Protective cases for iPhones tend to offer a premium, stylish look; or, they offer solid protection from drops and bumps. Not just the little ones, but those panic-inducing moments when your iPhone inexplicably flies out of your hand, spins through the air and lands on a stone patio. Been there done that, and without a good case the outcome is seldom pretty...
The X-Doria Defense Lux is one of those rare iPhone cases that covers both bases, offering lab certified Military-grade drop protection in a slim case with a premium look and feel.
X-Doria Defense Lux iPhone case is tough and looks good (Credit: Brad Moon)
Slim With Drop Protection
The Defense Lux case comes in two pieces. The business part of it is a slip on case layer constructed of soft rubber with an impact-resistant polycarbonate backing. It fits on the iPhone securely. A raised lip on both sides protects the display and the camera lens. My review unit was finished in an attractive blue, with a darker “Impression” patterned backing. Installing and removing this inner case is easy, requiring no pressure, twisting or otherwise having to force things. Other color and backing combinations are offered including leather or a carbon-fiber look.
According to my kitchen scale, my “naked” iPhone weighed 4.6 ounces, and after strapping on the X-Doria Defense Lux that increased to just 6.1 ounces. Thickness went from 0.27-inch to 0.43-inch, but that increase includes both the lip that protects the iPhone display, and also accounts for the raised back that protects that projecting camera lens.
Premium materials including extensive use of machined aluminum (Credit: Brad Moon)
It feels thinner and lighter than its actual measurements would imply, which is impressive when you consider this is a case that’s certified to exceed military standards for drop protection, surviving drops of up to 6.6 feet onto concrete.
Aluminum Frame
Once the inner case is on, a metal frame slides into a channel around the perimeter to complete the look and add additional protection.
The frame of X-Doria’s Defense Lux case is constructed of machined aluminum. This provides tensile strength and a high quality look and feel without adding bulk. The edges are chamfered, an attractive touch that also makes it easier to grip. There are cutouts for all the ports (I did need to use an extender for headphones) and the buttons get responsive, metal covers. A mechanical latch and hinge in a contrasting color makes it easy to slip the frame on and off as needed. So far, the latch --which is also made of metal for durability-- has held up to a month of repeated use.
Aluminum frame's metal hinge makes removal easy (Credit: Brad Moon)
The case does not interfere with photography and I was able to detect no issues with wireless connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G or LTE.
If you need protection against spills, this isn’t the case for you as ports and the display are exposed. However, if you want a slim and light case that provides all the drop and bump protection most people will ever need --while looking and feeling like a premium upgrade for your iPhone-- the X-Doria Defense Lux is well worth considering.
X-Doria Defense Lux is available in multiple color and backing style combinations and priced at $59.99 for the iPhone 6/6s or iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus.
Disclosure: X-Doria provided a review unit.
