Customer Reviews

SHIELD Apple 3G 3GS iPhone Shield Polycarbonate Slim Fit Case + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - (Black)

5 star:		(92)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

We bought the SHIELD slim case for the iPhone and the elago slim case. We prefer the SHIELD, here is why:

Firstly, we wanted a very slim, lightweight, matte finish plastic case (not silicone) to protect our iPhones. These were the top two choices based on our research.

1. Both are very similar, so the differences are very slight, but...

2. The SHIELD wraps around the edges of the iPhone slightly more, providing better protection for the silver bezel.

3. The SHIELD has a cutout for the volume toggle switch (has protection on all 4 sides). The elago protects only 3 sides of the switch - this makes adjusting the volume slightly more difficult, but better protects the switch and prevents accidental pressing.

4. The SHIELD appears to be coated with a slightly thicker paint.

5. The elago is only painted partially on the inside (the side that you don't see), that's fine but you can see the edge of white unpainted area when looking closely. The SHIELD does not suffer from this problem.

6. The only place where I think the elago is better is the accuracy of the cutouts around the switches and connectors. The mold used to make the case I think is slightly better designed than the SHILED - this is an observation from an automotive engineer, not something that most people may care about.

IN conclusion, both are fine cases and have a nice tacky, almost rubberized feel, so it comes down to design - the SHIELD wins this comparison.

I was hesitant to believe the "amazing" reviews this case got on here. I have a hard time taking some reviews seriously but I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did.

It does exactly what I want it to do. Protects the back of the phone, while leaving the face exposed and adding as little bulk to the phone as possible. It attaches by just snapping it on, and it is surprisingly tight when attached. The case is rigid but has a soft feel to it, and leave all the buttons and port very easily accessible. Great product here, especially for the money. I'll be buying these whenever I need a case.

I bought this case and the case by eLago. They are very similar, but this one comes around the sides a little more and I prefer the feel.
This case fits very well, doesn't add a lot of bulk to the phone, and seems to be very high quality. I'm going to order another. Highly recommended.

There are pros and cons to this iPhone protector.

Pros:
- Very slim, adds minimal bulk
- The minimal bulk allows the phone to be used in most holsters
- Surprisingly firm material for being so thin
- Snaps on VERY tightly and stays on
- For as tightly as it snaps on, it's remarkably easy to remove
- Will protect the back against damage from light drops
- Protects the back and sides against scratches
- Screen protectors work beautifully with this
- All buttons, ports, and speakers are accessible

Cons:

- It has a very strange design flaw that's easily seen in the product images: there are holes cut out on the back for the speakers, but the speakers aren't on the back of the phone; rather, they're on the bottom, on opposite sides of the data port
- I would have greatly preferred that the Shield stretched its design to cover the speakers; it could have been done easily, still maintaining the structural integrity
- Surprisingly, it doesn't protect the front edges of the phone; if you were to drop it, those could still be scratched
- Obviously, it doesn't protect the glass
- I'd prefer the material to be more true to its `slip-free' claim; when using with a Bluetooth speaker in my car, I sometimes need to keep the phone close to the speaker; it would be nice if I could place the phone on my dashboard without fear of the phone falling off the dashboard

Overall, I'm happy with the Shield, but would prefer something that integrated screen protection and was truly slip-free.

I knew before I purchased this that the SHIELD case wouldn't provide much protection for the front of the phone, but I didn't realize how much of the front silver lining of the phone was left uncovered. I changed my case from the iCase Slider to this in the morning, and five hours later I tripped with my phone in my hand and scratched up the bottom corner of the phone. There's a big scratch along the edge of my phone now, because the SHIELD left so much unprotected, and unfortunately my sleek new iPhone is now a scratched up iPhone.

I guess for the much more careful, this is a fine case to buy. It covers most of the back and provides a firmer grasp on the phone when you're using it. For me, it always feels like the phone is going to slip right out of my hand when I don't have a case or cover on it, so this was a good case in that aspect since it doesn't add any bulk. However, don't count on much protection for your phone, even on the back where the Apple logo is exposed -- one wrong move with your car keys in your purse or pocket and you'll end up with a big scratch along the back too.

I've since changed my case out to something with more coverage, and I'm happier using that instead.

I ordered this item for my iPhone 3GS and it arrived one day earlier than the earliest estimated shipping date, so I was very impressed with the shipping speed from NY to GA.

As for the case itself, it is hands down the best case I have seen anywhere and it does exactly WHAT I NEED. This case does not cover the screen and it does not cover the entire bezel. Apple designed the screen so that it does not scratch with normal use, so I don't need a case that protects the screen...and neither do you. As for the exposed portion of the bezel, I had a 1st gen iPhone for 2 years that was covered by a CoZip case almost identical to this one and I am very satisfied with the way that similar case protected my original iPhone for 2 years. Scratching was minimal along the bezel and even with my wife accidentally dropping it a few times on the corners, the case took the punishment and kept my iPhone from scratching, so I fully expect this case to behave the same way. At the end of two years, I have a 1st gen iPhone that is in EXCEPTIONAL condition, but worth less than $100.

In the event of a catastrophic drop, your iPhone will likely have cracked glass or physical damage, case or no case. With that said, I needed a case that protected from cosmetic damages (scratches, nicks, etc) but did not add weight or thickness or change the sleek, ergonomic feel of my iPhone 3GS. Price was also a major factor and this case fit the bill perfectly. Lastly, I LOVE the rubberized feel of the case that adds just the right amount of grip. Why Apple didn't add this to the iPhone 3GS is beyond me but this case does provide that on both the inside and outside of the case.

I have a buddy that paid $30 for an iPhone 3G case from another website. It's made of silicone and looks like a silicone version of a tank tread. It's ridiculous. It adds an incredible amount of thickness and bulk and just looks silly. If you are looking for an inexpensive solution to keeping your iPhone (3G or 3GS) looking like it is an iPhone, this is your case. It looks awesome on my iPhone 3GS and I feel confident that it is protected. It's a Five Star iPhone case, hands down.

I've had my iPhone for about a month, and I bought two cases for it; this one and the Black Textured Silicone Skin Case for Apple iPhone 3G / Apple iPhone 3GS; I've been alternating between the two to see which one I like better, so it might be more helpful to read a review comparing the two.

THE GOOD:
* The SHIELD maintains the nice, trim look of the iPhone versus a silicone case. Because the case fits on the back and leaves the metal trim exposed, your iPhone still looks like an iPhone. The silicone case is a little bulky, and it wraps completely around, making the phone completely indistinguishable from all of the iPhone clones out there
* I bought a belt pouch for the iPhone as well, and the phone with the SHIELD fits snugly; the silicone case does not.
* Because it doesn't cover the glass at all, the glass is easy to wipe clean as often as you need to (I usually just swipe it across my shirt); the silicone case covers the outer rim of the glass, and dust collects in quite easily between the rubber and the glass
* It snaps tightly into place, and is not likely to pop off
* The smooth, hard plastic slides easily into and out of my pocket, where as the silicone case takes a little more effort.

THE BAD:
* The SHIELD does not cover the buttons, leaving them exposed, as well as creating more openings for dust and dirt; the silicone case covers the power and volume controls.
* The controls are slightly recessed when using the SHIELD, making them a little harder to hit; the silicone case raises the controls slightly by covering them, making them easier to use.
* The SHIELD is hard plastic, so there is zero shock absorbancy.
* The case is not trim enough to leave it on when you use it in the Apple dock, and it takes a little effort to pop it off. If your iPhone is frequently in and out of the Dock, I don't think that this is the best case of you. The silicone case is easy to stretch the bottom off for docking.
* Because it doesn't cover the front at all, you never want to place your phone face down on your desk; the silicone case raises the glass up, so you can lay it face-down on a flat surface
* Both cases have the hole for the Apple logo, which is just one more entryway for dust and dirt, and another unprotected surface.

Nice fit, but very cheap finish. After owning for about a month, tiny pieces of the rubberized case began flaking off. It has shiny spots on it where the material has disappeared. I can run my finger along the edges and tiny pieces of the case peel off. This is an unacceptable feature of the product, in my opinion.

Length:: 1:15 Mins

Today, while walking my dog, my three-week-old iPhone fell out of my pocket on a very busy street, crowded with rush hour traffic. I found the phone on my walk back home. The whole time, this case was on the phone (and stayed on). Though the screen was completely shattered - and the phone totally useless - the Shield case survived. The case isn't damaged at all! I don't know how... but these people have created a durable product.

Bad day for me, good day for the Shield. Buy one - it's worth it!

I love this case. It provides the perfect fit and feel for your 3G iphone. I like it more than the Cozip I had for for my 1G iphone (and I thought that was a great case). The Shield fits my 3G like a glove. Simple but well made. I live my life by the KISS rule, keep it simple stupid. And you wont be let down. I would recommend this case for anyone who wants to protect the back from scratches but doesn't want to hide the beauty of the iphone. I have tried many cases which cost way more with no real style and covers up everything. I am ordering 5 more today in different colors for my friends iphones.