I love my iPhone. Who doesn't? So I like to keep it safe in a slim case that can fit in my pocket.
When I had an iPhone 4, the Speck CandyShell case ($34.95) was my first pick. Now, with my 5s, I have opted for a Belkin Grip Candy Sheer case ($24.99).
The Speck CandyShell has been getting a lot of press recently when a farmer lost his phone in a grain silo. The CandyShell case went on a 7,000 mile journey with his iPhone to Japan, where it was retrieved with not even a scratch.
Sure, CandyShell has it's perks. It is durable, easy to press the buttons (which are not impeded much by the case) and fairly inexpensive compared to Otterbox and Lifeproof cases. My favorite aesthetic feature is that the case covers the whole back of the phone, which is why I have never bought an Otterbox.
But there are some annoyances as well. First of all, the hard plastic of the case gets scratched easily and the scratches never go away. Secondly, my iPhone 4 case broke near the charging port. It's also very hard to remove.
I had three or four different CandyShell cases in my time with my iPhone 4, so I was skeptical to try the Belkin Grip Candy Sheer case for my iPhone 5s. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Despite the bendable plastic this case is made from, I have not gotten a scratch on the case or phone when dropping my 5s. It is easy to remove and clean, and despite all the times I have dropped it, it does not collect dirt and grime or any noticeable scratches on the surface. The only problem? The lock button is a little hard to press sometimes through the case, but I have learned to live with it.
If you are going for lots of color options and maximum durability, go with the CandyShell. It holds its own in drop tests, as it is above military grade for the iPhone 5/5s cases. There are also more options, like the new CandyShell Amped for music lovers, CandyShell Inked for the creative types, CandyShell + Faceplate for added screen protection and CandyShell Card Case to conveniently put your wallet and your phone together.
If you are looking for a softer case with a slim look that fits in any pocket, go for Belkin's Grip Candy Sheer. It's versatile, doesn't collect dirt and still protects the phone should you drop it!
