ZAGG Arsenal: Rugged Protection For Your iPhone 5/5s [Case Review]

ZAGG has come a long way since it first started making protective shields for your electronic devices. It now offers an iPhone case to compliment the protection provided by its invisibleSHIELD screen shields. It’s called the Arsenal. Currently ZAGG has one for the iPhone 5, although it will work with the 5s. You just won’t be able to use your fingerprint scanner. ZAGG is working on an iPhone 5s specific version and I’ll let you know when it’s available. Take a look at my video review of the Arsenal case.

The Arsenal is essentially a 3 piece case. First you get the invisibleSHIELD extreme screen shield that provides shock resistance and break protection for your screen. Next there is a soft rubber inner lining and the hard outer shell to protect the iPhone from impacts such as drops. When you add it all up, you have a well protected iPhone. Yes, it does work. I’ve actually dropped my iPhone a couple of times and the Arsenal’s done its job. Sure there are few scratches on the case, but my iPhone is still perfect.

There are cutouts for your speakers, cameras and mics. So you can use your iPhone as you normally would with the Arsenal on. There are actually covers for your headphone jack and the lightning connector. They simply fold back when you need to plug in your phone or want to use headphones. The opening for the headphones is a good size, and all of the headphone I have around my house fit with the case on.

One thing that hasn’t worked for me as I mentioned in the video is activating Control Centre. As you can see in the above picture, there is very little bezel exposed when you have the Arsenal on your iPhone. In iOS 7, to activate control centre you have to swipe up from the bottom. In my testing I haven’t been able to access it with the Arsenal on my phone. Does that mean it’s impossible to do? No. After I posted my review on YouTube, someone else who uses the Arsenal sent me a video of them being able to use control centre. Have a look.

So it can be done. I should also quickly mention, with the Arsenal I’ve had no issues activating notification centre or even the quick access to the camera form the lock screen. For me it has just been control centre.

Overall, the ZAGG Arsenal is a solid case that offers a ton of protection. As I mentioned in my video, this case isn’t for everyone. The Arsenal will add some bulk to your iPhone. But, if you’re in the market for a case that offers a lot of protection from drops and such, you already know part of the trade-off is it will add some thickness. What I like about the Arsenal, is it isn’t a lot. It still feels really nice in the hand. And really, what’s a little extra thickness compared to peace of mind knowing your iPhone is well protected.

I’ll make sure to let you know when the iPhone 5s version is available. For now, let me know what you think of the Arsenal.