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The best thin case for iPhone 5?

I've been searching high and low for the slimmest iPhone 5 case available. Short of the few Desmay clones on eBay (see bottom of this post for links and thoughts), these are the ones I could find.

I ordered all of these. Below are my thoughts.

1. splash ZERO Ultra-Slim PolyCarbonate Case for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B005SE9JYG&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

2. KaysCase HardSkin Cover Case for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B0096Q7W6Y&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

3. elago S5 Slim Fit 2 Case for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B009B3TVX4&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

4. BoxWave Minimus for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B001D27I8G&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

5. [LF Black] Apple iPhone 5 Ringke SLIM Light Feeling Premium Hard Case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B00993E7RG&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

6. [SF Matte Black] Apple iPhone 5 Ringke SLIM Soft Feeling Premium Hard Case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B00993E8B6&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

7. Photive Hybrid iPhone 5 Bumper Case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B0092TQHP2&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

8. KaysCase Slim Soft Skin Cover Case for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B008OG8A9K&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

9. KaysCase HardSkin Cover Case for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B0096Q7WOG&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

10. Photive Natural Slim Fit Case for Apple iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B0097BZNPK&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

11. Anker Glaze Case for iPhone 5: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B008WXM43S&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20

12. SPIGEN SGP iPhone 5 Case MATTE Hard Case Protection Cover [Ultra Thin Air]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B009D4IMH2&linkCode=as2&tag=6458422537-20


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1. Snug fit and the front has extended lip around the screen edge the glass won't touch the table if you put it face down. Top & bottom are exposed. Generic cutout for volume buttons & vibrate switch.

2. Feels cheap. But it's slim. Top & bottom exposed.

3. Very well built. Fits perfectly. Top & bottom exposed.

4. Hasn't shipped yet. I think it'll be like #3.

5. Not bad. This one's a matte color and not very grippy. Fits perfectly. Only top & bottom are exposed.

6. Same as #6, but with a rubbery, grippy feel. Fits perfectly. Only top & bottom are exposed.

7. The left, right and top of the bumper are a shiny black with the front and back edges being a off-black or almost dark grey color. Bumper is flexible but firm.

8. The case is a tight fit around the phone, it's a perfect fit that goes on without scratching the aluminum sides. The left and right bumpers of the case are hard plastic, while the back/top/bottom are rubber-ish TPU

9. It has a smooth, comfortable feel to it. It doesn't add any unnecessary weight and it fits nice and snug, as expected.

10. I like. Reminds me of the Case-Mate Barely There series. The fit is perfect. Fully covers left & right sides of phone. Top & bottom are open.

11. Meh. TPU case paired with a plastic bumper. All sides are covered.

12. Super light, no bulk, fits perfect yet not to hard to put on or take off.
 
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just got this in the mail off ebay. It's from the US so it shipped in only 4 days and was only 2.95. Nice matt finish and clear sides, goes on and off very easy and fits with a screen protector on the front and back. Seriously have never been so happy with a clear case and you can't even tell its on its so thin

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181002449912?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

very impressed

will post pictures when out of class
 
mattroman246 said:
just got this in the mail off ebay. It's from the US so it shipped in only 4 days and was only 2.95. Nice matt finish and clear sides, goes on and off very easy and fits with a screen protector on the front and back. Seriously have never been so happy with a clear case and you can't even tell its on its so thin

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181002449912?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

very impressed

will post pictures when out of class
Click to expand...

thanks! just ordered one. post pics when you can!
 
I've tried a ton of the slim, ultra thin cases and my favorites thus far are:

1. eBay $1.58 .3 mm cases that come in 8 transparent colors. They fit extremely well and are so thin they seem like they are almost part of the phone. Cover the top and sides but leave the bottom open. The case fits perfectly well but is easy to put on and take off. My overall favorite so far.

2. Aviiq - solid white .7 mm case. Covers the sides but leaves the top and bottom open. The white is a warmer white and matches the white iPhone exceptionally well. Similar to the Spigen white case but better as the corners of the Aviiq go around evenly and don't have the weird little dip at the corners that the Spigen does. Also this case is even at the top and bottom and has no lips that stick out like so many others of the snap on cases.
 
Nhwhazup said:
I've tried a ton of the slim, ultra thin cases and my favorites thus far are:

1. eBay $1.58 .3 mm cases that come in 8 transparent colors. They fit extremely well and are so thin they seem like they are almost part of the phone. Cover the top and sides but leave the bottom open. The case fits perfectly well but is easy to put on and take off. My overall favorite so far.

2. Aviiq - solid white .7 mm case. Covers the sides but leaves the top and bottom open. The white is a warmer white and matches the white iPhone exceptionally well. Similar to the Spigen white case but better as the corners of the Aviiq go around evenly and don't have the weird little dip at the corners that the Spigen does. Also this case is even at the top and bottom and has no lips that stick out like so many others of the snap on cases.
Click to expand...

From browsing the forums, I have seen that you and I are looking for the same type of case. I have read that you have tried a lot of the cases that I am interested in including the Spigen Ultra Thin (white), the Power Support Air Jacket (white), and the Switcheasy Nude (white).

My main concerns about these hard cases are that they will scratch the iPhone, specifically the metal band and the chamfered edges. Have you noticed scratching on the iPhone with any of the cases above? Also, which of the three cover the chamfered edges of the iPhone? I am mainly looking for which one offers the most coverage and protection and possibly a lay on the table design. I am leaning towards the Power Support Air Jacket as long as it covers the chamfered edges. Any input would be great! :)
 
Cosmos01 said:
From browsing the forums, I have seen that you and I are looking for the same type of case. I have read that you have tried a lot of the cases that I am interested in including the Spigen Ultra Thin (white), the Power Support Air Jacket (white), and the Switcheasy Nude (white).

My main concerns about these hard cases are that they will scratch the iPhone, specifically the metal band and the chamfered edges. Have you noticed scratching on the iPhone with any of the cases above? Also, which of the three cover the chamfered edges of the iPhone? I am mainly looking for which one offers the most coverage and protection and possibly a lay on the table design. I am leaning towards the Power Support Air Jacket as long as it covers the chamfered edges. Any input would be great! :)
Click to expand...

I really liked the Power Support but I have the white phone and wanted a white case. I used the white PS for around a week and the edges and corners were already starting to pick up staining and discoloration just from handling with clean hands. For me, I really didn't like the way the corners dip down and away. I would have been okay with the corners, if I could have kept it looking white. I haven't seen any of the thin cases offer the lay on the table design. The only decent and not too bulky case with table design is the Switcheasy Tones.

I haven't found that any of the thin cases scratch the phone. They are all pretty flexible so you can easily get them off and on.

I do like the Spigen ultra thin in white. The pros are that it is a matte white plastic that doesn't scratch or stain. Neither does it scratch the phone. It covers the chamfered sides but is open on top and bottom. Another negative is that it also has the dips by the corners. Also the white is a tad cooler than the iPhone white. Overall not a bad case.

I don't remember much about the Switcheasy Nude other than it was awful. Didn't fit all that well and the buttons were weird and didn't work well. I gave it away right off.

Let me know if you find "our" perfect white case. Or if not, we should go into business designing the cases. I find it hard to believe that many folks are looking for the same type of case but no one is producing them.
 
I see a lot of awesome cases that are made from a "hard" material. Does this really help in a fall? My wife dropped her iphone 4 and it had a hard plastic case and the screen cracked just like it wouldof she had none at all. I use a belkin rubbery case now and even though it isn't cool looking it can handle a small fall without breaking. I would love to find a awesome looking one that offered the same protection. The otterbox cases make me feel like I'm holding a brick.
 

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Nhwhazup said:
I've tried a ton of the slim, ultra thin cases and my favorites thus far are:

2. Aviiq - solid white .7 mm case. Covers the sides but leaves the top and bottom open. The white is a warmer white and matches the white iPhone exceptionally well. Similar to the Spigen white case but better as the corners of the Aviiq go around evenly and don't have the weird little dip at the corners that the Spigen does. Also this case is even at the top and bottom and has no lips that stick out like so many others of the snap on cases.
Click to expand...

Update on this case: I have had it on my phone for literally less than 2 days and the corner above the camera is cracked. No drops, no bangs just cracked. Foolish me, now looked at the reviews on Amazon and see the cracking is a common problem. Can someone please tell me why a seller that knows they have a defective product would continue to sell it? As much as I liked the style of this case - it's a no go.
 
Xanderstone12 said:
I see a lot of awesome cases that are made from a "hard" material. Does this really help in a fall? My wife dropped her iphone 4 and it had a hard plastic case and the screen cracked just like it wouldof she had none at all. I use a belkin rubbery case now and even though it isn't cool looking it can handle a small fall without breaking. I would love to find a awesome looking one that offered the same protection. The otterbox cases make me feel like I'm holding a brick.
Click to expand...

Actually had a Elago hard snap on case that protected my phone perfectly from a 3 ft fall to ceramic tile.
 
I'm nominating the Power Support Air Jacket, covers all sides, feels good, not slippery, fits well and all cut outs for buttons and ports are exact.
 
Nhwhazup said:
Update on this case: I have had it on my phone for literally less than 2 days and the corner above the camera is cracked. No drops, no bangs just cracked. Foolish me, now looked at the reviews on Amazon and see the cracking is a common problem. Can someone please tell me why a seller that knows they have a defective product would continue to sell it? As much as I liked the style of this case - it's a no go.
Click to expand...

Because people continue to buy it.
 
I have purchased a few of the cheap ultra thin matte protectors in different colors. I chose to do that because of a post on this forum a long time ago that showed a white one. Just make sure if you're ordering from an ebay seller, that you can see all angles of the case in the photos. Some sellers have ones that either aren't closely cut around the sides or they don't cover the top (which is stupid because they don't stay put). Also, I have the Bodyguardz pure (thanks to a 50% code from here several weeks ago) so the case not sticking up on the sides doesn't bother me since my screen is well protected.

Pros:
  • VERY smooth. Doesn't get caught on anything like some rubbery cases do.
  • VERY slim. I can hardly tell a difference whether it's on or off.
  • Tight fit. This is a pro because it doesn't budge when it's on the phone and it's very secure.
  • Transparent. I like being able to see the apple logo and the aluminium and glass under the case. I'm a girl and currently I have the pink one on but I also have a white and blue (white iphone) that both look great. If you don't look closely, it almost looks like I have a pink or blue iphone which is fun. It comes in white and black though if you don't want color.

Cons:
  • Hard to get on. I was worried since you really have to shove it in there, that it might scratch the sides. I've taken the cases on and off several times and no scratches.
  • One of my cases had some weird scratches on it but I didn't care that much since it's not noticeable and the case would get scratched up a bit anyways.

Honestly, I don't see the point in spending a bunch of money on a case that I'm going to want to change out all the time anyways. It does the job, ads virtually no bulk, and I can change the color for the $5 it takes to order another one on ebay. I order from within the United States typically which is why it's $5 as opposed to 2-3. I did order one from China though, and it arrived just fine.

This set of cases from this seller is where I ordered last and it came really fast and in great condition. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ultra+slim+thin+iphone+5&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_ssn=lee262onlinede&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=ultra+slim+thin+iphone+5+hard+case&_sacat=0

All of his cases are good. But, if you buy somewhere else, just make sure whichever one you order has separate cutouts for the buttons and they didn't just take a chunk out of the side and make sure it covers the top part of the phone too.
 
The amazon pictures suggest it's got a large cut out at the bottom instead of smaller cut outs where needed. That's a deal breaker for me.

dinesh29888 said:
Has any1 tried this : http://www.rearthusa.com/new-apple-iphone-5-slim-case

They really look good and the best about part is that i always wanted to have a matte case on the back and this one is just perfect the matte black one .. they also have some good reviews on Amazon.com.
Click to expand...
 
dinesh29888 said:
Has any1 tried this : http://www.rearthusa.com/new-apple-iphone-5-slim-case

They really look good and the best about part is that i always wanted to have a matte case on the back and this one is just perfect the matte black one .. they also have some good reviews on Amazon.com.
Click to expand...

I have it, and I love it. The matte feels nice and grippy and it's really thin. Feels really good in the hand. It offers no lay on the table protector and the top and bottom are completely open.
 
I've got the rearth right now in matte. feels very nice, and fits well. only issue is there are a few chips in the finish already after a few weeks so i'm not sure how well it will hold up in the long run. and yeah i kinda wish the top and bottom weren't exposed.

i'm looking at the power support as a possible replacement, but it's priced quite ridiculously imo for such a simple case. but its the only one of its kind that covers all sides afaik.
 
Thin iPhone 5 cases

I purchased 3 iPhone 5 cases from a new website I just stumbled upon. They offered free shipping and the cases are $7 each. They are the thin ones with a variety of colors. They alsohave 3g and 4 cases. I've had them a week and so far so good. For the price it was well worth it. Message me if you would like the address as I'm new and I don't know if I am allowed to post it here :confused:
 
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