Reviews for Apple iPhone 4 Bumper - Black

First, let me say that this is only a bumper and NOT a case. Yes, it is used to protect the rim of the iPhone, but do not buy this thinking it is a case meant to protect against a 40 caliber bullet...or a 4 foot drop (Whichever comes first). This is simply a way to personalize your phone. The iPhone offers a slim and sleek design and this bumper helps maintain that appeal and yet adding a little more protection along the edges and rim of the iPhone with a plastic rim and rubberized raised edges. I purchased a front and back screen protector to go with the slim bumper that does not take away from the shine of the glass yet helps me feel better about the open space on the back of the phone and it getting scratched. Not only is it sleek and simple, but it also maintains the warranty of the iPhone since Apple makes this product. It slides in and out of your pocket easily as if the iPhone had no case. The rubber edges allow it to remain firm on a slick surface and also allow you to feel comfortable to lay the phone face down on the table due to its raised rim. One of my favorite parts is the fact that the volume and on/off buttons are covered with an attractive silver button that maintains the original appeal of the silver buttons of the iPhone. I say if you love your iPhone and want to take advantage of its slimness and sleekability (new word) than I dare you to purchase this bumper. You wont regret it!

28 of 31 people found this useful

So to keep it simple and short I just had my iPhone 4s replace for the *2nd* time just two days ago. A brand new phone. I had suspected that my other phone replacement was not really a new one but a refurbished one because I had software issues with it pretty much 2 weeks later (without it being dropped). So my BRAND new phone, with a brand new sturdy bumper dropped about...four feet onto a paved sidewalk. The phone landed completely flat without anything touching it like a rock or stick and when I picked up my phone the entire back side was completely shattered. I mean...it looks like I abused my phone and took one of my 3" heels and stomped on it. Although it's entirely my fault, I could not believe that it was shattered on such a small drop and with a brand new bumper AND phone. So, I don't know what to say about the guard because I used to like it and now I am not so sure I do. It's up to you but $30 is not *that* cheap guys.

18 of 26 people found this useful

I am a minimalist when it comes to protective covers for the iPhone 4. I like the bumper design. It gives good protection if the phone is dropped, plus it leaves the beauty of the iPhone 4 intact for all to see. Also, I don't have an issue with the glass getting scratched. The bumper has raised edges that recess the glass about 3/32 of an inch. I don't like enclosing it in a case, or degrading the great display with protective film. I think a case and/or film defeats the purpose of purchasing a beautiful IPhone.
However, I do agree with one reviewer who said the bumper's rubber edge deteriorates over time. If, like me, you are constantly using a pocket to store your iPhone, then the rubber around the plastic frame will only last about a year before the rubber starts to dry out and tear. My wife's IPhone 4 bumper is now 20 months old and doing fine. I threw my bumper away after about 12 months. I have since cracked both the front and back displays and just recently replaced them both myself.
Lesson learned. After I finish writing this review, I am going to order another IPhone 4 Bumper just like I had before.

23 of 25 people found this useful

I like this case a lot

17 of 34 people found this useful

Great example of the genius of Apple design. Harder plastic rim around the edge takes the brunt when you drop your iPhone and soft rubber rim on both sides protects glass on front and back more than you would ever imagine. My current Bumper shows very little wear after about a year except the tiny scratches on the corners from iPhone being dropped. The price is a bargain for what you get. My advice - buy the "Bumper" and don't look back.

15 of 19 people found this useful

The major plus is that it is less intrusive in size than most iPhone cases which have a back.

HOWEVER, the average life expectancy of the bumper case before it falls apart in my hip pocket is at best 6 months. Thus $60 a year to replace makes this a very expense accessory.

22 of 26 people found this useful

All in all, the case is realitvely good. It should probably protect your iPhone 4 or 4S from a drop 6 feet above concrete. HOWEVER, I would take it off EVERY night, when using it, just to make sure that it won't scratch your phone. A good case. That's all I can say, I would recommend it.

10 of 16 people found this useful

It was great for the first month then I took it off one day and I realized that it was leaving scratches around the edges of my phone I wih apple would take care of the problem!!! Otherwise it was a great and form fitting case for the iPhone.

11 of 12 people found this useful

To put it in brief terms, this bumper does its job, but is not durable itself. It does protect the phone from falls (I dropped my phone in a parking lot once and it even SLID underneath another car....not once scratch on the iPhone itself!). Those who complain about the phone being scratched by the bumper should practice taking the phone out of it every night or so just to wipe any dust particles off of it. That being said, this will eventually lead to the bumper's hard plastic area around the 30-pin adapter to tear, ripping the soft rubber with it. I've had the bumper since October '11, and it started to tear like that maybe a month and a half ago (middle of February).

Apple needs to make a more durable hard plastic that can withstand the tension of being removed and put back on constantly. While keeping the price intact (that way maybe the value will actually match that steep $30 price point).

15 of 16 people found this useful