Apple iPhone 3G/3GS Snap-On Rubberized Protector Case (Black)

Protecting Your Phone

Let's face it: your phone is going to see some hard times. You have it with you all day. It gets picked up, put down, thrown in bags and pockets, and occasionally dropped. Most phone owners want to preserve the condition of their phones, and there's no better way to do that than with a case. I've tested three protective cases to give you the lowdown on what to expect from a snap-on faceplate, snap-on rubberized case, and silicone case.

The snap-on faceplate really is easy to install. Pressing down firmly at a few points around the case created a very secure closure. This case does add some bulk to the phone which could be a plus or negative, depending on how you look at it. There were cutouts for everything I may need access to including the volume rocker, charging port, speaker, camera, and audio jack. My only complaint is that the case impedes text input on my particular phone model; it is difficult to hit the outer keys of my QWERTY keyboard because of the raised edges of the case. However, this is overcome with practice and by re-training my thumbs.

The rubberized snap-on case is much like the faceplate: same installation method, same basic structure with the necessary cutouts, and similar bulk added to the phone. I didn't have quite the same issue with text input as I did with the faceplate; this case is slightly thinner. The main difference, of course, is the rubberized feel, which I definitely refer over the plastic feel. The biggest negative for me, however, was that the rubberized case made it a bit difficult to slide in out of my pocket. This won't be an issue for people who wear looser fitting pants or carry their phone in a carrying pouch or purse.

Both snap-on cases may seem tricky to remove but the instructions are simple: find two spots on either side of the case and pull away from each other. Depending on the setup of your case, it might require two pulls at different points. This does require some force but don't worry—your case won't break. Remember, these are ISO-certified products so quality and durability is guaranteed.

The silicone case is quite different from the first two cases. It easily slips onto the phone and the additional weight is hardly noticeable. There are cutouts for anything that requires them: speaker, camera, LED indicator, audio jack, and charging port. Silicone actually covers side buttons like the volume rocker, which is great for keeping dust and lint out of those crevices. The silicone doesn't creep up on the keyboard like the snap-on cases, a big plus. However, this case is even harder to slide in and out of my pocket, and that sadly makes it a deal breaker.

The final verdict? Though I like the feel of the rubberized case and the protection of the silicone case, it's crucial for me to be able to easily slide my phone in and out of my pocket. The winner: the snap-on faceplate. Having dozens of choices between colors and designs is a big plus, too. I strongly recommend complementing your protective case with a screen protector for full protection.