Fairphone 4 case & Alternatives

Allright, here’s a short review of the Biowave case in combination with a SP Connect Universal Interface (and Handlebar Mount Pro MTB).

Positive:

  • Great fit, the FP4 slots into the case without a problem
  • Raised border around the screen, protects it when not aiming for single rocks
  • Buttons are still easy to press
  • Pleasant surface, feels organic for lack of a better word
  • The Universal Interface has bonded nicely to the case

Neutral:

  • As expected quite a bit bulkier and heavier (case + interface ~43g)
  • Somehow even less grip than the aluminium frame
  • A bit finicky to remove

Negative:

  • Without a screen protector that raised edge interferes with gesture controls and that is already starting to annoy me
  • No indication where the case was made, but a similar iPhone 11/12/13 case sold by the same company (under a different brand name) is clearly marked as “Made in China”
  • Fake Amazon reviews, or how come 4 of 8 reviewers all reviewed that iPhone case mentioned above and somehow all have switched to a FP4 now :triangular_flag_on_post:

TL;DR: I’m quite happy with the case, seems well built and works great with the Universal Interface. Time will tell if that combination survives a few thousand kilometres of bumpy roads, I’m optimistic it will.
Wouldn’t use it as an always on case though, way to chunky.
Since it’s a bit hard to remove I’ve instead bought a Universal Phone Clamp for a family member, that would be my recommendation for light cycling use, but only really usable without a case.

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