Ballistic HC iPhone 4 Case Review

The Ballistic HC iPhone 4 case offers far and away the most extensive and comprehensive protection of any iPhone case I've tested. With both hard and soft layers of protection, a modular design, and both screen and port protection, it's clearly designed for use in rugged, dirty environments. While it may be too much for the average user, it will be enthusiastically welcomed by anyone who wants to use their iPhone in a rugged environment.

The Ballistic HC iPhone 4 Case is composed of three interlocking pieces that combine to provide impressively robust protection. The piece closest to the iPhone itself is similar to the standard iPhone case. You snap the iPhone into it and the case protects the phone's sides and back, covers the left-hand side to prevent the iPhone 4 antenna problems, makes the phone easy to grip, and provides access to its various ports and buttons.

But the Ballistic doesn't stop there. Unlike most iPhone cases, it includes a built-in screen protector, to insulate the screen from scratches, while still leaving it responsive to touch. The case also adds nubs of hard silicone on corners and sides to provide additional impact absorption.

The second layer of the package is a stretchy, soft bumper that wraps around the first case (it has to be used in this order; the bumper is too big for the iPhone otherwise). Not only does this provide additional protection against drops, it also sports covers for nearly all the iPhone's ports (the camera is the only exception). These ports prevent dust or dirt from getting in, making the Ballistic HC a case hardened for extreme environments.

The last component is a hard, molded-plastic belt clip holster that clips in just the case or the case and bumper combination.

One of the few downsides to this case may be obvious: heft. It's much bulkier (especially when all three pieces are used) than most cases, and it's heavier, too. For the average user, this will be a liability.

The other drawback is that the lip at the edge of the screen can interfere with typing on the keys closest to it on the onscreen keyboard. It's possible to get at them with a bit of trial and error, but it's not smooth.

With this kind of protection - and this price - it's clear that the Ballistic HC iPhone 4 case isn't for the average iPhone user. But for the people it's targeted at - iPhone users on construction sites, soldiers, climbers, etc. - it ably covers all the bases.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.