Case-mate Barely There for iPhone 4 – Review

Problem #1- The iPhone 4 clearly needs a case in order to avoid the antenna issues and protect the now “shatter-able” back.

Problem #2- As a general rule I don’t love being dependent on a case that adds a lot of bulk and weight to the beautifully slim iPhone.

Solution To Problems #1 and #2- Case-mate’s Barely There case for the iPhone 4.

From Case-mate-

For those who prefer nothing to come between them and their iPhone 4, this case is for you. These cases are designed to protect the design of your iPhone 4, while allowing more of it to show.

The Case-mate Barely There Features-

an extremely slim profile

an impact resistant, flexible plastic shell

it covers the back and corners of the iPhone 4

an iPhone 4 screen protection kit included

My Take-

I love this kind of case. The low profile shell adds little weight, width or thickness to the iPhone while protecting the back and sides. The case allows full access to all of the controls, as well as the dock connector and headphone port. The design of the case leaves the top and bottom of the iPhone pretty much exposed although a bit of material on the corners should provide a tiny bit of bump protection.

Lets face it, the trade-off with a case like this is that you don’t add size or weight but you also don’t get a tremendous amount of drop protection. By its very nature the case lacks the padding other, thicker case provide. For that reason the Barely There is more about scratch protection with bit of bump/drop protection mixed in.

The Barely There certainly is a huge step up from carrying the iPhone in its out of the box naked state however and is, in my opinion, also a step up from Apple’s bumper since it is thinner AND protects the back of the iPhone. If you need more protection though you might give the company’s upcoming Tough Case.

I love the way the iPhone feels in your hand when the Barely There is on and I appreciate the fact that Case-mate includes a screen protector with the case. That’s a nice extra that I wish every company would include.

If I have one issue with the Barely There it is that the company chose to include a cut-out for the Apple logo on the back of the iPhone. My experience with cases that include a cut-out like this has not been great since it allows the silver Apple logo to get scratched. I understand the choice since many like having that apple displayed but since I am using a case to help prevent scratches I want to prevent ALL scratches and that includes the logo.

Barely There top/Apple Bumper bottom

One other thing I would personally like to see is the inclusion of volume buttons the way Apple has with their Bumpers. I love the fact that it keeps the same great looking volume buttons while totally covering and protecting them. I think the same design could look great on a case like this.

Here is a look at the various cutouts and buttons… I like the way it looks and fits much more than cutouts on the Apple-branded bumpers…

In all, however I love this case and am thrilled to be using it.

The Case-mate Barely There is available in a variety of colors and has an MSRP of $24.99. It is available directly from the Case-mate site.

What I Like-

Protects the sides and back of the iPhone with a minimum of added weight and bulk, kit includes screen protector

What Needs Improvement-

Case leaves the Apple logo exposed to scratches