New
homes for iPhones.
This
time last year we covered a bunch of new phone cases in a special, summer-driven feature. Now we're back again with a tonne of new ways
to protect your pride-and-joy, in a feature aimed squarely at the
iPhone 6/6S. If you have one, and if you're worried you'll definitely
drop it this summer (you dolt), read the following VERY carefully.
Then buy them all. Seriously.
Wavewall
Anti-Radiation Cases
First
up, we look at something that will not only keep your iPhone safe,
but could keep you safe as well... especially if you're a bloke. You
see, the electromagnetic radiation given off by a smartphone can be
damaging to a man's fertility, effecting sperm mobility. And so,
Wavewall has produced a range of cases using a special anti-radiation
fabric which blocks most of that potentially harmful radiation. Our
sperm says thank you.
The
range of cases are pretty neat, incorporating an executive look with
lined leather and subtle colours. We were sent both a classic flip
case (with Wavewall suggesting you close the flip, even when taking
on the phone) and also a classic slide wallet with pull-up strap to
free your iPhone. Both were well made, looked great, offered
protection against scratches and light bumps (but nothing too
full-on, mind), and gave a great deal of peace of mind. You know, for
making babies and that.
Flip
case £29.99
Slide
wallet £24.99
Gear4
Black IceBox Tone
Whereas
the Wavewall products were all about your balls, this effort from
Gear4 is all about the falls! Sleek, elegant, and hardly there at all
(the case we were sent was completely transparent) the Gear4 Black
iPhone cases use the military standard D3O impact protection. This
means that this innocent looking case can save your device from falls
of up to a whopping nine feet. That's Middle Earth troll height.
D3O
is a very unique application of a Non-Newtonian substance, which
although feels soft and pliable to the touch, will suddenly lock firm
when a sudden impact jars it, before returning to it's normal shape.
Because of this the IceBox Tone is surprisingly thin, so not a lot of
extra bulk is added to your hand. We love the science behind the
protection, as well as the see-through styles which really let your
phone show itself off.
£29.99
Visit
http://gear4.com/
Fonesalesman
iQi PWRcase
For
the juice-hungry phone users, this case is perfect. Not only does the
iQi PWRcase feature a built-in 1550mAh battery, chargeable when you
normally charge up your iPhone, it also enables your phone to be
wirelessly charged. Nice combo.
Compatible
with any Qi wireless charging pad or accessory (Fonesalesman do their
own range), the iQi PWRcase slips on quick and, despite those useful
features, doesn't add to much extra bulk. Clearly the design emphasis
has been on power supply, but the case itself still seems to offer a
good deal of protection, being made from a tough-feeling rubberised
plastic. But the real joy was testing the case in conjunction with
Fonesalesman's WoodPuck Bamboo Edition charging pad. Yep, we were
charging our phones... on wood! It looks great, and the novelty sure
didn't wear off.
iQi
PWRcase £38
WoodPuck
Bamboo Edition £40
X-Doria
Defense H2O
If
you're planning some wet adventures this summer, this could be the
case to keep your iPhone safe. The Defense H2O from X-Doria is an
all-in-one phone enclosure, protecting against falls (from heights of
up to two metres) and water submersion (down to depths of two metres
– for two hours!), all while looking pretty nifty, if you ask us.
Despite
the level of all-round protection the case offers, it is a breeze to
install utilising a simple clip-on action. Your iPhone will also be
saved from dust and dirt ingress, while the slight lip around the
outside edge of the screen will protect against scratches and
smudges. You also still get access to all your buttons on the side of
the phone too, which is nice. It may be a lot to fork out for, but
its also damn good looking as well. Just sayin'.
£59.99
Visit
http://xdorialife.com/
Tech21
Evo Endurance
Speaking
of forking out a lot, introducing the Evo Endurance from Tech21. This
is a another battery case like the iQi model, but the technology used
here is pretty interesting. Safety has been the paramount concern in
developing this case and so a unique lithium ceramic battery has been
installed, cutting the chance of leaks and heat build-up, while
ensuring the user's safety by not using any flammable components.
The
case itself adds a chunky wedge to the rear and base of your iPhone,
but not too much so it becomes uncomfortable to hold. As the Evo
Endurance adds a couple of centimetres to the bottom of the phone
(therefore deepening the headphone jack port) Tech 21 kindly include
a jack adaptor so you can still use headphones with the 'bent neck'
connectors.
In
use the additional battery provides about 60% of the iPhones regular
charge, which is quite a boost considering the relative small size of
the case. And you're not just paying for a bigger battery either, as
the case also provides protection against drops as high as two
metres. And hey, at least you know that if you do drop it, that big
extra battery won't explode! Yay!
£89.99
Visit
www.tech21.com/en_gb
BONUS:
Adidas Originals iPhone SE Case
We
know we said we're focussing on the 6 and 6S, but we just had to
include this cute little number for the new (and decidedly cute
itself) iPhone SE. The Adidas Originals case is by far the simplest
on this short list, but it is also the most tactile. More a shell
than a case, it is made from soft rubber which has been wrapped in
very thin, very delicate to the touch, PU leather. This gives the
case a velvety feel; one that is exceptionally pleasing to hold in
the hand. If you've recently got yourself Apple's new pint-sized
phone (which we spoke about a bit, here), this should be a definite
contender for the honour of being wrapped around it.
£19.99
Visit
http://www.adidas.co.uk/