Review: ZeroChroma Vario Cases – Paired Protection for iPhone & iPad

Over the past 2 years, hundreds (or more) developers and vendors have released thousands of different cases for iPhone and iPad, and sifting through the multitude of options to find the best protection, the slimmest design, the most feature-packed, or the one that fits your style best can be quite a challenge. Very few cases can combine all of those aspects into one killer package – but ZeroChroma has but their primary focus on functionality and innovation to bring the feature packed Vario series of cases to iPhone 4/4S, iPad (all generations).

Overview

The VarioProtect (available online or from the Apple Store – $39.95) case for iPhone 4/4S is solid combination of form and function. It features a hard, rubberized back and sides, which will protect the iPhone during day-to-day use, but without a lot of added bulk. The true highlight of the VarioProtect iPhone case is the built-in stand. Offering a simple fold-out arm on the back of the case, the stand can be adjust to 11 unique angles. Better yet, the stand can be rotated 360° to allow for portrait and landscape viewing.

The stands build felt solid and held up to typical use, including typing while in the lowered position, video watching, reading, and even felt solid while gaming (and I don’t play gently!). The stand, when not in use, can just fold back into the back plate of the case and doesn’t create any added thickness to the phone.

While the VarioProtect’s offerings in protection and versatility are very impressive, they are sharply contrasted in the realm of personalization. The VarioProtect is offered in one color – flat black (although Apple’s site does list it as available in green). There is no variation of color, style, or design. The lack of options, to ZeroChroma, helps create a strong focus on innovative functionality, and eliminates complication in the development process.

The VarioSC case for iPad 2/The New iPad (available online from ZeroChroma – $49.99) is much like the VarioProtect case for iPhone. If features the same 11-angle stand and the same rubberized back and edge protection. The VarioSC expands upon the personalization by offering a black and a white version. The SC also includes a cutout along the right side, which allows you to combine the protection and stand capabilities with the Apple iPad Smart Cover.

From a performance aspect, the VarioSC stand is great for low angle gaming and typing (in landscape and portrait), and offers an excellent mid-angle (30°-45° angle) for general web browsing, email, etc. The high angle offerings of the VarioSC are great for reading and watching movies/videos, but tended to slip down to lower angles when typing or touching the screen with much force.

Verdict [rating: 4.5]

ZeroChroma has worked very hard to create a unique and functional series of cases for iOS devices (and other devices), and their Vario line speaks volumes to their focus on keeping your devices portable while adding versatility to help you maximize the your experience. The expansive range of angles and thin form factor keep your iDevice portable and easy to use, offer great protection, and provide a viewing angle for nearly any task!

Pros:

• 11 viewing angles and 360° stand rotation
• Slim form factor keeps devices portable
• Offers great protection for your iPhone or iPad
• Cutout for Smart Cover on VarioSC
• Matching iPhone and iPad Cases

Cons

• Lack of color options (According to ZeroChroma’s site)

The VarioProtect, VarioSC, and the rest of the ZeroChroma line of products are available online at ZeroChroma.com and are definitely worth checking out!