Hynek Hampl Most apple phone owners have some kind of protective case for their beloved one. And it's usually for two reasons:
- beautiful iPhone is protected by the cover
- the packaging is beautiful and protects the iPhone
But isn't that pointless? I asked myself this question recently when I took the iPhone out of the bumper for a while and wanted to put it in a plastic case.
The iPhone itself reminded me of taking the phone out of the box for the first time. Beautiful, light and very pleasant to the touch phone. And why spoil its beauty and especially the pleasant feeling of holding it with a cover or bumper? In my case, clearly for safety. Although the iPhone is a consumer product, no one is in the mood or desire to deal with replacing the back glass or display. On the other hand, the iPhone is an expensive consumer product and I am careful with it. Especially when it comes to falls and water. Well, I mostly have a cover or bumper for one simple reason. To protect against scratches that can be made on virtually any hard surface.
So what to use to keep the back of the phone from scratching while maintaining the thickness, weight and beauty of the iPhone? We can exclude the covers straight away, they add to the phone's dimensions and cover most of its sexy body. If you also use an iPhone dock, it is usually necessary to remove the case from the phone before connecting. Can you think of a cover or a "sock"? I personally find such things annoying. Pulling the phone out twice (from pocket and case) would soon drive me crazy. How about Gelaskins? This is of course better, but somehow I don't like having a picture or a theme on the back of the phone. I just want a clean phone, but at the same time partially protected. The more astute ones probably already figured it out at the beginning of the paragraph - transparent foil.
I'm not discovering America, I'm sure many of you have had similar protection on your iPhone for a long time. Rather, my point is that if you don't have it so far, you need to realize this fact, don't be afraid and try to accept the compromise of less protection. What will be your reward? A beautiful phone unencumbered by any plastic packaging or bumper. Of course, if you like some Gelaskin with a motif, that's also an option. Again, to a lesser extent, you lose that feeling of a beautiful phone that you bought with your hard-earned money. Many of you also probably have an iPhone in some kind of flip case that isn't attached to the phone. In this case, I would also recommend foil. The case will still fit the iPhone and you can safely place it on the table without the case, so it will be available very quickly.
In my case, I abandoned the alternating care of the plastic case and the bumper. I stuck foil on the back. At first I wanted to order a foil directly for the back of the iPhone from an online store, but I happened to find a new foil from an old Sony PSP at home (it will last for a while and then I will buy another one, directly for the back of the iPhone). It fits nicely on the back of the iPhone 4S, it does not cover the camera or the entire area of the back, and at the same time it does not disturb the back with the apple in any way. And the protection when placing the iPhone on a possibly dangerous surface is good. You don't have to worry about scratches. Although it doesn't seem like it, there is also a problem with the rough surface on the table. Just a few specks and your back will be pretty scratched in no time when handling your iPhone. However, if you have a foil, it will take it, not the phone.
After a few weeks of use, I got used to it very quickly and happily. Using an iPhone is more comfortable and fun again after a long time, even though I thought it couldn't get any better. The feeling of holding a "naked" phone is subjectively much more pleasant. Over time, the foil will of course start to scratch from dirt and surfaces (see photo), but you can simply replace it with another one in time. This exchange will cost around 200 CZK, which is not prohibitive. Also try to enjoy your phone and throw away that ugly plastic cover or bumper.
I use a combination of screen protector and Quad Lock Case for iPhone 5, which is beautifully light and flexible compared to its predecessor :-)
So I got used to bumpers and other covers, I have more than 10 of them and I change them often. And I certainly don't think they're ugly. A lot of people ask me where I bought it.. Anyway, I carry the film on my phone and change it from time to time. Even under covers that cover the entire back. I also sometimes take out my phone, but only when I know that it can't fall somewhere or there is no other danger to it (so definitely not when I go to a pub, even the foil wouldn't help there:D)
As a rule, I didn't throw away the back cover of the phone. I stick to the rule that if I scratch it or drop it, it's only my fault and I'm punished for it.. I use the Krusell leather retractable case to carry around in my pocket with a lot of things at once. Otherwise, I have the phone without the case all day. Covers, foils, bumpers, etc. are simply disgusting things that only degrade such a terrible design and create more problems.. Howg..;)
I used to have a foil + bumper. My iPhone 4 got scratches under that bumper, I don't know what. Since it is more than 2 years old, I only have foil on it. I replace them from time to time when they are scratched. I put the phone in my pocket where there is nothing else and still no problem. I had one fall on the concrete when I was getting out of the car and only a little glass dried on the edge. I polished it with fine sandpaper and it works. Of course, it will fall once, but then it will be time to replace the phone.
I use the ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD Apple iPhone 5 (full body) and I cannot praise the film enough. It costs only about 560 CZK for the whole body. There are no visible scratches on it and it holds 100% securely. I don't have to worry about it catching on the side in my pocket and bending the corner again like my 3GS used to do, like with those cheap hard films. ZAGG has a more "plastic" not so shiny feel, but it holds perfectly in your hand and doesn't just slip off.
I wore a bumper on my iPhone. Then I thought it looks better without the bumper, grips better, etc. I took the bumper off and after a month I was fixing the broken glass because it broke the first time I hit the ground…
On the 4S I used a $0.99 rear clear film from ebay. The Jewish faith held onto the phone and protected it well. Over time, I found out that it is better to take a matte foil than a glossy one, because scratches are not so visible on it and the back of the phone is a little more comfortable in the hand. I have never protected the windshield. And I never rubbed it. I'm nice to my iPhone, so there's no need to worry about the front glass.
Since the upgrade to the black iPhone 5, I no longer use the film, because unfortunately, with the black iP5, any edge of the phone can easily rub off. I can cover the back, front and sides of the phone with foil, but I still can't protect the edges from abrasion.
So I ordered some "dollar" covers on ebay, hoping that one of them would "fit" my hand.
I changed several covers before I came across a half-millimeter case made of TPU plastic, which fits the iPhone and the hand beautifully, is almost invisible (if you choose the right color :)) and still protects the phone from scratches on the edges...
What more could you want, for approx. 40 CZK :)
Coincidentally, I thought the same thing yesterday. I stuck the foil intended for the front of the Iphone on. back wall. the problem with the I5 is that it doesn't hold as well on the back as it does on the glass, and there are noticeable transitions at the edges of the phone. I will look for a more professional solution :-)
I would never carry an iPhone in a case. It's a commodity, and commodities wear out. It seems to me similar to when someone buys a TV and leaves the remote control in the foil it was wrapped in. In addition, the iPhone is beautiful and it's stupid to put it in a case (SJ also had this opinion).
I don't understand how someone can buy such a nice phone for so much money and then put it in a flashy pink case... that's just bullshit, the phone looks really good and fits great in the hand, and those cases just spoil it. foil is useful so that one is not afraid to put it on the table.
then there are people who are naturally clumsy and whose phone wouldn't last a week without a case, but that's a different category.
I still can't stick the foil straight and without bubbles...
It is ideal to moisten the phone so that there are still small droplets of water. Sticking on the foil and getting the water away with a plastic spatula :-) this method was the most enlightening for me
Well, what about the iPhone 5? Any advice?
ZAGG Invisible Shield for the WHOLE body … Includes front and back foil without sides. Application is very simple using a spray. I don't have a single bubble on my phone. :) And it lasts forever. My 3GS didn't work for 2 years. Then I exchanged it for another one.
When I bought an iP 5, I bought a foil and a 1mm Swith Easy cover for it, the phone was thin, everything suited me, but over time I think that such a piece should not be hidden. Now I only have the foil on the front side and that will probably come down and be bare. Just check if you are a little more careful, the iPhone can withstand some minor impacts, scratches, etc. without any marks :-)
So only naked, as he was created ;-)
So, instead of a scratched iPhone, should I look at an iPhone covered with a scratched foil? That's really cool. It doesn't matter what the scratches are on? When someone buys a used phone, it's to show off, but they carry it in the original box, no :-))))
Those hard, cheap films get scratched very easily, yes... I was able to do it with an ordinary cleaning product and a microfiber cloth :-D Within a second, there were a hundred scratches on it. Since then, I have not reached for those "16 kroner" foils. With the ZAGG Invisible Shield, nothing like that happens. Scratches are not visible on it and it does not just peel off, as is the case with those hard shiny foils, when rolls start to peel off after a while.
Those photos were taken like this on purpose so that the scratches could be seen. However, if you don't shine an LED light/bulb on the phone and take a picture of it from a special angle, only the really big scratches are visible during normal use :) And for showing off, at least I don't really buy the phone :D
I bought the iPhone 3gs 32gb white as a hot new product and for two years I took care of it like a child, panicked horror accompanied me almost at every step. I bought a used iPhone 4 and I don't pay that much attention to it anymore and I honestly enjoy it... of course I think the case is a good thing, but I don't wear it. Johy Ive designed the phone in such a way that the user would be happy with it as it is and not to cover it with a cover or foil.
I have a very very thin leather "sock" on my iPhone. In my opinion, this is the best way to protect the mobile phone and at the same time show its beauty - it can be taken out of the cover / put to sleep in a millisecond and it is unrecognizably rougher in the pocket. I don't really like foil - it doesn't create an image of the whole phone like hiding its beauty in a cover. Just as long as I don't scratch it with mobile games. When I'm not playing, I put it in my underwear. That's my opinion.
Hynku, is it clear to you that until the foil, which is not over the entire back, you can see exactly the edges when it was there and where it wasn't? It won't be a pretty sight :)
Otherwise, I agree with you that the mobile phone itself is nicer, but what if in the first week of using the phone you accidentally drop it or you turn around with the mobile phone in your hand and something cuts it off, etc. You probably won't like that. At least the foil is good. I have a mobile phone in silicone+foil, and the silicone is out in a second when I want, but it protects well in the event of a fall, which has already happened twice in 3 years.
That's not a problem, after peeling off the foil, it's not enough to just wipe it with your hands, but after a while it can be cleaned to its original state :)
Otherwise, yes, that's exactly the risk. I am very cautious about such things, and even if it can sometimes be just a coincidence, I trust my hands. Of course, this does not apply to everyone and there are people who prefer to insure themselves with a cover. On the other hand, a solution with an opening case for the iPhone is a good choice. When someone takes the phone out of the package, they must be careful what they do with it. And the cover will take care of the phone for the rest of the time.
Jojo cases are a great thing.. when my phone goes to silicon heaven, I will take it out of the case and glue the foil and it will look like new.. and only then will I enjoy its perfect design ..
When I bought the iPhone 5, I was nervous about its thinness and the uncertainty of the grip, especially with sweaty hands. So I put the cover from xtremeMac on it and it's great. It holds perfectly and does not slip. Scratch resistance is a bonus.
That's also an option, but whatever you put on the phone besides that foil will make a big difference. And this applies from the first iPhone through all generations up to the current iPhone 5. :)
Hey, I personally don't deal with any packaging or covers, only the foil on the display. After all, it's just a thing and not your young lady, which you wouldn't let go "naked" anywhere :)) After all, you don't have a car in the garage anyway. After all, you don't have a car or an iPhone to spare, so you feel like buying a new model in the future. So why not enjoy it to the fullest while you can :) :0 what will your beautiful iPhone be for after it dies? xD
In my opinion, the iPhone is an overpriced toy for the fact that it can do almost nothing. I'm very glad I didn't get a buzz in my head and didn't buy an iP4 and just stick with the 3GS. So it took a few years before I decided to buy this would-be-innovated novelty hehe. For the fact that it cost me 20K, it doesn't even have crappy delivery notes :-D By that I mean that a few people might invest in something different and more useful and at least take care of what they have and also appreciate it, because some people just don't have it every month. So really, only fanatics count on another overpriced model in the future, which will be revolutionary again and yet again will not bring anything useful or new.
I would also like to add ... given that we all know what an iP5 costs now and basically what an iPhone as such has always cost ... I would be ashamed to put a phone to my ear or hold it in my hand with a damaged phone from all sides (let's say just from normal wear and tear usage). I think that some of its elegance and purity should be preserved. To me, the iPhone is the only one of all phones that looks clean and elegant. Also, thanks to the foils that were on my old 3GS from the beginning, I sold it and was not ashamed to mark it as almost 100% condition or as new. There was not a single scratch on it in 4 years and the owner was very surprised and satisfied. And I can also say that after being displayed on a very well-known auction server, it was sold within two hours for an incredible 5.300 , - other 3GS were lying there for weeks and their price did not exceed 3.500 :))
I personally recommend Zagg InvisibleShield - for five hundred you have one of the best (if not the best) foil on the market for the back and display and home button. For those who know, I don't have to explain anything, for those who don't, they should find out and try. However, I still use the bumper, because with an older iPhone without it, the glass (or plastic?) of the camera was scratched.
I wanted to ask your opinion about this cover - I want to protect the iPhone but I don't want to cover the apple - the price is ridiculous and that's why I hesitate if it's even worth buying... Thanks
if I can recommend a foil, on ebay there is an option for a heel on the back in two colors (glossy on the glass, matte on the rest) and it is completely unknown that there is any foil there. it will hold and look.. if someone wants a specific link, just write on fb =)