Okay Geek Farm
Graft Concepts Leverage bumper case for iPhone 4 / 4S review
Jason Tsay
We’ve reviewed tons of cases for the iPhone 4 and 4S, some made of aluminum, and some of plastic. But we’ve never seem anything quite like the Graft Concepts Leverage. This hybrid case features a curious watch-style latch in its corner. How does this idea play out in actual use?
Features
- Confirmed compatibility with both iPhone 4S and 4 from AT&T/Sprint/Verizon
- Hard polycarbonate case with soft touch matte finish that offers drop and scratch protection
- Luxurious finish on metal latching mechanism that locks the case firmly around the phone
- Removable back plate gives you the option of having minimalist style or full protection
- Unique styling with streamlined design and minimal bulk
Our Impressions
The Graft Concepts Leverage comes in plain plastic packaging containing the bumper case and an optional backplate. Right out of the box, the Graft Concepts Leverage feels rather thin and flimsy, a problem associated with any slim bumper style cases. Just as with the Apple Bumper, however, all feelings of cheap-ness were dispelled once we installed the case on the actual phone.
Design
The Leverage is one of the most unique cases we’ve seen in a while. For starters, it is a bumper style case so it really shows of the glass sandwich design of the iPhone 4 and 4S. The rim of matte plastic elegantly wraps around the aluminum band of the iPhone and subtlely curves around the edges for extra protection (The Leverage is not compatible with thicker screen protectors such as the GLAS.t).
Look in the top right corner of the case and you’ll see something totally out of the ordinary - a metal watch-style latch. In fact the Leverage was inspired by luxury watches and features a special latching mechanism to secure the case. In order to install the Leverage, you simply lift the latch, slide your phone into the slightly flexible rim of the bumper, and lock it in place. The Leverage fits precisely and the phone feels secure. If ever you need to remove the case, you stick your finger under a little groove in the edge of the latch and lift to release it. The finish of the metal latch matches the stainless steel band of the iPhone; Graft Concepts even built asleep/wake button right into the latch area, in the exact shape and style of the iPhone’s original button. Tactility isn’t quite the same but it isn’t mushy by any means. Only the corner of the case is made of aluminum so you won’t have to worry about any antenna attenuation that may result from aluminum bumpers. One slight issue with the latch design is that small gaps in the aluminum allow bits of dust and whatnot from your pocket to be embedded between your iPhone and the case. A periodic removal and cleaning of the case will do the trick but we thought it was a minor annoyance.
Accessibility and Ergonomics
The Leverage is all about precision; each cutout is perfectly aligned. In fact, this precision could potentially be an issue for some. Allow me to explain, the volume button and mute switch area is outlined by a very marginal cutout. The entire strip is very narrow in general and actually feels quite recessed. People with slightly larger thumbs will have trouble accessing the volume down button in particular without awkwardly turning their hands; this could also be an issue if you use the volume button as a camera shortcut key.
Take a look at the top of the phone and you’ll see two cutouts - one for the headphone jack and one for the noise cancelling microphone. The headphone port cutout could definitely be a bit bigger and really only fits thinner headphone jacks. The Leverage simply feels amazing in the hand, adding a slight bit of width and thickness to the tiny iPhone 4, while retaining and emphasizing the phone’s slim design.
The speaker and microphone holes are cut out to match exactly. The 30 pin dock connector has an even more interesting design that involve two “levels,” the top one flush with the rest of the case and in the shape of Apple’s larger, rounded dock connector. Inside, a rectangular hole the size of the actual port. Basically, you won’t see any of the metal underneath but will still be able to fit the entire connector. Pretty sweet.
Included Accessories
The included optional backplate is a really nice touch that we don’t see often with bumper cases. The matte black plate matches the finish of the rim surrounding the phone and leaves a perfectly adequate cutout for the camera. The fact that Graft Concepts was able to design a plastic (as opposed to adhesive) backplate that works without compromising the design of the bumper is quite an accomplishment. Including the plate for free is like icing on the cake and will really appeal to those who wish to have a little more protection. However, we think most buyers of the Leverage will prefer showing off the design of the iPhone. One quick thing to note is that the backplate will not fit on your phone if you have even the thinnest of protective films on the back of your phone; that’s the level of precision we’re talking about here.
Overall
After using the Graft Concepts Leverage for about a month, we have to say we’re pretty impressed by this bumper case. The hybrid design has really grown on us and everyone I’ve shown the case to has been amazed by the unique and premium design. While the $60 price tag may seem high for a plastic bumper, we see the Leverage as a classier approach to the bumper style case that will appeal to 1% who truly wants to stand out.
Pro’s
- stunning and unique design
- doesn’t add much bulk
- bumper or full case options included
Con’s
- lint and dust get in latch gaps
- narrow headphone jack cutout
Where to buy
Graft Concepts — MSRP: $59.95
///5///
