It’s iPhone 5 time! The new handset was officially introduced Wednesday at a
media event in San Francisco. With pre-orders starting early this morning, the new iPhone will be officially on sale next Friday. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the case choices for the taller, slimmer, and faster iPhone.
Otterbox
Otterbox has been the defacto standard for rugged cases since the original iPhone back in 2007. But for the iPhone 5, the company is unleashing a comprehensive line of cases from ultra-protective to sleek options.
Defender: The pictured Defender case is Otterbox’s most protective option. Along with a built-in screen protector, the case provides three layers of protection for the iPhone 5. The included belt-clip holster doubles as a media viewing stand. Available in eight color combinations,
it will retail for $49.95.
Commuter: The Commuter case offers two layers of protection with an adhesive screen protector. It is available
in seven colors and is $34.95.
Reflex: The Reflex case promises strong protection while still allowing you to easily dock your new iPhone. There are four color choices,
and it will retail for $34.95.
Prefix: The least expensive option, costing $24.95, features a internal skeleton that provides structural support and a self-adhesive screen protector.
It is only available in black.
Both the Defender and Commuter cases are available for pre-order now and are expected to be shipped starting next Friday. The other cases are listed as coming soon.
Griffin
Just like Otterbox, Griffin has a comprehensive line of cases that should offer something for every iPhone owner.
Survivor: Designed to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Defense standards, the case is designed with a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame wrapped in shock-absorbing silicone. The case has a built-in screen protector while hinged plugs seal the dock connector, headphone port, hold switch, and volume controls. It will retail for $49.95 and come in
multiple color combinations.
Protector: The pictured smooth case is made of silicone with cutouts for the Lightning connector, camera and controls.
Costing $19.99, it will come in orange, black, pink, red, turquoise, olive, gray, and purple.
Reveal: Designed to protect your iPhone while still showing off the handset, the Reveal is a one-piece case that adds only a little more than a millimeter of thickness.
It will retail for $19.99 and come in black, white, gray, pool blue, fluoro orange, fluoro fire, fluoro citron, and blue.
Chevron and Moxy: The fashionable Chevron and Moxy cases will retail for $24.99 and $29.99, respectively.
Chevron features a distinctive chevron design and easy access to all ports and controls. Moxy has two layers of protection and comes in jungle-inspired patterns:
Big Cat, Python, and Zebra.
Mustachio and Wise Eyes: Both cases definitely put a playful spin on iPhone protection.
Mustachio has a polycarbonate shell with a smooth interior. It is adorned with, you guessed it, mustaches. For those of you who give a hoot,
Wise Eyes has owl patterns. Both cases will retail for $24.99 and come in a wide variety of colors.
No release date was announced for any of the cases.
Scosche
strapKASE: The flexible, rubber impact-resistant case features a hand strap (much like the
iPod touch loop) and is available in
four color options.
rawHIDE: Combining
polycarbonate and genuine leather, the pictured rawHIDE case should give your iPhone a high-end look and feel.
kickBACK sport: The case features an integrated kickstand for landscape media viewing and is made of unique rubber material that is resistant to sweat, dirt, and oil. It comes in
eight color combinations.
soundKASE: Designed for athletes, the
neoprene case has an adjustable armband, integrated key slot and reflective accents.
All the mentioned cases retail for $29.99 and are available to be pre-ordered now for shipping by next Friday.
Ballistic
SG Maxx: The new series is highlighted by a molded screen protector that offers additional impact protection while maintaining a durable exterior. When laid flat on a table, the screen will also not touch the surface. The $49.99 case comes with an included holster and rotating belt clip and is
available in six colors.
Hard Core: The pictured Hard Core case definitely live up to its name with five layers of protection. It also had water, dirt, and dust resistant mesh cover for the speaker and microphones, covers for all ports and buttons, a kickstand, and holster with rotating belt clip. Available in six color options,
the case is $59.99.
Shell Gel: The Shell Gell combines protection with a slimmer form factor. Designed to protect against every day drops, it has three layers of protection – an outer soft TPU layer, tough impact-resistant polycarbonate and soft silicone with Ballistic Corners. Available in seven color,
the case is $34.99.
Smooth: The slimmest case in Ballistic’s arsenal, the Smooth is backed by a six-foot droop guarantee. It is $29.99 and comes
in six colors.
No release date or pre-order information was announced for any of the cases.
Q Card Case
The Q Card Case from CM4 solves two problems – protecting your iPhone and holding credit cards and cash. Made of soft-touch rubber, the in-line premium fabric wallet holds three credits cards and cash.
Our own Jamie Young recently reviewed the version for the iPhone 4/4S and was
highly complimentary of the case.
It will retail for $39.99 and be available in early October directly through
CM4 or Amazon. It will be available in black, green, red rouge, and brown.
That’s all for this week. Next Friday, on launch day of the new handset, we’ll be back with even more cases for you to choose from.
