Short Version: To put it simply, I didn’t know that I needed the Backflip case until I had one. The idea of a case with a built-in kickstand seemed worthwhile, but I didn’t think it was something I’d find myself using often. I was dead wrong.
Slightly longer version:
I don’t use phone cases.
Sure, I buy them. I’ve probably bought two or more cases for each phone I’ve ever owned. But after 2 or 3 weeks, I stop using them; the phone goes into my pocket bare-chested for battle against keys and coins, and the case sits in a drawer somewhere. That’s not to say that there was anything wrong with any of these cases – I just get annoyed by the bulk or the silent benefits and take them off and forget.
With that said, I don’t see this case leaving my iPhone any time soon.
The BackFlip case is unique in that it provides functionality to the iPhone beyond simply protecting it. You see, the back side of this case has a small fold-out leg, not unlike that of a photo frame. Flip it out, and bam – your iPhone is standing on its own at right around a 45° angle, ready for hands-free viewing. It’s essentially an iZel (or any other iPhone viewing stand, such as the Movie Wedge) combined with a standard silicon case – and that’s exactly why it rocks.
The trouble with these aforementioned standalone stands is just that – they’re standalone, separate entities. For them to be useful, you’ve gotta remember to bring them along. You’ve already got the handset, the Bluetooth headset, the power charger, and whatever other accessories you’ve got to keep track of. Perhaps I’m just forgetful or terrible at preparing, but I find myself thinking “Wow, I wish I had my iPhone stand with me” right now more often that I actually get to use it. The BackFlip stays on my iPhone, thus solving that issue.
I’m honestly quite surprised at how often I’m finding myself using this thing. I’m propping my iPhone up at coffee shops to keep an eye on texts, on airplanes to keep my hands free and my neck-unkinked, and on my nightstand as an alarm.
Even with all that use, I’ve only found a few things not to like about it. The stand is slightly tougher to get back in place in the case than I’d have imagined, though it’s by no means unreasonable and you’ll get the hang of it within one or two attempts. Additionally, there is a small gap between the edge of the case and the edge of the kickstand when it’s in its closed position. I expected this to let in a good amount dirt and grime. While a fair amount of pocket particles did work their way in, it was considerably less than I expected; it was a bit more than you’d get with a standard silicon case, but not enough that it’d be an issue as long as you pop the case off once a week for a quick wipe down.
In a world of $5 silicone cases, the $29.95 BackFlip may seem pricey; consider that it fully supplants the $25 iZel, however, and the price seems just right.
What we like:
- Incredibly useful. I’d take it over any standalone solution I’ve seen so far, if only because I can’t forget it.
- Nice, durable high-quality silicone. It’s the good stuff, not that junk that falls apart if its left in a hot car.
- Full access to all of the iPhone’s buttons, the silence switch, and the dock port
- Can be used in portrait or landscape mode
What we didn’t:
- The stand is a bit tough to put away at first
Product Page: BackFlip iPhone Case with kickstand
