The iGlaze Armor from Moshi has a diamond-cut aluminum back plate in three colors: black, bronze and silver.Moshi, a maker of stylish accessories for digital devices, has expanded its line of cellphone cases with a couple of new designs for the iPhone 5.
The first, the iGlaze Armor, updates Moshi’s slim-fit iGlaze case by adding a diamond-cut aluminum back plate to a polycarbonate frame. he case, which costs $40 at Moshi’s online store, comes in three colors: black, bronze and silver.
Grooves cut on the sides allow access to all ports and buttons, and a hole on the back lets the Apple logo peek through. The hole is also useful for popping the phone out of the case, an act that takes a bit of dexterity and strong fingernails with other snap-on cases.
But the bezel on the iGlaze Armor lies just a hair below the iPhone screen, which makes me uneasy. I typically place my phone face down, because I’d much rather people see my smart cellphone case than the private messages that might pop up on my screen. In this situation, a raised bezel offers a little extra screen protection. Fortunately, Moshi also makes a handy screen protector (sold separately, $25) that can be applied easily and without air! bubbles.
The second case, the Origo, is made of form-fitting silicone with a honeycomb structure that the company says offers more shock absorption. The buttons are covered here, but still accessible. The Origo, which comes in black or white for $25, had a better grip in my hand than the iGlaze Armor, but I found the fit around my phone a little loose.
Both cases include a “backside buffer,†a film that is inserted between the case and the phone to protect it from dust particles. I have to admit, I never worried about a dust mote scratching my phone before, but it’s sure on my mind now.
