Designed By M AL13 Aluminum iPhone 5 Bumper Case Review

Over the years we have extensively reviewed bumper cases machined out of aluminum, more than most blogs could brag about. So we know a thing or two about what makes a winning iPhone bumper case that is made out of a premium metal. If there is one thing that matters when it comes to aluminum cases it's design. Looks are the most important features when protection is thought of as a side dish. This isn't your $20 -$30 plastic case you'd purchase depending on the level of protection you're looking for.

Designed By M recently went up on Kickstarter with its version of what a minimalist aluminum bumper should be like, and as a result the AL13 aluminum iPhone 5 bumper case was a proven as a successful proof of concept people were willing to spend $80 on. We've been putting the AL13 thru our usual thorough testing just for you. So be sure to read our full review after the jump!

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Just Mobile AluFrame Aluminum Bumper Case for iPhone 5 Review

We have always been big fans of aluminum cases ever since the iPhone 4 era, especially bumper style cases. But sometimes the superior designs can never make up for the dismal drop in cellular service most cases delivered. Signal loss has always been a Debbie Downer when it comes to these high quality looking cases. Aluminum bumpers such as the Draco 5 and even the Sector 5 while stunning looking, usually delivered some level of signal loss - some worse than others. Either this occurred or the iPhone couldn't decide if it wanted to stay on 4G or LTE, which in turn would deplete the iPhone's battery.

Well, our friends over at Just Mobile have sent us their latest creation for the iPhone 5, the AluFrame. We were hoping that this gorgeous looking aluminum-made bumper case would bring along functionality and not just frustrations. Jump inside to get a closer look at the AluFrame and see if it lives up to the fascinating design.

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4th Design T-type 3 Aluminum iPhone 5 Bumper Case Review

Premium cases made out of the sought after 13th element can end up costing you a small fortune, and for that exact reason these type of accessories must provoke excellence. We weren't entirely thrilled with how 4th Design's Blade 5 bumper case for the iPhone 5 turned out compared to its predecessor. Fortunately, 4th Design is back with another offering and this time it's playing it simple. Or should we say safe? Because the new T-type 3 is the same T-type bumper case we've reviewed for the iPhone 4S apart from a few design enhancements and careful polishing. Unlike the Blade 5, the T-type 3 bumper brings back the likable creature comforts in a minimalist design. Our full review awaits!

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Spigen Neo Hybrid EX iPhone 5 Bumper Review

No wonder they call it the Neo Hybrid EX. It is The One of bumper cases. We have yet to come across a case made by Spigen SGP that did not meet our expectations. The Korean case manufacturer needs no introduction, and it has nothing to do with Psy. The Neo Hybrid EX for the iPhone 5 is one of Spigen's elite bumper cases designed with protection and lots of svelte style in mind. Clearly by people who love using their iPhones on a day to day basis. And it just so happens that we too, indulge in the art of iPhone using at Gadgetmac. SO what have we got to say about Spigen's new Neo Hybrid EX bumper? You'll just have to read on to find out. Siriously, you don't want to miss out on our take on this bumper.

 

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4th Design Blade 5 Aluminum iPhone 5 Bumper Review

Tiger Design, now called 4th Design, struck gold when it first released the Blade bumper for the iPhone 4. The Blade was a one-of-a-kind CNC machined metal bumper that felt and looked like a well oiled weapon more than the simple protective accessory it really was behind all the tough metal armor. And that's a case in point that Korean design can be unique. 4th Design's newly released Blade 5 is yet another aluminum bumper continuation of epic street cred proportions. It is a heat seeking missile homing in on iPhone 5 users and their deep pockets. We managed to get our hands on the Blade 5 before its official debut, and boy we so excited. So be sure to check out the full in-depth review down below to see how it stacks up against the Japanese Draco 5 rival.

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E13ctron S5 iPhone 5 Aluminum Bumper Case Review

We have very fond memories of E13ctron's S4 bumper case. The S4 was the first two-tone color customizable aluminum bumper that was unique and visually quenching. It was exactly two years ago when we gave E13ctron's first ever iPhone case a review, and it was one of the few unique aluminum machined bumpers to received our Editors' Choice award. But since then, things have changed. The bar is much higher than it ever was. The S5 is E13ctron's latest iPhone 5 aluminum Bumper-style case to feature a new snap-in design. Can E13ctron's new S5 throw some punches at its fearsome competition? Catch the full review to find out!

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