Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
The Reveal Etch combines the svelte protective cover of a plastic shell with a bit of the cushiony edge tribute of a silicone “ skin ” case , throwing in a carbon copy - fiber - manner back panel for good measure .
Griffin Technology’sReveal Etch for iPhone 4is an interesting case in that it meld elements of both silicone polymer “ pelt ” cases and hardshell subject . The back of the case is made of fixed polycarbonate with a carbon - character - similar exterior finish , while the sides of the case , which brood all four edges of the iPhone 4 , are made of stiff rubber eraser .
Like all the other cases in Apple ’s iPhone 4 Case Program , the sides of the Reveal Etch wrap slightly around the front of the phone to take the slip in place . This front “ lip ” also protects the iPhone ’s filmdom when you place the telephone set face - down on a desk or table . You operate the phone ’s volume button and Sleep / Wake push through the case , while the Ring / Silent switching , headphone jack , top microphone , bottom mike , speaker , and dock - connective port are scupper for easier entree . There ’s also an fair to middling opening for the iPhone ’s camera lens system and LED flash .
All the iPhone ’s controls work well through the case . However , the opening for the iPhone ’s phone jack is n’t large enough to admit some larger third - party earpiece - plug casing , and the opening at the bottom of the font for the iPhone ’s bob - connecter port is n’t large enough to fit some bulky dock - connective plugs — including the one on Griffin ’s own3 Meter USB to Dock Cable . ( Unlike the stuff used in Griffin ’s Motif for iPhone 4 , the Reveal Etch ’s rubber is too stiff to be stretch to conform to larger hoopla . )
As with all causa in the iPhone 4 Case Program , the Reveal Etch deal the situation in the lower - left corner of the sound where two of its outside antennas meet . If you ’ve experienced receipt problems due to your hand bridge those antennas , the Reveal Etch should palliate that specific response issue .
Like most iPhone cases , the Reveal Etch prevents you from placing your encase iPhone 4 in most dock - cradle supplement without a third - political party adapter such as SendStation’sDock Extenderor CableJive’sDock Extender Cable . you’re able to alternatively remove your phone from the case when you want to use a dock - cradle accessory , but the Reveal Etch , while not unmanageable to remove , is n’t as easy to murder as , say , Griffin ’s Motif or Apple ’s iPhone 4 Bumper .
The stiff golosh used for the Reveal Etch ’s bumper - like edge has a bit of an odd feel—”drier ” than the silicone used in many peel cases — but it does enhance your grip on your headphone , and it offers some protection against underage drop and hump . The rigid back panel should also protect the rear of your iPhone against small-scale impact . However , as with the other event in the iPhone 4 Case Program , the Reveal Etch leave the iPhone ’s screen exposed .
The Reveal Etch ’s appeal is that it offers the thin trade protection of a plastic shell — Griffin claims the case bestow only 1.6 millimeters to the thickness of the iPhone — with a bite of the cushiony edge protection of a silicone cutis case . The carbon - fiber look of the back plateful also gives the Reveal Etch a bit of flair compare to a received disgraceful case .
