Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
Despite not adding much bulk to the iPhone , Griffin ’s Motif is one of the more protective cases available through the iPhone 4 Case Program , and the Motif ’s appearance and sense are unique .
Griffin Technology’sMotif for iPhone 4is the close matter to a soft - silicone “ cutis ” eccentric available via the iPhone 4 Case Program , but its material is smoother and shiny than most silicone skins . Griffin also claims the material — translucentthermoplastic polyurethan ( TPU)—is firm and more insubordinate to buck than the companionship ’s silicone cases .
The Motif enshroud the iPhone 4 ’s back and all four edges , and it wraps slightly around the front of the phone to hold back the case in plaza . This front “ brim ” also protects the iPhone ’s screen when you invest the phone face - down on a desk or table . You execute the phone ’s loudness button and Sleep / Wake clitoris through the caseful , while the Ring / Silent substitution , headphone jack , top microphone , and much of the bottom edge of the earpiece are exposed for easier admittance . There ’s also an passable orifice for the iPhone ’s tv camera genus Lens and light-emitting diode flash bulb .
I had no job accessing any of the controls while using the Motif , although the opening move around the iPhone 4 ’s headphone jack was too minor for specially large miniplug caparison , such as the one on an older stage set of Shure in - ear - duct headphone . The opening at the bottom of the font also blocks some larger pier - connexion plugs — including , ironically , the one on Griffin ’s own3 Meter USB to Dock Cable — although the event material is pliable enough that it ’s potential to pull the material back a scrap to fit large plugs . Of the iPhone 4 Case Program case I ’ve prove so far , the Motif offers the best access for magnanimous - plug accessories .
As with all case in the iPhone 4 Case Program , the Motif cover the smudge in the lower - left corner of the phone where two of its external antennas meet . If you ’ve get reception problems due to your hired hand bridge those aerial , the Motif should alleviate that specific reception issue .
Of of course , like other iPhone cases , the Motif prevents you from placing your encased iPhone 4 in most dock - provenance accessories without a third - party transcriber such as SendStation’sDock Extenderor CableJive’sDock Extender Cable . Alternatively , you could just remove your phone from the Motif when you want to use a dock - cradle accessory — of the cases available through the iPhone 4 Case Program , only Apple ’s Bumper suit is easier to get rid of than the Motif .
The Motif ’s TPU textile is slender enough that the pillowcase does n’t add a plenty of bulk to the sound , but still offer a bit of protection against drops and protuberance . However , as with all the other sheath in the iPhone 4 Case Program , the Motif bequeath the iPhone ’s sieve exposed .
Perhaps the most unique thing about the Motif is that the inside of the back of the case is sculpture into a adamant - lens pattern — look through the empty case is much like looking through a “ fly sheet ’s eye ” lens . Together with the case ’s glossy exterior , this design gives the back of the Motif a striking appearance . The Motif is also interesting in that while the case ’s aerofoil is smooth enough to make it easy to slide your iPhone in and out of a pouch , the TPU material noticeably ameliorate your grip on the phone . On the other hand , that glossy TPU is also a attractor for fingerprint .
As someone who ’s loosely not a fan of silicone “ skin ” cases , I wish the Motif much more than I carry to . Despite not adding much bulk to the iPhone , it ’s one of the more protective cases uncommitted through the iPhone 4 Case Program , and the Motif ’s appearing and finger are unequalled . Of course , bet on how many iPhone 4 owners choose the Motif as their costless case , it may not seem unique for much longer .
