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. Other than that nitpick, which some users may not even mind, all three of these cases are strong new entries into the iPhone case market, no matter what level of protection you’re seeking. The value is right at all levels, and all three of these cases earn our strong general recommendation.
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Company and Price
Company: Incipio
Model: Performance Series (1, 3, 5)
Price: $25-$50
Compatible: iPhone 6/6s