Ballistic LifeStyle Smooth iPhone 4, 4S case (photos)
Four rubbery corners characterize Ballistic's LifeStyle Smooth cases, and help deflect scrapes.
Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds.
Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Ballistic makes a lot of cases for a lot of phones, but across them all, the colored corners remain steady. In its latest design, Ballistic's LifeStyle "smooth" case offers a less textured surface than other cases, and a lot less bulk.
2 of 5 Josh Miller/CNET
Buttons
There's a wide space for your headset jack, but the cover over the power button is quite stiff.
3 of 5 Josh Miller/CNET
Colorful and stylish
Although the case comes in five colors, I got to see it in purple. There's a slight curve to the case, and the silicone bumpers stand out.
4 of 5 Josh Miller/CNET
Bottom view
The case won't get in the way of any charging action.
5 of 5 Josh Miller/CNET
Bumpers
Each case comes with four colors of rubbery bumpers that you can slip into the corners for extra protection and give. They vary in thickness.
