Available for $29.99 directly from Macally, the METROBP4 snap-on case for the Apple iPhone 4 doesn’t live up to that somewhat high price tag. Coming with no screen protector or cleaning cloth, the value of this product is quite low.

Packaging

On the front is the type of case that this is – Snap-on protective case. Included in the package is the case, and a fake iPhone 4 that folds out that reveals a number of Macally’s other products. In my opinion, advertising of their other products within another isn’t a good idea. As mentioned earlier, you do not get a screen protector. You only get the case for that $30 price tag.

Installation

Installation is quite easy. Put your iPhone 4 into the case button-side first, and then snap the other side down into the case. That’s all there is to it. Removal is a little tricky, as you have to get your nail in-between the case and your phone and sort of pry your phone out of the case at the same time.

Port/Button coverage

The top of the case is completely exposed. If you happen to drop your case and it lands on the top, be prepared to have a chip in your phone, or possibly a shattered screen. The same goes for the bottom of the case. The left side has a large cutout for the silent switch and the volume up/down buttons. The back of the case has a large cutout for the camera and flash. I haven’t noticed any problems with the flash washing back into the camera when taking pictures. There’s also some holes on the back of the case for a lanyard. It would’ve been great if this case included one.

Design/Material

The case is made of basic black plastic. The overal design is quite simple and minimalistic. ’nuff said?

Protection

The back of your iPhone 4 will have a great amount of protection. The front? Not so much. Below is an image of what happened to my iPhone 4 after [accidentally] dropping it on the ground. This case was on the phone at the time, but was taken off when the picture was taken. This case should’ve had a little plastic bar on the top and bottom of the phone (like 95% of other iPhone cases) to protect the top and bottom edges.

Pros

• Minimalistic design
• Lanyward hole on the back

Cons

• No front protection
• No top protection
• No bottom protection
• Too large of a cutout for the silent switch/volume button area
• Price

Final thoughts

This case is a horrible buy. It only protects the back of your phone while leaving everything else exposed. The price is also too high – $30 for a plastic back cover? No thank you!

Rating: 2/5

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