SharkEye iPhone Case Review and Video

Is it really possible to use a rugged iPhone 4 case everyday?  For me, the downside of cases which offer almost complete protection for your phone is the additional size and bulk – I just don't want to carry them around.  I always knew there would be a sweet spot, where the phone is kept safe without sacrificing its portability, and I think the SharkEye may have found it.

The SharkEye comes in three pieces, with a top and bottom section encapsulating the device and a third, central part containing a clever screen protector.  This is where the SharkEye gets its name, as it works like the protective membrane that slides over a shark's eye in moments of danger.Before we get into the way it works, we need to assemble the case and identify how it protects your phone.  Inside the very top and bottom sections of the case is a soft elastomer lining, which is anything up to 5mm thick in some places, acting as an absorbent cushion and protecting the corners of the phone.

You slot the iPhone 4 into the base first, then slide the screen protector assembly on, before finally adding the large top section and clicking it all into place.  It's actually a bit fiddly as the screen protector has a tendency to get caught on the casing, but once the phone is inside and you've given it a squeeze, it's securely held together by a big clip.

The elastomer lining covers the volume buttons, Home button and sleep/wake key, plus there are flaps for the 30-pin connector and the headphone jack.  Only the speakers and the mute switch are uncovered, but are deep inside the body of the case itself.  The case is made from stiff, textured plastic which adds grip, but perhaps doesn't feel as pleasing to the touch as glossy polycarbonate can.

The SharkEye's party piece is the retractable cover of the screen.  By using a slider in the rear of the case you can open and close the 'garage door' over the top of the screen.  The motion is clean and smooth, and if you've got big enough hands it's easy to close the cover using one hand; however opening it really requires two.

SharkEye has demonstrated that the cover can protect the screen from a steel ball being dropped on it from nearly 40″, so although it doesn't look all that tough, in reality it is!  The same goes for the rest of the SharkEye, as it feels very sturdy in the hand, and knowing about that soft lining adds considerable peace of mind.

For me though, what made the SharkEye the best rugged case I've used was how little it added to the size and weight of the phone.  An iPhone 4 wrapped up inside the SharkEye weighs 196 grams, up from 137 grams, and the case adds only around 10mm to each of its dimensions.  Considering the level of protection the SharkEye provides, keeping it pocketable is quite an achievement.

I've been using the SharkEye for a little over a week now, and have enjoyed the security it offers my phone, plus I've not once wanted to swap it over for a smaller, lighter case; as it just hasn't felt intrusive.  The look has grown on me too, although its uninteresting shape won't appeal to everyone.  Using the SharkEye's screen cover has become second nature, and this clever system is far more preferable than a built-in screen protector seen on other tough cases.

The only time I found the SharkEye a pain was when using the very edges of the phone's screen, as it's quite deep inside the case and the lip around the edge is not only quite big, but a bit sharp too.  I noticed this while playing some games – Angry Birds, DrawRace and Speedball 2: Evolution were particular standouts – and when typing quickly.  For typing I just took some more care, but for longer periods of gaming, it was better to take it out.

When considering my final thoughts on the SharkEye, I realized why I liked it more than others, and it's because it doesn't really feel like a super-tough rugged case.  Instead of looking like it belongs on the dashboard of a Humvee, the SharkEye looks at home on the table at your local coffee shop, plus it's easily slipped into your pocket when you leave.  Considering the protection the SharkEye does offer, this is a great achievement and a huge recommendation.