I haven’t made much of a secret of my dislike of iPhone cases in general but there is occasionally a gem out there that makes me reconsider. I have specific things I hate about most iPhone cases and tend to judge a case by how well it overcomes my petty complaints, as well as by what extra benefits it offers, aside from just protection. So, my complaints about most cases:
- They cover up the sleek, beautiful design of the iPhone
- They add bulk to the iPhone
- They make access to the power, silence and volume buttons harder
- The wrong finish or design can increase the chances of pocket removal droppage
- They can make docking more difficult
- They very rarely offer any new functionality to the iPhone
So, how does the ClearSuit hold up? Surprisingly well, actually. Addressing each of my issues in order:
- As the name “ClearSuit” implies, this is a clear case, fully showcasing the iPhone’s look, allowing the Apple logo to be seen (if that’s important to you) and is made of a glossy plastic which doesn’t detract from the iPhone’s glossy look.
- This one is unavoidable; if you use a case, you will add bulk to your phone. In this case the bulk isn’t too bad, but it does change the feel of the phone.
- The side and top buttons are slightly more difficult to operate, but the case compensates by allowing a wide berth around the buttons to offset that they’re now slightly recessed rather than jutting out from the phone. After a little time adjusting, you get accustomed to it and almost don’t even notice.
- The phone is neither too bulky or too grippy to the point where I felt that it might stumble on its way out of my pocket. The case is hard, glossy plastic that isn’t too thick, so it comes out of the pocket just about as smoothly as an unprotected iPhone. Of course, should you stumble, it isn’t unprotected.
- While docking in a standard iPhone dock with the case intact is impossible, the opening at the bottom is nice and large if you’re someone who, like me, just uses a cable most of the time.
- Okay, I’ve only ever reviewed one case that added function to the iPhone, so it’s not something that should be expected, but it helps make the tradeoffs more bearable. This case offers no additional function, but it does do very well at limiting the things that I find annoying about cases, so it doesn’t have to work too hard to compensate–the protection offered by the case is enough to offset the small annoyances, which is more than I can say for most cases.
But wait, there’s one more nice feature about the ClearSuit that I should point out: It has a built-in screen cover, which takes away the issue of the dirt buildup you get on most cases around the screen’s edge, as well as making the touchscreen a tad bit less sensitive, which has only served to lessen accidental input for me while never impeding intended input.
All told, this is the first case I’ve tried that I could actually use on a daily basis.
The ClearSuit is available at www.PhoneSuit.com and is currently on sale for $19.99.
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January 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I saw these too real nice i thought. What i want is somthing that “changes colors” wowa!!! would that be cool !!! Please i love all these new chooses . I KNOW ITS COMING !!!
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:28 am
I’ve read some reviews for such cases as Ivyskins xylo whatever that said that they had to press very hard to activate some buttons that were toward the outer edges of the screen. Was that the case with this product?
February 15th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Very good question by the previous poster. I would like to see if that is the case with this product. I have had multitouch difficulties as well with the Xylo case, is that the case with this case as well?
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:54 am
I bought this case about three weeks ago and wish I could return it. I was all excited when I bought the case because I too wanted to show off how sleek the iphone was. If the case is on perfectly, I have found no issues with activating any of the buttons towards the outer edges of the screen or finding the volume button on the side of the iphone. The reasons I do not like this case is because dust is constantly getting inside the case and then the dust particles are all over the screen. Without fail, I am taking the phone of out of the case several times a day, trying to wipe the inside of the case clean and then struggling to put the phone back in the case. The other major reason I dislike this case it the screen protector gives a wet moister look to the middle of the screen. It constantly looks like water is trapped between my case in the screen.
If anybody would like my case let me know? I am more than happy to get rid of it!
February 26th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I have had so many problems with my iphone 3g. I had to return it twice within my 30 day period for a new iphone 3g because the speaker broke. When things were finally looking up and my speaker was working the phone fell off of my desk and the screen cracked. I am SOOOO glad that I purchased the Best Buy insurance. Otherwise, I guess I would be without an iphone. Anyhow, when it broke it was being protected by invisible shield by zagg and a leather clip on case by Griffin. I never had any problems with my invisible shield, but I just don’t think that it is enough protection, and obviously this Griffin case does not cut it in case of falls. Any suggestions? Every time I finally find a case that looks like it might work I quickly find horrible reviews.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Oh yeah, Nina, I would love to try your case…
August 25th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I purchased this case based on this review and found that almost immediately I see some watermarks wherever the skin touches the iphone screen. Essentially, the skin “sticks” to the iphone screen in the middle areas causing this watermark. I tried to clean it multiple times to prevent it from “sticking” but no avail.
Also, the sensitivity does decrease in the edges. Sometimes I’d have to press harder for my touches to be recognized at the edges.
I am really disappointed with this case and am looking to replace it soon.
December 18th, 2009 at 1:46 am
I am actually interested in a case. Send me an E-mail [email protected]