Mobile Technology

This iPhone case can stop a .50 caliber bullet

This iPhone case can stop a .50 caliber bullet
Marudai's case for the iPhone 4 is so heavily armored that the company claims it can stop a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet
Marudai's case for the iPhone 4 is so heavily armored that the company claims it can stop a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet
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The armor plating restricts the camera's viewpoint to a smaller circle
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The armor plating restricts the camera's viewpoint to a smaller circle
The armored case features an inch of solid steel embedded in the back, which is what gives the phone cover its bulletproof ability
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The armored case features an inch of solid steel embedded in the back, which is what gives the phone cover its bulletproof ability
Marudai also claims that a bullet hitting one of the bolts will still leave your iPhone undamaged
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Marudai also claims that a bullet hitting one of the bolts will still leave your iPhone undamaged
While the back of the case is solidly protected, the front screen is still completely uncovered so the phone's touchscreen can still be used
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While the back of the case is solidly protected, the front screen is still completely uncovered so the phone's touchscreen can still be used
A Japanese company has released and iPhone case that can withstand the impact of a .50 caliber bullet, while keeping the phone intact
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A Japanese company has released and iPhone case that can withstand the impact of a .50 caliber bullet, while keeping the phone intact
To attach the case, the phone has to literally be bolted in using an Allen wrench
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To attach the case, the phone has to literally be bolted in using an Allen wrench
Marudai's case for the iPhone 4 is so heavily armored that the company claims it can stop a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet
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Marudai's case for the iPhone 4 is so heavily armored that the company claims it can stop a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet
View gallery - 7 images

When it comes to iPhone cases, people usually want them to do two main things: protect their prized phone and be comfortable to use (and possibly charge the phone like the JuiceTank or the Sandberg BatteryCase). If you're willing to sacrifice comfort for more durability however, Japanese company, Marudai Corp. has got the product for you. Its newest case for the iPhone 4 is so heavily armored that the company claims it can stop a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet, while keeping your smartphone intact.

The armored case features an inch of solid steel embedded in the back, which is what gives the phone cover its bulletproof ability. To attach the case, the phone has to literally be bolted in using an Allen wrench. Marudai also claim that a bullet hitting one of the bolts will still leave your iPhone undamaged. But while the back of the case is solidly protected, the front screen is still completely uncovered so the phone's touchscreen can still be used.

Of course, the hefty case does come with quite a few disadvantages. For one, the case raises the weight of the iPhone 4 from half a pound to about 4.5 pounds (2.1 kg) and the thickness from half an inch to about 1.5 inches (39.6 mm). That doesn't exactly make for a comfortable case that can fit easily in your pocket (though on the plus side, you could get a good workout from power walking with it in your hand). Another disadvantage is the thick armor plating requires a separate lens for the camera, which restricts its viewpoint to a smaller circle and makes all your pictures look like they were shot through a peephole.

The armor plating restricts the camera's viewpoint to a smaller circle
The armor plating restricts the camera's viewpoint to a smaller circle

Aside from all that, there's one more, much larger disadvantage: the price. Muradai is selling their bulletproof case for 52,500 yen (US$650), although that does include free shipping, a spare lens, and a commemorative dummy bullet. Considering that's almost twice as much as the cost of a brand new iPhone 4 though, it might be easier to just get a good warranty and back up your data regularly.

Source: Marudai Corp

View gallery - 7 images
25 comments
25 comments
Slowburn
I finally have proof that I am not the person that comes up with the most ludicrous ideas on earth.
pipcola
This may stop the round but unlikely to dissipate the energy especially if was in a pocket at the time.................
Михаил Финогенов
^^ I'm with Slowburn :)))
Mark Eastaugh
Hmm. that aint a 50 cal round in the picutre, and as far as the armour goes, it had better be hardened, and I would not want it in my pocket when it got hit: "with a capability of completely perforating 0.875" (22.2 mm) of face-hardened armor steel plate at 100 yards (91 m), and 0.75 inches at 500 yards."
mhenriday
Given the prevalence of firearms - and people ready and willing to use them - in certain countries, perhaps there's a market for these cases after all. Might just save more than an iPhone....
Henri
Dave Andrews
the 50 cal is pretty much the big daddy of available calibers. It doesn't really get any bigger with ammo regular citizens can easily get ahold of.
I can't imagine any possibility that the screen shown could stop anything near a 50cal. I've seen much smaller ammo go through 3/4 inch steel plate easily, and Mark's right. You wouldn't want to get hit with it even with the phone case protecting you. The force of that blast could potentially kill you without penetrating.
Joe Clearman
Good grief, a direct hit from the .50 cal. BMG. I don’t think so! Maybe they’re referring to the .50 cal. Action Express pistol round. A fraction of the BMG’s power, if true it’s still very impressive.
Michael Liu
What if I shot it on the front side?
Richardf
Thats real good news because now they can start making a 100 cal ? good news all around for baddies and goodies
Alix Paultre
I'm with Dave and Mark. THis thing is a joke. Forget even the energy dissipation at the point of contact, what about deformation of the steel? That thing is going to be bent with a couple of inches of distension, that would bend the phone in the case as well. Not to mention that inertia will drive the case several inches into your body.
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