The Spigen Ultra Hybrid for iPhone 6s/6 offers clear protection
Have you been searching for a clear case to show off your iPhone that still offers decent drop protection? The Spigen Ultra Hybrid for iPhone 6s/6 with Air Cushion Technology might be the answer.
The Facts:
Company: Spigen
Product: Spigen Ultra Hybrid with Air Cushion™ Technology
Price: $10.99 to $16.99
Compatibility: iPhone 6s/6; there is also a 6s/6 Plus model
Colors: Crystal Clear, Rose Crystal, Black, Space Crystal, and Mint
Date: Oct. 30, 2015
Overview:
As I mentioned in my review of the Caudabe Veil XT, thin cases are designed for scratch protection, but not necessarily drop protection. I found out the hard way that I was correct about that. One AppleCare+ incident later, I went on the hunt for a new case. I wanted a clear case, to show off my Rose Gold iPhone 6s, of course. But I also wanted decent drop protection, because clearly I’m a klutz. I wanted a reasonable price, having just spent quite a bit of money on my replacement iPhone. And I wanted a relatively thin case. Not ultra-thin, I learned my lesson. But I still wanted to be able to slip the phone into my pocket, and pockets in women’s clothing tend to be pretty small.
After scouring the internet, I decided to try the Spigen Ultra Hybrid for iPhone 6s/6. I’m always a bit wary of cases that claim to fit both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6s since there is a slight difference in thickness, but it fits just fine. The back is clear, hard plastic, and the bumper around the edges is soft but firm clear TPU, Thermoplastic Polyurethane.
The Sleep/Wake and volume buttons are all covered with raised buttons in the case. The buttons all work just fine. The mute switch and all of the ports have cutouts for easy access. Because the TPU is relatively thick, you may need to use a fingernail to access the mute switch. I can do it with the pad of my finger, but it is easier with a fingernail. Apple’s charging cord will fit through the cutout with no problem, but if you have an off-brand charger that is much bigger, it might not. The TPU bumper has a lip that just overlaps with the iPhone’s screen, so you can feel safe setting your iPhone face down. I don’t like branding on cases. Spigen embosses their name only on the TPU bumper, not on the back of the case, which is subtle enough for me.
This has nothing to do with the quality of the case, but here’s a fun fact: when you use your iPhone’s flashlight in the dark, the entire case lights up.
Bottom Line:
I have not drop-tested this case, and certainly don’t plan to. But Spigen explicitly claims to offer drop protection with their patented Air Cushion™ technology in the corners, my problem area. Time will tell. At any rate, I feel like my iPhone is secure in this attractive, clear, and comfortable case. You can find this case on Amazon. The back is clear on every model, but the TPU bumper portion can be Crystal Clear, Rose Crystal, Black, Space Crystal, and Mint for $10.99 to $16.99 depending on color. You can also find one for the iPhone 6s/6 Plus in a similar color range for $11.99 and up.
