We’ve discovered the Holy Grail of slim iPhone cases. Find out why in our Thule Atmos X3 Review
Price:
$44.99 USD
Pros:
- Incredibly slim
- Great texture
- Shockproof up to 6.6 ftCons:
- None
Potential Problems:
- None that we can think of
DESIGN
Weight/Bulk/Install (5/5):
- Makes the iPhone 5/5S 25% thicker
- Will add approx. 1/8 inch around the entire iPhone
- One of the slimmest iPhone cases that we've reviewedBuild Quality (5/5):
- The Thule Atmos X3 feels solid
- Solid yet easy to press rubber around buttons
- Good blend of hard plastic and grippy rubber. Easy enough to slide into pockets, textured enough to prevent slipping on tablesPROTECTION
General Protection (5/5):
- Will protect your iPhone from 6.6 drops
- Edges are far enough to allow installation of a screen protector
- Edges of the case provide minimal clearance for screenFUNCTIONALITY
iPhone Functionality (5/5):
- Great access to the buttons on your iPhone
- Cutout at the bottom of the Thule Atmos X3 allow for slightly larger lightning cables but not headphones- Screen Functionality (5/5):
- Does not get in the way of viewing/accessing your iPhone's touchscreen
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.
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.
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.
Have questions? Please ask them on our Google+ page or on our Facebook page.
Shane
October 9, 2014 at 5:51 pm
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!
Aaron Ho
October 9, 2014 at 6:18 pm
Hey Shane,
We didn’t have have any gaps between the case and the Atmos X3. It fit the case really well.
Aaron
Mac
November 16, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Is there any reason, the Thule X3 rating changed from 4.5 to 5.0?
Aaron Ho
November 16, 2014 at 8:34 pm
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/
Max
November 17, 2014 at 12:00 pm
is there any way to attach a wrist strap to this case ?
Aaron Ho
November 17, 2014 at 5:32 pm
Nope. There are no cutouts and I’m not sure where you would drill one since it’s pretty slim.
Latif
November 28, 2014 at 8:04 am
I’m between this and tech21 impact mesh for my iphone 5s. As an expert which one do you prefer?
Aaron Ho
November 28, 2014 at 6:43 pm
I like the Thule as it much more rigid, feels tougher and in my opinion, looks better.
Barry
February 26, 2015 at 3:12 pm
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.
Kathy
April 13, 2015 at 5:25 pm
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!
Aaron Ho
April 16, 2015 at 1:44 pm
I”ve never used the Beluga screen protector. If it’s edge to edge, it should be fine.
Cole
June 7, 2015 at 3:13 am
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?
Aaron Ho
June 12, 2015 at 1:57 am
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.
Katya
June 18, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Hi! Im torn between Thule Atmos X3 and Lunatik Seimik. In terms of protection, which one would you recommend?
Aaron Ho
June 22, 2015 at 2:49 pm
I’d go with the Atmos X3 but both will do a great job protecting your iPhone.
Viktor Nagy
July 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm
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
Aaron Ho
July 8, 2015 at 11:55 pm
I’m not really sure for the 5S. I didn’t review too many slim cases. My preference is still for the Atmos X3.
Sam
September 8, 2015 at 4:33 pm
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)?
Aaron Ho
September 9, 2015 at 3:46 pm
Probably this one: http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/lunatik-taktik-extreme-screen-protector-test/
Curtis
September 17, 2015 at 6:26 pm
Where is the best in Canada to get the Atmos X3 for an iphone 5? Google isn’t helping
Aaron Ho
September 17, 2015 at 10:39 pm
Amazon.ca would be your best bet.
Simon
January 23, 2017 at 12:57 am
Will third party lightning cables fit, or not?
Aaron Ho
January 23, 2017 at 3:59 pm
I don’t remember how big the cutouts are. Sorry.