If you purchased an iPhone 6, an iPhone 6 Plus (or another smartphone) two years ago, you likely took advantage of the tail end of the two-year contract cycle. Phased out in favor of no-contract plans during 2015, large mobile service providers like Verizon and AT&T no longer offer subsidized prices on new phones.

As you near the end of your contract cycle this year, you will have the opportunity to upgrade to a new model, like the iPhone 7 or Samsung S7. However, that’s going to require you purchasing the phone outright, either at full price immediately (at least $650) or at full price spread over two years in your bill ($30+ a month for 18 to 24 months).

However, you have another great option; don’t upgrade at all, keep your current smartphone for another year and lower your bill by switching to a no-contract plan. There’s a item on your current cell phone bill called “line access fee.” During your two-year contract, you were paying $40 a month per smartphone (assuming you were on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint).

Now that your contract is completed, you have the option of switching to a no-contract plan and reducing that line access fee between 40 to 60 percent per month for each smartphone on your plan. (All smartphones on the plan have to be out of contract to get the price reduction across the board.)

Here’s how everything breaks down for the three major carriers:

Verizon: (Link)

• Monthly Access Fee under a two-year contract plan: $40
• Monthly Access Fee under a no-contract plan: $20

AT&T: (Link)

• Monthly Access Fee under a two-year contract plan: $40
• Monthly Access Fee under a no-contract Mobile Share Value Plan (300MB-6GB): $25
• Monthly Access Fee under a no-contract Mobile Share Value Plan (10GBB-50GB): $15

Sprint: (Link)

• Monthly Access Fee under a two-year contract plan: $40
• Monthly Access Fee under a no-contract Family Share plan: $15

To get these reduced prices, you can switch plans online or call your carrier to switch to a no-contract plan. Savings for a married couple could reach $600 per year with two smartphones. Families with mulitple smartphones will be able to save even more, potentially more than $1,000 per year if you have four or more smartphones on your plan!

Want to save $200+ a year? Don’t switch to the iPhone 7

One of the downsides to purchasing a new iPhone from Apple is the insane markup the company attaches to first party cases. Using the iPhone 6 Plus as an example, the two cases sold by Apple include a silicone case sold for $39 and a leather model sold for $49. It’s likely that these cases cost Apple under $5 to make, if that.

Thankfully, the third party case market has caught up to Apple over the years and usually has cases readily available prior to the release of a new iPhone. One such maker of these cases is Speigen, a company that develops cases for iOS devices as well as Android smartphones. The case covered in this review is Spigen’s Slim Armor iPhone 6 Plus case with included kickstand. The MSRP is $29.99, but it’s been on sale in the $15 to $20 range since the iPhone 6 Plus launch.

Case Design

I opted for the Metal Slate color, a very dark gray-blue color on the back of the case framed by a black header and footer. On the front, the outside rim of the case is completely black, specifically designed to blend into the iPhone 6 Plus design (assuming you picked up a space gray model). On the left and right sides of the case, the user will find heavy rubber coverings for the power button as well as the volume buttons.

There are six cutout indentations in the case molding, specifically for the silent mode rocker switch, the headphone jack, the Lightning connector port, the iPhone 6 Plus speaker, the rear camera / LED flash and the full Apple logo centered at the top rear of the iPhone 6 Plus. I particularly like viewing the Apple logo on the back, a feature that’s notable absent on the two first party Apple cases (Apple includes a logo imprint instead).

However, one annoying issue with the silent mode rocker switch indentation is that you need a decent set of fingernails to actually reach it. I often have to swap my fingers out to actually reach it or use a flat head screwdriver to flick the switch. That being said, I usually just leave my phone on vibrate all the time, so it’s not a huge issue.

Lean Back Please

On the back, you will find the included polycarbonate kickstand that’s been branded with the Spigen logo. A word of warning, the kickstand was specifically designed to be flipped out with an iPhone already installed in the case. It’s very easy to snap the kickstand out of the case when a phone isn’t installed.

However, when the iPhone 6 Plus is in place, it feels more secure. That being said, it’s still a thin piece of polycarbonate that could snap if the phone is accidentally knocked down to the floor (assuming it’s popped out to use as a stand). As a feature, I really enjoy using the kickstand when at my desk. I can keep an eye on the phone for text notifications easily and tap out a quick response without actually picking up the phone.

Will My iPhone Be Safe?

As a protective shield for the expensive 6 Plus, it’s definitely more protective than the standard Apple cases. The case is slightly thicker, but not so thick that you will notice it when the iPhone is in your pocket. However, there are cases that provide a greater level of protection. For instance, Spigen makes a Tough Armor version of this case with thicker corners in case of drops. There are also a multitude of alternatives from companies like Otterbox and Urban Armor.

Be aware that there’s no face protection for the iPhone 6 Plus offered by this model beyond the raised lip around the edge. If you want protection for the screen, you will need to invest in an additional clear screen protector. I’m not much a fan of screen protectors, thus I usually forgo that additional layer.

Should You Buy It?

Overall, I’ve been fairly satisfied with my purchase. It’s held up well over the last month. I picked up the case for about $18 and I actually prefer it over the $39 silicone Apple case that’s being used by my wife. I can foresee using this case for the next 6 months until I step up to a case that has additional built-in features like the Amp.

If you recently picked up an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, the Spigen Slim Armor case is definitely a smart buy. Speaking to durability, I will update this review in six months for anyone interested in information regarding how the case is holding up.

Click to view the Spigen Slim Armor Case on Amazon

Spigen Slim Armor iPhone 6 Plus Case Review: Slim Enough