By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
As far as cases for the iPhone 4 go, there’s a staggering variety of models in all price points available. For users who need a lightweight silicone case that’s lighter than the usual rubber slip-on cases, iSkin makes the US$40.00 Revo 4.
Made out of high-quality hypoallergenic and washable silicone, think of this as a surgical glove for your iPhone 4. The Revo 4 fits over the iPhone 4 snugly and doesn’t add much weight. It also has the benefit of protecting (not insulating) most of the iPhone 4’s open ports and buttons. This would include a flap for the docking/charging port the volume buttons and the on/off switch as well as the home button.
The Revo 4 also comes with a polycarbonate plastic cover that snaps on and covers the entire length of the screen. This does provide impact and scratch protection but it also needs to be removed in order to access the screen for you to do, well, anything. While this isn’t too big a deal if you’re just checking mail or sorting playlists, it can be a problem when a phone call comes in.
On average, it took us about two seconds to remove the plastic cover and swipe the call answer function on the phone. The experience was no fun. Sure, you can always use the iPhone 4’s hands-free headset to answer calls but I know many users who prefer the old-fashioned phone-in-face approach to making and taking calls.
Given the stretchy nature of the Revo 4, it is not surprising that the case doesn’t line up with the iPhone 4 perfectly specially without the plastic cover to keep things rigid. Still, there’s no discounting that this is functional iPhone case that is both lightweight and offers some sort of scratch-resistance and impact protection.
Who are the ideal users of the Revo 4? We’re thinking iPhone 4 users who like to keep their phones in bags with other things. The rubber will protect the iPhone 4’s glass body from scratches and sharp objects while the plastic cover will do a great job for the screen. Heavy iPhone users who are constantly using their devices might want a more accessible case that leaves the screen open and iSkin makes lots of those as well.
You get a lifetime warranty with the Revo 4 which ensures it will be replaced should it fail to deliver as promised. You also get the benefit of using a well-designed product that is antimicrobial that is an added bonus.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5