Filed under: iPhone
Review: ifrogz iPhone 3G case
The folks at Dr. Bott were kind enough to send us an ifrogz Luxe case for the iPhone 3G to review. We drew straws (virtually) and I won the opportunity to kick the tires, so to speak, and give you my impressions. Personally, I'm not a big fan of cases on my phones and PDAs; they go in and out of my pocket so often that anything that adds bulk or friction ends up being more of a pain than its worth. That pretty much eliminates any silicone-style cases for my purposes. Thankfully, the Luxe case is made of a hard plastic with a satin finish, providing more grip than a naked iPhone, but not so much that it's a pain to get out of a tight pocket.
The ifrogz Luxe case comes in a number of colors. My review case is a deep wine red color, which looks understated and quite appropriate. The case colors in pictures online look too bright and gaudy for my taste, but I can say that I am quite happy with the look of the red version in person, at least.
The case is a two-piece affair, clamping together with a little round button on the back. While this is a clever way to hold the two halves of the case together, it unfortunately makes the iPhone much harder to use on a flat surface, as it rocks from side to side as you tap on the screen. My only other complaint is that the case fits maybe a bit too well, in that it can be a real pain to remove it once you have fit your iPhone snugly into it. If you rarely ever need to take your iPhone out of the case this will be more of a positive than a negative for you.
The screen protector was a real surprise for me. I expected it to significantly interfere with the accuracy of my iPhone's screen, but after just a few minutes I forgot that it was even there. It is easy to apply, and easy to forget, which makes it darn near perfect in my opinion.
My wife is currently in the market for a case for her iPhone, and were it not for the rocking on a flat surface problem, we'd almost certainly be getting her the Luxe for her phone. To be honest, nothing else we've seen really stands out as better, so there's still a good chance she'll end up with a Luxe on her phone, even though the rocking is more of an issue for her than it is for me. I plan on going out to get one of these cases for my iPhone 3G.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jash Sayani said 9:21AM on 9-22-2008
Nice. But it looks a bit too funky.
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Oli said 9:29AM on 9-22-2008
I just got the SwitchEasy CapsuleNeo in Black and it's much nicer than that one!
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FearlessFreep said 9:36AM on 9-22-2008
We have two of these cases. We have tried several other 3G cases and I can say without question this is the best of the lot.
The texture of the case is unlike any other - a silky feel, but not slippery. And the metallic look of the color half gives it just enough color to be classy, but not the over-the-top gaudiness that a lot of cases have.
I have no connection whatsoever with these folks, but this is a good case and much better than many out there.
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j said 10:27PM on 9-28-2008
A review /with one picture = fail
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Charlie said 9:39AM on 9-22-2008
does it fit to the dock?
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Jason Clarke said 4:03PM on 9-22-2008
Hi Charlie - I don't have a dock so I don't know, but I doubt it.
Charlie said 9:46AM on 9-22-2008
Does it fit to the dock?
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John said 9:47AM on 9-22-2008
I just wish it was easier to find this product in Canada. The only reseller the vendor shows in Canada, well, the site sucks and they don't carry it. Looks like an autocad dealer more than anything else.
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Chris Lundin said 9:49AM on 9-22-2008
I have used the Sedio Innocase for both the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G. It is by far the thinnest, best case available. Full disclosure: I do not own Sedio stock. http://www.seidioonline.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2220
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Cav said 9:55AM on 9-22-2008
I have a very similar iFrogz product:
http://ifrogz.com/products.php?cat=438&wrap_overlay=4538|IP3GClearTop
It is a version of that case with a clear top and colored bottom. As mentioned in the article, it is a bit difficult to remove. As I rarely dock my 3g (I often use the included USB sync cable) this is a non-issue for me.
As stated in the article, the round clasp in the back does create a bit of a wobble while laying flat. Again, that said I typically am holding my device when typing.
Those 2 items excluded, it's a great case. It adds very little bulk to the size of the phone. Additionally I am very happy with both the look and feel of the case. The satin touch on the lower half of my case is very pleasing. It would also seem based on my experience, the above review, and other comments I have read, that the site does not honestly reflect the great colors they offer. I own the Blue version of my case and it is a wonderful dark metallic royal blue color. Above is stated that the red is very nice and I have also read elsewhere that the burnt orange and green are excellent as well.
As cases go, this is my favorite I have used thus far. Low impact to functionality and bulk, highly protective, and very attractive. While I sure like the look and feel of going naked (with the phone, you dirty minded peoples), this has been the best option I have found yet To protect the look and size while maintaining the finish of my pretty white iPhone 3g. I high recommend this iFrogz product.
Jeff
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theEsco said 9:57AM on 9-22-2008
I have the same problems with cases being too bulky as well. My favorite case so far is the Power Support Air Jacket.
Low Profile and Hard plastic. Works decent on a flat surface. The screen protector is way better than just the iPhone glass but might take a few tries to get on right.
http://www.powersupportusa.com/products/iphone3G_airjack.php
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Bickity said 11:13AM on 9-22-2008
I am with "theEsco", The Air Jacket is the best option.
c-dude said 2:36PM on 9-22-2008
I third the Air Jacket. Tiny case, gives just enough protection, but still makes for a small phone package. Perfect texture for non-slip but not attracting gunk. Non-glare screen protector (included) ends fingerprint woes.
I went a step farther and plopped the whole thing in a Grantwood Technologies belt case. Fits the iPhone+Air Jacket beautifully... I can use both, or just the Air Jacket, whenever I want, for differing levels of protection.
Caitlin said 9:10PM on 9-22-2008
I shattered my screen a couple weeks ago, had to buy a new one. I have a PS Anti-Glare Screen Protector, but that obviously won't guard against impact.
I -almost- bought the air jacket, but I'm afraid it won't protect the screen enough.
Steve said 12:18PM on 9-22-2008
So that's how it works? If a company sends you a free sample, they get a big cushy write up on your blog?
FWIW I absolutely love my Iskin revo case. From what I can tell it beats the snot out of that Dr. Bott mess.
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Todd said 12:55PM on 9-22-2008
Is the included screen protector a static cling affair or is it the sticky backed adhesive kind?
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Jason Clarke said 4:03PM on 9-22-2008
Hi Todd - it's static cling.
Patrick said 1:27PM on 9-22-2008
I just bought several items from ifrogz. great products, customer service is outstanding! nice folks.
This case is well made, well designed, easy to use, does not mark up the iphone in anyway. and the texture is perfect. good grip, but not too sticky that it won't slide in my pocket.
Now that so many have iphones, with this case, i'm getting people asking me "wow, who makes an orange phone...oh, it's an iphone!"
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Jon said 2:55PM on 9-22-2008
Check out the SwitchEasy Rebel... I've had the black one for a couple months now - it rocks... (My brother has the red one and it is interesting but the black is really sweet... It is really good for taking in and out of the pocket quickly, but also has good grip.
http://www.switcheasy.com/products/Rebel/Rebel.html
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doug said 2:28PM on 9-23-2008
I would have to concur with Jon - i've had the Green Switcheasy for a month now, and it is fantastic. I feel like my phone is protected, but slides in and out of my pocket with no problem, and it also comes with a viewing stand for plane rides and also a dock adapter to boot.