Incipio’s Performance Series ($25-$50) is a new line of iPhone cases that aim to offer differing levels of protection at different price levels. Starting at Level 1 for $25, the cases work their way up to the layered Level 5 case for $50. There are six cases in all — Level 3 has both a standard case and Level “3F” folio version of the case.
We received the iPhone 6/6s versions of the Level 1, Level 3, and Level 5 Performance Series cases. All cases have full side protection and button coverage, but differ in layers and thickness.
Level 1 ($25) is the most simple of the Performance Series cases, as one might expect. It’s a single layer flexible polymer case with a thin back and a thicker frame for drop protection.
Level 3 ($40) looks the same as Level 1 from the front, but it’s a co-molded polycarbonate and flex polymer case, making it feel sturdier.
It’s slightly thicker than Level 1, but it’s far from bulky.
Level 5 ($50) is the most involved, placing a flexible inner shell in a plastic outer shell, then topping it off with a built-in screen protector (with a hole to access Touch ID). Despite the multiple layers, Level 5 isn’t as thick as you might expect. A holster is also included, if you’re still wearing your iPhone on your belt.
The buttons on Incipio’s Performance Series cases don’t stick out distinctly — both the volume controls and power button are flush to the frame, which could make for a bit more feeling around than should be required.
