Case Mate Clear Armor for iPhone

While most know the iPhone for its incredibly designed user interface and high degree of functionality and usability unmatched by other phones of its category, it is also known for its sleek, and stylish form factor and glossy look. In other words, it is impossible to look at an iPhone and say "that phone is not attractive". However, thanks to the awkward, clunky cases on the market, this becomes a very commonly uttered statement.

Not even entertaining the idea of a construction worker quality hard core case, I have always sought out thin, minimal cases. I have tried cases such as the barely there by Case-Mate as well as its ID holding brethren. While both cases do a good job of protecting the (back of the) device, they do not do the form factor and sleek feel of the phone justice. The added 8th of an inch makes all the difference in the world.

When I got a replacement device from Apple due to a crippled sleep/wake button, I took the opportunity to try Case-Mate's Clear Armor, an invisible protective film that covers the whole device.

Applying the Case
This was probably the most buyers remorse-inducing task I have ever experienced. The case is a complete PITA to apply. The company provides it's customers with a "helpful" video to aid in the application of the case, however, the video makes it look as easy as [insert super easy task here] when in reality it is quite the opposite.

Because the case comes with a lifetime warranty, included in the packaging is two films. One for your initial application, and one as your first replacement on the warranty. The video instructs customers to be generous in their use of the application spray, however after applying the first case, the bottle was completely empty, leaving none for the warranty case. So, be generous in your use of the spray, so long as you save half of the (tiny) bottle for the other case. Right.

Applying the front of the case was as easy as applying any screen protector, and maybe even easier because the spray enables you to slide the protector around once laid down, however application of the back is what causes the real headache.

The back of the phone has 7 obstacles which you must perfectly align the case to: camera, 4 corners, volume buttons and the silent/ring switch. Application of the case is basically a balancing act between the camera and volume buttons, and only once those are aligned can you pay attention to the corners, which will undoubtedly be completely misaligned. After 30 minutes of futzing with the position of the film, I said screw it, cut off the top two corners and everything fell into place. I am not sure if there is some degree of retardation which I was experiencing or if it was a design flaw in the case. But since my girlfriend had the same issue, I would put my money on the latter.

Using the Case
The company says wait 48 hours for the liquid under the case to work its way out and for the case to actually appear clear, and they are basically right. After 48 hours the little bubbles and stuff that looks like it will never leave is gone, however the larger air bubbles take more like a week to work their way out. Finally the case is completely clear, and when I say clear, I mean it. The lack of pictures on this post is not out of laziness, it is out of the case not showing up on camera because its just that clear.

I do have a few gripes. The corners that were not sacrificed to the gods during application of the case, are basically sticking, however I can tell that they have a very strong desire to peel away and it seems like it is only a matter of time. Additionally, the case, in an attempt to make a flat film protect a curved body, does not protect some crucial points of the device, such as the very corner, as well as the top and bottom, all of which are the most accident prone parts of a device. Because I am pretty good about not dropping my phone, this isn't much of a concern for me, but for the gravity friendly, this may be something to look out for. Lastly, it seems like the case is more dirt prone then other films I have used. I find myself wiping the screen more often then before, and find that visible dirt sticks to it more easily.

Last Words
All in all, this is a very good case. While it does not provide full protection from dents and such, it does a great job of protecting from scratches and other minor setbacks. The lifetime warranty shows that the company backs their product and means you will not be out of protection if your case gets ruined. For those looking to enjoy the form of their iPhone while still giving it some protection, this is definitely the way to go.