X-Doria Defense Shield Case iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus REVIEW Safety First
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September was a really interesting month for Apple lovers. Not only did we see this generation of iPhone, but we saw the next generation as well. We have become accustomed to a numbered iPhone every other year with an S version of the iPhone in between. This year was a little different, in that Apple decided to release the iPhone 8/8 plus and the iPhone X. Interestingly, the iPhone 8/8 Plus is essentially the iPhone 7s/7s Plus. There are some minor differences between the iPhone 7/Plus and the new 8/Plus. The good news, many of the cases that you have come to enjoy will still fit the new devices. The iPhone 7 measures 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches and weighs 138 grams and the iPhone 8 measures 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches and weighs 148 grams. The iPhone 7 Plus measures 6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches and weighs 188 grams, whereas the iPhone 8 Plus measures 6.28 x 3.07 x 0.32 inches and weighs 202 grams. Despite the mild increase in size and the modest increase in weight, there are clearly enhancements with the new iPhone. For the price of the iPhone device, I cannot understand how somebody would leave their phone naked and unadorned.
I have previously reviewed X-Doria Defense Gear case for the iPhone 7 plus and truly enjoyed the quality of the case. Additionally, Amy Chamberlain reviewed last years model of the X-Doria Defense Shield for iPhone 7 Plus (old model). The Defense Shield case arrived in a very appealing retail packaging. The cover has a really nice raised glossy picture of an iPhone in a clear backed case. The packaging does not provide additional information about colors (Red, Iridescent, Rose Gold, Black), but you can find this information on the X-Doria website. I received the red edition, which works perfectly for the Red 7 iPhone 7 Plus and actually accents the rose gold version very well. The iPhone 8/8 Plus are not currently available in Jet Black, Rose Gold, Red but you can get the Space Grey coloring. The packaging I received appears to be an early edition, as it still says that it is for the iPhone 7/7s Plus and the name is not accurate. I have seen other editions that detail 7/8 Plus, which suggests that this has been addressed. Either way, you can still expect the 3-meter drop protection that the defense cases provide.
The inside of the front magnetic flap provides a lot of information about the case. The case is made of a hard aluminum side, a soft rubberized shock absorbing bumper, and a clear polycarbonate backing. The base of the case promises a 12mm x 6mm opening for the lighting adaptor and a single downward facing and a single forward facing acoustic channel for improved sound. The forward facing acoustic channel helps to direct sound forward, for improved enjoyment. Beneath the flap, you can directly visualize the case through the clear plastic window. The reverse side of the packaging provides product links, as well as further information about the drop rating: 3meter/10foot drop onto concrete exceeds the Mil-STD-810G drop test requirements. The packaging is easy to open and the case is incredibly easy to install. The case fits well on the 7+ as well as the eight. The case has
The case is designed to cover both the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus. Neither phone has a 3.5mm audio port and both varieties of iPhone have the same camera measurements. The lightning port cut-out, located along the bottom of the case, will accommodate any lightning cable, even the boxier ended cables. This is an important feature as there are some cases (Catalyst/Lifeproof/Otterbox) that require the rounded style lighting adaptor. The speaker slits work well and do a great job at directing the sound forward and downward. I believe that the Defense Shield (current edition) has better acoustics than the Defense Gear case (both slits face forward), The rubberized button along the top left of the case does a great job at accessing the power button on the phone. Along the top right of the case, you will find rubberized power buttons for volume up/down and a cutout for the volume toggle. The cutouts are well placed and really accent the case well.
It is important to note that the iPhone screen is uncovered and this case will not protect from direct blows. You can either choose to use a Glass protector, liquid protector like Kristall Nano or to rely on the raised edges of the X-Doria case. Since the edges stick up slightly above the screen and provide some degree of deflection, the case protects from glancing blows. The case is incredibly light, weighing only 1.4 ounces (39.69 grams). To test the case, I dropped it from about a 1-foot height, onto each of the corners. There was no damage to the phone or to the case. I love that you can clearly see the backing of the phone. If you are looking for a lightweight, protective case for your iPhone, look to X-Doria for your needs. I rate the case at 5/5 for the lightweight nature of the phone and the strength of the edges.
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Originally published at macsources.com on October 5, 2017.
