Spigen has released Slim Armor ($30), Slim Armor S ($30), Tough Armor ($35), and Tough Armor S ($35) for iPhone 6, as well as Slim Armor ($30) and Tough Armor ($35) for iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6 cases are highly similar to one another, as each version includes hard and soft plastic layers that come together to cover most of the new iPhone’s body. Spigen’s “S” versions have slots for insertion of an included plastic card that serves as a kickstand. Each case comes in a different collection of color options, though the softer plastic is always matte black, with the hard plastic shifting from metallic to high gloss coloring between versions. The iPhone 6 Plus versions of Slim Armor and Tough Armor are obviously physically larger, and have somewhat flimsy plastic kickstands built into their backs. Regrettably, all of these cases have ugly circular cut-outs for the rear Apple logo, and no screen protection.
Really, there aren’t many differences between Slim Armor and Tough Armor for iPhone 6.
Slim Armor has soft corner curves versus Tough Armor’s more angular edges, as the latter is designed to better absorb accidental drop impacts. Slim Armor’s buttons for volume controls and sleep/wake also fit the form of the iPhone 6 a bit better, as they’re thinner.
Tough Armor, on the other hand, is a tad bulkier, with a more pronounced lip for better drop protection for the front of the iPhone. The buttons are a bit more substantial, too, and for us, a bit nicer to use. A few small ridges are also built into the back of the rubber section of the Tough Armor case, giving the iPhone’s back slightly more lift from a flat surface.
For iPhone 6 Plus, it’s a bit of a different story. While both cases have the same prices as on iPhone 6, both cases now have a kickstand built in.
It’s somewhat flimsy, but still comes in handy. The feel of the cases is different, too — while the Slim Armor case feels great in the hand, with nice soft edges, the Tough Armor’s edges are hard and uncomfortable. Perhaps the feel is amplified by the size of the iPhone 6 Plus, as the case presses against the hand more than its iPhone 6 version.
While we feel like the Tough Armor case is slightly preferable, with more protection and nicer button feel, it’s also $5 more than Slim Armor, which provides adequate protection on its own. The S versions of both cases let you insert an included card — or any credit or business card you may have — to create a makeshift kickstand, which will be a neat little touch to some. Considering that the price is the same between the S editions and regular versions of the cases, it’s a matter of personal preference.
