We’ve discovered the Holy Grail of slim iPhone cases. Find out why in our Thule Atmos X3 Review
[toggle title=”Watch the Thule Atmos X3 Review on YouTube”][/toggle] From our perspective, the Thule Atmos X3 is the perfect iPhone 5/5S case. It’s adds very little bulk to your iPhone and is rated to protect your iPhone from drops from a height of 6.6 ft. Using the iPhone through this case is a joy as the buttons on the Thule Atmos X3 feel incredibly solid but don’t offer a lot of resistance.
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Design – Why aren’t other manufacturers doing this?
The Thule Atmos is one of the slimmest cases that we’ve seen for the iPhone 5/5S but it still provides an incredible amount of protection. I’m not sure what Thule used in the construction of the case but similar cases that provide the same amount of drop protection will easily be twice as thick as the Thule Atmos X3.
One of the things that we’ve noticed with the case is that the lip of the case reaches the edge of the glass face of the iPhone. It doesn’t overlap and basically buts up against the edge of the iPhone. Since the corners are very rigid, there’s almost no chance that the case is going to scrap your screen protector off the case.
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Protection – The Thule Atmos X3 is one tough case. For its size that is.
In terms of protection, the Thule Atmos X3 is an ultra tough slim case. As I mentioned before, the case is drop tested to 2m though they don’t specify a Mil-Spec they rate the case to. Our drop test with the Thule Atmos X3 didn’t produce any surprises.
In terms of screen protection, this case has a minimal lip that keeps the iPhone’s screen off any surface.
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Functionality – Getting to your iPhone 5/5S is simple
Getting to your iPhone is simple in this slim case but we will add that the cutouts for the headphone jack are designed to fit well with the Apple EarPods. Anything that is larger will not work with this case.
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Hey guys, I recently purchased the Thule atmos x3 and when I put it on my 5s I noticed that there was a gap between the case and the phone, as evident by looking at the camera port hole on the back and being able to see my phones back, was this the same thing with the case you guys reviewed? Any help would be great!
Hey Shane,
We didn’t have have any gaps between the case and the Atmos X3. It fit the case really well.
Aaron
Is there any reason, the Thule X3 rating changed from 4.5 to 5.0?
It was a 5/5 case for the iPhone 5/5S. The 6 version is 4.5. The review is here: http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/thule-atmos-x3-review-iphone-6/
is there any way to attach a wrist strap to this case ?
Nope. There are no cutouts and I’m not sure where you would drill one since it’s pretty slim.
I’m between this and tech21 impact mesh for my iphone 5s. As an expert which one do you prefer?
I like the Thule as it much more rigid, feels tougher and in my opinion, looks better.
Is the Thule Atmos x3 an easy case to remove and install? I often take my case off to use the Mophie Helium case when I know I will be in need of extra battery life.
Hi Aaron,
Do full screen protectors fit the Thule Atmos X3 case? I’m looking at the Beluga Tempered Glass Full Screen “Edge to Edge.” Or do you recommend something else?
Thanks!
I”ve never used the Beluga screen protector. If it’s edge to edge, it should be fine.
I’m looking for a slim case with dust protection for the iPhone 5s. I’m looking for something that has a slick design. I’ve watched a lot of your videos but can’t find something I like. The closest thing so far I have found was the catalyst case. What do you recommend?
The slimmest one would be the Fre. The Catalyst is as thick as the Nuud which is my preferred dust proof case for the iPhone 5S.
Hi! Im torn between Thule Atmos X3 and Lunatik Seimik. In terms of protection, which one would you recommend?
I’d go with the Atmos X3 but both will do a great job protecting your iPhone.
Hi! What do you think Caterpillar Active Urban, UAG or Thule Atmos X3 is the best slim rugged iPhone 5S case? Or are there any more with so great design and function? Thx
I’m not really sure for the 5S. I didn’t review too many slim cases. My preference is still for the Atmos X3.
Hey I have just come across your website and I am looking to upgrade my iphone 5s case from an otterbox commuter. What would you recommend as the toughest/most durable case (slim or not slim)?
Probably this one: http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/lunatik-taktik-extreme-screen-protector-test/
Where is the best in Canada to get the Atmos X3 for an iphone 5? Google isn’t helping
Amazon.ca would be your best bet.
Will third party lightning cables fit, or not?
I don’t remember how big the cutouts are. Sorry.