Okay Geek Farm
SGP Linear Mini Series case for iPhone 4S / 4 review
Ricardo Trejo
SGP has no shortage of cases for iPhone or iPad, and their Linear Mini series, while being their budget line, is far from being comparable to a generic means of protection for your precious mobile. The accenting colors, glossy finish, and comfortable hold would make just about an iPhone proud to don this, but how would an owner feel about that?
Features
- 3-piece unit
- Packaged with Steinheil Ultra Crystal LCD Protector (x1), Micro-fiber cleaning cloth, and Mini Lens Hood (x1)
- Available in 4 colors (Yellow, Blue, Pink, Green)
Our Impression
The Linear Mini Series comes in 4 different colors — ours, provided by our friends at CreTouch, gave us the classic Reventon Yellow —, and is made up of 3 separate pieces that come together to built the unit.
Installation is a breeze; slide the U shaped piece over the phone (making sure the cut-outs are on the right side), then slip in the rear backing onto it, and finally finish it off by locking in the case with the buttom piece that goes over the dock connector and speaker ports. Scratches and damage are a non-issue during installation due to the smoothness that this case provides.
Design
Constructed out of durable materials and coated with a glossy finish, the Linear Mini series case is actually quite tircky to handle. Picking it up while it lays flat on the desk can be a little difficult as the sides are pretty slippery. Not to mention that this particular type of design is also prone to more noticeable scratches.
The bezel of the case is also microscopically raised so the iPhone’s screen isn’t flush with a surface if laid face down, but we’re talking about the thickness of a single hair foliclle. Interiors of the phone are not lined with any sort of rubber or foam padding, so if your phone takes a dive you have only the construction of the non-specific materials the Linear Mini is made out of to comfort you.
Accessibility
The headphone jack is slightly recessed into the case and the same holds true for the power button atop the phone. All other buttons, switches, and ports are openly accessible, though the speakers down at the bottom are given deep cut-outs which actually enhance sound.
The rear-facing camera on the iPhone is given a generous amount of space so that the Linear Mini doesn’t get in its way, although the provided Mini hood lens set should do the trick to reduce contrast issues when using the flash.
Comfort
Holding the phone is really comfortable and it’s also visually appealing, accenting either a white or black iPhone perfectly no matter which set of colors you choose. The edges are rounded to provide further ergonomics and comfort when gripping the phon and makes manipulating the handset with one hand a breeze.
I also decided to add in this section the peace of mind you get with the case despite it being 3-piece unit. Once the final piece locks in the entire case comes together and never feels as if it’s going to come apart.
Additional Accessories
Also packaged with the Linear Mini is a micro-fiber cleaning cloth, a Steinheil Ultra Crystal LCD Protector, and one set of Mini Lens Hood liners which are designed to reduce interference between the case and when taking a photo with the LED flash. Definite bonuses and a convenience SGP offers with every case they ship.
Overall
While the Linear Mini is beautiful to look at and easy to handle the case is really, really slippery. Yeah, I’m not joking. As I’m writing this review I’m getting notifications from team members and every time I try to pick up the phone I think it’s going to fall flat on its back. Yes, it comes with goodies and feels great to hold but just trying to reach for it can be a pain.
Pro’s
- Visually appealing with accenting colors
- Very comfortable to handle
- Affordable and comes with extras
Con’s
- Glossy finish causes pick-up issues
- Scratches are easily visible
- Bezel raises the case a hair above the screen
Where to buy
CreTouch Store — MSRP: $24.99
This review was done by Ricardo Trejo, who was provided a Linear case by CreTouch Store.
