OATSBASF and OGRANEE Metal Bumper For iPhone 17: A Minimalist Look With A Lot Of Compromises
Phones today are more than just a means to text, surf the web, and make phone calls; they are a fashion symbol. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google spend countless man-hours crafting the phone's design. But so many of us just ignore these design choices by using a case with our phones. Minimalists and enthusiasts find themselves torn between protection and style. The OATSBASF and OGRANEE Metal Bumper Case aim to address this dilemma by offering a "naked" experience, providing a structural frame that highlights the device's original design while reinforcing some of its vulnerable points. It is a choice specifically tailored for those who want the look of a bare phone with some basic protection.
This bumper is made of an aluminum alloy. Unlike the cheap plastic or bulky silicone found in standard cases, this metal frame feels like a natural extension of the iPhone itself. This bumper has little to no drop protection, but does offer an air cushion on the top and bottom edges. The fit of this bumper is seamless; it has been milled to fit the iPhone nicely and snugly. The side buttons and the back of the phone are fully exposed, maintaining the original tactile feel and slim profile that Apple intended.
Protection is handled through the "corner-first" approach. Data suggests that a lot of screen damage can occur when a phone hits the ground on its corner, and this bumper addresses this. These corners feature raised edges that extend slightly beyond the screen, but I highly recommend a screen protector for this pairing, as most of the screen and the phone's front are unfortunately exposed. An impressive part of the design is that it ensures that when you place your phone on a flat surface, both the glass display and the camera area remain elevated, preventing the micro-scratches that accumulate over time.
One of the greatest functions of this frameless design is its thermal efficiency. Some thicker cases can’t dissipate heat easily. So when you game or capture 4K video, you might see thermal throttling and battery degradation. Because this bumper leaves the back of the iPhone 17 entirely open, it allows for maximum heat dissipation. This makes it an ideal choice for power users who want to maintain peak performance without worrying about their device overheating inside a thick plastic shell.
