Customer Reviews

OEM Case-Mate Hard Naked Shell Clear Case iPhone 3G 3GS

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I ended up with this case based on the recommendation of a clerk at the AT&T store who had been impressed with protection it provided. It can be tricky to put on the first time, but once you figure out how to properly align the pieces it's pretty simple and hasn't scratched my phone at all. The front does create the "bubbles" or "oil-slicks" as mentioned in other reviews, but I don't find it to be a big deal to press the sides of the case if there's one that starts to annoy me. While there are other cases that get around this problem by using a screen protector as the only front protection, I like that the case-mate fastens securely and that I don't have to worry about the case accidentally slipping/peeling/popping off.

Pros:
- Excellent fit (the cut-outs line up perfectly; phone remains stationary and does not slide around inside case)
- Fastens securely (unlike most hard cases that snap together around the sides, the sliding "snap" in the back is very secure)
- Provides excellent protection (withstood the jaws of our lab puppy with absolutely no injury whatsoever to the phone itself - that in itself was enough to make me a fan of this case)
- Looks good (and protects) with minimal bulk (does not look cheap like some of the silicone cases with raised edges around the molding)

Cons:
- Does require regular cleaning due to debris getting in through the ear/home button holes (though I've heard this for other hard cases as well)
- Can be tricky to get used to taking on/off
- No tacky grip/belt clip/wrist strap (something to consider if you're looking for any of these features)
- Overpriced (but then again, I think most cases are)

Bottom line:
I wanted a well-fitting hard case that provided protection without adding too much bulk. While it's still not my definition of an "ideal" case, I was sold on it's value when it kept my phone in pristine condition after being removed from the jaws of our (incredibly ornery) dog.

This is one of a select few true full coverage cases. Many others that claim to offer full coverage are only giving you a stick on screen protector, which will protect from scratches, but will not protect the from screen breakage. I purchased two of these (one for myself and my wife's phone) at the AT&T store based upon the salesman's recommendation. I have been mostly pleased with the case. It does require frequent cleaning from pocket dust, but my wife keeps hers in a purse and it doesn't collect dust at the rate mine does. If you do not put the case on correctly you will get the air bubbles under the screen protector. But unlike the stick on screen protectors (which have the same problem) with this case you simply slide it off and back on to remove the air bubble. Proper use will not result in air bubbles under the case. The only real downside that I found with this case is that if debris gets in between the case and the phone, when you slide the case to remove or put back on you can scratch your phone. So make sure that there is not any debris on the inside of the case as you put it on - it's a sung fitting case!

I have been looking to purchase two additional cases to replace the ones we currently have since we have accumulated some scratches on the cases... I was in the Apple store a few days ago and could only find one case with full coverage protection! So I began to wonder if I didn't need it... if screen breakage protection just wasn't that big of a deal. So I asked one of the "geniuses" if there were many people who actually cracked their screens. He said, "You wouldn't believe how many people come in with a broken screen." I asked if it was covered by AppleCare... it isn't. You are allowed to purchase one new phone at the discounted rate from AT&T during an 18 month period - after that you have to pay for a repair or purchase a new phone at retail ($600)! So I asked if it was worth it to have the case I had - and he said "absolutely"! He didn't know why they didn't carry more full coverage cases, but unless I had an extra $300 bucks to shell out for a new phone, it was probably worth the extra bulk in the case to get the additional screen protection.

I bought my case from the AT&T store the day I bought my phone, at the time I was thrilled and thought it offered my phone 5 star protection; now after three weeks of use and a few hours of research I find it to be a more realistic 3 star case. The case's design is both aesthetically and structurally appealing upon the initial inspection but here a few shortcomings.

Aesthetics: (3.25/5)
1. Bulkiness: not that bad compared to some cases, but may bother some people
2. Oil Slicks: this bothers everyone from the reviews that I've read, and yes you can pop them but you have to continually do this and it's really annoying
3. Dust: if you carry your phone in your pocket expect to clean it every few days
4. Fingerprints: this is really sad, because a normal screen protector would most likely offer the same amount of protection and prevent fingerprints from accumulating everywhere
5. Scratches: although the cover does a good job protecting the phone it is very susceptible to scratches, which diminishes the overall look of the phone.

Structural: (3.75/5)
1. No holster attachment: This would take care of the dust problem in a second.
2. All hard: the best cases offer both hard and soft aspects to protect the phone. While it could probably take a small fall with no problem and does a goo job preventing dings and scratches, anything major would probably crack the case.
3. Nothing separating the phone from the plastic of the case: This is big, because it's a little hard to take the case off and if you use too much force you could put scratches on the back of your phone :(

Lastly, is it worth the price? ($30 retail)
I would say that it is, but there are prolly better cases for a more reasonable price.

If you really like the way this case looks and can deal with some of the design flaws then I would recommend this case but try shopping around first.

First of all I would rate this case a zero but it wont let me. It scratched the back of my white Iphone 3gs and its a no win situation because within twenty minutes you will notice oil slicks under the screen protector. Really the worse thing is the scratches I am pissed off just glad I realized that it was scratching the back of my Iphone before things got worse. I also it takes away from the sleekness of the IPhone but that's not big deal like I said do not buy this case unless your phone is already scratched to hell because this case will cause scratches!! Buyers Beware.

I bought this case today. Despite washing the screen cover with soap and water it is still not clear at all. This grade of plastic belongs in a dollhouse window, not an iPhone.

The plastic packaging that it came in seems to be clearer than the screen cover itself.

I am returning it.

The case is slightly bulky, but nonetheless works great for a few weeks. Then, the screencover plastic starts slightly bending and adhering to the screen to create bubbles. Stay away.

I bought this case when I purchased my phone at an AT&T store - not realizing I could/should shop around for a better price and a better case. The screen protector peeled off in no time, and does not offer much protection at any rate because it collects dust and particles under the plastic. I will say that the plastic on the back and sides is quite hard and offers good protection in falls. I am now going to try the PCMICROSTORE Black Leather Texture Horizontal Holster. It has great reviews, and it seems after reading reviews that I may be able to keep my phone in the naked case for extra protection inside the holster. For now I am keeping a rubber band around the front to keep the screen cover on - better than the scotch tape I was using - but still pretty ticky tacky.