With the release of the new iPhone, many people flocked to upgrade at the earliest possible opportunity. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who either don’t want to upgrade, or can’t afford to just at the moment.
It would be cruel to leave our wonderful iPhone 3G/3GS users out in the cold, so today we’re offering a roundup of some really gorgeous cases and covers for your iPhone. Some are budget-friendly, others are incredibly sophisticated and extravagant. There’s something for everyone!
Premium Rubberized Back Cover
Premium Rubberized Back Cover
A simple hard case for those that don’t want to draw too much attention away from their beautiful iPhone, but still want the protection for the back which is so easily scratched.
Price: $9.95
Otterbox Defender
Otterbox Defender
If you’re especially clumsy with your belongings and want to get some hardcore protection, then look no further. Otterbox is well known for making durable cases. While it does make the phone a bit bulkier, you can be sure the added bulk will protect it from the scariest of drops.
The other great thing about this case is that all buttons and ports are accessible so you won’t have to take it out each time.
Price: $29.95
Crystal Silicone Skin Case
Crystal Silicone Skin Case
If you prefer thinner cases that will protect from scratches, then consider a cover made of flexible and durable silicone. While it’s not designed to withstand long drops, it counters that by providing you with a better grip than most smooth cases.
However, if you happen to be the worlds biggest butter fingers, then I’m sorry to say that no amount of grip will help it stay in your hand.
Price: $9.15
CaseCrown Soft Polycarbonate Slim-Fit Case
CaseCrown Soft Polycarbonate Slim-Fit Case
While CaseCrowns slim fit case provides great protection from scratches, it doesn’t protect the screen like a lot of back cover cases.
Not to worry, metallic green always looks nice. Don’t think you can only purchase this in green, though – there are a variety of other colors available too!
Price: $12.21
OtterBox Impact Case
OtterBox Impact Case
If you want great protection from falls, but dislike the added bulk of the Otterbox Defender series, then try their Impact Case.
It provides great protection against falls like the name suggests, contains a clear protective film for the screen and is backed by a 1 year warranty! How can you say no to this?
Price: $9.97
Fading Laser Dots Case
Fading Laser Dots Case
A lightweight case that is ridiculously cheap but will do its job nicely. Comes in a range of colours and is great for those with a very tight budget.
Price: $0.99
Substrata Wood Cases
Substrata Wood Cases
Beautifully crafted hand made cases do not come cheap. Substrata has released cases that have been made with maple, walnut, fir, paudak, wenge and zebrawood. The buttons are exposed so you wont have to remove the iPhone from the case (which is wonderfully easy thanks to the front panel on each case that slides down).
The one minor problem is that access to the headphone and dock connector is somewhat hampered since they are a bit small and deep. Don’t let that put you off though – whichever case you purchase will look absolutely fantastic!
Price: $94.99-$119.99
Crystal Silicone Skin Case Mix style
Crystal Silicone Skin Case Mix style
Before you get your hopes up, let me say that the case is not made out of crystal. To be honest, I don’t think that crystal would be the best thing to use for an iPhone case… Thankfully, the makers of this case weren’t insane and decided to use silicone instead!
Price: $9.15
iSkin solo FX Special Edition Case
iSkin solo FX Special Edition Case
iSkin have created this case with much love and affection, while infusing it with super powers like resisting temperature extremes (just don’t get too extreme).
It’s has an overhang on the front so you can place your phone face down without getting scratched.
Price: $49.95
I Heart Julius Hard Case
I Heart Julius Hard Case
Everybody loves Paul Frank designs, and now you can have one surrounding your iPhone. It’s made from hard plastic and features Julius on the back who will make doubly sure your phone is safe.
Price: $44.95
Smartphone Experts BookCase
Smartphone Experts BookCase
If you’re a business man, then stop scrolling and start reading. The Smartphone Experts BookCase completely encloses your phone and has slots for credit cards and business cards.
While it’s cheap, it is made from genuine leather, not imitation leather so you won’t be self conscious about carrying around a piece of plastic posing as leather.
Price: $9.95
Silver Catena – Engraved Edition
Silver Catena – Engraved Edition
A slick looking case indeed. The Silver Catena is made of anodised plastic and its job is to protect your phone in style.
Just like the other cases, it too exposes the buttons and ports for the easy access everyone want. If you don’t like silver cases, then try it in black. It also comes with one clear screen protector and one mirror screen protector.
Price: $39.90
Vogue Leather Slip-In Case – White
Vogue Leather Slip-In Case – White
A simple yet beautiful pouch for your phone made out of genuine leather. Anywhere you go, this bad boy will turn heads.
It’s available in orange, brown and black and comes with a screen protector for protection (what else?) when your phone is not inhabiting the pouch.
Price: $39.90
Real Metal Series – Red
Real Metal Series – Red
Made out of real metal (aluminium alloy to be more exact), this cover will protect your phone in style. Since it won’t block your signal, you can tick off that reason that kept you from getting a metal case.
If you don’t like red (because it invokes envious rage into the hearts of people around you), you can go with one of the other colours, like a more calming blue.
Price: $39.90
Enigma
Enigma
At $100, this one doesn’t not come cheap! It’s got a very slick design and is marketed to the upper class business men.
Don’t let that put you off, if you’ve got the cash, then splash away. It also comes in white if you don’t want to have a black case. Choices are really great!
Price: $99.99
Vulcan Hydro Polymer Jelly Case
Vulcan Hydro Polymer Jelly Case
A durable case that is also tear resistant. While I have never found anything that could possibly generate a tearing motion in a pocket, it always helps to be prepared! It gives great protection.
Price: $19.95
Leather Executive Flip Type Case
Leather Executive Flip Type Case
It’s not only for executives, it’s for people who feel like they are executives (whatever that feels like). The price certainly doesn’t keep people who aren’t execs from buying it. It has two card slots to hold whatever you can fit in there (mostly cards) and provides great all round protection for your phone.
Price: $12.95
Projeto
Projeto
If you want to watch videos on a table using your iPhone but hate having choose between holding it up or putting it on the table and looking down. Then I have good news for you. Now you don’t have to, with the Projeto.
This case has a pop-out stand that can assume 18 different positions, so you can get exactly the right angle you want, as well as a ‘Sound Scoop’ that you can pop out which helps guide the sound to your ears.
Price: $34.99
Aura Series Mint – Sea Blue
Aura Series Mint – Sea Blue
You had better hurry to buy this because it is only in stock for a limited time. Is this a marketing ploy? I don’t know, but it doesn’t change the fact that this case looks damn good!
Comes in various colors and flavors along with 2 screen protectors, the regular clear version and the cool mirror version.
Price: $39.90
Sena Dockable Case
Sena Dockable Case
Made out of pure leather with a velvet lining, this case is dockable and clips onto your belt; if you don’t want the clip, simply remove it with the tools provided.
While it looks good, the corners are a little exposed, but if it’s sitting comfortably on your belt, it shouldn’t matter.
Price: $45.48
Griffin Elan form Etch
Griffin Elan form Etch
This nice little case is covered in etched genuine leather, bonded to a polycarbonate skeleton to give your phone great protection and looks. It also has an ‘EasyDock’ design lets you slip open the bottom of the case to dock your iPhone.
Price: $16.81
JAVOedge Cork Back Cover
JAVOedge Cork Back Cover
This is a very unique case, made out of actual cork that is bonded to a plastic hard case, which turns out to be a great combination for protection against all sorts of damage. It does not however, protect the screen, but it does expose all the buttons and ports for the iPhone.
Price: $19.95
Incipio ECOcase
Incipio ECOcase
This ECOcase from Incipio looks great and is made from environmentally friendly materials. It might look a bit rough on the outside but don’t worry, there is a soft liner on the inside to make sure your phone wont get scratched.
Price: $4.99
DragonFly Portal Carbon Fiber Back Cover Case
DragonFly Portal Carbon Fiber Back Cover Case
This back cover hard case will guard your iPhone against damage well. Just as long as the damage is coming from the back and doesn’t aim for the hole that allows you to see the logo. At least it’ll protect your phone and still look good, which is a plus!
Price: $34.95
DragonFly Timber Rosewood Hard Protective Case
DragonFly Timber Rosewood Hard Protective Case
If you don’t like the wood cases from Subtrata for whatever reason, then you may want to try this Rosewood back cover case. It doesn’t protect the front of your phone which is a downside of these types of cases, but it sure does make it the back look nice!
Price: $34.95
Case-FX Flex Cube Case
Swirling Series Silicone – Golden Yellow
This case claims to be odor-free, strong, anti-static, dust proof and ultra slim. Sounds good right? It sure is! For just twenty dollars you can own this case and be confident that your phone is going to be safe.
Price: $19.90
Sena Ultra Slim Pouch
Sena Ultra Slim Pouch
The Ultra Slim Pouch is very versatile, has some nice features and looks very stylish. It’s made from the finest Napa leather and it’s got a velvet lining. Slightly expensive but you get what you pay for.
Price: $49.95
Safe and Stylish!
I hope that you’ve found some of the above cases to fit the bill. There’s no doubt that protective offerings for the 3G and 3GS will be sticking around for a while into the future, but it’s worth picking up your favourite case soon – just in case it’s discontinued in favour of an iPhone 4 variety.
Which case do your favour? Or do you prefer to leave your iPhone as naked as the day it was born? Let us know in the comments!