Our Top iPhone 4 Cases

By Alex Angove

Last updated 18 February 2011

In a world where the most popular communication handset is literally made of glass it’s important to be up to speed on what kind of protective options are out there. Here is a short list of our top-pick cases for the Apple iPhone 4.

NOTE: This cases are for the GSM version of the iPhone 4 and will most likely not fit Verizon's new CDMA iPhone 4.

Victorian iPhone 4 Case

There comes a time when you have to put aside a utilitarian approach to your life and adopt a certain element of style. The Victorian iPhone Case might not be the most durable of our top picks but it’s definitely one of the coolest.

The printed nylon case should be enough to protect your phone from casual bumps and bruises, while at the same time providing you with that little something that makes people go “oo".

Grabbing someone’s attention with the simple act of raising a phone to your ear is definitely a pleasant experience that you’re sure to encounter with this work of art.

Retails for around $60 US.

Karas Kustoms Aluminium, Copper and Brass iPhone4 Cases

Karas Customs hasn't actually bothered naming these cases yet, but if you can get past the spelling of “Aluminum” on their site then you’re in for an awesome surprise. These industrially designed iPhone 4 protectors look strong enough to weather anything from a rough game at the park to a 1 on 1 against Russel Crowe armed with a dial phone.

However, despite the case’s Iron Man-esque appearances, there is one fatal flaw. Like Iron Man’s suit your phone will be protected from any major damage, but minor scratches from things like keys or flying shrapnel are sure bets to still be a problem.

As you can guess from the names the design comes in Aluminium, Copper and Bronze options. There’s even a step-by-step guide available for any DIY enthusiasts out there.

Retails for around $40 US

Boxwave Keyboard Buddy

There are still many people out there who are torn between getting an iPhone 4 or an Android slider phone due to their love for physical keypads. Well if you want an iPhone and a keypad then the solution is simple; have both.

The Keyboard Buddy is a semi-protective case with a landscape slider keypad that connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth.

The downside is that the keypad case needs to be charged separately from the iPhone. However, once charged the case sports up to 45 days of use before a recharge is required.

Retails for around $70 US

Grovemade Bamboo Cases

Grovemade.com has some truly awesome designs for iPhone 4 cases. From simple to jaw-dropping designs this unique team of artists really doles out the quality time after time.

What we like: The uniqueness of the design coupled with the colour and texture of the wood really makes you feel like you’re an original, despite owning the world’s most popular phone.

What we don’t like: The cases tend to be full-jacket sliders. This means that if your case degrades over time there’s a chance of your glass iPhone dropping out the bottom and smashing on the ground.

The cases are also pretty expensive for a protective cover, but you have to remember these are all designed and made directly by the small Grovemade.com team.

Retails from between about $70 to $90 US depending on design.

Ballistic HC Series Rugged Case

The Ballistic HC Series is easily the most heavy duty mass-production case we’ve ever seen for a phone. This case provides four layers of shock resistant protection as well as a built-in screen guard. Assembling it looks like a bit of effort but luckily the folks at globallisticcase.com have provided a handy instructional video. The case even comes with an impressive holster, that really does look like it’ll hold up to more than a hefty knock before the phone will become dislodged.

This is definitely the case of choice for anyone with a tough trade, or even for any of those clumsies out there.

Available in Black, Grey and Pink.

Retails for around $30 US

Abee Aluminium Case

Japanese company Abee has a small range of hardcore aluminium cases. Offering 2 options for the iPhone 4, one for the iPod Touch and 1 for the iPod classic, Abee seems like it’s trying to cater to as many Apple customers as possible.

The aluminium casing is tough and, unlike the cases available from Karas Kustoms, has a full-shield protection covering the back of the phone – meaning no scratches.

These cases are tough and while they’re not quite in the league of the Ballistic HC series, they’re a damn sight more stylish. However, they’re not easy to get your hands on and certainly not for the faint of wallet.

Retails for around $100 US

Oakley Unobtainium Case

If you’re a sucker for suave brands and misspelt writer’s jokes then you might treat yourself to a look at the Oakley Unobtainium iPhone 4 case.

Designed for tough shock-absorption and extra grip, the Oakley Unobtainium case makes up for what it lacks in visual appeal with that ever-desirable Oakley ‘O’.

Retails for around $35 US

Novelty iPhone 4 Cases From ThinkGeek.com

If you’re the kind of iPhone owner who likes to laugh in the face of danger then ThinkGeek.com has some cool novelty options that could be right up your alley.

The Etch A Sketch iPhone case immediately springs to mind. Dazzle your friends with nostalgia every time you pull this bright-red baby out of your pocket.

TK-421 iPhone Case with flip-out Keyboard is another great keyboard option for iPhone lovers. No word on the site as to how long the battery lasts, but you will still need to charge this case separately, as with the Boxmate Keyboard Buddy.

There’s also a range of funky customised cases with various geeky artwork for those who want to represent their nerd pride.

Check ThinkGeek.com for pricing.

Clear iPhone 4 Skins

There are a multitude of clear skins you can grab for your iPhone 4. There’s really little variance in quality between the brands so we suggest just going with whatever is either cheapest or easiest to obtain. Clear screen protectors are great for people who aren’t after any added bulk to their phone and also those who just love the assembly-line look of the iPhone 4 already but want that little bit extra scratch resistance.

Don’t expect any shock protection at all from these skins. If you drop your glass iPhone you’re still going to be sending a nasty letter to Mr Jobs asking him what the hell he was thinking, but at least your phone won’t get scratched on its journey to the ground.

To Finish Up

Remember, there are tonnes of iPhone 4 cases out there, so if any of these aren't your particular cup of brandy then there's always going to be more. One of the pluses about having the world's most popular phone is that there's absolutely no end to the awesome customisation options and funky ad-ons available to you.