Speck SmartFlex View iPhone 5 Case Review

The Speck SmartView Flex iPhone 5 case offers protection from scratches and a retractable kickstand capable of landscape and portrait mode viewing.

Thanks to the new larger widescreen display and improved FaceTime camera on the iPhone 5, the SmartFlex View is one of my favorite new Speck iPhone 5 cases.

The flexible plastic case looks like a standard iPhone 5 case, but hidden underneath the black exterior is a retractable kickstand.

Read: Best iPhone 5 Cases

The FlexSmart View kickstand pulls out to snap into place for a sturdy kickstand. I’ve already used the kickstand to make a FaceTime call over Verizon 4G LTE and it definitely beats holding the phone. The kickstand is wide, keeping the phone steady while on the call.

When my Time Warner Cable internet died last night I switched over to 4G LTE and watched SportsCenter on my iPhone 5. The larger 4-inch display makes the iPhone 5 more attractive for watching videos, and the kickstand on this iPhone 5 case adds to the experience. The kickstand props the iPhone 5 up at good angle for watching videos on a desk, table or in this case on my bed.

The kickstand feels durable and thanks to some rubberband-style mechanism it retracts into the case automatically. This is a nice touch, and it keeps the kickstand in place while the phone is in my pocket. The stand retracts completely most of the time, occasionally I need to seat the kickstand flush with the case.

The Speck SmartFlex View iPhone 5 case offers rubber button covers for the power and volume buttons and a raised lip to keep the screen from touching a table while placed facedown. Users concerned about scratches will appreciate the full body coverage.

The bottom of the case features grilles for the speakers and the microphone as well as cutouts for the Lightning connector and headphone jack. The headphone jack opening is sufficiently sized to accept most headphones.

Don’t plan on protection in rough environments, but the hard case should help keep the iPhone 5 safe from bumps and small drops.

The SmartView Flex iPhone 5 case retails for $34.95 and is available in black and grape/lavender from Speck.

For more iPhone 5 cases, check out our iPhone 5 case slideshow with our favorite iPhone 5 cases.