Top 4 Metal Cases for iPhone 4

As part of our ongoing coverage of the best mobile phone accessories, we’re having a look at the top metal cases for the iPhone 4. While gel and plastic based solutions are okay, for ultimate protection you’ll want solid metal. These iPhone cases provide just that, and with varying form factors one is sure to suit you. Let’s go!

4. V-Smart Metal Bumper

The V-Smart Metal Bumper is the first iPhone 4 metal case we’ll look at today. It comes in the widest array of colour options of all metal cases, including solid colours like pink, red, blue and gold, as well as metal effect colours such as chrome and gunmetal grey (chrome is shown below). As with the rest of the cases on this list, it provides excellent crush protection through its rigid metal frame, which in this case is made from an aircraft grade aluminium alloy.

Apart from the metal bumper, screen protectors for the front and back are also included. This makes the V-Smart a complete protection solution, and a good choice if you’re looking for a case in a specific colour.

3. Pinlo United Aluminium Edge Case

The Pinlo United Aluminium Edge Case is the next metal case on our list, and the cheapest available. It uses a simple but solid form factor, essentially being an aluminium version of the popular ‘bumper’ cases which cover the corners of your phone, as well as plastic screen protectors for the front and back. Protectors for the home button and docking area are also included, so you can keep dust and dirt out while the phone’s not in use.

The Pinlo United has a sleek, clear design in addition to its protective qualities, and comes in black and red in addition to the silver shown above. Despite its formidable scratch protection, the Pinlo United weighs only 9 grams and won’t make your sleek iPhone into a lumbering beast. Overall, it’s an excellent budget option.

2. Ion PredatorZero Carbon Fibre Case

The Ion PredatorZero Carbon Fibre Case is the next level of protection for iPhone 4 metallic cases. The case is made from genuine carbon fibre (not just an effect) and also boasts an Iridium chassis. As the back is covered already, a single front screen protector is all that is required for complete protection (which is included, of course).

This upgrade from a plastic backing to a carbon fibre backing increases the amount of protection provided by the phone, but barely increases the weight. The PredatorZero is still quite thin, comparable in size to a normal leather or gel case and offering much more protection. The PredatorZero is also available in three edging colours; gunmetal black is shown here. This iPhone case is a good step up towards total protection.

1. ElementCASE Vapor PRO Black Ops Edition

The ElementCASE Vapor PRO Black Ops Edition is the most amazing looking case I’ve ever seen for the iPhone 4. It sports an incredibly high-tech looking chassis, with the bumper being made from aircraft-grade aluminium and the back from plush Ultrasuede. The whole case weighs only 22 grams, and fits in quite a few unique features.

The case has an aerospace polymer (ooh, exciting) RF insert that prevents ‘death grip’ signal loss, but more interestingly the back is apparently military-specification satin black finish, which prevents glare and resists abrasion through a hard electrolytic coating. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but it does feel incredibly sturdy in the hand.

This case is the most expensive of the ones on these list, but does seem to provide a completely unique look and feel, as well as providing premium protection for your iPhone 4 case — very cool. The case is also available in a white version.

Special Mention: Griffin Survivor Case

The Griffin Survivor Case isn’t a true metal case, as it’s a multi-layer system with the hard layer of polycarbonate-based construction, but it provides such ultimate protection that I couldn’t help but mention it.

As detailed in a series of entertaining YouTube videos (see below), the Griffin Survivor can take an immense amount of punishment, using a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in a shock-absorbent silicone shell. Beyond merely protecting from incredible amounts of physical damage, whether by shock, scratch or crush, the Griffin also features a bevy of seals to protect against the elements, including rain, snow, mud or sand.

All in all, it’s an incredibly durable case, and one that you should turn to if you want to get the ultimate protective force for your iPhone 4.

Conclusion

And that’s all we have time for. Check back here for more blog breakdowns of popular mobile accessories; if you’ve any questions then please free to ask me on our Facebook page, Twitter feed, or my page on Google Plus. Ciao!