Well the line might have been long but I was going to get my iPhone 4. I lined up rather early at the AT&T launch at my local store. There was a downside to purchasing the phone that early and that was the lack of Case Choices. With only 3 cases to choose from and 2 being bright florescent pink you could say there was a bit of a shortage. Well Ballistic was nice enough to send us a review unit of their HC Series for the iPhone 4. I decided to put the case to the ultimate test the San Diego Comic Con. It would be a full week of use, with tons of walking. How’d this case hold up?
Full Review and Fall Test Videos after the break.
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Features
There are 3 pieces to the Ballistic Case. An Outer Shell, optional Rubber Covering and a Belt Clip. The Outer Shell consists of a thick black and gray plastic with a clear plastic shielding that sits over the existing iPhone screen. I really liked the idea of the Clear Plastic, it made me feel really secure that my screen wasn’t going to crack. Though at times I would have to remind myself that my iPhone wasn’t scratched that it was the Clear Plastic. The Outer Shell also had ridges that surrounded the phone. When being held the ridges felt really nice, the grooves were perfectly placed for fingers. It also adds a pretty nice look to the phone giving it some style. Most areas of the phone are left open minus the Volume Control and Home Button. There is a thin piece of rubber that covers the buttons. The rubber on the volume control was perfect, still very responsive. Though in terms of the Home Button it left a little to be desired. I found myself having to press the button a little harder to get the normal response.
The optional Rubber Covering was another interesting addition to the Phone Case. While it does add optimal Protection it does come at a cost. The Phone seems way bigger then normal when it’s on. It also has a very interesting texture to it that feels a little strange when holding. Some interesting features with the covering was the additional covers for the Silent Switch and the Ipod Jack. Both being covered by a small piece of rubber that adds extra protection. I really appreciated the iPod Jack cover, it made me feel more comfortable with liquids around my phone.
As for the Belt Clip I felt this was the biggest plus to the case itself. Most iPhone cases I’ve purchased or used don’t come with this addition. The belt clip works pretty simple and there is even instructions on how to place the phone in the clip. There was one problem with the Clip and that was the inability to place the phone in both ways. Essentially the Clip only houses the phone when the screen is facing the inside of the Clip. Which means you can’t use the phone while the Clip is attached.
Everyday Use
As mentioned above I took the case to San Diego Comic Con. Figuring that it would be the best place to give it a real world test. There was 5 days of continual Phone use as I blogged, called and carried as I moved through a huge crowd that would make any one feel claustrophobic.
The case held up rather well. The belt clip being my particular favorite part of the case. When attached to your hip it has a very nice weight to it. Which is great, it’s a constant reminder that your phone is with you. Though the only issue I had with the Belt Clip was the difficulty of putting the phone in it while walking. Usually I would almost have to stop what I was doing in order to put it in the Clip.
As for the everyday use, it worked out rather well. I was never concerned with dropping my phone. When I held it in my hand it felt very solid. Though I did find the size to be a bit troublesome. At times I found it a little difficult to only use one hand. The only other issue I found with the case was trying to type, the keyboard works just fine but the buttons on the edges were a little difficult to hit.
Overall
Ballistic made a pretty solid case. It adds optimal protection to your phone, though this does comes at a cost. It’s a rather large case and might not work for everyones needs. Though if you’re the type of person that needs the ultimate in protection for you phone then Ballistic is your answer.
You can read more about the Ballistic Case on their official website here.
