We can’t say for sure, but there may be solid gold at the end of the rainbow in this week’s iPhone-case roundup, provided that you have the deep pockets to afford it. For the rest of us, we have a nice selection of protection that, while made from more-mundane materials, are anything but commonplace in their own ways.
The CamBo (iPhone 4, 4s, 5, and 5s; $50) is a water-resistant case that features a camouflage design with a not-so-camouflage bright-color bumper. The case also sports a slot that can hold two ID or credit cards.
The CamBo comes in three different designs, and you can pick the interchangeable bumper in one of over a dozen hues.
The Durables Series (iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, and 5s; $50) brings together natural materials—leather, waxed canvas, recycled felt, and cotton twill—in a uniqu,e three-layer protective sleeve that doubles as a wallet for your cards and spare cash.
The case comes in black, tan, or blue.
The OffGrid Pro (iPhone 5 and 5s; $100) comes with two extra-slim, interchangeable batteries that, together, provide 4000 mAh of extra power, equivalent to roughly 20 hours of extra talk time.
Available in black, the case is made from a proprietary rigid material that offers excellent protection while adding minimal bulk.
Dubbed “the second screen for your iPhone,” the InkCase (iPhone 5 and 5s; price unavailable) incorporates an e-ink screen that can be made to display an image of your choice by using the company’s own app.
The case comes in black or white.
The Solid Gold (iPhone 4s, 5, and 5s; $10,000—yes, $10,000) is, well, exactly what it sounds like: an iPhone case made from a solid piece of 14-carat gold.
The case is handmade (we suspect that mass production would probably be hard to justify), and each specimen is individually numbered and engraved.
The Uncommon X (iPhone 5 and 5s; €35) is a rigid backshell that keeps your handset safe from bumps and scratches.
The case features a peacock-inspired purple motif inscribed with the company’s logo.
The Shibori six (all iPhone models; $35) is made from a one-piece shell that resists impact while offering a slim profile.
The case comes in blue and is produced using a traditional Japanese dyeing technique that produces a unique look.
The Monsters (iPhone 5 and 5s; $20) dresses up your handset in a soft-touch coated silicone that keeps it safe from bumps and scratches and offers a secure grip during use.
The case, available in black, blue, green, yellow, or pink, features a cute monster-inpired motif in three-dimensional detail.
The Bravo (iPhone 4, 4s, 5, and 5s; $130) is a waterproof and shockproof case made from aluminium, and it’s capable of keeping your handset dry to a depth of up to two meters.
The case comes in black or silver.
The Autograph (iPhone 5 and 5s; $18) is a skin made from fine Italian leather that protects the back of your handset and gives it both a unique look and an improved grip.
The case comes in black, blue, orange, or red, and it can be embossed with a monogram of your choice.
Author: Marco Tabini
Marco Tabini is based in Toronto, Canada, where he focuses on software development for mobile devices and for the Web.