What is the "Bumper"?!?!

[CrAkD]

i really don't like it because it doesn't seem to protect the back and the front if you drop it

Ive never scratched the front of an iphone that glass is so strong. now it has a better version of the same glass on the front and the back. so the sides are really all you need protected. ingenius if you ask me. however if you want some extra piece of mind just get invisible shields on the front and back.

 

[VenusianSky]

If it adds grip, I may get one. $29 is a bit steep though for something that slips around the edge. I wonder how a black one on a white phone will look.

 

[Steve686]

The glass front protrudes like a 1/2mm or so above the metal frame. I think the bumper makes the glass flush with the bumper itself so the glass edge won't take the brunt of the impact if you drop your phone. Also, the bumper looks like it won't let the glass touch whatever surface you put the phone on as long as the surface is flat. I creates a little space between the phone and surface...?

 

[Andrew K.]

+1 The screen pops with the black front, the all white will wash the screen/colors out.

You would be correct if it where a 3GS screen. Now at 326dpi nothing will be washed out which is why they decided to make the front white.

 

[gloss]

You would be correct if it where a 3GS screen. Now at 326dpi nothing will be washed out which is why they decided to make the front white.

Has nothing to do with resolution and everything to do with perceived contrast. Screens - all screens - tend to pop more with a black border.

 

[BoxerGT2.5]

You would be correct if it where a 3GS screen. Now at 326dpi nothing will be washed out which is why they decided to make the front white.

Why would that matter? It's about contrast, all images appear more vivid on a darker foreground.

 

[Libitina]

If it adds grip, I may get one. $29 is a bit steep though for something that slips around the edge. I wonder how a black one on a white phone will look.

 

[yelnref]

Well, think of it this way - they form a lip on the front and the back. If you drop the phone on its side, the bumper is there. If you drop it flat on the front or the back, the lip still absorbs the impact.

assuming you're on flat ground...

 

[The Phazer]

It's a good job they'd finished the video call to Ive before these awful things were shown, or we'd have seen him crying.

(Joke good enough to say twice).

But seriously, these are hideous. If you want a nasty, translucent case that looks like some streetmarket knockoff circa-1990, you can pick one up for about a tenth of that price.

Phazer

 

[jrcsh6]

That's a good deduction. You may be correct.

apples doesn't do cases well oddly. accessories for that matter. oddly enough

 

[wingnut8]

No need for it to cover the glass back. I like it.

 

[niuniu]

Probably a way to stop complaints about how awkward the edges feel in daily use. It'll soften and round the edges somewhat - clever ploy.

I wonder how much confidence the new phone will inspire - will people go for a traditional case - or will they chance daily use without one...

 

[cjthebest]

Ive never scratched the front of an iphone that glass is so strong. now it has a better version of the same glass on the front and the back. so the sides are really all you need protected. ingenius if you ask me. however if you want some extra piece of mind just get invisible shields on the front and back.

I agree, the glass is supposed to be super strong and scratch resistant. Although, the sides are not. So that is what the cases are for.
I REALLY wish they would make one in gray to match the silver sides (especially for the black iPhone)!