Hands on with the Tech Armor iPhone 6 Active Case, HD Ballistic Glass and Premium Lightning Cable
Contacted
Back in April, I was contacted by Tech Armor to do a review of a few of their products. Since I had just picked up the iPhone 6 in February, thought it would be great to look at a screen cover and case. They also sent me a 6ft braided Lightning Cable in the box. All items where shipped and delivered to me without purchase on my part. I have been working with the products over the last several weeks to provide the best possible review
Here is what was sent
Case
I first tried out the Tech Armor iPhone 6 Case, 4.7 inch – Active Sport Series Space Grey/Black Ultra Rugged Protection (http://www.techarmor.com/tech-armor-apple-iphone-6-grey-polycarbonate-tpu-case-4036.html) and on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1FUZY13. The case is advertised with extra drop protection, screen protector friendly, raised edges for screen protectors and easy to press buttons.
Features:
- Fingerprint and Scratch Resistant Backing
- Durable PC/TPU material infused in each case
- Contoured cutout access to ports, cameras, buttons, and microphone
- Compatible with 4.7-inch iPhone 6 (4.7 inch), all carriers, all models.
- Tech Armor No-Hassle Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Compatible with All Tech Armor Screen Protectors.
- Compatible with all Tech Armor, Apple and Amazon branded lightning cables.
- Polycarbonate/TPU material provides extra protection and rugged durability
Use:
I used the case for a week in my normal work flow. I typically carry my phone with me all day and use my back pocket. I pull my phone out every time I sit down and lay it on the table or something near me. It was the only phone I used while testing.
I also installed a Wizgear (http://amzn.to/1cDTAkb) Magnetic plate between the phone and the case for mounting in the car. The case was thin enough for the magnetic mount to work.
I also use the Braided cable (review below) in the car to power the phone. My 2006 Honda Civic comes only with an AUX connector for the phone. I cable that connection.
While I found the case to be tough and durable (not sure I was up to testing it in full force with my phone), I personally like a case this is a little more sticky. Something that will hold in my hand. I often felt like this case was going to slip out of my hand while I was using it. I like something with a little more texture. However, I know others who like cleaner design that slips easy in and out of pockets. This case would do that well.
The real treat was the totally frustration free packaging. Getting the case out takes seconds and should be kept for future shipping or storage. A nice touch!
Cover
I had actually just cracked my Invisible Shield Cover that I purchased from the Best Buy Store when this cover arrived. Getting the old shield off was not a problem and it gave me a good reason to try and test this one. I have to say, in the store, these covers are way over priced. At the time of this writing, this one from Tech Armor is just $10.95. You can find it here (http://www.techarmor.com/tech-armor-apple-iphone-6-plus-premium-ballistic-glass-screen-protector-world-s-clearest-screen-protector-retail-packaging.html) at the direct site and here (http://amzn.to/1HSuxm0) on Amazon
Important: They offer FREE SHIPPING and and a Lifetime Replacement Warranty! The Invisible Shield wanted $5.99 for shipping a new one. I tossed it.
Features:
• Protection from Drops
• Protection from Scratches
• Way to Maximize Resale Value
• Bubble free Installation
• HD Display Clarity
• Touchscreen Accuracy
• Hassle-Free Lifetime Warranty
Installation:
This screen was very easy to install and I did it myself. If I was doing it again I would be careful to make sure I got the corners stuck down properly the first time, but all in all, a very easy install. You just have to make sure the phone is very clean. They provide all the proper tools. I had no issues with bubbles or air pockets the first time.
Use:
The cover works great and I have had no issues with using it. Feels good to the touch and has the right amount of resistance. The screen looks great as well and does nothing but make the screen look better. Tech Armor has other covers like the HD Clear and the HD Clear+ at a lower price point. Don’t bother and go directly to this one. Well worth the $11. Note: I didn’t push it with any scratch or drop testing.
Cable
The cable came to me as a surprise. I was glad it did. Not long after it came, the lightning connecter on the 2 ft cable that I had purchase on Amazon for my car snapped off the cable. For a $12 cable, I expected more. It also only had a one month warranty! Tough lesson to learn. For example purposes, you can find that cable here (http://amzn.to/1RSZ7TL). I liked the Tech Armor cable so much, I am going to replace it with the 2ft version. Purchasing that at Amazon here (http://amzn.to/1RSZvBO)
Tech Armor sent me the Premium Apple Certified Lightning Cable – Space Gray – Braided 6ft found here at the Tech Armor site (http://www.techarmor.com/tech-armor-8-pin-lightning-usb-cable-6-ft-black-4103.html) and at Amazon here (http://amzn.to/1Qe8kbZ)
Features:
- Apple MFI Certified
- Premium Braided Tough Jacket Featuring New New Strengthened Connector Apple Lightning to USB A
- Premium Sync and Charge iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPad Air 2 and Air, iPad Mini (all models), iPod Touch 5th Gen
- Hassle-Free Lifetime Warranty
In the car with works great (6 feet of cable is a bit much, but worked for the testing). It’s also tough enough that when I get the 2 ft cable in and replace it in the car, it will go in my travel bag and go on the road with me. You can never have enough cables!
Conclusion
I am glad Tech Armor reached out to me for this review. I would have not considered them in the past but will now see them as an option when purchasing new accessories for my phones. Prices are most often better than at the big box store and most products come with a lifetime warranty. Worth checking out for sure. You can find Tech Armor at http://www.techarmor.com/
