iPhone 4 Case Review: Bumper

UPDATE Mon Jun 28 08:12:43 EDT 2010: So, I’ve discovered another crappy thing about the bumper – it’s not compatible with 2 out of 2 of my 3rd party connectors (not docks, just connectors). I have a Belkin charger and some car adapter that hooks me up with power and an aux out. Both of them make full contact only when I’m really, really squeezing them in, as soon as I let go they lose contact. Great. This thing is barely usable for me.

Ok, so. What to do about suiting up the new iPhone? Go to the Apple Store and pick up the bumper, right? I grabbed a black one (the only one they had in stock, but what I would’ve gotten anyway, what can I say, I’m like that). The short answer is that it’s just ok. I’ll stick with it for awhile since there isn’t really anything else out there that’s minimal like I like – but I’m keeping my eyes out for a better option.

First off, I’ll say that my preference for iPhone cases is thin and minimal. One of the great things about the iPhone is the slim size and I like my cases to put on as little bulk as possible – I have them primarily for scratch proofing with saving from light dropping. To some degree the bumper does that – it’s minimal alright, covering only the outer edge of the phone – nothing on the front or back. The rubbery case extends a little bit above and below so if you put it down on a flat surface the glass never touches it. I suspect that it would help in most falls (although, I literally dropped my phone about 2 feet onto concrete on the way to getting this, but not a scratch on the phone that I could tell! phew!).

There don’t seem to be any screen covers for the iPhone 4 yet, I really need those (1 for the front, another for the back!) hopefully someone comes out with an anti-glare version soon. The bumper just doesn’t help at all on the front – leaving the back glass fully exposed. This is problematic for me – but, if it came with a rear glass screen (especially one that extended under the bumper itself so nothing was exposed I’d be ok with it.

My main beef with the case is that it doesn’t feel solid. One of the first things you notice about the new iPhone is that it feels solid, dense. I really like that. The bumper works sort of like a loose rubberband around the phone. It fits, somewhat snugly, but it will move if you squeeze it a little. It really screws with that satisfying feeling of heftiness. This is probably a very personal perspective, maybe it doesn’t both most people. I don’t know. Do you have one? What do you think? Or what case you using or… are you carrying your iPhone around commando?

Freedom Below!

Yep. I'm carrying my iPhone around commando. WAIT a minute...are you referring to me or the iPhone...?
ronin

I despise silicon covers. Glad I didn't pick up a bumper. Had even stopped by Short Hills yesterday to see if they had any. Luckily they didn't.

I think it's gonna be pretty tough to get an anti-glare screen protector that won't affect the screen quality. Think it's a one or the other kind of thing.
ronin

Yeah, see here: http://flic.kr/p/8e6VQB

ifrogz has had that soft material on their cases for a while now. A step up from the cheapo cases on Amazon.

I don't mind the vents. The phone runs rather hot compared to its predecessors so encasing it in plastic + felt material won't help.
felix

Yeah, I like the Bumper less and less. Especially for something as expensive as it is, it just doesn't satisfy me. Although, I guess if you're the type who's ok with those silicon covers it's kind of that same mushiness - so it's definitely a personal preference issue. The 3rd party connectors is a problem, but only if you have 'em.

It did bother me a lot that there weren't any other options at launch. I mean, I understand the need for secrecy - but really, they left the phone at a bar - the cat was out of the bag already!! Still, now there seem to be some options hitting the scene - although I think still no quality anti-glare screen protectors. Sigh.
felix

Huh, I just read somewhere that there's a softer material lining the back so it doesn't scratch up the phone? Is that true? I kinda really, really hate those ventilated sides - but I would really like that soft back. Looking at a few other hard cases that are coming out too - but that's the first I've seen of any feature like that which is compelling.
ronin

You might want to check out a nearby Best Buy. Picked up an ifrogz LuxeLean case (http://is.gd/d7VLL) along w/their 3-pack of anti-glare/anti-fingerprint screen protector. Although now that I look at it the reviews on the screen protector is pretty bad so I'll probably wind up returning those. The case is great though. Exactly the type I like: thin and covering just the back and sides. And a teeny bit of the front. Bottom is mostly uncovered (just the corners) so works just fine in the Kensington car kit that I use.
Ben

Too bad you don't like the Bumper...I wish they had more cases available at launch...already have a little divot on my stainless-steel antenna :( I have also been unable to find a case that's in stock for my ipad...wish Apple would take more seriously people's need to protect their very expensive and very fragile devices. Seems like it shouldn't be that hard to have several cases available at launch.
at&t rep

Get the bumper, and the new zagg dry application for the front and the back at at&t stores exclusively.

I did, it works great, just give it 2 days to cure

#comments