After seeing SwitchEasy’s Avant-Garde 3D iPhone4/4s cases, I just had to have the Chateau case for review in time for summer. Before I proceed, I’d like to let my readers know that I tried taking product shots with three different cameras. Not one shot came even close to this case’s actual greenish-turquoise colour.
The above photo shows the three colour choices more accurately: White, Turquoise, and Mican (a nice deep yellow colour).
The Chateau case forms part of a series of four different styles that also include Blossom™ (Black, White, and Pink), Clockwork™ (Black, Bronze, and Silver), and PLANK™ (Blue, Brown, and White).
I wanted to review this case for two reasons: its slider design and the whimsical 3D decorative back.
The case comes with a full protective kit:
– Two sets of colour-matched covers for both headphone jack and 30-pin dock connector
– Two anti-static screen covers
– Squeegee and microfiber cloth for application
The plastic frame is made from durable polycarbonate, meant to protect all of the iPhone’s impact points. The 3D rear design helps to grip the phone. In the hand, the sides feel a little rough, also helping with grip.
I also like the front beveled bumper edge made to protect the front screen.
The slider is easy to clip onto the back once the phone is clicked into the main part of the case assembly. The slider clicks firmly.
I tried putting on and removing the headphone jack and 30-pin dock connector protectors. Both were easy and felt solid once in place.
For added dimension and whimsy, little sections of the iPhone’s rear also show through the design. The case works just fine with the camera. I noticed no shadows on photos taken with the case on.
This is a fun case and a great summer accessory for your iPhone 4 or 4S. Kids’ll love it too. And if castles aren’t your thing, check out the three other unique designs in the collection. The Plank consists of five broken planks, Blossom is a field of roses with an extra large rose located towards the bottom, and Clockwork is a pretty cool series of cogs and pistons.
I couldn’t find any real negative aspects of this case, but bear in mind that while it won’t wobble on a flat surface, some users might not like a phone case to have an uneven back.
The SwitchEasy Avant-Garde case retails for US $34.99 and comes with a two year warranty. It’s available around the US (shops and online), and in Vancouver at Kube Computers, and via Memory Lane Computers, Blue Wave Digital, and Jump+ elsewhere in Canada.
I was sent the SwitchEasy Avant-Garde Chateau case for the purpose of writing this review. Opinions, as always, are my own.