News
Element rolls out Ion, Formula cases for iPhone 4
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Thursday, June 2, 2011
News Categories: iPhone Accessories
Element Case has rolled out its new Ion 4 and Formula 4 cases for the iPhone 4. The Ion 4 mixes an impact-resistant TPU case with a carbon fiber reinforced back plate, and features open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, indentations on the sides for added grip, and compatibility with both GSM and CDMA iPhone 4 models. The Formula 4 features a two-piece, slide-together design, a hi-impact polycarbonate body with carbon fiber back plate, a rubber tone finish for a softer feel, a rubber side grip, compatibility with both GSM and CDMA iPhone 4s, and open access to all ports, controls, and cameras. Element Case’s new Ion 4 and Formula 4 cases for the iPhone 4 are available now and sell for $50 and $60, respectively.
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I ordered both of these cases, taking advantage of an email early-order special. I have to say that between the two, I think the Formula 4 was a better purchase. The Ion 4, the TPU style one, was a disappointment. The case fit perfectly and looks great; however, the craftsmanship is not that of a $50 case. There was a divot on the back below the camera opening. I am assuming it is where they have the TPU connected to each other for manufacturing because there was a bit of TPU left on the case. Kind of like when you assemble snap together models and have that plastic nub attached because you twisted off the part. Sorry, bad description, lol. Anyway, there was a divot and a small TPU nub attached to it. The carbon fiber backing looks like it’s about to fall off. The case was also scotch taped to the cardboard insert it came with to hold it on. Not the craftsmanship of a $50 case if you ask me.
By contrast, the Formula 4 is an awesome case. The tolerances on the case are exact. The craftsmanship is superb. It looks almost like there is a Vapor bumper on the phone, but it’s made of a rubberized material. The carbon fiber on the back is well done and very tasteful. This was completely worth the money.
By the way, just to let potential buyers know, both cases worked with a screen protector without bubbling, and I have a Slickwraps carbon fiber sticker for the back of the phone, and it fit into both cases just fine. Also I have a white iPhone that is a little thicker than the black, so anyone with these items and a black iPhone should be okay.
Posted by Randy Ito on June 2, 2011 at 1:32 PM (PST)