Content
- Introduction
- Original Apple Silicone Case
- Fake Apple Silicone Case
- Replica from Torras
- conclusions
Introduction
From all the variety of cases that exist on the market, for several years in a row for iPhone I have chosen only original silicone (sometimes leather) versions or their high-quality replicas.
There are several reasons for this:
- They perfectly complement the design of the smartphone.
- They protect the device well from abrasion, drops from a low height and from scratches that arise from dust that has penetrated under the case.
- In my opinion, this is the golden mean between the protective effect and the dimensions of the device in the case.
For fans of “naked” phones, I will separately note the following. I perfectly understand those users who really enjoy using the device without covers and glasses, and I also like these feelings. But more important for me is that a smartphone in perfect condition is sold much faster and significantly more expensive in the secondary market. Therefore, I immediately ask you not to comment on this moment after reading it. Tastes differ.
But let's get back to the cases. Original products from Apple have a rather large markup – covers for current models iPhone cost about 3 thousand rubles. That is why I and many other users iPhone are wondering if they are worth it. Or is it better to look towards quality replicas, which will cost from 5 to 10 times cheaper? Today I will try to answer this question, since I tested several options on myself at once.
Let's get started!
Original Apple Silicone Case
The original silicone case from Apple is a kind of three-layer “sandwich”. Silicone, in fact, is only the visible part of it. Under it is a durable polycarbonate skeleton, thanks to which the case perfectly retains its shape and protects the device from shocks. The third layer is microfiber, which directly adheres to the body of the device and protects its surface from dust falling between the body and the case.
Despite its thoughtfulness, the original product from Apple is not without flaws.
The first is incomplete coverage: the bottom end, where the microphone, speaker and Lightning connector are located, is not covered, so over time, micro-scratches begin to appear there. From time to time, the bottom edge of the front panel also gets hit if you carry the device in a pocket or bag with something else.
The second drawback is the soft-touch coating that is erased over time: initially the cover is matte, but over time, glossy “bald spots” appear along the edges, which become larger with use. On some colors it is noticeably more, on some less. I was lucky: on orange (“orange saffron”), shiny wear is noticeable only if you look closely.
The third disadvantage concerns lovers of tight and not only pants: when removing the device from a pocket, there is always a risk of turning it inside out, since the coating is rather “viscous”. Another drawback associated with the coating is the “vacuum cleaner effect”: the surface of the cover likes to collect dust, although this is only noticeable on dark versions.
And the last point among the shortcomings is the price. The official price tag for Apple Silicone Case for iPhone X / 8 Plus / 7 Plus is 3,290 rubles, for iPhone 7, 8 – 2,890 rubles.
By the way, few people know, but original covers Apple are covered by a one-year international warranty, and I heard about cases when worn-out and “killed” accessories were changed in foreign Apple Store without any surcharges for new ones. It was not possible to personally try, but you can tell about your experience, if you had one, in the comments.
Where can I buy:
- Federal retailers and online stores
- Official Store Apple
Now let's see what you can find cheaper.
Fake Apple Silicone Case
In pursuit of economy, I decided to test several fakes, which skillfully disguise themselves as the original, two of which were purchased from different sellers on AliExpress , and one more – on Gorbushka. All three cases are of about the same quality, they feel like they are made either at the same factory, or according to the same patterns and using identical materials. The AliExpress versions cost about 300 rubles (~ 10 times cheaper than the original), the sample from Gorbushka cost 700 rubles (~ 5 times cheaper than the original). Note that the packaging, which, unfortunately, did not survive for me, was copied cleanly from Apple. There is even an inscription “Designed by Apple in California”.
The first thing I liked: the Chinese did not skimp on microfiber. Even if it is not as soft as the original, it will definitely save the case from abrasions.
Tactilely, the coating is a little rougher than the original, but it's still a rather pleasant soft-touch, which, however, does not remain so for a long time, but more on that later.
If these were the only differences, then I would safely recommend buying exactly Chinese copies, but the cover has plenty of shortcomings.
My fake samples lose their soft-touch coating even faster, collect more dust and even more zealously strive to turn out your pockets. If right after the purchase I still had the hope that these covers are made at the same factory, then after two weeks of use I stopped thinking that way: the quality of the silicone is noticeably inferior to the original product. Just a couple of weeks later the accessory began to acquire glossy “bald spots” (the original lasted about two months) and became not just “sticky”, but also sticky.
Some fake cases smell terrible at first. This smell is felt, even if the smartphone lies half a meter away from you. I had to leave one of the options on the balcony for 2 days, and this was enough for the acrid smell to go away for good. I will justly note that now there is no smell at all. Personally, I do not suffer from any allergies, but I have an assumption that in allergy sufferers, such covers may cause a reaction with prolonged contact with the skin.
One of the covers, which I used for a long time, broke literally for 3-4 putting on. Apparently, a thinner or less durable plastic plate is used there. The original has gone through many times more iterations of taking off / putting on, and so far there is not even a hint of a break.
Another complaint is the logo Apple. Unlike the original models, in which it has the same structure and is not felt tactilely (most likely, it is a print or laser application), the fake apple is made of plastic and is “inlaid” into the surface. Everything would be fine, but it quickly fades away (red) or grows unevenly cloudy (yellow), and generally looks sloppy.
The last gripe, or rather a niggle, were the seams made too “in Chinese”, as well as the material of the volume and lock buttons. In the original, the buttons are made of denser silicone and are more pleasant to the touch, in fakes they are soft and in structure the same as the rest of the surface.
As you may have noticed, the score is 2: 5 in favor of the cons, so I do not recommend purchasing fake Apple Silicone Cases. Unfortunately, the Chinese did not manage to achieve such an identity as in good copies of Smart Cover or Smart Case for iPad. But maybe I just had no luck with all three cases, so share links in the comments if you come across 1: 1 copies.
Where can I buy:
- Gorbushka and other similar places
- AliExpress
Replica from Torras
Among the third-party accessories, there are not only fake copies of the original covers, but also high-quality replicas. Their manufacturers set themselves the goal not only to replicate the product well Apple, but also to bring their own improvements. Here I would like to mention the products of the Torras company.
Torras is a pretty serious Chinese brand, so you won't find a bull's-eye on its cases. This is the only nuance that will become a plus for some, a minus for others, and others, like me, will treat this neutrally. Otherwise, only the advantages of the products of this brand can be noted.
The first positive point is the choice: Torras produces cases both with a cutout on the bottom end (if you remember, I attributed it to the disadvantages of the original model), and without it. I have a model with a cutout in my hands, since at the time of purchase the second version was not yet available.
The microfiber inside is the same quality and soft as the original. The pasting is smooth and neat.
The soft-touch surface is hard, but pleasant to the touch. The sensations are different, but definitely not worse than the original, and in comparison with it there is an important advantage: much less dust sticks to the case and the pockets do not turn out when the device is removed. I also note that after a month of use, the coating is not erased at all, that is, there are no “bald spots”. Perhaps they will appear a little later, but so far everything is fine.
And the last advantage is, of course, the price. Both models (with and without a cutout) cost about 700 rubles, which is more than justified.
Where can I buy:
- AliExpress
conclusions
Based on the above, I can safely recommend for purchase either the original Apple Silicone Case, or a product from Torras. It all depends on how critical these or those nuances I have noted will be for you and how much money you are willing to spend.
Personally, I am happy to use the original, but I am not morally ready to buy a second one at this price, and here high-quality replicas come to the rescue, one of which I told you about today. I still do not recommend buying fakes, since there are too many complaints about them, and the difference in price with a good replica is not so big. The only exception can be the case when the budget is small, but you want the “bull's-eye”, but here it is up to you to decide. Does everyone have their own quirks?
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