We reviewed the iPhone 3G/S and iPad versions already. How does the iPhone 4′s stack up?

CandyShell iPhone 4 ($34.99)

CandyShell for iPhone 4 maintains the same superior protection the previous two versions had. It’s completely durable and will protect your iPhone 4 for drops. It does have some Flash problems though not as bad as the PixelSkin.

Specs

• Length: 0.521 inches
• Width: 2.509 inches
• Height: 4.683 inches
• Weight: 2.0 oz.
• Colors: DarkHeart Mahogany, NightShade Purple, CottonDandy Blue, BatWing Black, PaleMoon Gray, LoveHate Pink, IndiWhoa Blue, MoonSicle White

Durability And Protection

This CandyShell offers the same thickness and protection that was used for both the iPhone 3G and the iPad. All that was changed was the form factor of the case to support the new flat rear of the iPhone 4.

One new welcome change is how the casing now encloses the space around the speakers and the docks. Note that this is something we suggested when we reviewed the original CandyShell. It’s great to see that your input was somehow used to improve a product.

Friendliness To Accessories

The headphone input is pretty big and should support most headphones. The pin however will NOT be friendly to third party accessory chargers and radio receivers.

The Flash Problem

The old version of the PixelSkins (the new versions have pill shaped holes around the camera FIXED the problems we reported) made your photos bluish and blurry when the LED flash is used.

The CandyShell for iPhone 4 suffers a similar issue. Speck is aware of the issue, and we’re told the pill shape hole fix is being applied to this line of cases as well.

Suggestion

One of my other problems with the case is how much harder it is to take the iPhone off the case. Since even the speakers are now well protected, it’ll take more effort to take the device off. I almost feel like the case needs to be split up and make it a snap to lock case.

Conclusion

The CandyShell is the best and sleekest iPhone 4 case I’ve seen so far.  Making it easier to take the case off AND correcting the camera problem will make this a complete must buy.

If you really need the case right now, you can go ahead and buy it then email Speck for a replacement when the new versions are released. Otherwise, I’d suggest you simply wait for the new version and not go through the hassle of an exchange.