My Mumbi X TPU has arrived a few days ago and I can now write a few words on that:
- slim case, looks cool
- not expensive (about 7 EUR on amazon.de)
- excellent fit (all ports, buttons and mic holes on the Note 3 are accessible)
- feels solid - in fact the entire phone feels a lot more solid with it
- provides a good grip (given how slim it is)
- there is a form of raised edge / fringe on the screen side which comes about 1-2mm high over the screen and provides some protection to the screen (see below for more on the screen part)
- lateral buttons are also a little protected and you need to press the power button quite firmly so it will never go off by accident
- it remains to be seen how it will last in time
- so far definitely the best value for money in that form factor that I have seen.
Also a few words about the screen protector that I ordered at the same time - I did NOT ordered Mumbi since I had some S3 models that were almost impossible to apply bubble-free, so I ordered something else - a 6x set from EnGive:
- inexpensive (5 EUR from amazon.de)
- almost completely invisible
- goes to the very border of the screen
- it does not shine excessively in direct sun (not more than the naked screen)
- the main downside is that it still was not as easy to apply as I wanted and there were some minor bubbles (more like imperfect adhesive) in two corners and near the home button
- another small downside - oily finger marks are a little more visible than without it, but I was cleaning my screen daily anyway so that is not a problem for me.
In case somebody wants to see some pictures - links on Amazon (no affiliation) - case and screen protectors.
Related
Well not really a review but I've been using this on my hero for a few months and thought I'd share some thoughts about it.
What is a Zagg Invisible shield?
The invisible shield is a screen or full body transparent plastic film that you apply on your phone to keep it safe from scratches.
Price: 25 usd for the full body
15 usd for just the screen coverage.
More info: zagg.com (new user so I can't post a link)
Why did I buy this?
When I first got my Hero I wanted to keep it safe so I first bought a Golla universal pouch. When I got home and tried it out the hero was a few millimeters to big so I had to modify the pouch a bit (made a cut on the short side). Even then it was a big hassle to remove it from the pouch every time I needed the phone. Then I saw the invisible shield on a site and decided to try it out.
- Review -
Applying the shield
After watching the installation movies and reading the instructions I started applying it. You apply it by spraying a liquid they provided on the sticky part of the film and then sticking the film on the hero. After that you use the supplied squeegee to even it out.
The flat parts were easy to apply, like the screen and some pieces around it. The bottom part (around the buttons and trackball) were a bit harder since you have to bend it around the corners. However this was pretty easy compared to the backplate. It might just have been my rough handling but I got some creases around the curved parts and corner.
4/5 points
Look and feel
The shield makes the phone look almost gloss black (I have the urban brown version). First when the shield is applied you will probably have some air bubbles below the plastic film but they disappear after about a week.
The shield on the backside makes the phone very grip-able, however the Hero's original grip is fine as it is.
3,5/5 points
After a few months usage
I've been using it for about 5-6months now and I'm satisfied with the shield. It protects good, no scratches on the shield at least but I haven't looked under it for obvious reasons. The screen shield have a few more creases now that wont be smoothened out, basically the shield is durable against scratches but not pressure along the screen, then creases appear. However if I didn't have the shield those creases would probably by big nasty scars in the screen instead. The top part of the front of the phone (above the HTC logo) didn't stick as good as the other parts so it collected dust under it so I removed it. You might want to change the parts or the whole shield after 10-12months of usage.
4/5 points
Conclusion
If you want good protection without getting a bulky case for your phone, you should seriously consider this shield.
Total:
11,5/15 points
is it hard to apply the shield on, and i always get air bubbles, will it leave a mark if you have to remove it?
The application of the shield was pretty simple, spray on a special liquid (supplied) - apply - smooth things out with a squeegee (supplied). No air bubbles whatsoever, there was some at first but they disappeared after a week. There are no marks after it either, just some dust/glue that you can easily remove with a cloth.
The biggest problem I had with the invisible shield was on the chin. The part that covers the trackball, I understood where it needed to crease, but it would not stay put on the creased part. After I put the rest of the shield onto the phone I ended up taking a piece of tape and putting it on that part and leaving it overnight, this proved to work fine.
I'm not sure if I like the glossy black look myself, especially after having gotten used to the way the phone looked, having had it since August. The glaring problem is that it is obvious where, especially on the back, where the invisible shield ends and the rest of the phone begins, as there are a few parts that are not completely covered.
I do plan on using it for a few more weeks, although I think I may decide to try to remove the back invisible shield and just leave the front components (the part I'm really the most worried about anyways. Not too shabby with my 75% RadioShack employee discount.
I just bought this case on Ebay. I will post pics and thoughts when I receive it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400229407820&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_2308wt_1396
If anyone has bought this please give your thoughts. I figure for only $14 if it sucks it won't be a big deal.
I got this one. Looks similar, but comes with a screen protector. Should get it next week.
http://mobile.buy.com/ibuy/Product.aspx?sku=223077071
I got one that is very similar and I love it! here is the link to the one I have
http://cgi.ebay.com/Leather-Case-Sc...?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item45fb4bfd29
I also purchased my screen protectors from them. Both items are excellent quality. The case fits perfectly. super tight fit, all cuts outs are perfect. The screen protectors were easy to apply as well. It will not protect the TF from drops but I am very happy with it.
Yeah both of those look very similar to what I bought. I'm glad you both like them. That eases my mind a bit.
I previously ordered 2 of these from different ebay stores. A brown and black one. Both used the same illustration, but the black one had a smaller border around the screen (this is the one I received), which is actually handy if you use the Google Labs quick menu from the stock browser, or other apps that have functionality in the screen border
The brown one had a better fit but it blocks the speakers a bit (uses 3 holes, where the black one leaves the speakers naked), black one upper border was a little bit curved.
I got this case already. It's not really top quality, but a few points to note:
- The speakers on the TF itself are blocked (that's why there is a lot of leather on the side)
- The microsd position is slightly out, meaning you have to push the pad in a bit in order to get the microsd card out
- Since the insertion point is from the bottom part of the case up, the TF will move up and down quite a lot. In fact, if you let it stand using its built-in stand, the TF will slide down so you do not see the whole screen.
- 2 Magnetic points on the top left and top right of the case. I find it very useful
- And I tried docking with the keyboard with the case, it just doesn't work well.
I only listed the cons so far, but ignoring those, I think the $14-15 I paid for it is well worth it!
I would be shocked if these turn out to be real leather.
I just got one of these today. Definitely not real leather, but it feels nice enough. The fit is good and the "stand" works well. However, the camera and light sensor on the front of the case are completely out of line, so I just cut a rectangle around instead. I wouldn't mind normally, but having it set to auto-brightness, and the hole occasionally being covered up left the screen almost always dim.
Ordered this for the 4th Gen HD7's I got for my kids.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NQF1IKC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Initial impressions:
- Good fit overall, but the back part, the flat side, seems a bit loose, almost "flappy" if that makes sense. However, fit on the sides and fronts are perfect and the tablet is not loose inside the case.
- Retains button functionality without issue (i.e. don't have to press harder to go "through" the case) and port cutouts are perfect
- The built in redirected speaker ports (sound redirected the front) make a HUGE difference
- Good texture; size of casemakes the tablet "fatter" for better gripping by the kiddos
- Seems like it would provide decent drop protection; however, not willing to test that
- Possible con yet to be seen: it's all silicone; my past experience with all silicone cases is that they are dust magnets and eventually "stretch" out and get loose. Luckily, they are washable. So, we'll see on this as time goes on.
The silicone case looks great, but the price is a bit expersive, I need a cheaper one.
it looks chunky and childish. i bought one called hotcool ultra slim, it works great, it protects and it has smart wake and sleep feature.
What are peoples experiences with the official Silicone case?
I just picked one up yesterday and I am very impressed. Here is a link to a very quick video I made of it.
PROS
It adds little bulk to the phone (19mm thick so it adds 10.5 mm to the phone)
Matches the style of the phone well
Does NOT feel cheap and nasty at all
Silicone is smooth and a little slippery so it can slip in and out of your pocket easily
But is grippy enough that it doesn't feel like it will slip out of my hand
Button presses feel just the same as without the case on (very easy to press)
Cut outs are precise and perfectly cut
Soft inside and will not mark or damage the phone
Seems like it would give good basic fumble drop protection
The case protrudes past the front of the screen giving front drop protection (but does not encroach on the touch area of the screen)
Super subtle little 'G' logo on the back to match the 'G' on the back of the phone
CONS
It is a bit of a lint and dust magnet. If you have tissues in your pocket etc it picks it up all the time
Silicone near volume can 'bulge' a little bit as it doesn't have as much support as parts of the frame where there is the internal poly-carbonate to make it 'hug' the phone
Is thicker than the having no case at all
Full side cutout at the bottom around the speaker and charging port ( could have been slotted for the single speaker and charging port)
More colours would be a nice to have (gradient or two tone colour would have been awesome)
EDIT - noticed a tiny issue identified in another review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGkpOP9TWBc). I don't think it is a deal breaker. Other review had very different thoughts on it. Maybe his was not as well produced as mine.
Thanks for the review! I was debating getting one of these, but I was worried it would be too sticky and make the phone hard to take out of my pocket. It sounds like it's not too bad except for the lint and dust. Maybe it's worth a try. Now to decide if I should wait for blue. Google must hate colors or something.
My top case choices are:
Silicone Pixel Case by Google
Otterbox Commuter
Incipio Carnaby
I want one, but I feel like $35 is kind of steep. If a third party made a copy of the three layer design and was cheaper I'd probably get it.
[Review] alinsea tempered glass / taobao tempered glass & soft film / lens protectors
Alinsea LOCA tempered glass from Amazon Canada (case friendly)
https://www.amazon.ca/Alinsea-Prote...teway&sprefix=alinsea,aps,147&sr=8-6-fkmrnull
Just like everyone else have mentioned, application with LOCA liquid is difficult, messy, and takes a lot of patience. I watched a number of youtube videos before doing this and my success rate is 2 out of 3 applications. Ruined the first one, and rest went ok. This one from amazon was my third run.
The good:
- Case friendly! The company actually delivered as advertised. It covers a lot of the screen, but left just enough room to accommodate cases. Compatible with both my clear TPU case from Taobao / tmall and my Tech 21 Evo Check case.
- Fingerprint sensor works, although at times require slightly higher pressure but it works
- It is glass, so yes it feels smooth to touch
- Comes with pre cut stickers that covers up all the holes (usb plug, mic, ear piece etc) from the LOCA liquid during installation
- Company was VERY quick in providing a replacement (see below for reason why replacement was requested)
The bad:
- It is not resistant to smudges from finger prints
- 2 weeks into it and top left corner started to detach (see attached photo). I do not know if this is due to the quality of the LOCA liquid or if there was simply insufficient liquid at that particular corner. I am confident in my application technique as I waited to make sure the entire protector has LOCA liquid spread underneath it before starting the UV bake. I also UV baked all 4 edges extensively (longer than recommended time) prior to baking the main part of the screen.
- Expensive, $20 canadian dollars for 1 tempered glass. I think the company should at least provide an extra tube of LOCA liquid in case the first attempt goes wrong
See photos attached.
Taobao / tmall LOCA tempered glass (not case friendly)
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=579991819869&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.fbf72e8dE31OoJ&_u=m34gi5s2f0b6
Same as above with one major difference. This is quite close to FULL coverage, meaning not enough room along the edges to accommodate for cases. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures of it because 2 days into using it, the case started to lift it, I got frustrated and ripped it off. Mind you I waited 1 full day for the protector to settle before putting on the case. I do not recommend this if you plan to use a case.
Taobao / tmall soft full coverage screen protector (not case friendly)
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?s...6684d62bdf7e2&abbucket=20&skuId=4032341339706
The good:
- Extremely easy to install; dry installation with application device included.
- Very good clarity (minimal orange peel effect)
- Feels smooth to touch
- Full coverage
The bad:
- Full coverage which means incompatible with case. Just like the Tabao glass above, started to lift after 2 days using it.
I also did not take pictures of this one, I apologize. At the time I didn’t think I would write these reviews. But bottom line is, I wouldn’t recommend if you plan to use a case.
eBay plastic film lens protector
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/6x-Displays...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Not much to say. Plastic film will protect against scratches, most importantly, it does not interfere with the flash unlike the one below. Came in a pack of 6. Good value and does its job. Fast shipping from seller.
Taobao / tmall tempered glass lens protector
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=579257689665&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.fbf72e8dE31OoJ&_u=m34gi5s2b3ae
Came in a pack of 2. It is glass so obviously more protective than the film above. However, they made a cut out for the flash and it is a COMPLETE fail.ure You’d think they would actually test it before selling it to people. The cut out appears to be big enough, but the strong flash still catches it and causes a blue glare in photos and videos. Although flash photography is not preferred, sometimes it is still needed. If you plan to use your flash at all for photos or videos, do not buy this type of lens protector.
update:
since the top left corner started to lift, it got a little worse over time. last week, i had 2 minor drops, 'soft' impact in my opinion, but was enough to cause further lifting of the rest of the screen protector. i forgot to take photos of the screen before removing it and i already applied the replacement which alinsea sent me weeks ago.
so now i am on alinsea glass #2 and will update this thread as time goes on.
Thanks for posting this, I'm looking for a screen protector.. I would usually buy skinomi, but they do not have the Mate 20 Pro available...
thanks