Anker ToughShell for iPhone 6s+ Review
With the release of Apple’s latest iPhone models, the 6s and the 6s Plus, case manufacturers once again set out on their busy task of ensuring their products were compatible. Enter Anker, one of my favorite mobile technology brands, with their answer: the Anker ToughShell case.
Anker ToughShell – Pros
Case design is one of the things the majority of people consider when purchasing a case for their favorite mobile device. After all, you have to look at the thing every time you hop on your phone to check Facebook, send a tweet or snap some duck face. Anker’s ToughShell case design is reserved but, for the most part, well thought out. It hugs your iPhone, doesn’t add too much extra bulk, and feels good in your hand.
It seems that the case offers decent protection too. I conducted some gentle drop tests and it would appear that the polycarbonate case does what it says it should do. If your use case scenario requires some extra protection from the elements ala Lifeproof or Otterbox Defender, then perhaps this is not the case for you. If you’re a general user, however, and are just looking for something to prevent your phone from getting nicked, I say go for it.
Anker ToughShell – Cons
There’s just one massive flaw:
Anker’s own lightning cable won’t fit through the charging port.
Yep, you read that right. An Apple-branded cable works just fine. Anker’s cables, whose connectors run just a little thicker, don’t fit. I couldn’t believe it. I love their cables, and they work great. (Hint, you should buy a few here). They just don’t fit into the ToughShell case
I reached out to Anker support last week about the issue in hopes that they would have some comment. As an Anker “Power User” I wanted to offer the company a chance to respond, provide an alternate design, or offer some insight. There was none. As of right now, Anker has not yet replied via email or on Social Media other than to redirect me to their email based support.
@AnkerOfficial why doesn’t your lightning cable fit in the port of the new tough shell case? Care to comment? pic.twitter.com/8K5lu8868r
— ChrisTØPher Sant (@chmsant) October 10, 2015
@chmsant Sorry about the delay, please contact support@ianker.com with your problem and they will be happy to help 🙂 -Rosa — Anker Official (@AnkerOfficial) October 13, 2015
Conclusion
At this time, I cannot recommend purchasing this case. For a company to not take its own product lineup into consideration in the design of a case is borderline crazy. I had every intention of moving from my OtterBox Defender to the lighter-weight ToughShell case until I discovered I couldn’t charge my phone. If and when Anker responds to my email, I’ll update this post.
On occasion, I am offered free samples of products in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for my comments other than the chance to keep the product I reviewed. The Wandering Sant may receive commission from affiliate links contained in the posts.
