Belkin Essential Case for iPhone 4 / 4S (Purple/Blue)

I had purchased a Griffin clear back case before this which I promptly returned. It had too sharp of edges and the back got scuffed/scratched too easily and was nearly impossible to put on without getting some dust/lint stuck between the case and the phone that just looked bad. It also just felt cheap.The positives:This case feels smooth in your hand but not slippery. It adds nearly no bulk to the phone but does give you confidence that it will protect against moderate drops, etc. It also has the bevel to allow you to lay it face down and not scratch the screen on surfaces. Also, the branding on the case is not obnoxious (really not noticeable unless you are really looking it over) and adds a bit of grip. For those of you interested, I purchased the green/black case for a black phone and the apple logo is not visible through the back of the case - I personally prefer this.I had this same kind of case for my iPhone 4 previously and I was just as happy with it. I can't tell you how many cases I went through and was just not happy with before I found this type on Amazon.The negatives (more like things that might be a minor inconvenience for a few people):The only things I would improve (in a perfect world - as I have had these issues with just about every other case I have ever tried) is:- Larger audio plugs will not fit in the headphone jack because of the case opening size (just trim the plug or get a different plug). This is something I notice as I plug the phone into my car stereo during work commute every day- If you don't have fingernails (I do but just a heads up to those who don't), you might have trouble toggling the mute/unmute/orientation lock button on the side.

I'd previously had a Speck Candyshell case and was eventually frustrated by it: the back seemed durable, but the sides/buttons were of a rubbery material that seemed like it would wear away and sure enough, about 5 months after I purchased the rubber started wearing away in little bits until it just looked awful.I went to see if I could replace it and was shocked by the price for Speck stuff. I looked at this Belkin cover and was surprised that I'd overlooked it previously based upon the reviews. I got it, but somehow I had the impression that it was of a flimsier material so I wasn't expecting much. I shouldn't have worried! The case is definitely sturdy.The back is definitely see-through to an extent, but still seems like it will protect the case well. It's slightly less bulky than the candyshell (by just a hair, though it makes a difference). There's a lip that comes up around the front, which is good because I put my phone face-down a lot so people walking past don't see every text that I get.A couple of reviews noted that they had trouble with the headphone jack. I can see why an oddly shaped jack or larger one won't work here, but my non-apple headphones are fine and they have a slight L shape to the plug.I am a bit clumsy so I suppose I will update this review once I've dropped the phone so I can attest to how well it helps me out there.The only downside that I see at the moment is that the hole for the side ringer button doesn't totally line up. It's useable but it's not totally squared (silly quibble I know). The holes at the bottom are a little smaller, too, but I haven't had any trouble setting the phone on a dock or on a regular plug.

This case is as advertised!I had a few requirements when I went looking for a case this time. It had to be at least somewhat girly(for my fiance), protect the phone well with a lip that goes over the screen, be able to be taken off and on and off and on with general ease. This case fits the bill. I went with the purple/blue case. The case itself feels like a slick plastic with a very slight gummy or softer plastic on the edges, just enough for a decent hand grip but this thing wont cling onto 90 degree edges. The buttons all depressed without much added pressure and it slipped on her iPhone 4s easily but tightly. This case is fitted VERY well for the phone, maybe too well but more on that later. I was able to take it off and on again with relative ease, we needed this because the phone wont fit on our music station in the kitchen with a case on. Now I keep trying to convince my fiance that the iPhone doe snot need a screen protector but she loves her and does not want to deal without it. The problem is that if you have any of the softer screen protectors, like ghost armor or Zagg, the case is fit so well that it will push the edges of your protector up into a puckered ugly mess. I assume if you had a harder plastic kind it might not be an issue but that's only a guess. keep it in mind. I finally got her to remove the screen protector and all is well.somewhat girly? CheckProtect the phone? Checkeasily on and off? yeah Check.Good case all and all for the price.

LOVE this case. I got it for my birthday to replace a flimsy (but functional) plastic-y case. Purple and teal happen to be my favorite colors so that's an added bonus.The case seems really solid and sturdy. There's a bit of a lip that goes all the way around the front-facing side, so it kind of hooks around your phone rather than just snapping on the back. The cutouts for all the jacks are well placed. I also like that the lock and volume buttons are protected.My ONE issue with this case, however, are the cutouts for the power cable and headphones. They work for, obviously headphones and the power cable, but I have speakers with a dock that I like to use, or my car adapter that plugs in to the bottom...and the case gets in the way of a solid connection. Same with the headphone jack. It works for standard headphones, but when I've tried to use an auxiliary cable to plug it in to my stereo, etc, I have to take off that corner of the case to get it plugged in all the way. A little frustrating.Otherwise, it's great! Fits the phone wonderfully, solid, PLENTY of great designs to pick from. Would definitely recommend.