The Case-Mate Fuel Lite is one of those rare power-related accessories that feels like a case first, and a battery pack second (and that’s a good thing).
Case First
The black Fuel Lite I’ve been using for the last few weeks looks a lot like a bulked up, matted version of an iPhone 3GS. The case isn’t really thin by any stretch of the imagination, but it still manages to feel a lot like a naked 3GS in the hand, thanks to the great fit and the curved back.
In fact, I’d have to say that this is one of the best cases I’ve had the pleasure of using thus far. There are a lot of little details here that are indicative of smart, thoughtful design.
Take the latch of the case, for example: the two portions of the Fuel Lite snap together near the top and are held in place by a small pressure lock (which is actually the Case-Mate logo). So installing the Fuel Lite feels like snapping a case on than it does fastening a sturdy, matted shield to my iPhone — and any case that makes me feel manlier for having it on gets big points in my book.
Then there are the cut-outs all along the case. There are two long slits along the top and left side for the buttons and switches, but it’s the camera port that I find particularly interesting here. Instead of simply cutting a straight hole, Case-Mate actually created a concave opening that’s thick enough to keep me from fingerprinting my lens, but also large enough to let a generous amount of light in.
The case doesn’t really feature any “lay on the table” design, but it does come with a clear screen protector, which is just as good in my book.
The only complaints I have about the Fuel Lite are minor ones: some of the cut-outs, while generous, still feel a little too steep for easy access. I can still use earphones with the Fuel Lite, but the sleep/wake button can be a little tough to reach at times. Then there’s the inclusion of the Micro USB port instead of the mini-USB port, but that’s really just a personal gripe of mine (I think Micro USB is pointless).
Battery Second
But enough about the case. It’s good. You get that. What you probably want to know about now is how well the battery works, how long it lasts, and how it stacks up to a few other batteries I’ve tried.
I’ve never found it easy testing for battery life in real-life terms, but I can report that the Fuel Lite is good for at least 45% of a full charge on my 3GS, as long as I leave everything well enough alone.
The Fuel Lite isn’t the fastest charger I’ve used (I’ll get 20%$ over an hour while using the iPhone), but it isn’t bad either.
I am terrifically happy that its power switch as a real toggle, though. I enjoyed reviewing the MiLi Power Skin (a similar battery case), but I enjoy having an actual ON and OFF toggle on the Fuel Lite.
Syncing and Charging
The Fuel Lite is a little different from other battery pack cases when it comes to syncing and charging. The manual states that the Fuel Lite will need to have at least 30% of a full charge and be turned on before the iPhone will start to charge via the included Micro-USB cable. This mirrors my experience with the case, although I do believe that syncing will occur regardless of the Fuel Lite’s battery level.
Conclusion
I see the increased size of my device as a pretty small price to pay for the increased durability, matte finish, 45% extra battery life, and bold style offered by the Fuel Lite. This case has surpassed the Mophie Juice Pack Air and MiLi Power Skin as far as I’m concerned, and I’d give it a hearty recommendation.
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You can pick up the Case-Mate Fuel Lite (3GS version) for about $55 from Mobilefun.co.uk in the iPhone 3GS battery section. It is also available straight from the Case-Mate website, of course.
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