reactions: THE JUICEMAN
kgenova said:
Thanks! I think it would provide lots more protection than the Apple leather case, but will be thicker, of course. And as for the screen protector, I think it works wonderfully and feels almost as good as glass...but not quite. It is also more smear prone than glass, but that is true of every plastic screen protector I've come across. However, 5x shatter protection is darn impressive!! Good luck with your decision!
Click to expand...

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered the X4. It ended up being the same exact price as the Apple leather after an Amazon deal. I'll try them both and then make a decision. Great reviews by the way.
 
Kristen,

thanks for the great video review - really enjoyed it! Would you recommend any tempered glass screen protector as a substitute for the plastic one that comes with the case? :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: HorseTears and willmtaylor
would you recommend this over a ballistic tough maxx? Last year I used that with my 6 Plus and dropped it several times onto concrete and tile and never a crack and I don't have any kind of screen protection (the edge around the screen is massive thus I don't worry about drops onto anything unless it's an uneven surface).

The downside to the case is the corners will grab your pockets and anything inside of them. Also it's so bulky that I've twice left it in a shopping cart because it's a pain to be pulling it out looking at a reminder while shopping (like for groceries) and thinking a different case may help with this.

So just wondering which offers more protection as that's my ultimate deciding factor?
 
jmantn said:
would you recommend this over a ballistic tough maxx? Last year I used that with my 6 Plus and dropped it several times onto concrete and tile and never a crack and I don't have any kind of screen protection (the edge around the screen is massive thus I don't worry about drops onto anything unless it's an uneven surface).

The downside to the case is the corners will grab your pockets and anything inside of them. Also it's so bulky that I've twice left it in a shopping cart because it's a pain to be pulling it out looking at a reminder while shopping (like for groceries) and thinking a different case may help with this.

So just wondering which offers more protection as that's my ultimate deciding factor?
Click to expand...
I haven't gotten a chance to review the Ballistic Tough Jacket Maxx, but its description says it is good for 7 ft drops, which is pretty impressive. The Thule Atmos X4 is an awesome case, but its drop protection is slightly less, at 6.6 feet. It certainly looks as if it would be thinner and more easily pocketable than the Tough Jacket Maxx, however. I don't know, really. The Atmos X4 is probably less protective overall, but more fun to use!!
 
ok thanks! For what it's worth the Tough Jacket Maxx is unchanged from last year if you reviewed it last year but your reply does help!
 
If I were to purchase the atmos x4 tonight/very soon, does anyone know if it'll come with the revised screen protector? Or is it something I may have to request/wait longer for?
 
jmantn said:
ok thanks! For what it's worth the Tough Jacket Maxx is unchanged from last year if you reviewed it last year but your reply does help!
Click to expand...
I haven't had the chance to review the Tough Jacket Maxx yet but I've contacted Ballistic and they are supposed to be sending me some cases to review in the next few weeks, so we'll see!
 
Apophis94 said:
If I were to purchase the atmos x4 tonight/very soon, does anyone know if it'll come with the revised screen protector? Or is it something I may have to request/wait longer for?
Click to expand...
Apparently, there are some new and some old being sent out. If you get the old one, however, people have reported success in contacting Thule and getting the revised screen protector sent out. Thule has great customer service.
 
kgenova said:
Apparently, there are some new and some old being sent out. If you get the old one, however, people have reported success in contacting Thule and getting the revised screen protector sent out. Thule has great customer service.
Click to expand...

Would you rather have the Thule X4 or Rhinoshield on your phone and why?
 
kgenova said:
Apparently, there are some new and some old being sent out. If you get the old one, however, people have reported success in contacting Thule and getting the revised screen protector sent out. Thule has great customer service.
Click to expand...

First, let me say thank you for sharing your experience! Second, I'm curious what the outermost thickness of the Thule Atmos X4 for iPhone 6(s) Plus is? Reason is, I'm interested in getting a Pro Clip car mount and want to make sure the iPhone inside the Atmos X4 fits. This particular car mount only holds an iPhone with case if the combined thickness on the edge is equal to or less than 10mm (nor a width greater than 89mm). Based on watching your video and research, it appears the Atmos X4 has a tapered edge. These specs at Thule's website don't provide the thickness on the edge however.

Could you measure the thickness of the edge of the case and reply with the results? Thanks!

PS. Here is an example of what I am referring to with measuring:
(How to Select the Right Adjustable Holder from ProClip USA), skip to 15 seconds in.
 
kgenova said:
Thanks! Let me know which one you decide to go with!!
Click to expand...

Alright so I've had the Thule X4 since last Tuesday. I thought I would give my quick thoughts. Some of this will probably repeat what Kristen has said. Oh and this is for the 6 Minus. :)

I'll start with the one thing that I don't like.

The screen protector -
I'm sure the protection is great, however for me I can't deal with the way that it impacts my use around the edges and how it looks. It's personal opinion of course but I think the screen looks much better without it. It's like night and day to my eyes and fingers. It's just a matter of the value you place on protection vs screen quality. Typing on the edge and using edge gestures are also difficult for me. It wouldn't stick down all the way on the top right corner.


Now on to the good.

The grip -
This case is AMAZING for grip. As stated here before the grip on the X3 was good but the added "nubs" that are on this case are just crazy good for grip. The Phone feels so secure in my hands no matter what.

Everything else-
This case doesn't add very much thickness. One thing that it does add is width (which I like).

The sides are flat instead of rounded which helps with grip but isn't as comfortable(obviously) as as naked iPhone or a rounded case.

This case looks great! Feels solid and sturdy. Not cheap looking/feeling in anyway. And the metal buttons accent the Thule logo very well.

Speaking of buttons, these are much better than the X3 buttons. Easy to press easy to find and great feedback. Some of the best buttons I've found on a case.

Mute switch has good room for the finger but kind of deep given the added width.

It provides great peace of mind to know this thing can take 6 foot drops.

Ports are generous and have a nice touch. They are made from a flexible material. So even if a cable is slightly too big the case will flex to still allow you to still use it.

Last but not least. While this case has a good sized lip, it is far enough away that you can feel the curved edges!! This is one of my favorite features of these phones that is taken away by almost every case. I love being able to feel the curves and use edge gestures easily while still having protection.

I think that sums it up. Thanks again to Kristen and Aron from mobile reviews for making excellent reviews about this case.


Edit: I love this case. It might be my favorite of all time (for now) but it's definitely over priced. And they should sell it without the screen protector.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: HorseTears and scjr
THE JUICEMAN said:
Edit: I love this case. It might be my favorite of all time (for now) but it's definitely over priced. And they should sell it without the screen protector.
Click to expand...

Nice review!

I agree with selling the case separately. I actually asked Thule on Twitter about selling the case separately. Their response: We don't sell spare parts. (haha)

Speck sells this same type of product separately, so I don't see why Thule can't? But hey, their loss. I won't be buying it, because I just want the case.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HorseTears and THE JUICEMAN
scjr said:
Nice review!

I agree with selling the case separately. I actually asked Thule on Twitter about selling the case separately. Their response: We don't sell spare parts. (haha)

Speck sells this same type of product separately, so I don't see why Thule can't? But hey, their loss. I won't be buying it, because I just want the case.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yeah that's not a great response from customer service.
 
  • Like
Reactions: scjr
THE JUICEMAN said:
Alright so I've had the Thule X4 since last Tuesday. I thought I would give my quick thoughts. Some of this will probably repeat what Kristen has said. Oh and this is for the 6 Minus. :)

I'll start with the one thing that I don't like.

The screen protector -
I'm sure the protection is great, however for me I can't deal with the way that it impacts my use around the edges and how it looks. It's personal opinion of course but I think the screen looks much better without it. It's like night and day to my eyes and fingers. It's just a matter of the value you place on protection vs screen quality. Typing on the edge and using edge gestures are also difficult for me. It wouldn't stick down all the way on the top right corner.


Now on to the good.

The grip -
This case is AMAZING for grip. As stated here before the grip on the X3 was good but the added "nubs" that are on this case are just crazy good for grip. The Phone feels so secure in my hands no matter what.

Everything else-
This case doesn't add very much thickness. One thing that it does add is width (which I like).

The sides are flat instead of rounded which helps with grip but isn't as comfortable(obviously) as as naked iPhone or a rounded case.

This case looks great! Feels solid and sturdy. Not cheap looking/feeling in anyway. And the metal buttons accent the Thule logo very well.

Speaking of buttons, these are much better than the X3 buttons. Easy to press easy to find and great feedback. Some of the best buttons I've found on a case.

Mute switch has good room for the finger but kind of deep given the added width.

It provides great peace of mind to know this thing can take 6 foot drops.

Ports are generous and have a nice touch. They are made from a flexible material. So even if a cable is slightly too big the case will flex to still allow you to still use it.

Last but not least. While this case has a good sized lip, it is far enough away that you can feel the curved edges!! This is one of my favorite features of these phones that is taken away by almost every case. I love being able to feel the curves and use edge gestures easily while still having protection.

I think that sums it up. Thanks again to Kristen and Aron from mobile reviews for making excellent reviews about this case.


Edit: I love this case. It might be my favorite of all time (for now) but it's definitely over priced. And they should sell it without the screen protector.
Click to expand...

Great feedback on the Thule Atmos X4. I agree that the screen protector is not the same as a tempered glass screen protector, or a naked screen, but I just love the idea of all that screen protection! The X4 is a fantastic case, though. I still love the X3, but the X4 has improved on all the things that were not quite perfect about the X3 (third party lightning cable access, stiffer buttons) and made some great things even better (the grip). I agree that it would be nice to be able to buy a screen protector free version, however!
 
  • Like
Reactions: HorseTears
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back