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Today we’re doing the review for the Thule Atmos X4. This is a slim, tough iPhone case that comes with a screen protector but isn’t waterproof.
The X4 is the slighlty tougher version of the X3 as it comes with a screen protector and still has corners that are drop-rated to 6 ft. The buttons on the case are exceptional and the adhesive screen protector is top notch in terms of protection but we’ve got a small usability issue which is more noticeable on the iPhone 6 than 6 Plus.
For this Thule Atmos X4 Review, we’ve given this case a score of 4.6 Eh’s out of 5. This is currently the highest rated slim case that we’ve reviewed as it edges out the Rhinoshield Crashguard slightly, is higher than Thule’s own Atmos X3 and is definitely higher than the Incipio NGP, Tech 21 Classic Shell and any sort of Otterbox case. If you need more options, check out the comparison tool that has every case that we’ve reviewed.
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In terms of design, this is a thicker iPhone case as the screen protector juts out past the edges of the case. This also increase the chance that your phone will slide off if placed facedown. The case out of the box fits well together but with the screen protector, depending on how you install it, there might be a gap between the protector and the case. Good thing removing/re-applying the screen protector is easy and can be done a few times without having any issues.
When compared directly to the Thule Atmos X3, we’ve noticed the following:
Wear and tear is a tad lower than some other cases only because the corners aren’t covered with any soft rubber so a high drop on concrete is going to leave a minor mark. From everyday usage, the Thule Atmos X4 holds up incredibly well, even in Aaron’s wife purse!
If you decide to use the case without the included screen protector, the edges of the case are far enough away that you can easily use some of the larger screen protectors like the Sir Lancelot Holy Grail and iLoome Screenmate Max. Despite the fact that the majority of the case is pretty slick, the rubbery parts along the sides and the tapered edge, allows the X4 to sit comfortably in your hand.
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In terms of protection, the corners of the X4, like the X3 are drop rated up to 6 ft. With the added screen protector, it will be a case that will probably protect your iPHone 6 or 6 Plus from a face first 6 ft drop. From screen protection, it comes with an adhesive screen protector that sticks to the front of the iPhone so there isn’t a gap to deal with.
Thule calls the screen protector the StratoShield and on their website, they show a 220 g ball being dropped from 5ft and having no impact on the iPhone’s touchscreen. Before writing our Thule Atmos X4 Review, we took Bertha, our 200g metal ball, and dropped it from 4ft and to our surprise, the screen on our iPhone 6 Plus didn’t break. However, the impact did leave a dent on the iPhone but according to the viewers on our drop test video, the dent didn’t bother them as long as the screen held up.
The only thing that we didn’t like about the setup was the potential for dust and debris to get between the screen protector and the case. This isn’t a big issue because the dust/debris doesn’t really move when its in there, you’re usage isn’t really spreading it around so its more of an annoyance than something that’s going to harm your iPhone.
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In terms of accessing your iPhone, you can easily use larger than normal headphone jacks and lightning cables as the bottom of the case, unlike the X3 is quite open. The X3’s buttons weren’t terribly tough to use though we did notice the buttons being a little crooked and tougher to use but Thule’s eliminated those small issues from the X4. The “Function Plus” buttons are really nice, easy to find and have a nice response to them. In fact, we wish our $300 dollar Element G10 Titanium had buttons like the X4.
At the beginning of the review, we did mention an issue with the screen usability and that deals with the height of the edges on the screen protector. The screen protector is high enough that trying to scroll through all the dwellers you sent out to the wasteland in Fallout shelter is a little tougher on the iPhone 6. With the larger screen on the 6 Plus, that issue generally goes away because everything on the 6 Plus is a bit larger. The screen protector maintains the clarity of the iPhones retina screen and doesn’t add any additional glare or reflections.
So with all things considered, the X4, though a little pricier than other cases is a worthy case to get if you’re a little clumsier but still want decent protection with out a lot of bulk. We believe this is a good alternative to some of the larger cases such as the Otterbox Defender and Griffin Survivor All-Terrain.
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Again, we gave this case a score of 4.6 Eh’s out of 5. If you’re looking for a premium iPhone case, consider getting one of the Ronin’s from Element. It will definitely class up your iPhone and put a dent in your wallet.
Have questions about our Thule Atmos X4 Review? Please ask them on our Google+ page or on our Facebook page.
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View Comments
Would you recommend the atmos x3 w/ a clear-cote fusion screen ($32 w/ a coupon) or the x4?
That would be a good compromise.
witch one is the best option for iphone 6s plus: thule atmos x4 or atmos x3+cinder screen protector?
I already have the atmos x3, but I was wondering if an upgrade to the x4 is worth it if I don't plan on using the x4's screen protector.
Looking mainly at whether or not the x4 main case itself is more durable than the x3. Thanks!
In terms of durability, I think they are almost the same. The biggest difference are the buttons and the bottom lip being rubber than plastic and if you've never used it, you won't know the difference.
Ok, thanks for the info!
Would you recommend this X4 or the Mightyshell with faceplate and why? I am stuck between the two.
Both are pretty great but I'd go with the X4...its a little easier to handle.
I had the same question!
do you know of a belt clip that works with the thule atmos x4 phone case? thanks
No, all the ones I have don't fit. I spoke to Thule and they don't make one.
Use a belt holster like the Simple.Be Answer 500. This fits an iPhone 6 or 6Plus in a case - including the OtterBox.
http://www.simple.be/answer/500
I use a leather, horizontal TurtleBack holster with a swivel belt clip from turtlebackcase.com You can also find them on Amazon.
Turtleback has horizontal or vertical cases in leather or nylon. The stem of the belt clip failed after a number of months, but Turtleback replaced the holster with no problem with an identical looking, but supposedly improved design. No problems since. Mophie has a slightly better looking holster, but it's a bit too loose to hold an iPhone 6 plus with a Thule X3.
can this case be used without the screen protector?
Yes. It would be like the X3.
Please review the Magpul Field Case for the iPhone 6+!!!
I will put it on the list!
I wanted to buy an x4 but could only find an x3 in store. It was on clearance, so I picked it up and added a zagg invisible shield hd glass screen protector. I was thinking it would just "tide me over" until I could buy an x4, but now I'm wondering if its drop/impact protection is already just as good?
The case will be similar...the difference between the X3 and X4 is quite minimal. The screen protector won't be as tough...generally I've seen my screen protector break around 2 ft with my 200g ball while the X4's screen protector took the ball at 4ft with now problem.
With that being said, the glass screen protector will protect your screen from one really bad drop...you'll just have to get another after it cracks.
hello man ..greetings from Mexico....i enjoy you channel alot....can you help me out ...i have the griffin survivor all terrain for the iphone 6 ...i love the case but i found it to be really bulky...i wanna get a slim case with a screen protector and the Atmos x4 seems the best option so far.....is there any other slim case that has a screen protector that does not stick to the screen like the atmos ..something similar to the set up the survivor has that you can recommend me.....i kinda like to take the phone out of the case sometime and iam afraid that once that i take the screen protector of the atmos x4 it wont stick back .....can you please help me out man.....thanks ...
ps please review the Puregear dualtek extreme shock case
Something like these two cases? http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/compare/1/28,27/poetic-revolution-vs-supcase-unicorn-beetle-pro/
Hey man just checkin on how I can get one of these bad boys in Australia? Also, I'm a high pocket user, is the screen protector likely to peel off or is it easy to get the corners/edges caught on zip or jeans pockets etc, how suctioned is it to the iPhone. Keep up the good work bro
The entire screen protector is sticky. It does stick out a little bit but moving it in and out of my pocket never pulled the screen protector off.
Hey apparently I can't get it in Aus
What's the chance of you sending it to me, if I pay you the cost +shipping first?
So...if I want good general protection from water and shock, plus sensitive tactile and sound benefits with no glare on my screen...what is case do you recommend for the Iphone 6? (I do not intend to submerge my phone, but am generally "rough" on a phone...and I have got caught out in the rain when working out)...
I have yet to find a waterproof case that provides that keeps the sound quality of the iPhone. The X4 is a decent case for general protection. If you're looking for a tougher case, you could consider getting a LifeProof case (either the Fre or Nuud would work) but the sound isn't great coming from those cases. Rain in general isn't a problem for the iPhone...submersion is what kills the phone.
Great review ! I've been looking at most of your reviews and I like the real life tests you use to make your point. While considering the Nubb for my iPhone6 I came across this link for the SUNSKY case https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuWq0NYm0kU Have you seen this case? Whada think? Any future review?
It seems a little sketchy to me...doing a search on the case and nothing comes up but a bunch of low-price product outlets. I usually don't review products where the company only pushes them through those channels.