Review: Tech21’s Classic Shell Case protects the iPhone 6 Plus without weighing you down

by Brent Dirks

January 19, 2015

Company: Tech21
Product: Classic Shell Case
Price: $29.99
Compatibility: iPhone 6 Plus
Website: www.tech21.com
Date: Jan. 19, 2015

The Product

I’ve been using the iPhone 6 Plus since launch day in September. And if you haven’t had a chance to use one, I’ll be honest – it’s absolutely huge. While I quickly grew accustomed to the size and wouldn’t trade the Plus for anything smaller, finding a good case has been a challenge.

Unlike the iPhone 6, there haven’t been as many case options for the larger handset hitting the market. But Tech21 is here to save the day. My colleague Bryan M. Wolfe ran through the entire case lineup from the company back in October. But I recently was able to try out the clear version of the Classic Shell Case.

The clear version of the case lets the iPhone 6 Plus shine through.

If you can’t tell by the images, the case is truly slim and lightweight. It weighs just a little more than 1.3 ounces, which is paltry compared to the 7.1 ounce iPhone 6 Plus. Unlike other shell-type cases, this version is made from a soft and flexible material that’s really easy to hold and isn’t slippery at all.

Another positive is that the Classic Shell resists scratches and abrasions. That’s a big plus because any type of clear cases usually gets scratched just a few weeks into using it. It’s also very easy to put on and take off.

The power and volume buttons are covered with the same type of material while the mute button, headphone jack, Lightning dock, and speaker are uncovered. The opening on the back of the case for the camera is larger than you’ll usually find on a case of this type, but I see that as a good thing.

Surrounding the outer part of the case is Tech21’s special D3O material that is designed to both absorb and dissipate impacts. I haven’t been unlucky enough to actually drop my phone while using the case, so I can’t attest to how well it protects the iPhone 6 Plus in those situations.

And while I’ve really enjoyed the case, I wouldn’t recommend the Classic Shell if you’re needing the maximum amount of protection that a rugged case, like an OtterBox Defender or other similar models provide.

If you’re looking for another color, Tech21 also offers a blue, pink, and smokey version of the Classic Shell for $39.99, $10 more than the clear version. But I think $29.99 for the clear edition makes it a great value.