My search for the perfect iPhone battery case has finally come to an end. At long last, I’ve found it. The PhoneSuit Elite iPhone battery case is the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. I’ve used several iPhone battery cases in the past and this is my absolute favourite.

Today, I’ll tell you why I picked the PhoneSuit Elite as my go-to iPhone battery case. We’re also giving it away — so if you often find yourself running low on battery, read on and join the giveaway!

Introducing the PhoneSuit Elite

The PhoneSuit Elite is a 2100mAh battery case for the iPhone 4 and 4S. Unlike other options available in the market today, this one is pretty good looking. It comes in white or black to match the colours of the iPhone 4/4S. At $79.95, it’s comparatively very affordable.

Why am I obsessed with battery cases? Well, it’s because at one point, I was using iOS 5 beta — and most beta testers would agree with me that there was a huge battery bug in the software which drained the iPhone’s battery in half a day. Rather than searching for wall sockets to constantly charge my iPhone, I looked to battery cases to help me get through the day with my sanity intact.

Before the PhoneSuit, I used a Mophie Juice Pack Air (also $79.95) which was pretty solid. However, it was also awfully bulky and had less battery capacity at 1500mAh. I would have also considered Incipio’s offGRID PRO but its $99.99 price tag and dual-battery marketing deterred me.

Even though I no longer run a beta version of iOS 5, I still use battery cases to this day. It definitely provides peace of mind knowing that I actually have twice the battery capacity of other iPhone users. If you’re going to snap a case on your iPhone, why not make it a functional one?

The PhoneSuit Elite’s design

Every iPhone battery case will add bulk — that’s a given, but it’s how the PhoneSuit Elite does it that impresses me. Most of the bulk is at the back, sparing the side bezels and bottom segment (which houses the dock and charging mechanism). In my hand, it only feels slightly wider but much thicker compared to only holding the iPhone. Somehow, I prefer it — I feel that I can actually grip my iPhone better because of this.

The black model has a matte finish and is very nondescript. It looks like something Batman would use if he uses an iPhone, doesn’t it? (Apologies for the Batman reference, I’m off to see The Dark Knight Rises and I’m obviously quite excited.)

The charge indicators are hidden under a panel to help blend into the case’s design. They are only visible as long as the indicator button is held — and appear as blue LEDs!

The camera cutout may seem a little deep but that’s because most of the bulk is at the back of the case. Due to this, you’ll find some dust collecting in the cutout and you may have to remove the iPhone from the case in order to clean it. Other than that, I haven’t noticed any deteriorations in image quality or flash wash out.

The entire case is actually made up of 2 sections: a removable top section and the rest of the case. As I mentioned before, the side bezels are actually quite thin and this is true for the top section as well — which is made out of a thin piece of plastic with cutouts for the volume buttons, mute switch, headphone jack, sleep/wake button and the camera cutout. As you can imagine, there’s not much plastic left!

The top section slides out of the case and in my experience, gets stuck at the volume up button very often. At this stage, a little nudging and twisting is required to free it; otherwise, it will break. Luckily, a spare top section is available with the case.

See how thin it actually is?

Charging with the PhoneSuit Elite

Now, the purpose of using a battery case is to obviously charge the iPhone with it. The PhoneSuit Elite is fitted with a 2100mAh battery and outputs that power at a rate of 5W. In other words, it’s able to fully charge your iPhone at the same rate as Apple’s standard wall adapter.

To charge the iPhone using the battery case, flip the charge switch at the speaker-end of the case. Once enabled, the PhoneSuit Elite is able to fully charge an iPhone in around 2 hours. The case might heat up when charging and although that’s perfectly normal, it might not be entirely comfortable if the iPhone is kept in your front pants pocket.

In the photo above, you’ll also notice a micro-USB connector in the center of the case and 2 more cutouts at either side — those are the speaker cutouts. The micro-USB connecter is used to charge the battery case and can be plugged into a USB port or a wall adapter. You even use the dock connector to simultaneously charge the battery case while it’s charging the iPhone.

Syncing with iTunes

The PhoneSuit Elite will allow you to sync your iPhone by connecting the micro-USB cable to the case and your computer. Although in order to do that, the charge switch needs to be in the ON position. If not, all you’ll be doing is be charging the battery case (I learnt this the hard way).

Should you buy the PhoneSuit Elite?

If you’re out and about using your iPhone for most of the day and often find yourself running low on battery, the PhoneSuite Elite will certainly allow you to soldier on without a worry. You may be carrying a little more bulk but it’s a small trade-off for the convenience of longer battery life.

If you’re looking for the best iPhone battery case that performs well and looks incredible, I would recommend the PhoneSuit Elite without the slightest hesitation.

Here are a few images of the PhoneSuit Elite and my Mophie Juice Pack Air.

We’re giving this review unit away! If you’d like to extend your iPhone’s battery life, join now!

How do I win the PhoneSuit Elite?

It’s simple, just follow the instructions. Please note that we’ve included a new entry method which utilises your MakeUseOf points.

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. Click here if you can’t view the form.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, our Twitter stream and Google+ page.

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

If you don’t have a Facebook, Twitter or Google+ account, you may exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. It’s really simple: create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, July 27th. The winner will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.