Today’s review is an iPhone 4 case from HornetTek a company usually known for their computer accessories. Recently they entered the Apple device accessory market. The Fusion is the second iPhone 4 case from HornetTek that I have come across.
It is a clear style shell case that has differs from competitors with its customizable back. HornetTek includes a transparent iPhone 4 card that can be used to outline images to be cut and placed inside the back of the case creating a unique case design. I am surprised this is the first time I have seen this concept with any of the Apple portable devices. This is definitely something my nine-year-old daughter would love for her iPod Touch.
Product Name: Fusion iPhone 4 Case
Reviewed by: Tom Ratas
Sponsor: HornetTek
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
Unique Design with Details
Fusion is one of the most sophisticated and stylish dual injection iPhone 4 cases on the market today. It features a light, solid, and transparent coating with a soft, durable, and rubbery grip making Fusion one of the most desirable iPhone 4 cases.
One Case, Thousands of Designs- Design your exclusive case and make it only one in the world! Outline and cut your desired photo or picture with our exclusive transparent iPhone 4 card. Place the photo into the case, snap your iPhone 4, and enjoy your personalized designed case! Or, simply leave the Apple logo visible with the crystal clear back shell!
Dual Mold, Full Protection- The main body is molded by two different materials with ultra-thin, single design. The hard polycarbonate on the back gives your iPhone 4 impact-protection, while the durable, scratch-resistant rubber is shock-absorbent to protect against drops and bumps. The unique back rubber protective nodules come with a sleek, fashion design.
Only Flash, no Reflection- To avoid unnecessary light reflection when taking photos with flash, apply our unique design, exclusive flash sticker on your iPhone 4 before installing the Fusion case. Now, get ready to take your best quality photos ever!
Glow in the Dark- Yes, it does glow! The Luminous features unique dark glowing effect. Simply expose the case under the light for few minutes and the case will self glow for hours in the dark, making you the rock star in the dark!
–Glow in the Dark feature is only available on “Luminous” model
Unboxing
The Fusion comes in a plastic/cardboard package with the case visualized through the clear plastic window. On the back is a list of feature. The Fusion comes in Hot Pink, Silver White, Luminous, Violet, Yellow and Black. As the name sounds, the Luminous model is the glow in the dark version. For todays review we will look at the Black model.
Inside the package we find the Fusion case, the iPhone 4 template and two camera flash stickers. On the inside of the package are the installation instructions.
Shell cases usually come in one or two-piece models; the Fusion is a one-piece style. It weighs a mere 20 grams and measures 11.9 x 6.2 x 1.15 cm.
It is composed of two materials – a polycarbonate shell with a scratch resistant rubber around the perimeter. The shell is transparent allowing the back of the iPhone to be visualized or the custom cut image created from the iPhone 4 template.
The volume buttons are covered by two elevated rubber buttons while openings for the mute switch, power, headphone jack, dock connector and speakers are found around the perimeter of the case.
The back of the Fusion has an opening for the camera/flash along with three rubber nodules in the corners away from the camera. On the lower part of the back is the embossed name “aprolink”, which is unusal as one would assume HornetTek would want their branding at this position.
Installation, Testing and Comparison:
Installation involves sliding the iPhone 4 into the bottom of the Fusion then pulling the rubber portion of the case around the phone. To remove the Fusion push down the upper right corner to expose the Apple phone then pull off the rest of the case.
Both insertion and removal of the iPhone 4 were rather easy unlike other cases I have dealt with recently. I am talking about you ToughSkin Case.
The Fusion is a very low profile shell case; especially with the black model it is almost hard to tell if there is even a case on the iPhone 4. The rubbery sides allow the case to be held securely in the users hands. All of the controls and switches were easily accessible within the Fusion.
In terms of protective capacity, the thin size of the Fusion makes me believe it would not withstand more than a mild to moderate impact. The front of the case is slightly higher than flush with the iPhone 4 screen offering some protection when laying the phone face down on a flat surface.
Customizing the appearance of the Fusion is simple enough. Trace around the provided template then cute out your image. I’d recommend a razor blade of some sort to cut out the opening for the iPhone 4’s camera. Insert the cut image into the back of the case then place the iPhone 4 into the Fusion. If you prefer to keep the iPhone 4’s natural aesthetic just use the Fusion by itself.
HornetTek includes a sticker to minimize the flash reflection off the Fusion. When I tried it, I did not notice much difference with or without it on the iPhone 4.
My main issue with the Fusion was the polycarbonate back scratches very easily. I had the Fusion in my pocket with my keys and it became scratched before I realized what had happened. Of course it is the job of the case to protect its contents, which it did in this case, but especially with a clear case you’d want a little bit more scratch resistance.
Appearance wise the Fusion is a nice looking case with or without the added imagery to the back. If you are the artistic type then you’ll want to take advantage of the image template.
Summary and Comments
The HornetTek Fusion is best described as the iPhone 4 case of a thousand faces. Its included template allows the Fusion to be infinitely customized. If you prefer the Apple aesthetic its transparent composition allows the iPhone 4 to be proudly displayed while being protected.
If you are the creative sort or one who gets tired of your iPhone 4’s appearance and wish to mix things up then the HornetTek Fusion is a good choice for you.
DragonSteelMods gives the Fusion iPhone 4 Case a 4 out of 5 score.
Pros:
- +Customizable appearance
- +Light weight
- +Rubbery side protection
- +Full access to controls
Cons:
- -The polycarbonate scratches easily
- -Flash sticker does not seem to offer much
- benefit
Review# 713
Disclosure: This product was given to DragonSteelMods for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review; we do not, never have, and never will, accept payment from companies to review their products.
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