Customer Reviews

Apple iPhone 3G Premium Polycarbonate Black Rubberize Textured Snap-On Case Cover + Screen Protector Shield (NOT Compatible with 1st Generation iPhone)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(28)

 

 

I originally reviewed this product about 3 days after I got it, and gave it 5 stars (copy of that review follows this). In the interim, however, I needed to remove the case to get to my SIM card. As soon as I opened the case to remove it, the clasps shattered and it's now completely useless. I'm still giving it 3 stars because (1) you don't need to remove the case except to get to the SIM, and that's an infrequent occurrence, (2) it's possible I could have been gentler opening it, and (3) at (now) under $5, you can still break 4-5 of these and come out ahead of one case from the Apple Store.

Original review [with minor edits]:

I've tried a bunch of cases for my 3G, and this case is [was] a good one. Pros:
+ The price. Under $5? Are you kidding me?
+ Ultra-slim, barely adds any width to the iPhone
+ Good feel. Polycarbonate shell adds just enough grip so the phone doesn't slide around when you two-thumb type, but it also doesn't grab clothing like a silicone or neoprene case. This one just slides right into your pocket with ease
+ Easy access to all the controls. The cutouts are well done, providing enough space to get to everything, and also don't have sharp edges like another case I had

Cons:
- Only real complaint is that the top cutout on the phone's face just looks dumb. I know it's there so it doesn't cover the light & proximity sensors, but they easily could have made this cutout run the width of the phone so it's at least symmetrical
- [and obviously now, it broke when I took it off]
- [I've since used the screen protector, and it's useless. Much thicker than Crystal Film, and definitely impacts your typing]

Other comments:
* The iPhone won't dock with this case on (nor did I expect it to)

I totally love the new iPhone 3G, so I wanted to protect it. I read a couple comments about the silicone ones being too rubbery and getting stuck in your pocket, and after reading ALR's review and seeing the price I went for it.

It's awesome. I was reluctant to put a case on the phone because I like the original phone feel. But funnily enough this case dramatically improves that 'feel'. The coating is soft, but firm and durable. I've only had it a week though but so far no scratches or anything. It has a slight matte finish to it. I would almost call it sensual!

I agree with all of ALR's pros and cons. The top cut out does look dumb when everything else is so symmetrical. Price is great, and it is super-slim. I actually think the slight increase in width fits my hands better. The button cut outs are great too, and it's much easier to find the main button without looking than with a 'naked' iPhone.

Couple of other things:I'm on the East Coast and it did take over two weeks to ship; so keep that in mind. I haven't had to take mine apart yet so can't comment on the slim flanges failing, but I do remember thinking they seemed a bit flimsy.

I look at this case as like a bike helmet. It protects the phone, but one hard hit and it will be time to replace it. I plan to order another just for that inevitable occasion!

The screen protector is fine, though when I carry the phone in my backpack while biking, I still think the screen is vulnerable. I could see though some kind of rectangular piece slotting into the front for extra protection during transport. For now I plan to find some kind of hardshell foamed case for rough transport.

In summary; the case is great!

This case was hard to put on like was so tight...
It broke within about 1 week, because of the lock/clip pressed on so tight the edges that hold the clip in place just dissolved, disappeared and broke!
Also the case has a spot for a memory card (Iphone does not even have card slot) and the speaker offset looks "off" which looks like what would be needed on the Iphone clone, hummmm..

I had a replacement sent out... it broke (is almost broke) in again 1 week.. here is what I found out:::
and what I sent to the seller...

Pic of what starts to break:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2364582/broke.jpg

Had to send this information on these cases:

These ARE NOT for Iphone 3G, they are for an IPHONE clone made in china here is the information.. or 1st Gen Iphone

Finally a reason so many ppl have problems with theses cases breaking!

Clone:
http://www.handcellphone.com/archives/meizu-m8-iphone-a-copy-cat-cell-phone-that-looks-just-like-iphone

Size is:
The M8 is said to measure in at a scant 57Ã-105x11.5-mm

Iphone 2G
Dimensions
2G: 115mm high, is 61mm wide and 11.6mm thick, weighs 135g.

Iphone:3G(s)
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
size is:

Height: 4.5 inches (115.5 mm)(10MM bigger)
Width: 2.4 inches (62.1 mm)((5mm bigger)
Depth: 0.48 inch (12.3 mm)(.8mm bigger)

This is why these cases BREAK!
Please fix this problem, send me a case for "iphone 3G" and stop advertising these as for Iphone 3G, they are NOT!

Jason

I rate the case a 1 star sold as Iphone 3G compatible , but 4 Satrs for Iphone 2G.. would be great on an Iphone that was a bit "smaller"

Hope this review helps others decide NOT to buy for Iphone 3G..

Day 1 - Case looked really nice and fancy. I was going around telling everyone what a great deal I got.
Day 2 - it broke!

nice protection, with a sleek thin design that allows your iphone to slip easily into your pocket, unlike the stretchy rubber ones that look like crap, and snag on your trousers. the screen protector on the other hand is very cheap, and will scratch easy. Recommend paying the 20 bucks and purchase the military grade one from Bestbuy, that screen protector is a unique material that doesn't scratch with a lifetime warrenty. the tabs on the case although seem a little flimsy so be careful when clipping it together and pulling it apart.

I bought this case because I thought it would be sturdy and fit well. Also the price attracted me initially.

After using it for several months I seriously regret using it and this is why:

The iPhone 3G fits snugly widthwise but NOT lengthwise. There is a gap of open space between the phone and the case. You may not notice it initially, but it is there. I tried closing it and used black electric tape (!) to secure the two interlocking pieces together as tightly as possible but the case is hard and this did not help.

Because of this gap between the phone and the case, debris can be trapped inside between the back of the phone and the interior of the case. As the phone slides up and down inside the case as it will in your pocket and when you are using it, any debris will cause the iPhone to become scratched--ultimately defeating the purpose of having a case!! There are scratches all over the back of my phone now, a few of which are noticeable and deep.

While the case is low-priced, it is still not worth the money. To avoid this problem you will have to remove the case every few days, then clean the phone off and clear the interior of the case of all debris. After 2 weeks of this, I'm throwing the case away. It has been nothing but a liability to me.

If you already own this case and are using it, I advise you to inspect your phone immediately. I think you will see what I'm talking about. This case is total garbage and has no place being near an expensive 3G iPhone.

Do yourself a favor, save your time, your money and Ignore the positive reviews.

This is the second polycarbonate snap on case cover i bought and the snap clip are broken. Not a good product to buy it.

I've bought this exact product before and it was very good. I would rate the first one 5 stars. After my first iPhone got stolen I decided to buy what I thought was the same case again.
-Right out of the box, the "modifications" they made to it didn't let it close properly.
-it cracked on the second drop.
-Shattered on the third drop (breaking my iPhone as well)

really liked this case. great for the price and just the right amount of grip so it doesn't slip out of your hand but doesn't stick to your pocket.

If you're looking for some protection and still able to fit your iPhone in a case or on a dock, this case works great.