Urban Armor Gear
Score: 80% Developer: Urban Armor Gear Device Type: Accessory
Function: Urban Armor Gear isn’t the cheapest, nor the most expensive iPhone case out on the market, and as a middle-of-the-road case, it provides a slightly better-than-average quality in both ease of use and protection. The particular model I received for review is titled Cobalt, and while the general design for the Urban Armor Gear is the same, this particular version has a blue/black color scheme, but you can also find this product in white with black accents, black with yellow, orange with black, or just black all around. The back of the case is made of a hard plastic while the accents, which make up a part of the edge and the thin, front border, are a softer rubber material that can act as a slight shock absorber when dropped. This particular aspect got tested quite a bit during the review period … mainly because I am a klutz. The softer material not only allows for a landing with less impact, but it also has openings for the speakers, port and headphone jack on the top and bottom of the case. As for the iPhone’s buttons, the volume controls are covered by larger buttons that are easy to hit and there is an opening around the slider-switch that should make it harder for you to accidentally switch your phone between ringer and silent modes. The back of the case displays a faux-metal design with an opening for the camera and light. Urban Armor Gear claims that the bezel surrounding the camera and flash will eliminate washout, but I didn’t notice any real difference between photos taken with the case on and those with it off.
Performance: As I said above, I’m a klutz. I drop my phone, spill glasses of drink and fairly often stumble over my own feet. As a result, a good iPhone case is something I try and look for. The Urban Armor Gear has done a pretty decent job of protecting my phone from … well, from myself. Not only is it a one-piece case that is fairly easy to slip on and off, but it even comes with a separate screen protector to help keep down the scratches. While other cases might have one built in, the inclusion of a screen protector probably goes a long way in reducing the cost of the case and it means that, if the protector itself gets messed up, you can replace just that part instead of having to toss out the whole product.
Features: Fits Apple iPhone 4/ 4S Hard Armor Shell and Impact Resistant Soft Core Screen Protector Defends Against Scratches Oversized Buttons with Easy Access to Touchscreen and Ports Camera Bezel Eliminates Picture Washout Due to Flash Interference
Drawbacks & Problems:: Urban Armor Gear doesn’t have many issues to speak of. Unlike some other cases, like the new LifeProof or OtterBox models, UAG isn’t a case that fully envelops the iPhone. Instead, the case wraps around the back and sides of the iPhone and a screen protector is applied to the front. As a result, you shouldn’t expect it to protect your phone from being underwater (or maybe even a heavy rain), or other elements that might make their way into the iPhone’s innards. Put simply, the main goal of the UAG is protection from basic bumps and such, and to do so with a stylish and striking look. Like I said above, Urban Armor Gear is a good middle-of-the-road case for your iPhone. For what it costs, it will do a good job of protecting your phone from simple drops, dings and scratches. As long as you don’t try and put the case to any extreme tests, you should find this product both stylish and functional.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
Related Links: Buy Urban Armor Gear at Amazon Urban Armor Gear Official Site Urban Armor Gear on Facebook
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