Want to alter the appearance of your iPhone 4 to make it stand out from the crowd? Cases are a good option but tend to add bulk and conceal the iPhone’s elegance. Adding a vinyl or leather sticker to the back is another alternative, but it feels cheesy at times and can cheapen the iPhone's overall look. How about replacing the fragile glass back entirely with something durable that still retains the iPhone's original aesthetics? Check out this metal panel mod for the iPhone 4, after the jump.
I found this metal back on cnn.cn, an OEM cellphone parts company from Hong Kong. There are similar flat metal backs that can be found on eBay, but this is one of the few places that sells it with a beveled back. The slight bevel rounds out the back of the phone, making it feel less sharp. It also adds a tough industrial look.
For even more durability, adding a bumper and a front screen protector protects your phone further while still managing to keep the iPhone's refined look. The best part is, it's simple (only requires removing a couple screws; see ifixit's tutorial for installing an iPhone 4 rear panel) and cheap ($12.99 for the metal panel).
1. Remove two screws at the bottom of the phone with a Philips #00 screwdriver.
2. Slide back panel off by pushing the panel up with your thumbs.
3. Line up metal panel and slide down. Return screws.
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looks good to me
Oooo i LOVE it! makes it look like my iPad. Will this fit into an Official Apple iPhone4 dock though? Because of the bevel?
it also doesnt prevent the death grip, but i guess a gelaskin can sort that
This probably voids the warranty, right? And I wonder if it would still fit in standard cases.
looks good, but this voids the warranty.
Does this fix the antennae issue?
Very sleek looking. Love it!
Wow, looks great!! cnn.cn is a great place to buy stuff from too. I recently ordered the white iphone 4 back. might have to try this metal back out if I get bored.
It voids the warranty, but why wouldn't you just replace the metal panel with the original if the need to use your warranty arose?
audomatic says it best... if you need to take it in, just swap it back out. I don't see any 'If this is removed or cut, you're warranty will be voided' stickers so it shouldn't be a problem.
Sorry, I just had to sign up for this site to comment on this. People, why would it fix the antenna issue? A METAL PLATE WILL BLOCK RADIO SIGNALS. That's why the original iPhone had a non-metal section on its metal back, and that's why all subsequent iPhones don't use metal on the back.
So, I freely admit this looks very cool, but your absolute best case scenario is that it doesn't impact 3G/wifi signal strength at all, and far more likely is it makes things worse.
I will also freely admit I don't have an iPhone 4, and have not tried this, so take my naysaying with a grain of salt, but I'm really saddened that I'm the first person here to recognize that maybe wrapping a radio in metal wouldn't be helpful to reception.
Joel P. Your comment would be spot on brilliance if the iPhone 4's antennas were internal. However, the iPhone 4's antennas are the metal band that wraps around the outside of the phone (remember "antennagate"?) so putting metal on the back shouldn't have any effect on radio signal.
Does anyone know what kind of metal that is? I use some of the external lenses for the camera that are magnetic. Alas, the mounts for them don't stick to the glossy back of the iPhone 4. If this back plate were some sort of steel (vs. Aluminum), this could be a great option.
As for the warranty issue, there wouldn't be any way for Apple to know provided you swapped the back before taking it in, right?
If you are worried about the warranty then just buy this one for the day the original one breaks... just save it until it gets useful
Does this cover included a protective lens for the camera just like the original cover?
I have the clear snap on case from InCase. Whenever I see something interesting online I print it out and cut it to fit under the case. The back of the phone changes every week based on whatever inspired me. Today I have a detail of a design painted on the ceiling of an old mosque.
[Quote] Does this cover included a protective lens for the camera just like the original cover?
posted by mozbius on October 18th 2010 at 9:34am [Quote/]
I was wondering the same thing. Anyone already have one which they can look at and answer?
@wacedbronco, yes, I know, but that little magic gap on the edge of the antenna that shorts the antenna reception? Decent chance that touching any part of the back and edge now does the same thing. And I do believe the glass front and back was meant for radio transparency. I don't know if the metal edge antenna is solely for 3G or WiFi too. To my knowledge antennagate was strictly cell signal, so this may have zero impact on 3G but murder wifi reception.
Or it may be totally safe. I freely admit I haven't tested this. My point is that it doesn't appear that anyone else has either and it's a reasonable concern that a metal back would impede reception in some way. I'd proceed with caution modding my phone until this is proven to work well.
As an electrical engineer who did a lot of EMF related design, this is the physics of electro magnetic wave : if a part is fully enclosed in a metallic barrier, then EMF cannot go in and out of the metallic enclosure. Realistically, if the part is enclosed in a 50+% metal barrier, then the reception will be affected. If the metal back is somehow in contact with the band attenna, it will only increase the attenna's reception ability. So either way, the metallic back is safe to use
Just for the record, that Joel P. is not me.
signed,
Joel Pirela
anyone found one that has a camera lens and is NOT bevel therefore will fit with a case? Or is someone can say if this one will fit with a normal case
I'm so glad I left iPhone. Thanks for the reminder :)
I have one of these, aesthetically it's real pleasing. BUT taking photos now is real poor, with vignetting occuring. If you use the flash it's really bad.
Because the backplate is raised by a 1mm or two snap on cases do still fit, barely. putting it down on the screen side means it's now sits on the screen.
If you have a bumper, they fit almost perfectley, your main problem now is that when you put your iphone 4 on it's back, the bumper is no longer protecting the back...yes it's metal. but the very poor material for the lense isnt... scratch anyone?
oH one more thing. The original Iphone 4 glass back has two metal brackets. This has plastic brackets. Basically you can with literally no force at all pull the back off and you will find the screws would have threaded the plastic. if you do drop it, may find the whole back falling apart.
This back replacement does include camera and flash lenses, it states that on the website. "Please note, the camera lens and camera flash lens are included and already installed."
Thanks for the info on the back case. It's really unsettling though that the plastic brackets are that crappy..Now I'm second guessing myself whether or not I should buy this. I'm tired of wearing a case or a skin, with this I could just slide it in and not worry about getting it damaged on the back anyways. One more thing what does the metal feel like? Any resemblance to texture of the iPhone 2G?
I didnt buy mine from the website recommended on this webpage. I purchased on ebay, search for it there was only one place selling it. I chose ebay over the CNN place because CNN store was dishonest on the purchasing process saying it was in stock until you get to pay for it, its actually out of stock. Check ebay, there was only one stockist from china, US$16 inc delivery. They shipped by FedEx and it took Four days to arrive.
The metal, it's feels solid enough.. I have two cases and my original iphone4 glass back has a protector too. Despite all these flaws mine is now going solo with this new case.
Cosmetically cooler and feels much better in the hand.
Similarity to the silverback, nah this is far better.
It's still a good buy
heres the link
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iPhone-4-Rear-Panel-Back-Cover-Metal-Line-Color-Silver-/320605471859?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item4aa5934473
heres a video i posted a few days ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feyue2ODqp8
Thanks so much for the info and the YouTube video!! :). I'm going to wait for the CNN website to have them in stock again..very excited for this product!
So, what is better? The one from CNN or the one from eBay?
They're exactly the same.
Okay, thank you.
Is there any chance this replacement back panel can damage the iPhone, or make it work less well?
By the way how long was the shipping considering that the seller is in UK if I understand correctly..
I would like to inform that i bought the above backplate and implied to my iPhone and looks terrific, awsome and quality is also superb. Highly recommended...
Regards
JK
i have got this case aswell, and as posted above their is flaws with the plastic screw mounts. I dropped my iphone slightly and the backing fell off and now the screw mounts are threaded, which now makes this backing useless as it just slides off.
Who cares about the "warranty"? If anything breaks on the iPhone, you're f**ked either way 'cause they won't replace anything for free. lol
Hey guys, searched in Google and you came up near the top so I thought I would leave feedback.
I have been using the back plate from CNN (same as shown above) for a day and have had noticeable issues with signal loss. Just now I did a test with the original glass back and CNN's back. The difference is a full two bars of signal sitting in the exact same spot and giving it about a minute between swaps. This is my phone though which I do believe (obviously) suffers from the death grip.
The way it is manufactured is a very thin metal overly on a plastic back. It is decent quality besides the screw mounts. However I noticed a metallic silver strip running up the factory iPhone 4 glass back that is missing on CNN's. This may be the issue although I am just basing it on the most obvious when comparing.
Just thought i'd share.
Thanks
Vince
Check out www.material6.com to see really cool wood replacement backs for the iphone 4. They come in 3 different wood types. The contrast between the industrial design of the iphone 4 and the natural wood is a great combination.
Gotta admit the gun metal look is tight! Got mine from razoredgecases for 19.99. A bit more expensive than 12.99...but since their us based I'm sure I got it quicker than if I ordered it from China.
In reference to the warranty, just put the stock back back on the phone and you're good.
i know i am fairly late on this discussion.
But i bought my brushed aluminum backing, changed it, then i changed it back to my original iphone 4 backing.
reason was, that i lost 2 bars of reception with my aluminum backing on.
I admit that it looks really good on the back of my iphone, but when people say its not going to interfere with reception, all i ask is why can't i make a phonecall or send a text in my own house.
thought i'd leave my 2 cents
out of curiosity how did you get the apple logo and iphone info on the back, sticker or etch
heres a site with a bunch of color brushed metal backs available, they're flat tho which i like better cuz it fits in my case
I found a transparent back cover for iphone 4,it looks great .Name <a hred="http://www.eketshop.com/goods.php?id=3455">Replacement Cool Clear Glass Back Cover housing for iPhone 4 Black</a>.
Share for everybody.
I found a transparent back cover for iphone 4,it looks great .Name Replacement Cool Clear Glass Back Cover housing for iPhone 4 Black.Link: http://www.eketshop.com/goods.php?id=3455 Share for everybody.
I have been using the back plate from CNN (same as shown above) for a day and have had noticeable issues with signal loss. Just now I did a test with the original glass back and CNN's back. The difference is a full two bars of signal sitting in the exact same spot and giving it about a minute between swaps. This is my phone though which I do believe (obviously) suffers from the death grip.
..
Just received my beveled metal back in the mail the other day. Unfortunately, I size #00 Phillips screwdriver is harder to come by than expected.
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