The HardSkin for iPhone 4 is a two piece hard-shell utilizing the brilliant coin locking mechanism that Contour has perfected. I am not beating about the bush with this review as time is scarce writing this during the holiday season.
The two pieces are locked rigidly together, and it is impossible to open it without using a coin or flat tool in the slot found on the left side of the case. Actually my three-year-old managed to open the case by dropping it down a five meter staircase. To my horror I heard the thumps, as the rubberised case with phone inside bounced down the steps. With a thud it came to a complete halt back down, and the top of the case snapped off. I am not sure that it is supposed to come off, but by doing so it absorbed the damage better. My iPhone 4 didn’t take any notice of the harrowing event.
Needless to say the HardSkin is an excellent protection solution. The thick rubberized shell gives both good grip, and impact protection. The case covers the entire back, sides, and the front edges. Only the charge socket, volume controls and silent button are open. As these are recessed about three millimetres they are still highly protected. Worth noting is that it can be somewhat cumbersome to reach them because of being recessed. Especially the silent button that I use a lot together with the home button to take screen captures is awkward to press.
When I first inserted the iPhone 4 into the HardSkin it felt like a new phone. It is really strange how some designs can complement each other so well. Contour is one of the few design companies that nails the flatness factor of the iPhone 4. Instead of trying to change the square design Contour embraces it. The HardSkin is all flat surfaces, and to some this might be too boxy. The camera cut-out is surrounded by sloping surfaces meaning that the flash won’t be affected by the case.
Having rubberized surfaces greatly improves the grip when playing games. It is also great if you place the phone on an uneven or moving surface. Up to 15-20 degrees angle the case can still lie still.
The HardSkin comes in a variety of colours. The purple one I have tried is a lovely deep metallic purple. It shines with a subtle gleam, and at least to me it can be used by both men and women.
If you are looking for a secure case that gives excellent grip, and great protection definitely consider the Contour HardSkin.
Final Rating
Contour HardSkin at the US Apple Store $29.95
