Remember those mesmerizing fidget spinners that once took the world by storm? Well, the Australian company STM Goods has ingeniously integrated that same satisfying spin into a phone case! As someone with a penchant for fidgeting – pen-clicking, AirPod-case-flipping, you name it – I was eager to get my hands on the Roll Case for my iPhone 16 Plus (the Roll Case is available for the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max). And after three weeks of constant use, I can confidently say that it’s been a rather satisfying journey.
STM Goods describes the Roll case as “Like a fidget spinner for your iPhone. With each spin, the Roll Case helps you find a moment of escape wherever your day spins you.” And they’re not wrong!
Key Features
- Two spinning discs for fidgeting
- 360° rotating magnetic kickstand
- Impact-absorbing TPU and polycarbonate construction
- MagSafe compatible
- Raised bezel for camera lens protection
Design and Functionality
The Roll Case features two spinning discs on the back, one large and one small, that can be rotated effortlessly using any finger or the thumb. These discs rotate with an almost frictionless glide. It’s strangely therapeutic, a subtle way to channel nervous energy without the risk of wearing down my expensive electronics. For those with ADHD or OCD, or anyone who just likes to fidget, this case is a godsend. This is a legit outlet for these conditions.
But this case isn’t just about fidgeting. It also boasts a robust 360-degree rotating magnetic kickstand that’s a multitasking marvel. The kickstand is well-built and nicely attached to the case. It is made of aluminum. Whether I’m watching videos on my lunch break or video-calling my family across the globe, the kickstand provides a stable base on any surface – be it hard or soft surfaces like a bed. And as a bonus, it even helps me get a better grip on my rather large iPhone 16 Plus for one-handed photography. Phones are getting larger and larger, and the iPhone 16 Plus is among the largest in the crowd. The large size makes it challenging for one-handed photography, and that is where I use the kickstand like a pop socket to better grip the phone while maintaining a balance. The kickstand works well in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Usability and Everyday Experience
In daily use, the Roll Case truly shines. The volume control, action and sleep/wake controls get individual buttons which are as tactile as the phone itself, no problem there. The camera lens is protected by a raised bezel. The case is sturdy and can withstand significant drops. It is made of TPU, which is appropriate enough to protect your phone even in rough and tough environments. The camera lenses don’t get a cover, and that’s a good thing because there is no distortion in photo quality. Even the new Camera Control area is fully accessible, allowing for seamless interaction with Apple’s premium design. The iPhone 16s now come with the Camera Control, which uses capacitive touch to perform actions in the camera app. The good thing the Roll Case does is that it leaves the camera control area fully exposed via an opening. This makes it easy to find the Camera Control area without having to look, and you also get to touch the premium alloys Apple uses for the Camera Control instead of a silicon covering like in other cases.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The clear polycarbonate back showcases the beauty of my ultramarine iPhone while keeping it safe from scratches. The case comes in a clear color configuration, offering choices between blue, pink, silver, and black for the discs. My iPhone 16 Plus is the beautiful ultramarine color, and the case does a good job of covering the phone without really hiding the magnificent ultramarine color. The lip of the case on the front side protrudes inwards, which is great if you live in dusty environments. Still, it is advisable to take out the phone from the case every few days and clean out the dust sticking on the edges of the case.
MagSafe Compatibility
My only minor gripe is with the MagSafe implementation. While it does work, it’s a bit finicky. I often find myself rotating the phone or the kickstand to find the sweet spot for optimal charging. You can’t just stick your phone to the MagSafe charger and expect your phone to charge seamlessly like when the phone is naked. The phone sticks to the charger just fine, but to get it to charge, I have to keep rotating the phone or the kickstand to find the perfect charging position. Also, the charging speed is slower compared to charging the phone naked via MagSafe.
Overall Impression
Despite the minor MagSafe hiccup, the Roll Case is a winner in my book. It’s a unique, functional, and well-made case that’s perfect for fidgeters and anyone who wants a premium phone case experience. Yes, it’s a bit pricey at ₹3990, but it’s worth every penny considering the innovative features and robust protection it offers. Plus, it’s still cheaper than Apple’s own cases, which pale in comparison when it comes to functionality. You can get some good deals at online retailers like Flipkart and Vijay Sales.
If you’re looking for a case that’s as unique as you are, look no further than the Roll Case. It’s a conversation starter, a fidgeter’s friend, and a phone’s best friend, all rolled into one.
