For our inaugural iPhone, Touch, iPad Accessories review, I picked the case I’ve been using for a while mainly because I KNOW it protects my iPhone well.

CandyShell | Speck | iPhone 3G/S ($34.95, Many Colors Available)

The CandyShell case is so appropriately named as it’s hard shell on the outside and soft casing on the inside. It’s design is very cool looking you’d almost want to eat (like a candy). But don’t be fooled, this one’s made for the tough.

Packaging

The case that was sent to me was the black-grey model and it came in this nifty little packaging pictured below:

Content packages include the case of course along with a screen protector and an orange wiping cloth for your device.

Installation

Installation went as smooth as it can be. I first placed the screen protector onto my phone. You first need to remove the flap covering the adhesive to stick it to your phone THEN you need to remove the flap that was protecting the protector itself.

Once that’s done, placing your iPhone into the case wasn’t a big deal either. My advice is to focus on the upper edge of the iPhone first, stick it to case then do the bottom. Removing takes a little bit more time but I suggest you un-snap each corner first for easy removal.

Durability, Protection

I would say I’m about 20% klutz and yes I do drop my phone quite often. Unlike most case, the CandyShell goes about 3 millimeter above the actual iPhone screen for drop protection. I’ve dropped the phone a couple of times and no tear can even be found on the case.

CandyShell is also “geared” with rubberized walls and even the Speck logo is engraved using rubber so the iPhone won’t just skid through glass tables and/or surfaces.

Suggestion

My only suggestion is that for Speck to somehow figure out how to enclose the bottom of the iPhone a bit stronger. I’d figure the edge of the case would snap since it offers no casing by the phone’s speaker. Maybe put some “walls” that cover the screws but not the speaker.

Conclusion

Honestly, I’ve had many iPhone cases and I couldn’t find one that looks both SEXY and trustworthy for iPhone drops. The CandyShell fits the bill more than enough.

Speck guarantees protection for their products as well so if you ever need a replacement for anything, you can easily shoot them an email. This case is highly recommended and with a dozen colors to pick from, I’m not sure why you aren’t using the same case!

Editor’s Note: As found in our About page, all accessories, apps, and games reviewed on this site are reviewed through promotional copies where otherwise stated.