I’ve been reviewing and using snap on style cases for the last few weeks and decided it was time for a change. So for the last little while I have been using the Gear4 Flipcase, a leather wallet style case for the iPhone 5.
Lets start with how it looks and feels. Its very non-descript and looks relatively plain but in a professional sort of way. This won’t attract a great deal of attention to your device which is a goo thing in many peoples eyes. Around the edges is a nice stitching which feels pretty solid. There is a small embossed Gear4 logo in the bottom right of the case.
The back is similar to the front save for the camera cutout on the back which is quite deep and did cause me problems with the camera flash. I’ve added an example at the end of the post.
The Flipcase is hinged at the top of the iPhone instead of the bottom as seems to be the case with a lot of these cases and I prefer it this way. I find it difficult to hold cases that are hinged at the bottom but had no issues here. The hinge is supple enough to have the flap fold all the way back which will obviously cover up the camera.
The case is held closed by a magnetic clasp which is fairly strong. Unfortunately when its in place it covers up the lightning dock making it difficult to charge the phone with the case on. You can leave the clasp open but that isn’t the most elegant of solutions.
The iPhone snaps into a plastic holder which then sits flush with the screen. The top of the case is on large cutout making it easy to get into the sleep/wake button. You’ll need to accede it from the side or front as the rest of the case gets in the way of the usual index finger from the back technique.
The volume cutout is also one large cutout with easy access to all the buttons and switches.
The bottom is the same as the top. One large cutout making it easy for to access the ports, as mentioned previously however, as the case is likely to be closed when charging it does block the lightning port. The headphone port is still open though so you can at least still listen to music whilst the case is in your pocket.
Conclusion
Whilst the case feels durable and well made unfortunately it doesn’t feel very well thought out. There are always some degree of give and take when using a case vs using the phone naked but there are unfortunately too many here for me to enjoy using this case. The camera cutout really shouldn’t be a problem we still experience at this stage and taking the phone out of the case both defies the point and also adds time and hassle to taking a photograph in poor lighting.
The Gear4 Flipcase is available from Gear4 directly for £19.99
Great review Jamie! its nice to read about accessories rather than just the devices.