Apple’s smart cover case for it’s iPad lineup is one of the best pieces of accessory design in recent memory. But does a similar paradigm transfer over to the considerably smaller iPhone? Guoer have given it a try and here’s what I think
Let’s jump straight into one of the 2 headline features of this case, the stand. I’ve reviewed a few different cases that function as stands recently but this one is definitely unique. The case comes with a separate back panel which is divided into 3 segments and folds into a triangle, this can then be magnetically attached to the iPhone section of the case and used as a stand. It works quite well and the iPhone doesn’t wobble or fall forward. There is only one viewing angle though and it is quite steep.
The main part of the case is a soft touch snap on style case. Mine is blue in colour with white lines that intersect off-centre on the rear of the case. There is a pill shape camera cutout which is not lined but does not affect photos taken with the flash as the case isn’t particularly thick.
With the smart cover style piece attached to the back the case does get a little thicker and the camera cutout does not sit flush, this is due to the material being quite thin in thetop right with no magnets to keep it in place up there. It doesn’t get in the way of photos but it looks a little scruffy.
The Volume buttons and mute switch also have separate cutouts and are easily accessible.
The top and bottom of the case is completely open allowing full access to the Sleep/Wake button and all the ports on the bottom.
The front of the case lies flush with the screen and as a result there is no lay on the table design here. The case is magnetic which does make it heavier than other cases of this type but not overly so. The combined weight of the case and iPhone 5 still feels lighter than a naked iPhone 4S.
Another handy feature I found myself using a lot is that the Headphones can be wrapped neatly around the outer portion of the case and clipped on to the back or kept in a pocket or bag. If like me your headphones seem to be forever tangled then you could make good use of this.
The other big USP of this case is that, because its magnetic, your iPhone can be attached to magnetic surfaces such as a fridge, white board or other metal surfaces. The magnets are quite strong and the iPhone will not fall when attached. I actually use the case to attach the phone to the side of my iMac monitor which was handy in the absence of available iPhone 5 docks.
Overall the case feels really well made and looks nice. The extra functionality is a lot more than you would get from other cases in this price range and if you’re not using them you aren’t left with trade off of an ugly utilitarian looking case that plagues so many other multi function cases, you are simply left with a nice snap on style case.
This iPhone 5 cover is available from Mobile Fun for £21.95.
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