Speck MightyShell + Faceplate for iPhone 6+: CandyShell on Steroids!

[kgenova]

Looking for a case with serious drop protection and a great integrated screen protector? The Speck MightyShell + Faceplate for the iPhone 6 Plus could be exactly what you are looking for. To me, this case seems like a CandyShell on steroids. It offers 2x military drop test standard protection (which I understand to be 8 feet) versus the 1x of the regular CandyShell and it has an integrated screen protector--the Faceplate--which doubles your iPhone's screen shatter protection. It also has very grippy rubber sides which should lessen the likelihood of any drops, a scratch resistant back, and a considerable protective lip around the screen.

Overall, I really like the MightyShell, and I am particularly impressed with the Faceplate. It has excellent optical clarity and touch sensitivity. It is a very similar setup to the Thule Atmos X4, except that the Faceplate is easier to install, and doesn't block the use of Control Center swipe-ups. To be fair, the StratoShield screen protector on the Atmos X4 offers 5x shatter protection, versus the 2x of the Faceplate, however. The base cases of the two are also similar in that they offer considerable drop protection--6.6 feet for the Atmos X4 versus 8 feet for the MightyShell--and are nice and grippy in the hand. Personally, I think that the Atmos X4 is a bit more attractive than the MightyShell, and it is also somewhat thinner, but the MightyShell should be a bit more protective. I'm aware that the MightyShell didn't fare as well as the Atmos X4 in Mobile Reviews Eh's drop tests, but I think it is important to note that he probably only had a few sample cases to test, so I'm not sure how statistically significant the results are. Drops are fickle--you can drop a phone at just the wrong angle sometimes and get unfortunate results, so maybe the MightyShell was just having a particularly unfortunate day when Aaron at Mobile Reviews Eh was drop test torturing it. Don't get me wrong--I am a loyal subscriber to Mobile Reviews Eh and really respect his reviews and methodologies, but there is always an element of luck present. I don't do drop testing myself--I'm way too protective of my iPhone for that--so I am just relying on the manufacturer's stated specs.

Pros:


1. Excellent Protection: MightyShell is drop tested to meet 2x military drop test standards, which I believe means surviving a series of 8 foot drops from various angles. Most protective cases have a 4 foot or 6 foot drop test certification; the MightyShell aims to a higher standard.



2. Higher Lip: The enhanced lip should give lots of protection to the delicate screen of your iPhone 6 Plus.



3. Great Grip: the perimeter of the case is encased in extremely grippy rubber, making accidental drops much less likely.



4. Scratch Resistant: The back of the MightyShell is made of a very sturdy matte polycarbonate material which is extremely scratch resistant and doesn’t show smears or fingerprints.



5. Build Quality: Construction feels very solid.



6. Third Party Cable Compatibility: the MightyShell’s generously sized port openings should accommodate most third party headphone and lightning cables with ease.



7. Lifetime Warranty: Speck has built this case to last!



8. Easy Faceplate Install: The optional Faceplate screen protector is one of the easiest screen protectors I’ve installed.



9. Excellent Optical Clarity and Usability: The Faceplate screen protector has extremely good optical clarity and touch sensitivity.

 Love the Faceplate!

10. 2x Shatter Protection: The Faceplate screen protector increases the overall protection offered by the MightyShell by adding 2x shatter protection for the iPhone’s delicate touchscreen.

Cons:

1. Harder to Get Out of Your Pocket: Grippy rubber on the case sides makes it slide less easily in and out your pocket, but that is a trade-off to be made with all grippy cases.



2. Increased Size: Slightly larger than the CandyShell Grip in length, width and depth due to increased protective features.



3. Install/Removal More Challenging: A little harder than the CandyShell to get on and off your iPhone due to the higher lip of the MightyShell. Not great for frequent case changers.

Here are some pics and my YouTube videos:

MightyShell + Faceplace Review:

MightyShell + Faceplate Installation:

Thanks!

Kristin

 

[AE14]

I actually just returned this to best buy. I liked it but had the following issues:
1. Cant take the case off without way too much effort imo
2. The lower lip of the case did not sit on the phone. My OCD went into overdrive
3. Too pricey. Even with an amazon price match it was $50


Edit: forgot to mention...great review!!

 

[kgenova]

I actually just returned this to best buy. I liked it but had the following issues:
1. Cant take the case off without way too much effort imo
2. The lower lip of the case did not sit on the phone. My OCD went into overdrive
3. Too pricey. Even with an amazon price match it was $50


Edit: forgot to mention...great review!!

Thanks! I can't say I noticed the lower lip issue, but I wasn't looking for it. I'm in the middle of reviewing another case right now, but the next time I have the MightyShell on, I'll definitely check for that. As far as ease of removal and insertion, the MightyShell is definitely on the challenging side--it isn't ideal for frequent case changers. And the price...well, it is on the high side. Personally, I think the Atmos X4 is more fairly priced at $59.

Thanks for reading/watching my review, and have a great day!

Kristin

 

[scjr]

Another great review!

If I went with a faceplate type case, I would do the X4.

I hope Thule offers the X4 for sale, without the faceplate!

 

[AE14]

I am trying to get an overall sense of what the differences are between the x4 and x3 without the face plate. Seems like the grip is better on the x4 and the ports are larger. However, that bottom lip might be too flexible for my liking

 

[kgenova]

Another great review!

If I went with a faceplate type case, I would do the X4.

I hope Thule offers the X4 for sale, without the faceplate!

I agree. The way Speck is doing it is nice, in that you can buy a number of their cases with or without the faceplate. Hopefully Thule follows suit.

 

[kgenova]

I am trying to get an overall sense of what the differences are between the x4 and x3 without the face plate. Seems like the grip is better on the x4 and the ports are larger. However, that bottom lip might be too flexible for my liking

You and your bottom lip issues . It is a bit more flexible at the bottom, but not overly so, in my opinion. It's great, but so is the X3, and if you aren't planning on using the faceplate, I'm not sure it is $20 better...

 

[scjr]

You and your bottom lip issues . It is a bit more flexible at the bottom, but not overly so, in my opinion. It's great, but so is the X3, and if you aren't planning on using the faceplate, I'm not sure it is $20 better...

Kristin,

If you had to choose, without the faceplate, would you choose the X3 or X4?

I don't use aftermarket plugs, so that isn't a concern here.

Thanks!

 

[kgenova]

Kristin,

If you had to choose, without the faceplate, would you choose the X3 or X4?

I don't use aftermarket plugs, so that isn't a concern here.

Thanks!

If price is not a consideration, then the X4. Otherwise, the X3.

 

[AE14]

You and your bottom lip issues . It is a bit more flexible at the bottom, but not overly so, in my opinion. It's great, but so is the X3, and if you aren't planning on using the faceplate, I'm not sure it is $20 better...

I know. Its terrible. I really like certain cases, but if the bottom is too lose or sags, my OCD kicks in big time.

Tech 21 is a prime example Just kills me (also their ridiculously overside camera hole)

I really like the pelican protector, but same problem

 

[kgenova]

I know. Its terrible. I really like certain cases, but if the bottom is too lose or sags, my OCD kicks in big time.

Tech 21 is a prime example Just kills me (also their ridiculously overside camera hole)

I really like the pelican protector, but same problem

I hear you! I was just teasing you

Kristin

 

[wproct]

Great review! You are spot on with all of your positive & negative comments. I am using the Mightyshell on a 5S instead of the 6+, and I do not use the Speck screen protector, but another brand. True, the case will drag on a pocket, but that's due to the excellent grip. Also, the case is pricey, but in my opinion the extra protection that it provides makes it worth it. Some may complain about the price, but then again many of the same folks own multiple cases, so a little more spent on a quality case is a good investment, IMO. Again, excellent review!

 

[scjr]

I agree. The way Speck is doing it is nice, in that you can buy a number of their cases with or without the faceplate. Hopefully Thule follows suit.

Thule won't sell it separately. https://twitter.com/thule/status/631721673276784640

They consider one, withoutt the other "spare parts"? If Speck can sell it separately, I don't see why Thule can't? Obviously it works just fine without the faceplate. Your excellent review proved that.

 

[kgenova]

Great review! You are spot on with all of your positive & negative comments. I am using the Mightyshell on a 5S instead of the 6+, and I do not use the Speck screen protector, but another brand. True, the case will drag on a pocket, but that's due to the excellent grip. Also, the case is pricey, but in my opinion the extra protection that it provides makes it worth it. Some may complain about the price, but then again many of the same folks own multiple cases, so a little more spent on a quality case is a good investment, IMO. Again, excellent review!

Thanks so much! It is a very solid case and should provide excellent protection. Are you using the version with the Faceplate? I really like the Faceplate--I think it adds a lot to the MightyShell...

Kristin

 

[kgenova]

Thule won't sell it separately. https://twitter.com/thule/status/631721673276784640

They consider one, withoutt the other "spare parts"? If Speck can sell it separately, I don't see why Thule can't? Obviously it works just fine without the faceplate. Your excellent review proved that.

Disappointing! Perhaps someone at Thule will see your tweet and say 'Wait a minute! Why can't we be cool like Speck and offer two different versions of the case..."

By the way, I put the Atmos X4 back case on after I removed the MightyShell, and the Speck Faceplate works perfectly with the Thule Atmos X4. Probably no one would ever want to do that, but it does work!

Kristin

 

[wproct]

Thanks so much! It is a very solid case and should provide excellent protection. Are you using the version with the Faceplate? I really like the Faceplate--I think it adds a lot to the MightyShell...

Kristin

No, I'm not using the Faceplate. I had already applied a tempered glass screen protector prior to buying the Speck Mightyshell, and the protective lip of the Mightyshell fit it perfectly, so I have left it on the phone.

 

[kgenova]

No, I'm not using the Faceplate. I had already applied a tempered glass screen protector prior to buying the Speck Mightyshell, and the protective lip of the Mightyshell fit it perfectly, so I have left it on the phone.

Understandable