Case-Mate iPhone 4 Jett Metal Case Review

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casemate jettmetal 1

Over the next few months, I will be reviewing a half dozen or so iPhone 4 cases to better protect my smartphone. For a long time, I used my iPhone without a case….at least until a very scary tech-moment. I was in the gym working out on an ellipse machine, watching a show. When I finished working out, as I was getting off the machine my iPhone went flying across the gym (every AR tech-geeks worst nightmare). Thankfully before going to the gym I put on the Sena Sarach Leatherskin case I reviewed a few months ago which did a great job protecting my iPhone while skidding across floor. At that point, I decided that I needed rock-hard protection on my phone 24/7 but without too much added bulk or weight. Case-Mate’s Jett Metal case for the iPhone 4 seemed like an ideal candidate to get the job done.

casemate jettmetal frontback

The Jett Metal case is machined from a single block of aircraft billet aluminum (T6061). It is tumbled and deburred with ceramic media for over three hours. It is then anodized which increases corrosion resistance and overall toughness and infuses the aluminum with color. Their laser etched logo completes the look. The case is form fitted for the iPhone 4, completely surrounding the corners and edges. The case is available in black, gray, red, hunter green, and blue.  It is compatible with both Verizon and AT&T iPhones.

casemate jettmetal layout

Along with the Jett Metal case, Case-Mate includes screen protectors for the front and back of the iPhone, push-thru buttons for power, volume, and mute, two extra screws, and a tiny screwdriver.

casemate jettmetal assembly

There is a bit of assembly required but the case comes together very nicely, like a jigsaw puzzle.

casemate jettmetal assemblydiagram

In good Gadgeteer style, I attempted to install the Jett Metal case without consulting the instructions. It took me several tries but I figured it out on my own (thankfully without hurting anything in the process). Admittedly, taking a peek at the instructions would have been easier and faster ;).

casemate jettmetal liner

The inside of the case has a soft micro liner in the corners and on the sides to keep the iPhone from rubbing against the case.

casemate jettmetal buttons

As you can see, the push-thru buttons are perfectly fitted and work just as designed.

casemate jettmetal left

The left side has the push-thru buttons for volume and slider switch for mute. This side and the top have a plastic seam that I assume is to allow better signal reception. The case’s raised edge holds the front and back of the iPhone off of whatever surface it sits on.

casemate jettmetal top

Along with the plastic seam, the top has a push-thru button for the power and recessed cutout for the earbud port.

casemate jettmetal right

The only thing on the right side is the laser etched Case-Mate name and logo.

casemate jettmetal base

The bottom of the case as cutouts for the sync/power plug and speakers. Case-Mate also designed a hard-point into the case for attaching a lanyard to wear around your wrist.

casemate jettmetal hole

Like the sync/power port, the earbud port is recessed 3-4 millimeters making it impossible to insert L-shaped plugs into the iPhone.

casemate jettmetal plug

Straight shaped plugs, like the Sennheiser/Adidas MX 680i Sports earbuds you see here, work fine with this case. But sadly none of my high-end earbuds and monitors (all with L-shaped plugs) work with the Jett Metal case. A definite negative…..

casemate jettmetal iMIX

…..another negative is that the case does not allow the iPhone to work with any of my dock-enabled sound systems. I know there are extender plugs and cables that solve these issues, but you have to acquire/buy them and then lug them around.

Since the case completely surrounds the iPhone edge, it does impact signal reception, not heinously so but noticeably. I tested reception at many locations. The case reduces signal reception by one full bar (maybe a bit more). There are several places where cell services is marginal and with this case on I can not receive calls, email, or dance the net.

casemate jettmetal inhand

The Jett Metal case does add weight (1.2 oz) and a bit of bulk to the iPhone (4.8 oz). Actually not that unreasonable considering the added protection the case gives the iPhone. The case has a nice look, feel, and (believe it or not) heft to it.

Even though the case’s design/engineering has negatives in terms of accessories and signal strength, it is currently my case of choice….by far. The Jett Metal case is well made, feels nice to hold, great protection, and accentuates the iPhone’s good looks. Pricing on form fitted aluminum iPhone cases, has definitely become more reasonable and at $50 the Jett Metal case is a worthy contender in a crowded market.

 

Product Information

Price:49.99
Manufacturer:Case-Mate
Pros:
  • - Excellent construction
  • - Perfectly fitted for the iPhone 4
  • - Great protection
  • - Looks great
  • - Feels nice in hand
  • - Includes front & back screen protectors
  • - Compatible with both Verizon and at&t iPhones
Cons:
  • - Reduces signal reception
  • - Does not work with L-shaped plugs
  • - Does not work in most dock music systems

4 thoughts on “Case-Mate iPhone 4 Jett Metal Case Review”




  1. Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
  2. If this thing wasn’t such a chore to install and remove, I might see how it could be a favorite based on clean looks. But this looks like a victory of style over substance. It provides minimal protection, reduces signal, doesn’t work in a dock, doesn’t work with many headsets, and it’s a pain to install and remove (complete with tiny, easy to lose screws) on top of everything else. If it was easy to pop on and off, I could understand a recommendation, but it looks more like entertainment for a watchmaker than a good case design.

  3. LifeProof or OtterBox are the only serious contenders if drop/shock/bump protection is of concern…and no signal issues.

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