Smartphone Cases Take Wild, Wacky–Sometimes Weighty–Forms

by Nathan Eddy

Available in two weights, the ToneFone is so popular that it has actually already sold out and won’t be available again until April. At the moment, the company only offers them in white, but expects gray and gold editions to be out come June.

The ToneFone doesn’t obscure access to the charging port or headphone jack, but due to the case’s weight and size, the company does not suggest using it with any iPhone stands.

While it may not be as heavy or as easy to hold as the ToneFone, this Mark Owens-designed case by Joyce debuted in 2010 as a limited edition. There are still a few floating around for sale via various Web stores if you’re interested in bringing your mobile phone back to the Stone Age (LOL).

Isopod silicones (daiogusokumushi in Japanese) are passionately loved by some people in Japan. They find them mysterious and cute. As the truly wacky Website (for Japanese mobile accessory company Hamee) on which this case is sold mentions, an isopod (crustaceans related to shrimp and crabs) in Toba Aquarium has eaten no food for more than four years. How that is supposed to sell you on this case, we don’t know.

The Hamee Website on which the isopod-themed case is sold also helpfully points out that it is less grotesque than real ones. There are holes for the power and side buttons, but there is no opening for the camera, so you are advised to remove the silicone rubber casing to take photos. “When you put this giant isopod case on your iPhone, you may feel that your device is eaten by the giant isopod,” the online store points out.

Hamee sells a delicious-looking case, but don’t eat it. Let’s just let the company’s Website do the talking: “This ice cool sense of hyper-realistic food sample is topped on the iPhone case. Delicious sense of ice creams cases are here. They are so real that they will look like real ice creams on your case.”

Certainly not a case for demure fashionistas, here, shimmering sequins ornament a kiss-lock coin purse that can be snapped to an iPhone case crafted from striated calfskin. A chain strap provides an additional carrying option, while a dangling logo medallion lends the finishing touch. Produced in limited quantities in 2010, the case sold for $245 when it debuted.

Alchemist London, notorious for their ultra-limited-edition $1 million iPhone encrusted with diamonds (only two were made), also has something slightly more tuned to the masses—a 24-karat gold-plated bumper, which comes encrusted with Swarovski Crystals. Retailing for around $143, the bumper is available in a variety of colors, including black, pink, silver and, most naturally, gold.

At $349, Flir is one of the most expensive cases around, but it packs an internal camera that transforms an iPhone 5 or 5s into a fully functional thermal-imaging device. Once calibrated, Flir allows you to read heat signatures in real time using the Flir app, and the case’s 1,400-mAh battery can be used to juice the phone.

Coming in April, the Yellow Jacket case for the iPhone 5 and 5s boasts increased voltage, increased amperage and double the features. With a new slimmer design, the case includes several new features. The YJ5 includes a detachable stun-gun pack, ambidextrous triggers, dual safety mechanisms and LED battery indicators. Oh, it comes in other colors, too, but that’s not why you’re buying one, is it?