Apple ’s designers surely did n’t think of for the iPhone ’s sleek design to be covered up , but run out to give it a protective compositor’s case leaves the twist vulnerable to smudges and boodle – or , bad , shattered glass and bended metallic element . To minimize the risk of serious damage , conceive using a protective case . Here ’s a immediate guidebook to shopping for iPhone protection , along with a summing up of the most vulgar types of cases and some example of each case .

Shopping Tips

Whichever case of face you pick out , ensure it does n’t block the iPhone ’s bottom - mounted speaker , mike , and dock - connective larboard ; top - mounted headphone diddlyshit and mike ; the television camera lens and flash on the back ; and the camera lens , light sensor , law of proximity sensing element on the front — unless , of course , the typeface is designed so that you remove your iPhone to employ it . Similarly , if you care to use dock - cradle accessory , verify the case is easily obliterable , as many of dockage accessories , such as speaker organization , are not compatible with typesetter’s case .

Note that the iPhone 4S has the exact same button layout as the Verizon ( CDMA ) iPhone 4 , which isslightly dissimilar than the clitoris layout of the AT&T ( GSM ) iPhone 4 . This mean that some early event made specifically for the AT&T / GSM iPhone 4 wo n’t fit the CDMA iPhone 4 or any iPhone 4S. ensure you choose a pillow slip that fits your specific iPhone model .

Case types and recommendations

Marware ’s CEO Glide

Pouches and Sleeves : pouch and sleeves all encase your iPhone to protect it from scratches . Some even cater extra padding to help oneself guard against prominence , drop curtain , and shock . These case tend to be comparatively cheap , though many also limit access to the twist ’s touchscreen — you have to pull out your equipment to access features . Recommendations :

typeface - Mate ’s Leather Hipster

Marware CEO Glide

Marware’s CEO Glide

Holsters : Holsters allow you stack away your iPhone on your whack or bag strap for loose access , but you need to take the machine out of the font to apply it . Recommendations :

Moshi ’s iGlaze

shell : If you do n’t need a lot of protection — for case , if you keep your iPhone in your pocket , a pocketbook , or a laptop handbag — a shell - style case is right up your alley . These inflexible case introduce most of your machine in a thin layer of set plastic or metal , offering protective cover against underage bumps and incision , but not unvoiced drops . The cases also leave your machine ’s entire screen and all controls full accessible , and tend to have a slim profile that does n’t add bulk to the speech sound . If you do n’t want to hide your iPhone ’s shiny aerofoil , count a shield made of hard , transparent plastic . Some shells also include belt clips , though clips that can be removed without leaving a nub sticking out on the back are generally preferred . A tip : We favour shell with side that protrude ever - so - slightly past the iPhone ’s screen , so that if you set up the phone down screen down , the telephone set relaxation on the case sides , rather than on the screen . Recommendations :

Case-Mate Leather Hipster

Case-Mate’s Leather Hipster

Griffin Technology ’s Motif

hide : One of the most popular types of case , skins enclose your iPhone in a bed of silicone rubber or a like flexile fabric . Thinner skins foreclose scratches without total much bulk , whereas thicker skins allow for spare jounce trade protection . Both give your machine some clutches ; the downside of a skin , however , is that because of that grip , contract your twist out of your pocket can be a minor dogfight . Many hide cases are easy to remove , which is commodious if you desire to use your iPhone with accessary that work only on a naked iPhone . passport :

Apple ’s iPhone 4 Bumper

Moshi iGlaze

Moshi’s iGlaze

Bumpers : With the iPhone 4 , Apple popularized its Bumper case , which is basically a protective band that wrap up around the edge of the phone . Although a bumper - style case does n’t offer the same protection as a standard example — specially for the speech sound ’s trash back — it does protect against many drops while entrust your iPhone ’s looker undisguised . testimonial :

Sena ’s Magnet Flipper

Flip cases and pocketbook : Flip cases offer complete auspices , thanks to a screen cover that flips open for admission . Although these cases run to be a fleck bulky than most , they propose a good via media between auspices and toilet facility . Some also let in a pocket for hard cash , recognition notice , or an ID , and a few even change over into a stand for watching videos or exposure slideshows . Recommendations :

Griffin Technology Motif

Griffin Technology’s Motif

Marware ’s SportShell Convertible

armband : If you listen to music on your iPhone while working out , you ’ll want a case that volunteer shock resistance , some amount of wet auspices , and convenient carrying option . You ’ll receive such cases in the other class here , but many people favour exercise armband , which strap onto your upper arm to keep your iPhone safe but accessible . Recommendations :

Screen protection and body films : Many iPhone fount let in a readable , whippy , adhesive motion picture that protect the phone ’s methamphetamine hydrochloride screen from scratches , but if you favour to carry your iPhone au naturel — or if you want a high - quality film — you could buy a screen guardian separately . The best are basically invisible and do n’t affect the iPhone ’s sense of touch - filmdom sensitiveness ; some pop the question an anti - glare finish , and some are also useable in full - physical structure versions that protect the entire iPhone from scratches without adding bulk or befog its stylish appearance . recommendation :

Apple iPhone 4 Bumper

Apple’s iPhone 4 Bumper

Ballistic ’s Hard Core Series Case

Ultimate protection : hoi polloi who treat their equipment roughly or venture into harsh surroundings will want a type that offers complete security against shock and the elements . These cases can add pregnant bulk , and may make your gadget ’s buttons and ports hard to access , but you wo n’t have to worry about damaging your phone if you drop it . Some even keep out sand and piss . Recommendations :

Sena Magnet Flipper

Sena’s Magnet Flipper

Marware SportShell Convertible

Marware’s SportShell Convertible

Ballistic Hard Core

Ballistic’s Hard Core Series Case