After going with a more bulky case for my iPod Touch a couple years ago, I did a bit of research this time and found good reviews of slimmer, less expensive cases for the iPhone 5, including the SwitchEasy Numbers, which is newer but I liked the look of this one better.
I've had this case for a couple months now, and it's exceeded my expectations:
* It's slimmer than I thought--it doesn't *seem* like it adds any bulk to the phone.
* Style-wise it meets my low-key utilitarian preferences. I like the seams on the back separating the main body from the rounded camera area at the top of the phone and the corresponding area at the bottom.
* The texture is nice, with just enough added friction.
I've only had one minor drop of the phone with this case, so I can't yet say a lot about the level of protection. The case is slightly raised in elevation around the screen, which is a must. The material is harder than my previous, more bulky & rubbery case, which
I'm concerned may mean less give if the phone is dropped, but it's been fine so far.
I believe this is a slightly older version of the Tones, as it has plugs to cover the ports on the bottom, but they aren't attached to the phone. As is, I don't use the plugs, though I'm glad they're there in case I decide to use them.
Assuming no incidents with the phone while using this case, I would probably buy another of these for replacement if the case itself wore out--it only set me back about $16USD, which is a pittance to protect a $500+ device.
Update: This case is falling apart! ---> Old title: Great case--the white is a lousy color
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2013
Update: I'm revising my review down a star. The edge of my case is peeling off of the body along one side. The cover over the volume buttons has also peeled off. And the color has shifted from new Apple IIe beige to 5-year-old Apple IIe beige. I didn't realize that plastic did that any more. I would no longer recommend this product._____________Many aspects of this case are great: It has no flex, which means that it fits well. The lip around the screen is substantial enough to protect the screen. All of the buttons work well. There is a nice bevel around the camera lens. I've had it for two months, and it feels like it will last the lifetime of the phone. But I do have a few complaints: the power and headphone caps are nice, but very difficult to remove. And if you're looking for something ultra-low-profile, then this isn't it. But my main complaint is the color: online, it looks white and grey. But the grey not really grey. It is more like oatmeal. Or orthopedic appliance. Or Apple IIe beige. Really really ugly. Pick a different color. Any other color.
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2013
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Christian Backlund
Protects the iPhone 5, but the design is frankly boring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 20, 2013
ROCHA LENCASTRE
Nice looking, offers protection but breaks easily when removed from the phone at the joint between the harder and softer shells
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 23, 2016
DB
SwitchEasy TONES iPhone 5 case in WHITE
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 26, 2012
