iTiki Case Review

We take the iTiki iPhone case out for a spin!

The iTiki iPhone case for 3G and 3GS, available at TikiCase.com and other fine online retailers, is the best iPhone skin I have yet encountered on the market. Yes, I’ll make such a claim.

In the “real world” I work as the Client Relations Manager of a text-message marketing company. As you can imagine, few people see, hold, and interact with as many cell phones of all makes and models as I do. During my time in the mobile industry I have encountered countless iPhone skins and cases of all types. In my office alone I have seen more than eight different iPhone cases in the last six months. I’m talking plastic cases, rubber skins, silicone, even wool! With various levels of quality and performance, I assure you that one case is NOT as good as another.

A good iPhone case—or any mobile case for that matter should meet several important criteria:

1. The case must protect the phone and, in particular, the screen: Here the iTiki case stands head and shoulders above the majority of competitors on the market. Composed of high quality silicone, the iTiki provides a thick (but not quite too thick) covering that wraps around everything but the screen of the iPhone. Not only is the phone thus padded from the shock of being dropped but also, more importantly, the screen itself is surrounded by a cushy yet firm layer of protection. Whereas most iPhone cases leave the entire face of the phone including the “Home” button open to the world, the iTiki exposes only the screen. Naturally I was at first apprehensive that covering the Home button would hinder its use, but luckily the flexible nature of the iTiki silicone allayed my fears.

1. The case cannot interfere with speakers and other audio: Similar to my experience above, I feared that covering so much of the face of the phone would interfere with both hearing and being heard while conversing. After several calls to phones on multiple providers I have found that not to be the case. With full phone protection and no loss in communicative sound the iTiki resolved my concern.

1. The case mustn’t hinder mobile use, productivity and functionality: My single biggest concern when first placing the iTiki on my phone was that covering so much real estate would make reaching the corners of the screen inherently difficult. Again, my apprehension has been misplaced, although admittedly more because of the well-situated menus of the iPhone itself rather than the iTiki. Either way, what could have been a major problem for users has been almost entirely avoided. Separately, the iTiki does pose a small problem to older auxiliary audio jacks. Because the case is rather thick and the hole for the auxiliary port small, older jacks not specifically designed for the iPhone might be a struggle to fully insert. The auxiliary issue, as jacks have become more standard in shape and size, is a shrinking but real concern.

1. The case must be attractive: Here the iTiki runs into its first potential problem. Although sporting a fun design and appearance the iTiki isn’t the most professional looking case on the market. A lack of professionalism isn’t going to pose a problem to the bulk of iPhone users; however, a small segment will be put off by the iTiki’s over-the-top presentation. In particular, the fact that the Tiki character’s butt is plainly visible on the backside of the case will turn some away. That being said, most iPhone users, myself included, will love the iTiki’s charming visual personality and see it as a solid plus. It’s been a hit at my office where iPhones are actually provided by the company and, as I mentioned earlier, numerous cases are used. The iTiki is, unfortunately, currently only available online in two colors: iTiki Pacific (a light blue) and iTiki Koa (a vibrant orange). For review I received the Pacific variety and have found it genuinely appealing. Hopefully future iterations will offer a broader color palette.

1. The case cannot be too bulky: The iTiki does add noticeable bulk to the iPhone. It is not by any means the bulkiest on the market, but it can be a problem for some who wish to carry their phone in their pocket. Again, this is nothing more than a matter of personal preference, but keep that in mind if you are considering a purchase.

1. The case must feel good to the touch: The iTiki feels great in your hand and any time it comes in contact with your skin. With just enough grip to keep from sliding along flat surfaces and yet feel smooth to the touch, the iTiki is a winner.

1. Durability: Perhaps more than any other criteria to be met, an iPhone case must last. At a rather hefty price of $29.97 as of this writing, the iTiki better last and I am confident that it will. Having recently purchased a similar, but less substantial case at the exact same price, I was angered to see it begin to split at the bottom edge within two months of use! The iTiki, with so much more surface area, seems far more reliable and capable of withstanding heavy use. The case-that-shall-not be named, it should be noted, comes with a lifetime replacement warranty, but I would much rather just have the thing work than have to send in for a replacement.

The iTiki iPhone case is, upon close inspection, arguably the best iPhone accessory available today. Featuring great protection for your phone, unique styling, fantastic durability and comfort in your hand and while talking, the iTiki iPhone case is worth your money. If you are looking for a case to fashionably protect and enhance your iPhone 3G or 3GS experience the iTiki is for you.

Note: The iTiki case was provided by the manufactuerer for review.