Review of PixelSkin HD for iPhone 4

The GRIP OF DEATH – sounds scary, but it really is just a design issue with the new iPhone 4 which is easily solved by keeping the outer antennas covered with a case or bumper. Apple recently addressed this issue and the outcome was – free cases for ALL! Well, if you bought an iPhone 4 before a certain date (certain other restrictions apply).

Today we will be reviewing one of the eight case choices from the folks at Cupertino. Speck’s PixelSkin HD for iPhone 4 is being offered in lieu of the Apple Bumper among with six other case models. I have been reviewing Speck iPhone 4 cases this past month and have found their quality and style to be top notch. The PixelSkin HD for iPhone 4 continues that trend.

The PixelSkin HD is the “high def” version of the PixelSkin meaning it has more squares on the back surface, other wise it is pretty similar in style as its brother.

It features the tiled texture pattern found on PixelSkin models except now the DPI is 18. The texture is different from the PixelSkin as it is less rubbery in feel but still maintains its grip-ability.

Info:

PixelSkin HD

Patterns and textures can turn “plain” into absolutely fabulous. PixelSkin HD has a shiny polished back with matte pixel overlay, creating an eye catching, sophisticated, and modern artful look. Light dances off the crisp, linear pattern of mathematical protection and perfection.

Features:

• Slim High-Definition Protective Case

• Flexible high-contrast skin case

• Smooth HD Pixel texture

• Perfectly contoured skinny fit

Details:

• Length: 0.53 inches

• Width: 2.5 inches

• Height: 4.75 inches

• Weight: 2.0 oz.

• Colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Purple

• SKUS: IPH4-PXLHD-A02-A, IPH4-PXLHD-A19-A, IPH4-PXLHD-A11-A, IPH4-PXLHD-A14-A

Price: $29.95

What’ in the Box?

The PixelSkin HD arrives in a white and orange Speck branded cardboard box with a plastic clamshell that holds the case. Inside the box we find just the case itself.

The PixelSkin HD comes is four colors – Black, Blue, Pink, Purple. Our review sample is the black version.

The case weighs in at 2.0 ozs and measures 2.5” x 0.53” x 4.75”. We find the usual openings for the mute switch, headphone jack, flash, camera, speakers and dock connector. The power and volume buttons are protected by the case material.

On the back of the case is the tiled pattern creating a slightly raised surface on the case. On the bottom right side on the back of the case is the Speck asterisk logo and name. The sides are smooth with a slightly tacky grip.

This new version is composed of TPU – Thermoplastic Polyurethane which is another name for a type of plastic which according to Speck "can be mixed to very specific consistencies, which allows us to get the perfect blend of elements to create the perfect texture and material." This material makes the PixelSkin HD less "squishy" that the regular PixelSkin and other silicon style cases.

Usage:

To install the iPhone 4 slide it into the open front of the PixelSkin HD then stretch it around the phone’s front screen. The PixelSkin HD snuggly surrounds the iPhone 4. The new material prevents that sag which is seen with some other silicone cases.

The PixelSkin HD’s raised bezel provides protection around the iPhone 4′s screen helping to keep it elevated off other surfaces.

There is no screen shield included with the case but Speck does sell the ShieldView which can be purchased separately. I personally having a screen shield on my iPhone 4.

The PixelSkin HD protects the iPhone 4 from minor dings but is not intended for traumatic impact protection. Although there is a raised bezel around the screen, it still remains exposed.

The PixelSkin HD is a nice looking case has a much lower profile than other Speck cases. The tile texture is very subtle compared to other PixelSkin case versions. The new material is a cross between rubbery and plasticy while maintaining its grip factor. The new advantage of this material is that it does not seem to attract dust like other silicon style cases.

Most of the ports and button are easily accessible with the PixelSkin HD in place.

Finally, the PixelSkin HD case wards off the "grip of death" antenna issue.

Conclusion:

The PixelSkin HD is an excellent case from Speck for the iPhone 4. Apple thought so highly of it that it was included in its "Antennagate" case program. It is well constructed and will keep the iPhone 4 from most everyday bumps and dings.

It is well constructed and retains its grip using a newer material. It has some style with the trademark texture tile pattern on the back while maintaining a low form factor for your iPhone 4.

PROS	CONS
+Prevents Grip of Death +Light weight +Good grip +Available as part of the Antennagate Case program +Full access to controls	-No included screen shield