When you hear “Pelican Case,” images of bulky, indestructible gear containers for sensitive equipment likely spring to mind. But did you know they make iPhone cases? And while the iPhone 7 might be a few generations old, understanding why someone would choose a Pelican case offers insights into the mindset of those seeking extreme protection.
Understanding Pelican: More Than Just a Brand
- The Legacy: Pelican has been synonymous with ruggedized protection for decades. Photographers, adventurers, and even the military trust their gear to Pelican cases.
- It’s About Standards: Pelican cases aren’t just tough, they adhere to strict protection standards (IP ratings for dust/water, MIL-STD for drops).
- The Price of Protection: Pelican cases are notoriously expensive. This reflects not just materials, but the R&D and testing that back up their claims.
pelican case for iphone 7
Pelican Cases for the “Everyday” iPhone 7
- Target Audience: Who needs this level of protection?
- Construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, people prone to catastrophic phone drops.
- Those with older iPhones who want to extend their lifespan and avoid costly repairs.
- Users who put resale value as a high priority because a Pelican-encased phone likely stays pristine.
- Benefits Beyond the Obvious
- Built-in screen protectors: Prevent scratches even in grit-filled environments.
- Port Covers: Keep dust and debris out of sensitive areas.
- Peace of Mind: If you worry about your phone, a Pelican case relieves that anxiety.
- The Tradeoffs:
- Bulk: Pelican adds substantial size and weight to the sleek iPhone 7.
- Muted Sound: Cases can impact speaker and microphone performance.
- Style Factor: Aesthetics are not the Pelican priority.
Pelican iPhone Case Models
- Protector Series: The most common. Balanced impact protection, IP68 certification (dustproof/ highly water-resistant).
- Adventurer Series: Adds a holster/belt clip. Good for hands-free use in active scenarios.
- Voyager Series: Slimmer profile, less bulky, but sacrifices some drop protection compared to the Protector.
- Vault Series: The most extreme. Claimed to exceed military drop standards, with added card/cash storage.
Should YOU Get a Pelican Case for an iPhone 7?
It boils down to these key questions:
- How high-risk is your phone use?: Office worker vs. rock climber will have different needs.
- Can you stomach the bulk? Aesthetics and pocketability matter to some.
- Is the price justified? A $50+ case on an older iPhone might not make financial sense for everyone.
- Does “worry-free” outweigh the downsides? For the right person, that peace of mind is priceless.
Alternatives to Consider
- Otterbox: A major competitor in the rugged case space. Some models offer greater style variations.
- LifeProof: Focuses on waterproof cases, great for extreme water-based activities.
- Tough Cases with Kickstands: If drop protection is the main concern, less costly brands offer good impact resistance + the convenience of a kickstand.
The Pelican Philosophy
Pelican cases for iPhones represent an extreme solution to a common problem: phone damage. While overkill for most, they serve a niche exceptionally well. Understanding their appeal sheds light on the following:
- Functionality over Form: When protection is paramount, looks take a back seat.
- The Value of Trust: Pelican’s reputation buys you peace of mind.
- Niche Markets Matter: Even in the saturated phone case world, catering to specific high-need users is a viable strategy.
Whether or not a Pelican case is right for your iPhone 7, they symbolize a mindset of preparedness and valuing device longevity – something worth considering even if you ultimately choose a less extreme option.
