Today we’re going to do a review of the Ghostek Atomic. The Atomic is THE waterproof case for day-to-day use. We’re very sad that after this review, we have to take the Atomic off for us to use other cases.
The Ghostek Atomic 2.0 is an aluminum bumper with removable front and back panels. This case is only waterproof to 1 m for ten mins and from our point of view, very droppable. This case maintains the slimness of your iPhone and also maintains most of the functionality of the iPhone inside the case that is not normal for iPhone cases. Also, if you’re afraid of bending your iPhone, this is the case to get but if you’re looking for a case to take the beach or lake, the Ghostek Atomic might not be the right one for you.
For our Ghostek Atomic 2.0 review, we’ve given this case a score of 4 Eh’s out of 5. This is one of the higher rated waterproof iPhone cases that we’ve come across and based on our scoring system, is on par with the LifeProof Nuud and does better than the LifeProof Fre, Catalyst Waterproof and Lunatik Taktik 360. In fact, a zip lock back would do better than the Taktik 360 but that’s another story. Looking for all the waterproof cases that we’ve reviewed, find them here!
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In terms of design, the majority of this case is the aluminum bumper. This is the thickest aluminum bumper that we’ve seen for any case which is why your iPhone isn’t going to bend in it. The size of the Ghostek Atomic doesn’t compromise the size of the iPhone. The aluminum bumper makes the Atomic feel solid and subsequently, feels incredibly well built.
Assembling the Atomic is also unique because you don’t snap anything together. There isn’t a traditional O-ring setup like you would find in LifeProof cases. The waterproofing comes from the front and backs of the case fitting into a tiny slit along the edges of the aluminum bumper.
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In terms of protection, the Ghostek Atomic isn’t officially drop-rated though our multiple, 12 ft + drops indicates that it will definitely keep your iPhone safe from any sort of normal, accidental drop. If you want to see the full drop test video, check out that video.
For water protection, the Atomic isn’t as waterproof as other cases. Most waterproof cases are waterproof up to 6.6ft for 30 mins; the Atomic is rated to 4ft for ten mins which means that this case is more suited for the occasional drop into your toilet rather than a weekend by the ocean or lake. The slightly reduced water protection is why we say this case is the perfect day-to-day case, not a water vacation case.
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Regarding functionality, accessing your iPhone is pretty great in the Atomic. Buttons are easy to use, but the mute switch is a little more difficult to access. The cutouts at the bottom of the case are quite small and generally will only fit Apple-sized cables. There were a couple of instances where our cables didn’t work because the iPhone was off inside the case so if this happens, all you need to do is to re-install/re-align the iPhone in the case. Ghostek does include a headphone jack extension for people with larger than average jacks.
Waterproof cases are quite poor in terms of sound quality, but the Ghostek Atomic is one of the better. The sound coming from the iPhone inside the Atomic is slightly muffled but there are no cracking/popping noises like you would find on LifeProof cases. The camera flash has its independent cutout which means the flash doesn’t spill into the photograph. The TouchID membrane works well with the iPhone.
In terms of screen functionality, there is a gap between the screen protector and the iPhone. The sensitivity loss of the screen isn’t terribly annoying but is noticeable. For screen functionality, the Atomic fares as well as waterproof cases.
The viewability of your iPhone’s touchscreen is quite decent. There are no rainbowing effects, and the plastic screen protector is quite clear, so glare isn’t a big issue. The gap between the screen protector and iPhone does result in double reflections but is not terribly noticeable. We do have to note that there is a grid of dots on the screen protector that may bother some people.
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Again, we gave this waterproof a score of 4 Eh’s out of 5. This is one of the best waterproof cases that we’ve come across for the iPhone 6 and will set you back $80 through Ghostek.com
Have questions about our Ghostek Atomic 2.0 Review? Please ask them on our Google+ page or our Facebook page or our About Us page.
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View Comments
Hi Aaron,
I've been looking for an exact water proof case like the Ghostek for a long time - I tried the Nuud and it didn't work well. The X5 was my next hope, but it falls short. Did you have any reception issues with the metal bumper/frame in this case? The Ghostek seems slim and good enough to be able to wash it and get wet once in a while - which is my main concern at work.
Let me know! And keep up the awesome reviews.
Thanks
Jordan
PS next time you're at Safeway go to the meat department chest freezers and check out our Risottoballs that we make :)
Heh. I'll check out the Risottoballs.
I didn't notice any issues with reception but its tough for me to gauge if that will be the same for everybody since it depends on the provider, distance from the towers and whereever you are. I know for certain that the frame didn't effect the Bluetooth range.
Can you please comment on how the cover over the camera lens influences photo quality?
I didn't notice an degradation in the photo. Just make sure your lens is clean before installing it into the case. The flash doesn't wash out flash photographs.
Great review as always! What about call quality? Listening and talking? Also, how about being able to hear phone ring etc? Tried the GRIFFIN SURVIVOR SUMMIT and had issues with being able to hear callers as the ear piece is covered and really muted my ability to hear callers. Hope this one is better in that regard ?
Also when are you going to review the New Dog and Bone Wetsuit Impact case? Looks pretty promising (?)
Thanks again!
Aaron I love your site just contacted hitcase to see if iphone 6s plus was in the pro lineup as an option.They said no so now I am stuck.I am looking for a full protection case for 6s plus.The perfect case would offer very good/eccellent water,screen and dust/dirt protection basically a totally sealed case that is the highest your eh review could get without turning it into a brick,any suggestions.Would also like advice on a good leather wallet case with card slots for same 6s+ phone. Say Hi to Monty.Time for me to take off ... Thanks in advance Horst
Amazing reviews! Thank you for all the time and effort you've put in to them.
Two questions about the Atomic:
1. Is it possible to attach a threaded headphone jack adapter to the Atomic 2.0? (which you screw in)
2. Should I be concerned about the fact that your iPhone got damaged in the drop-test? I take it as a sign of poor choice of material to hold the phone in place (not soft enough) and/or poor shock absorption by the case. What are your thoughs?
Best regards!
Great review. I was wondering how exactly the screen is protected? The front and back floppy covers don't look all that great for keep screens from cracking. I don't care at all about the waterproof protection. I am just looking for a stellar tough case with a thin profile and something that protects the screen. I have been through a ton of cases, and I want something very protective but not bulky. But my 6 plus screen protectors keep breaking and I'm not dropping them. Ideas? Thanks for all the great reviews.
Do you happen to know if the Ghostek Atomic will work with Cinder screen protector? Does the plastic top cover still seal well onto the case? Thanks.
This is exactly what I was wondering. Please comment.
Nope.
Hey great website, so annoyed I've only just found it! And yes I have definitely hit subscribe! Do you know if the Ghostek Atomic 2.0 is available in the uk?
Happy new year, and thanks for the vid mate!
I was wondering if you could use a screen protector under this case either glass or other and if you would experience problems, say if you already have a really nice screen protector you don't want to take off
Hi Aaron,
I was wondering if you could use a screen protector glass or plastic under this case for if you were switching between cases