Available in a variety of color combinations, we received the version of PureGear’s Slim Shell Case for iPhone 5 ($25) that has a see-through polycarbonate back and white rubber frame. This edition is the company’s take on a style that has been available for years, exemplified by Griffin’s $5-cheaper Back to Basics either.
True to its name, Slim Shell Case adds very little bulk to your iPhone. It’s noticeably thinner than many popular cases on the market, even with a slight lip rising up over the screen. Because the rubber edges are reinforced with plastic, they’re not as flexible as we imagined they would be; installation and removal are easy though, and there’s less risk of them peeling away. While there is volume button coverage that protects without decreasing tactility, PureGear did chose to leave the Sleep/Wake button exposed. It also went with one long opening along the bottom from the headphone port to the speaker, rather than individual holes. A unique feature of this one are the three small studs on the back of the case: two at the bottom, and one at the top. These are likely to prevent the plastic from sitting flat, as it’s easily marred as we discovered in our time testing the case.
Having only received the clear-backed model, it’s the only one we can thoroughly evaluate. We like the way Slim Shell Case looks and feels, but with other competition on the market that offers more thorough coverage at lower prices, it doesn’t quite stack up. With that in mind, PureGear’s case earns our general recommendation.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: PureGear
Website: www.pure-gear.com
Model: Slim Shell Case
Price: $25
Compatible: iPhone 5
