I used Speck cases for quite some time. They looked great and offered good protection. Eventually, however, I began finding them to be a bit too bulky. I stopped using Speck on my personal phones. With the arrival of a review sample of the Speck Presidio for iPhone 7, I’m back with Speck. Here’s why.
The Presidio line replaces Speck’s ever-popular CandyShell and, in my opinion, offers a better balance between protection, style and added bulk. As Speck explains:
In 2016 we reinvented our core product line and introduced Presidio, our slimmest and most protective line of cases yet. Presidio is made with IMPACTIUM™, an innovative and proprietary material that absorbs 52 percent more shock than standard TPE rubber. Presidio cases also feature new drop-test standards and designs — all while offering 20 percent less bulk than previous Speck cases.
Fortunately, however, like the CandyShell, the Presidio is available in a wide range of different colors and designs.
The 20% reduction in bulk over the CandyShell makes a huge difference. The case feels solid in the hand but doesn’t feel overly bulky. Add in the slight texture of the case and it also offers a good degree of “grippiness.” This is a terrific case with a price starting just under $40.
The Presidio is currently available for iPhone 6/6 Plus, 7/7 Plus, Google Pixel/Pixel XL and LG V20. Key Presidio features include:
- 10-foot and 8-foot drop tested
- Matte and glossy scratch-resistant finishes
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Cases add 20 percent less bulk than previous Speck cases
- Backward compatible, meaning Presidio fits the iPhone 6/6 Plus, iPhone 6s/6s Plus, and iPhone 7/7 Plus
- Also available for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL and LG V20.
So let’s look at my review sample and why I’m a fan…
The Speck logo is on the case but is fairly subtle. The black ring around the lens and microphone cutout help make sure there is no flash bounce off the case. As you can see, the cutout is large enough to not get in the way but no larger than it has to be. That’s typical of Speck’s designs and something that has led to their popularity.
No more 3.5mm headphone port means there’s no need for the round cutout on the bottom. There are, of course, the necessary cutouts but they are no larger than need be. This is a big deal since the first Speck cases (and I’m going way back now) had a long opening that tended to break after a few months. This design chance makes a huge difference and means the case will last far longer.
The design of each corner looks neat but that is not the reason for the two-tone aspect of it. No, this design is there to make sure the corners, the most vulnerable part of a phone when dropped, have a bit of extra protection!. It does, however, look pretty nice too.
Of course, the case offers lay-on-the-table-protection.
And all the buttons and controls are protected but easily identified and controlled.
In all, I really like what Speck has done here. The new design is far more refined than the CandyShell line but actually offers better protection. The material is just rough enough to help you hold on. (That’s a huge change from some of the CandyShell cases which were more slippery than a fish just pulled from the water.) And the availability of a range of designed lets you find the case that’s right for you. I’m a fan and you will be too! Check it out here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Thin and light but offers good protection; Cutouts and button covers all perfectly placed; Available in a range of colors and designs; Good grippiness
What Needs Improvement: No included screen protector