Case

OtterBox unveils Preserver series of iPhone 5/5s/5c waterproof cases with Touch ID support

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Accessory maker OtterBox makes a compelling range of protective case, sleeves and rugged cases for smartphones and just yesterday they announced a new Preserver series for the iPhone 5, as well as the new iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, the latter featuring full Touch ID support. The two-piece highly protective cases with snap assembly is bound to add discernible bulk and weight to your device.

In exchange, you'll get full protection from dust and water. The company says the case can withstand drops from up to 2 meters, or about 6.6 feet, as well as protect your device when fully submerged up to 2 meters deep for as much as 30 minutes...

OtterBox introduces new wallet case for the iPhone 5, 5s

Cody Lee ∙ Updated August 4, 2016

If you've been looking for a wallet-case combo for a new iPhone 5s, or your current iPhone 5, you may want to check out OtterBox. The company just announced a new Commuter Series Wallet case.

The case will fit both the iPhone 5 and 5s, and combines OtterBox's legendary toughness with the slimmer design of its Commuter series. And on the back, a space for your credit cards and money...

Good deal: 50% off Spigen iPhone 5/5s case and GLAS.t bundle

Cody Lee ∙ September 22, 2013

Looking for a way to protect that shiny new iPhone 5s you just purchased? What about your iPhone 5? Either way, if the answer is yes, you should definitely check out this new Spigen promotional bundle from Stack Social.

For a limited time, the deal site is offering the Tough Armor Case, the GLAS.t SLIM—which we reviewed back in March, and loved—and the Ultra Crystal Screen Protector at a significant discount. More details after the fold...

Never lose your iPhone in the dark with glowing Slickwraps cases

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

I find myself fumbling around in the dark looking for my iPhone, while trying not to wake my wife. Black iPhone, dark room, black side table are all my enemies when trying to get my late night Twitter fix. Not that Slickwraps designed a case to encourage bed time iPhone junkies, but I find the glowing aura of this case helpful in similar situations.

When I first offered to review the Slickwraps glow series case, I figured it was a novelty item that children might find in a $.25 grab machine at the local bowling alley. After using the case for more than a week, I am happily surprised to believe quite the opposite of my original impressions...

Mophie’s battery cases get playful color options

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Mophie's Helium series of battery-extending cases for Apple's iPhone 5 are a no-brainer for power users who can't get through their day on a single charge. The California-based accessory maker offers the Helium cases in three flavors: the 13 percent thinner standard-edition Juice Pack Helium with a 1,500mAh battery, the even thinner Juice Pack Air (just 0.63-inches thick) with a bigger 1,700mAh built-in battery and the latest Juice Pack Plus which rocks a 2,100 mAh battery, good for an additional ten hours of 3G/LTE talk time/web use.

And now, in time for Apple's September 10 big reveal of the colorful iPhone 5S/5C, Mophie has introduced a burst of color options...

Old school gaming meets iPhone case

Jim Gresham ∙ August 17, 2013

When I think of an iPhone case, I primarily worry about protection, looks, construction material, and practicality. Typically, these would be the standards by which I grade a case for review, after using them for about a week's time. Very rarely, if ever, do I worry about the level of fun my iPhone case can produce.

Call me a cynic, maybe a realist, but iPhone cases and fun do not typically mix. Sure, there are really cool and awesome cases out there that may invoke some sort of childish excitement by the user. However, after running across the Retro Game Case lineup by Pure Gear, having fun may just be the new factor for favorite cases...

Incipio Atlas review: a waterproof case backed by a warranty

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Last month I featured five cases to protect your iPhone at the beach. Seeing the article, Incipio noticed I selected their ATLAS case as one of the current beach worthy options and sent me one to play with more closely. After receiving the case in the mail a few weeks ago, I have been toting around the water, dust, and shock proof case on my iPhone 5. The case is proving quite useful.

This is the first of Incipio's attempts to produce a waterproof case. However, even though new to the market, Incipio boasts a water damage warranty with the purchase of ATLAS. The company provides an easy product registration app to help you through the process. This confident move is an impressive customer service guarantee not all competitors are offering.

The fanciful, well-built packaging opens to reveal a solidly constructed case, complete with an installation guide to make sure everything is air tight...

CaptCase: a cleverly crafted iPhone folio case and card holder

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

I have tested my fair share of folio style or wallet type cases for all iOS devices. Each has its own eccentricities and the CaptCase for iPhone 5 is no different. With a mission to utilize simplicity of design to provide a beautiful and functional product, the company strives to create accessories that "enhance the use of your smartphone, without getting in the way."

There is one excellent feature of the CaptCase that proves their point. This is the only folio style iPhone case I reviewed with a cutaway in the front panel to allow phone calls. Truly, an excellent feature with functionality at the fore. Many others must agree, as CaptCase easily reached its Kickstarter goal..

Good deal: $40 off Spigen iPhone 5 case and GLAS.t screen protector set

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Those of you in the market for a new case and/or screen protector for your iPhone 5, may want to check out this new promotion from Stack Social. The deal site is currently offering a package with a case, and two screen protectors at a steep discount.

The three accessories, which are all made by Spigen, include the popular Slim Armor Case, the GLAS.t SLIM screen protector—which we reviewed back in March, and loved—and the Ultra Crystal screen protector. Keep reading for more details...

Carved improves handmade wooden case line for iPhone

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

iPhone cases vary from waterproof to minimal skins and all variations in between. Interestingly, there are several options that combine the beauty of nature, in stark contrast to the cold feel of anodized aluminum and glass. Carved is one of those companies that pours completely customized and natural elements into each case.

Utilizing wood, Carved hand selects each piece of grained material in their Indiana shop. The whole process takes place in their shop, including the CNC machining and even the shipping. If you want your product double checked by hand, Carved may be your new favorite case company, assuming you love wood...

Strap-E iPhone case carries your cash, credit cards and more

Cody Lee ∙ July 14, 2013

I've long been in search of a proper wallet-iPhone case combo that would allow me to leave my conventional wallet at home. I've tried the BookBook, the HEX and several others, but have yet to find one that met my requirements for form and function.

This new Strap-E case looks interesting though. It's a slim (only adds 3mm to your iPhone) plastic, slide-on case that has durable, injection molded loops on the back that allow it to carry cash, credit cards and almost anything else you can fit in your pocket...

AL13 iPhone case adds elemental style and protection

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Aluminum is ubiquitous with Apple products, and to emphasize that association, case manufacturer "M" released a new iPhone bumper case simply named "AL13." For the less science savvy folk, Aluminum, abbreviated "AL" is atomic number 13. Now, with a brief periodic table lesson out of the way, what makes this case special in relation to other similar cases?

Most notably, the design is extremely lightweight: a mere 14 grams. A slick looking, lightweight, and stylish aluminum case is not always easy to find. The goal of M's entrepreneurs Lester Mapp and Jeremy Foster was to create the perfect aluminum case but provide the final product at a price point well below competition. Inside I take a look at their newest creation and determine if their goal is met...