The deluge of new-case announcements for the iPhone 5 continues, which means we’ve got a double dose of case roundups this week. He’s the second batch of what’s new in iPhone protection.
DodoCase: The Bookback (iPhone 4, 4S, and 5; $10) is built using the same fine, moroccan book fabric that the company uses to create its popular line of bookbinding-inspired cases. It can be attached securely to your handset using a special residue-free adhesive that is reusable and safe. The case comes in black with either a black or red debossed logo.
iSkin: The company’s iPhone 5 lineup includes the Aura (iPhone 5; $40), a unique snap-on shell with a distinctive dual-tone, brushed-aluminium finish and a front edge guard to protect the iPhone’s screen by keeping it raised slightly above the surface on which it rests when face-down; the Solo (iPhone 5; $30), an ultrathin hardshell case available in translucent purple, blue, black, or pink; the Vibes (iPhone 5; $40), which feature a side bumper that provides an improved grip and a leatherette finish with a cute, polka-dot pattern (available in dark/light blue, green/grey, dark/light grey, purple/blue, or grey/pink); and the Claro (iPhone 5; $30), which, as its name implies, is a completely transparent hardshell case that also offers an enhanced grip.
MapiCases: The Orion (iPhone 5; $90) is made entirely of genuine leather and features a special trifold front cover that protects your iPhone while not in use, and transforms into a convenient stand for landscape or portrait viewing at the flick of a finger. It’s available in black or red.
The Alinda + Smyrna (iPhone 5; $80) combines a leather holster with a leather case and bumper to provide complete protection on the go. It comes in black, red, or tan.
The Ainos (iPhone 5; $70) rounds out the company’s collection with a leather-bound flip wallet that provides wraparound protection and comes with a handy pocket where you can hide away a card or two, or perhaps some extra cash. It can be purchased in black, tan, red, or brown.
Moshi: The iGlaze (iPhone 5; $30) is a hardshell back case that protects your phone without interfering with its flash, avoiding any halos or flare. It comes in a variety of colors, and is also available in a special “Kameleon” model (iPhone 5; $49), which includes a kickstand for landscape and portrait viewing.
OttoSkins: The company’s selection of vinyl skins (iPhone 5; $15) includes about three dozen models, with design motifs ranging from geometric patterns to iconic Americana, the occasional exotic item, and the occasional cute cat thrown for good measure. All the skins, which are designed to cover both the front and back of the iPhone for complete protection, come with a matching wallpaper image.
Pad and Quill: The Little Pocket Book (iPhone 5; $55) is a leather wallet case that keeps your iPhone safe in a Baltic birch wood tray and features three pockets in which you can store ID and credit cards, along with an extra compartment for cash. The case is completely handmade—the thinnest of its kind, according to the company—and comes with a black or brown exterior and one of four different interior colors.
Qmadix: The Crave (iPhone 5; $35) is constructed from a special “tri-fused” material that, according to the company, sports superior scratch resistance and shock absorption. The sophisticated outer shell design comes in several color combinations, include black; black and red; white and green; white and pink; and white.
SwitchEasy: The Nude (iPhone 5; $20) is an ultrathin polycarbonate case that is only one millimiter thick and comes in either a glossy coating (available in clear, white, black, red, fuchsia, blue, purple, or green) or a matte finish (available in pink, light blue, lavender, or aqua).
For a heftier feel, the Colors (iPhone 5; $20) features wraparound protection and includes covers for the iPhone’s headphone jack and connectors, in addition to a special “jellybean” cover for the Home button. It comes in black, white, red, yellow, fuchsia, purple, lime green, aqua, blue, orange, pink, or lavender.
Finally, the Tones (iPhone 5; $25) is a shell constructed from two materials that provide both superior feel and an excellent grip thanks to their rubberized coating. The case is available in dual-tone black, white, purple, blue, military green, or lavender.
USBFever: The Eggshell Pearl (iPhone 5; $23) is, in the words of its manufacturer, “as thin as an egg shell.” At only 0.75mm thick, the case is available in silver, pink, gold, or gunmetal, and it comes with a complimentary screen protector and a special ring-strap stand.
ZooGue: The Social Pro (iPhone 5; $15, but available at no cost for a limited time) is a thin-shell case designed to snuggly fit the iPhone 5 and protect it from bumps and scratches. The case features a special ridged-edge design to improve your grip, it comes in ten different colors, and, for a limited time, the company is willing to let you have up to two of them at just the cost of shipping. The case is currently available for preorder, and is due to be available in three to six weeks.
Author: Marco Tabini
Marco Tabini is based in Toronto, Canada, where he focuses on software development for mobile devices and for the Web.