Tech 21 Classic Shell Review – iPhone 6 cases

 

The Tech 21 Classic Shell is one of the best slim iPhone cases around

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The Tech 21 Classic Shell for the iPhone 6 is one of the best cases that we’ve reviewed. Its slim and will provide enough protection to face everyday bumps and drops. This case has been highly recommended by many of our viewers and we can see why. The case is quite slim and it offers great access to your iPhone 6. We’re generally very impressed with the build quality of the case but there’s parts of the case that may annoy certain users but all in all, the case is very well built.

We will note that despite all the verbiage on Tech 21’s website about impacts, they don’t explicitly state how high we can drop our iPhone in there cases which is a little worrisome and annoying. Based on our time with the case, we’ve given it a score of 4.4 Eh’s out of 5 which means it beats out eh Urban Armor gear, the Speck Candyshell, Otterbox Commuter and the Spigen Tough Armor.

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Design – Designed to fit your iPhone like a glove

In terms of design, this is a very slim case. In fact, the only other case that’s slimmer is the Apple silicone case and the Incipio Octane. Cases that are just as thin include the Thule Atmos X3 and Spigen Tough Armor. The case is quite flexible which we like and it fits the iPhone 6 like a glove.

We will note that the D30 band that runs along the edge of the case isn’t uniform. Certain parts seem thinner than others but shouldn’t be a deciding factor for people viewing this Tech 21 Classic Shell review. One of the best parts of the case is that the back is scratch resistant which sets it apart from other cases like the Speck Candyshell.

The Tech 21 Classic Shell Cover version that we reviewed is basically the same version of the Tech 21 Classic Shell with out the cover.

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Protection – Impactology sounds great but how high can you drop it?

As we mentioned before, we don’t know how tough this case actually is but from everything that we’ve seen in other videos and on their website we’re assuming that its pretty tough. In our review, video, we dropped it several times (only one was shown) and the iPhone 6 in the case still works.

In terms of screen protection, the lips are quite low but it will still keep your iPhone screen off a flat surface if placed face first. Tech 21 doesn’t include a screen protector for you to use with your iPhone and given the smaller edge of the case, getting a third party screen protector might be worth it.

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Functionality – Accessing your iPhone like there was no case there

Getting to your iPhone inside this case is a breeze. In fact, we’re going to be hard pressed to find anything to write in this section because its like the case isn’t there.

We do have to add that the cover version of the Tech 21 Classic Shell will be a bit annoying to use, especially for people who enjoy taking pictures as it’s difficult to use the case with the cover while trying to capture in the moment iPhone 6 photographs.

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Have questions about our Tech 21 Classic Shell Review? Please ask them on our Google+ page or on our Facebook page.

36 Comments

  1. Hey Aaron,

    I didn’t really know where to put this (there’s no contact page afaik), so I just wanted to suggest you through this little comment to consider making a sort of “Wall of Fame” or a section of similar concept, where you put all the (top) reviewed products in a list.

    If you already have this and I missed it, uh…, but if you are interested, you might want to check http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame for reference.

    • Honestly, I don’t know. I haven’t had any down time with the iPhone 6’s yet but it might be the Element Ion case (if they fix the build quality issue) and the Thule Atmos X3.

  4. My iPhone 6 plus just bent last week from putting it in my jeans. Apple was kind enough to replace it with a new one. I was wondering what is the best case to prevent bending. I am thinking if I should get this Spigen Tough Armor or Tech21′s Classic Check. Any case recommendation to help prevent bending?

    • I don’t think any case will prevent bending. We just recently put an iPhone 6 Plus in a Griffin Survivor All-Terrain (the toughest case we have so far) and sat on it a dozen times. The iPhone still bent.

  6. Hi man, really good and helpful website.

    I will buy the iPhone 6+ and was looking at best cases available in the UK. I have read the majority of your reviews and checked the Tech 21 Classic Shell.

    However, I found a Tech 21 Rugged Classic Tactical. Any views on this one?

    Many thanks.

    David

    • Thanks for the link. Maybe I’ll pick one up in the next few days.

      For the Caseology cases, I’ll see about getting some once they release some iPhone 6/6 Plus cases

    • I probably won’t do one for the 6 plus since the cases are almost identical. Pretty much whatever I say for the 6 case is going to be relevant for the 6 Plus version.

  11. Also would like to see the tech 21 evo mesh from apple site, would be nice to see the white edged version to see if the white will stay white. Any update on you getting this case for iphone 6?

  12. Hi, can someone tell me the difference between the different models made by tech 21, like they all look practically the same, and the descriptions are all alike. So can anyone answer this might be idiotic question?

    • I think there’s really only three versions, the Classic Shell, Tactical and Evo Mesh. I have the Classic Shell and Evo Mesh and generally they are very similar but they’re made out of different materials. The Classic Shell has a ton of different variations but are all made from the same material.

  13. Which case is better the tech 21 evo mesh case using flex shock or the tech 21 classic shell using d30 material? Which would you recommend? I have both and I thought that the flex shock was loose around the sides and the classic shell was thicker, so both has its pros and cons.

  14. This is a nice case. But I would love to see a review of the tech21 impactology Patriot case. I think everyone and me would be surprised by the drop test. I have this case but will not try it on my own. A shoutout would be nice if you do a review. Thank you and good luck.

  16. Hello, I was just wondering. This case is obviously protected at the bumpers but what if the phone were to be dropped flat on its back or straight on its screen. Would it still be protected or would my phone be severely impacted?

    • If you drop it back/face first on smooth concrete, I think it will be fine. However, if you don’t have a screen protector and you drop it face first in a gravel parking lot, you’re going to end up with a shattered screen.

  17. Is there really any difference between the Classic Shell (without the cover) and Classic Check (besides the obvious pattern and color differences)…? Or is the back of the Classic Check like the Evo Mesh?

    When I say this, I mean is one more scratch resistant than the other or something along those lines? The protection seems to be pretty good, but I guess I’m more concerned about whether or not I can put my phone in my purse without getting those annoying scratches.

    Thanks! ^_^

  19. Hi Aaron, I Have Been Reading Alot About The Tech 21 Cell Phone Cases,Which Tech 21 Is a Good 1? I Need A Case That Will Pass The Drop Test 50-75 Ft., And If Rain Gets On The Cell Phone It Won’t Be Broken. Most Cell Phones Aren’t Water-Proof, Or Rain-Proof. I Hope I can Find A Cellphone Case That Will Cover All Bases. Thank You In Advance, Jennifer

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