With the addition of the Touch ID Finger Print sensor on the new iPhone 5s it has meant that case developers are still working on the technology for my usual style of tough cases such as the Griffin Survivor, or Otterbox Armor / Defender Series. Obviously anything for the iPhone 5 that covers the home button will not be compatible with the new iPhone 5s’ Touch ID Sensor.
And like anyone with a new toy I want to play with it, so at this point covering the Home button isn’t the option I want to use. A quick search on the net then pointed my in the direction of a manufacturer called Spigen. I haven’t owned a Spigen case, nor seen or used one before so on taking some online reviews at their word I ordered myself a Spigen Tough Armor case. It was pretty expensive at £20 from Amazon, however if the reviews are correct it should be a £20 well spent.
As usual with Amazon it arrived quickly and on taking it out of the box I was pretty impressed. The case feels solid, and well manufactured. It looks good, the white version complementing the white iPhone well. The subtle branding of the case looks smart. The explanation of the tech behind it is basically impact diversion. The case takes a knock and the design of the case then spreads the forces from the impact throughout the case, keeping the forces away from your phone. The result is it shouldn’t break. Thats the theory anyway and the inside of the case has nice lines running from corner to corner, maybe this is an illustration of the force distribution or something. I think it looks like flight plans plotted on a flattened out globe, but anyway that hardly matters.
One thing I really did like about this case is that it comes with a serial number that you type into the Spigen website and it checks the authenticity of the case. As you will see from previous posts I have been a victim of counterfeiters before and this is a really nice idea by Spigen. Something other premium branded and high cost case makers should consider implementing,
The phone fits well into the case. The buttons are responsive, power and volume buttons are covered. The remaining ports and silent rocker switch are left open. There is a cut out on the rear for the shiney Apple logo to peek through, ye know just in case some one might not be aware you are using an iPhone.
The phone is desk safe, so the case is raised slightly meaning that you can set the face down on a table and the screen won’t be touching it.
The home button is exposed for any iPhone 5s users, and the case in no way interferes with the new iOS7 gestures such and swiping up from the bottom of the screen, or of course down from the top.
The iPhone 5 will fit in this case with a full body protective skin on it, as you can see in the picture my phone has one such skin on it.
Using the official charging / sync cable is no problem with this case installed.
In relation to any bad points on this case, just my usual gripes, no port coverings mean water, sand, dirt or dust can sneak in there. Again removable port covers should be included with cases, at least giving the option of their use. If they were integrated with the design of the case, even better. On a similar point Spigen do supply you with 3 home button covers (as pictured) in white, black or orange, this is a nice touch although not much use for the iPhone 5s, 5 users though, you’re well looked after! The only other issue I could envisage for users is the uncovered Apple logo. This left uncovered could leave this part of you phone open to scrapes. I like it, but then I use a rear cover, something I would urge you to consider if you decided on this case.
Spigen Tough Armor Unboxing Gallery :
In Conclusion : This is a smart, well designed and subtle looking case, it seems to be designed with drop protection in mind so a spill from your pocket or ear should bother it too much. I like this case as I have said as a more subtle alternative. It is sleek and slim, not in your face like most armoured cases. It will get noticed by a well trained eye, however it is not likely to get the, ‘Oh my life what the hell do you need a case like for?’ type of reaction. All in all a smart and functional, well designed case.
