Speck PixelSkin, PixelSkin HD, GeoMetric Case for iPhone 4

Every time I get a press release of new cases from Speck I get all excited. Even though most designs have been seen before for other devices there is always something there that is innovative, and fresh. This time I have got three steaming hot cases focusing on back/side protection as well as providing an edge letting you put your iPhone 4 screen down. They have cut-outs for the camera, ringer switch and sync socket. The volume buttons, and silent button are covered by silicone or plastic. The basic design is similar, but yet the three have their own distinctive identities.

PixelSkin, available in black, purple and pink.
The PixelSkin is a silicone case offering great protection, and rubberized grip. It is really bulky, and placed on top of any of the other cases it looks humongous. The silicone is rigid around the edges, but if when nudged it looses the grip. There is zero risk of the phone accidentally falling out of the case due to the silicone hugging it on the front. It is soft, and definitely feels good to hold onto when playing games or walking about surfing the internet. The rugged rubber dirties, and collects dust in the crevices quite easily. To me this makes it look cheap, and it needs to be cleaned regularly to feel fresh. The vibrant pink, and purple add a bit of fun whereas the black feels somewhat like a lite version of the ToughSkin design. If you prefer a silicone case the PixelSkin is definitely one of the better out there.

Speck Pixelskin Silicone Case for iPhone 4
 

PixelSkin HD, available in black, purple, pink and blue.
Ok, it took me a while to stomach the HD moniker. It has been abused in so many different contexts during the past couple of years. Once I had the case in my hand my intial impression got turned on the head. A couple of seconds later the PixelSkin HD was installed on my iPhone 4, and it blew me away completely. It hugs the iPhone 4 completely, and becomes a part of it. So far it is the best fit I have ever seen in a one piece case ever, and only the Speck CandyShell can offer it a run for that title. Made from flexible but not silicone soft TPU plastic the case is almost as sturdy as a hard case when installed. The only negative I can point out is that the volume buttons, and silent button could be somewhat more responsive. The material absorbs some of the force used demanding more power to press them. The back of the case looks a bit like the windows on a skyscraper with matte squares surrounded by shiny lines. Especially in sunlight the case shines as it is moved. Light, sturdy and good looking. Extremely easy to have in a pocket, and extract it.

Speck Pixelskin HD Case for iPhone 4
 

GeoMetric, available in DeathRock Black…hell yeah!
This is one of the most anticipated cases so far adding something new and fresh to the world of phone protection. The combination of form, and function is excellent. Made from flexible TPU plastic the GeoMetric comes with geometrical triangular patterns on the back. These aren’t just for show, but also for touch. The back of the case is uneven, and handles like an uneven table when placed on a hard surface. Of course this makes it harder to use it on a table, but at other times it enhances the function. When using the phone in portrait mode there is a perfect triangular formation adding grip to the phone. When playing games in landscape mode the formations also helps in keeping your hands in a good place. I simply adore this case, but it has got an issue that bothers me. The fit around the edge of the screen isn’t perfect, and the case tends to feel loose and clicks into place. Being made from the same material as the PixelSkin HD above I think it is a shame that the same level of fit couldn’t be achieved. The buttons feel great though, and definitely feel like proper buttons with great responsiveness. Even after extensive use the pattern hasn’t been scratched at all. If you are looking for one of the coolest cases out there definitely consider getting a GeoMetric.

Speck Geometric Case for iPhone 4