You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
SwitchEasy Glass Case

The Glass Case from SwitchEasy is Tailor-Made for a Jet Black iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

A great option with a few downsides
Glass Case for iPhone 7
Accessories
November 30, 2016

It’s easy to see why the jet jlack color of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus is so sought after. Apple created an entirely new nine-step process to produce the finish, and it looks beautiful – especially in person. If Darth Vader carried an iPhone, it would definitely be jet black.

The Glass Case

The Glass Case
SwitchEasy Glass Case for iPhone 7
SwitchEasy Glass Case for iPhone 7
$39.99
available
on Amazon
* price at time of publishing was $39.99
The opening for the Lightning cable is a bit slim and may not fit all third-party options.

The opening for the Lightning cable is a bit slim and may not fit all third-party options.

But as most everyone has heard by now, Apple has warned that the finish may show “micro abrasions” if you don’t use a case. While the small scratches don’t bother some, many iPhone users want to keep their handset in pristine condition for resale value.

SwitchEasy’s new Glass case hopes to give jet black owners the best of both worlds by protecting the handset and showing off its color.

Hitting Indiegogo earlier this month, the case is now available to the general public. The simple option is composed of two parts – a metal bumper and a special glass back that features 90 percent optical transparency and a 7H hardness.

Unlike many other bumper cases, no tools are needed for installation. When you need to install the case, just switch the special mechanism on top of the case to unlock. Once the case is on your iPhone, you’ll need to place the switch to the locked position.

I’ve been using the case for a few weeks, and the bumper has held up well. It’s easy to hold fits well in my hand. There are anodized covers for the power and volume up/down buttons. The vibrate switch can be accessed through a small cutout that could have been made a little bigger. There are also holes drilled into the case for the speakers on the bottom.

Also beware that the Lightning plug opening is also a bit small. Apple’s official cable fit just fine, but the Lightning plugs on number of my third-party cables were too wide and didn’t fit. So keep that in mind as well.

Even though the bumper is metal, you won’t need to worry about any loss of wireless signals.

Even though the bumper is metal, you won’t need to worry about any loss of wireless signals. There are four cutouts on each corner that are designed to let the signals pass through without issue. And in my time using the case, there’s been no change in either my Wi-Fi or cellular signal reception at home and while traveling.

As far as the rear glass protector, there is a 1mm gap between the glass and the back of your phone as another layer of protection. In my testing, the glass has held up well and looks as good as it did on day one with no scratches or other visible marks.

There is a drawback, though. The glass is a substantial fingerprint magnet. I’ve found that I needed to wipe the rear down at least once per day or it will look like an oily mess. But when it’s clean, my jet black iPhone definitely shines through.

My biggest issue with the case is the over-the-top branding. Along with the huge “iGlass” logo on the bottom of rear glass, there is print on the back of the bumper touting both the wireless signal pass-through, the tempered glass, and the bumper’s airframe aluminum. There is also a SwitchEasy logo on the right side of the bumper.

Sure, I completely understand the need for some branding on cases. But a more understated approach would be welcomed with Glass.

If you can look past that issue, I’ve really enjoyed using the case. It looks and feels like a much more expensive option, and does a wonderful job of showing off a jet black iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus.

What's Hot

What's Hot
  • The metal bumper is high quality, easy to hold, and has a premium look and feel.
  • No tools are needed to install the bumper.
  • Weighs just 25 grams and adds 2mm of thickness to an iPhone.
  • A unique idea, the rear glass protector does a great job showing off the iPhone 7’s design and jet black color.
  • Special cutouts help all wireless signals pass through the bumper with no issues.

What's Not

What's Not
  • The branding is way over the top.
  • While it shows off the iPhone 7, the glass back is prone to collecting fingerprints.
  • The opening for the Lightning cable is small and may not fit larger, third-party cables.
4.0
OVERALL
Build Quality
Value
Wow Factor
Aesthetic Appeal