Incipio iPhone 5 case roundup: 6 models offer function, style, and protection
Incipio iPhone 5 lineup
Incipio makes some great cases that I have enjoyed on my previous iPhones. They sent along six of their current iPhone 5 cases for me to try out.
The cases shown in the following image gallery include:
- DualPro SHINE
- NGP
- Faxion
- Code
- Stashback
- Stanley Technician
Each case comes with a clear screen protector and microfiber cleaning cloth. The screen protector is easy to install and doesn't impact the look and feel of the display.
They are all solid case choices and the one for you depends on what functionality you are looking for in a case. Prices range from $19.99 to $39.99. All cases are available now.
Six Incipio cases out of their retail boxes
As you can see there are some colorful options available from Incipio.
Backs of the six Incipio cases
Here is a shot of the back of the cases.
DualPro SHINE retail box
I like the new Incipio retail packages. They show off the case and are easy to remove.
DualPro SHINE in the hand
One of my favorite cases of these six is the DualPro SHINE. It offers a silicone core with an outer rigid shell. The rigid shell is made with their Plextonium™ material and has a brushed aluminum finish. The shell runs along the entire right side and most of the left with openings for the silicone inner core to access buttons and ports. The dimpled top of the back adds some style to the case.
I checked out the titanium silver/charcoal gray one. You can also find this case in Titanium Silver/Obsidian Black, Light Silver/Optical White, Obsidian Black/Obsidian Black, and Optical White/Hot Pink. The DualPro SHINE is available now for $34.99.
Two pieces of the DualPro SHINE
Hands-on with the NGP
I also really liked the NGP case that has a similar style to the SHINE. This is a one piece case that looks similar to the soft silicone core in others, but this piece is more rigid. It surrounds all sides with an opening for the ringer switch and openings in the bottom for the headphone jack, Lightning port, and speaker.
I tested the Translucent Mercury one, but it also comes in Obsidian Black, Translucent Orchid Pink, and Translucent Indigo Violet. I like the matte finish of the NGP and unlike many of these with glossy finishes you can't see scratches or fingerprints on this case. You can pick up the NGP for $19.99.
Back and side of the NGP
Bottom of the NGP
Inside of the Flaxion case
The Faxion case looks to combine the silicone core with rigid shell in one single piece. The inside is lined with silicone that comes up towards the edges. A glossy shell piece is around the silicone.
I looked at the Charcoal Gray/Royal Purple one, but this case also comes in Optical White/Charcoal Gray, Obsidian Black/Obsidian Black, Haze Gray/Navajo Turquoise, Optical White/Cherry Blossom Pink, and Optical White/Lilac Purple. The colored silicone is apparent around the front edges, back near the camera, side near the volume buttons, and top power button. The Faxion is available for $34.99.
The purple of the Flaxion shows around the edges
Back of the Flaxion
Side of the Flaxion
Incipio Code pieces
I liked the cool design and solid protection of the Code case. This case offers three layers of defense due to the back insert piece that helps keep the case from sliding around while also offering some added back protection. These raised areas are rubber pieces that act as good bumpers.
There is a solid inner silicone core. The outer Plextonium™ shell comes in glossy black and after several days of use I saw that it collected some scratches. I checked out the Obsidian Black/Charcoal Gray/Cyan Blue one and note that the back colored insert piece can be interchanged. The case also comes in Optical White/Obsidian Black/Scarlet Red and Optical White/Charcoal Gray/Cherry Blossom Pink and is available now for $34.99.
Back view of the Code
Front of the Code showing silicone inner shell
Inside view of the Stashback
Even though Incipio sent along several cases to check out, the one I really wanted to see was the Stashback since I thought I could carry this with my iPhone 5 and leave my wallet at home. I have access cards for the office and Sounder commuter train and have to carry these in my wallet or pocket to tap on throughout the day.
The Obsidian Black/Ultraviolet Blue Stashback is a one piece Plextonium™ shell case with inner impact resistant colored core. You simply flip down the bottom, slide in your iPhone 5, slide in cards, and then flip the bottom back up. The outer core is glossy black that shows scratches and fingerprints quite easily.
The Incipio site states that up to three cards can fit in the case, but I was able to put in four since my Sounder Orca card is very thin. I have to say it sure was convenient to carry my iPhone 5 in the case all day and tap access points without carrying a wallet or card around separately. Both front and back screen protectors are included so that cards don't scratch the back of your iPhone.
The Stashback comes in Obsidian Black/Obsidian Black, Optical White/Navajo Turquoise, Graphite Gray/Haze Gray, and Cherry Blossom Pink/Charcoal Gray. The case is available for $39.99 and seems to provide some great protection in addition to serious functionality.
Back view of the Stashback
Flipping down the bottom
Bottom open and iPhone inserted
Cards are in place
Assortment of cards to place in the back
Stashback in hand
Back protector around the edges
Back protector on the iPhone 5 in hand
Front screen protector around the camera
Front protector around Home button
Parts of the Stanley iPhone 5 case
Incipio looks to have a partnership with Stanley, the tool folks, and the last case sent in for evaluation was the Stanley Technician. Rather than Incipio logos, the Stanley logo is present on the back of the case and the swivel part of the belt clip. I checked out the black and yellow one, but it is also available in pink/black, black/black, and white/gray.
This case is very similar to the NGP with a single semi-rigid soft shell body. The body is black with some designs around the ends and alone is a nice NGP case. The belt clip holder is made with rigid Plextonium™ material that lets you slide your iPhone 5 into place with the screen facing outwards or inwards. For maximum protection it is designed for the iPhone to face inwards and there is a large soft piece of material to add screen protection.
This is a nice combo that is available now for $39.99.