Cygnett Bulldozer silicone case offers iPhone 5 protection

Cygnett describes its US$20 Bulldozer case for the iPhone 5 as offering "extra-protective silicone." The case is available in orange or black; I reviewed the orange unit.

The Bulldozer case is designed to be impact resistant, and Cygnett says its look is "inspired by bulldozer tracks." With my iPhone 5 clad in the case, it doesn't remind me of construction equipment, though that doesn't hamper my ability to enjoy the case.

The case envelops the iPhone 5 snugly and fits securely, and thanks to its rubbery flexibility, it's a breeze to put on and remove. There are press through button overlays for the volume and sleep/wake controls, and cutouts around the mute switch, speakers, Lightning port, rear camera and flash, and headphone jack.

The button overlays work great and are satisfyingly tactile; the port cutouts are roomy and don't limit the cables and headphones I can plug in. And the mute switch cutout is the rare one that doesn't make me feel like I need to put on fake fingernails to work the switch through the case.

Because the Bulldozer extends past the iPhone 5's screen a bit, it affords some screen impact protection: If the phone falls screen-side down, the case's lip should absorb the brunt of the impact.

The Bulldozer's textured silicon is grippy, though I was surprised it didn't do more to prevent the case-clad iPhone from sliding around on flat surfaces. The iPhone certainly feels less slippery in the Bulldozer than it does in the nude, but I expected a more pronounced increase in tabletop friction.

The case ships with a microfiber cloth, an adhesive screen protector, and a slim applicator card for putting that screen protector on without air bubbles.

Bottom line

Cygnett makes great silicon cases, and the Bulldozer is no exception. The case looks good, feels good, and fits the iPhone 5 well to boot. If you're concerned about exposing your iPhone to drops, bumps, or other impact, the Bulldozer is a fine option for protecting it.