Which iPhone 4 Case Is Best?

I’m not really a “case” guy. I never even put a screen protector on my iPhone 3GS, but the iPhone 4 is different. Between the exposed antenna and glass back, I’m definitely thinking of using a case at least when I’m on the road. So Apple’s “free iPhone 4 case” program offered the chance to select a part-time case for free. What’s not to love?

In addition to the Apple-brand bumpers, the company is offering a number of third-party cases. But which is best? Here’s my rundown of the options, as well as my personal pick.

Apple Bumper

Apple entered the case market for the first time with their iPhone 4 Bumper. The iPhone 4 case program only includes the black model, but the colored ones were hard to get anyway. Reviews of the bumpers have been mixed, though they seem to be selling well.

Pro:

• Rubberized for excellent edge protection
• Integrated button extensions for easier operation
• Exposes the cool glass back but offers some drop protection
• Solid fit
• Adds very little bulk to the phone

Con:

• Interferes with dock and headphone connectors, especially third-party ones
• The exposed back can still be shattered
• Covers the distinctive iPhone 4 stainless sides

Incase Snap Case (Smoke or Clear)

Incase has not yet begun selling their Snap Case for the iPhone 4, but previous generations (including the Snap Case for the iPhone 3GS my wife uses) have received positive reviews. Apple is offering a choice of “smoke” (translucent) or clear. Both are single-piece designs made of polycarbonate plastic and appear to leave the top and bottom of the phone open.

Pro:

• Easy to snap on and off
• Offers full-back protection
• Appears to wrap around the front, offering more protection
• Clear (so you can enjoy that nifty glass back)
• No worries about the case interfering with cables (like the Apple bumpers)

Con:

• Can fall off when dropped, exposing the phone
• The top and bottom of the phone are wide open
• Lacks integrated buttons, making the volume and mute switch harder to use
• Thicker than the Belkin or Apple Bumper

Belkin Shield Micra

Belkin’s Shield Micra is similar to the Incase, a one-piece design made of clear plastic and snapping on the phone. The Belkin seems a little more all-encompassing from the photo available, offering more coverage of the top and bottom but potentially interfering with connectors.

Pro:

• Easy to snap on and off
• Offers full-back protection
• Clear (so you can enjoy that nifty glass back)
• Thinner than the Incase

Con:

• Can fall off when dropped, exposing the phone
• Appears to stop before the front edge, exposing the screen to damage
• Might interfere with headphone and dock connectors
• Lacks integrated buttons, making the volume and mute switch harder to use

Griffin Motif

Although it looks like clear plastic, Griffin’s Motif is made of a more-flexible material. It wraps around the whole phone, including top, bottom, and sides, and appears to protect the screen edges somewhat as well. The back pattern might not be everyone’s cup of tea, however.

Pro:

• Flexible material offers better shock protection
• Offers full-back protection
• Appears to protect the screen edges as well
• Volume and power buttons are accessible right through the side material

Con:

• Pattern obscures the phone’s back
• The mute button looks hard to get at
• Might interfere with headphone and dock cables

Griffin Reveal

My choice: Griffin’s Reveal case is something of a hybrid, incorporating both a hard clear polycarbonate back and rubber edge protection. Again, the back is patterned rather than clear.

Pro:

• Solid fit
• Excellent edge protection
• Volume and power buttons are accessible right through the side material

Con:

• Makes the mute button a little more difficult to use
• Covers the distinctive iPhone 4 stainless sides
• Obscures the back of the phone
• Might interfere with some headphone and dock devices
• Ribber edges might interfere with screen protectors

Speck Fitted

The Speck Products Flash-based web site doesn’t work with iOS devices, but their cases are respected for the protection they offer. The two-piece Speck Fitted Case offers good edge protection and a stylish tartan cloth back that might not appeal to everyone.

Pro:

• Good edge protection
• More stylish than most cases
• Buttons and ports are not obscured
• Two-piece design might be more secure

Con:

• Fabric back might not appeal to everyone
• Bulkier than other options
• Attracts pocket lint
• Wide button and port cutouts aren’t that attractive

Speck PixelSkin HD

Is your iPhone used by gorillas? Are you clumsy? Then the original Speck PixelSkin Case is perfect for you! The “HD” model offered by Apple is somewhat slimmer but still a rubber wrapper with integrated buttons. Both just about guarantee your phone won’t be harmed when dropped but are not exactly pocket-friendly.

Pro:

• Protective rubbery goodness
• Integrated buttons
• The PixelSkin HD is slimmer than the Hummer-esque original

Con:

• Sticks in your pocket
• Attracts lint
• Totally obscures the iPhone 4’s fancy aesthetic

Stephen’s Stance

If you’re looking for a protective case, the Speck PixelSkin HD is your best bet. If you’re looking for something slightly fashionable, get the Speck Fitted case. Otherwise, eliminate the Speck cases from your list.

I’m not impressed by aptly-named Incase Snap shells – they snap right off when dropped! And the Apple Bumpers interfere with cables and dock connectors. No deal, Cupertino! The Belkin Shield Micra is probably the best clear case on offer here, but it looks like those ridiculous full-face glasses worn by some NBA players.

At the end of the day, the two Griffin cases look best. The flexible material used in the Motif offers better protection than a hard shell and the back pattern doesn’t destroy the look of the phone. The hybrid construction of the Reveal is attractive, too, offering rubber-edge protection like the Apple bumpers without the port-obstructing drawbacks. Too bad Apple only offers the patterned Etch model or the Griffin Reveal would be a slam-dunk. Even so, my Reveal Etch will ship in 6-8 weeks!