So after hours of searching for a metallic bumper case that was premium and protective I came across this Chinese bumper case brand which I had low expectations of but it was cheap so I bought it.
After a 14 day wait for it to come from China to the UK, it came in a mediocre but secure packaging which consisted of a box and a plastic wallet to hold the bumper case alongside a screwdriver and a pair of spare screws for the bumper case. Enough rambling now lets get to the case
Pictures:
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So as you can see from the stupidly large images above which i'm not bothered to make smaller , the case comes in two pieces which are secured together with screws, IMO I like this because it reduces the the risk of scratching the device (an awful experience i have had with previous bumper cases with one securing point with past phones) while also giving that manly look . Speaking for the durability of the case it is awesome as the bumper case can withstand knock multiples times without succumbing to a single mark though i have not dropped my S7 on concrete yet i'm sure it should protect it well. Alongside my dBrand skin and this bumper case I have noticed that this phone has drastically got more grippier than my S7 bare or with a Spigen Thin Fit case. The I/O at the bottom are all still accessible with the all headphones and USB cables I have used so far. To end off the pros, DAMN this case looks awesome on the S7 as it really brings out the "curves" of the device.
To end off the only thing I would like to see an improvement in will be for the protection of the camera bump by making the side lip larger so it does not have to bear the brunt of a surface, but this would be impossible without damaging the sleekness of the case. Overall I definitely recommend it!
AliExpress: http://bit.ly/29ooDCb
eBay UK: http://ebay.eu/29acWNl
I've had something similar for Nexus 5 and the signal would drop significantly.
The S7 has all the antennas on the side, how is the reception with the bumper vs without ?
Corbu said:
I've had something similar for Nexus 5 and the signal would drop significantly.
The S7 has all the antennas on the side, how is the reception with the bumper vs without ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be short reception is hit hard as without I had usually 4 bars (indoors) and 5 (out) now its significantly less usually 2-3 bars.
BUT I still have access to 4G and to my usage the change reception did not impact performance when using the case.
MahaDEVELOPER said:
So after hours of searching for a metallic bumper case that was premium and protective I came across this Chinese bumper case brand which I had low expectations of but it was cheap so I bought it.
After a 14 day wait for it to come from China to the UK, it came in a mediocre but secure packaging which consisted of a box and a plastic wallet to hold the bumper case alongside a screwdriver and a pair of spare screws for the bumper case. Enough rambling now lets get to the case
Pictures:
So as you can see from the stupidly large images above which i'm not bothered to make smaller , the case comes in two pieces which are secured together with screws, IMO I like this because it reduces the the risk of scratching the device (an awful experience i have had with previous bumper cases with one securing point with past phones) while also giving that manly look . Speaking for the durability of the case it is awesome as the bumper case can withstand knock multiples times without succumbing to a single mark though i have not dropped my S7 on concrete yet i'm sure it should protect it well. Alongside my dBrand skin and this bumper case I have noticed that this phone has drastically got more grippier than my S7 bare or with a Spigen Thin Fit case. The I/O at the bottom are all still accessible with the all headphones and USB cables I have used so far. To end off the pros, DAMN this case looks awesome on the S7 as it really brings out the "curves" of the device.
To end off the only thing I would like to see an improvement in will be for the protection of the camera bump by making the side lip larger so it does not have to bear the brunt of a surface, but this would be impossible without damaging the sleekness of the case. Overall I definitely recommend it!
AliExpress: http://bit.ly/29ooDCb
eBay UK: http://ebay.eu/29acWNl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow pictures look great! (obviously taken with an LG G4)...
Related
With a plethora of cases available for the new AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note the decision on which case to buy can be a tough one. This review takes a look at Cimo Technologies' Matte Finish TPU Case.
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Packaging:
Cimo presents the case in a dazzle free fair. The case is delivered in a simple plastic wrapping with the all to familiar cardboard cutout of a Note sitting in it. I don't think extravagant packing is needed for a case, and in theory, the less they spend on the packaging, the less the consumer pays for the product.
Aesthetics and Construction:
The case is made up of two layers: a high gloss black 'upper' that surrounds the top portion of the case and circles the screen and a matte 'lower' that protects the lower half and back of the phone. The material feels durable and does provide some texture that the nude Note doesn't have. The case extends over the lip around the phone and extends a touch above the screen for protection. Installation is a breeze. The case fits well on the Note and has very little play- something hard cases often can't offer. The ports are accessible and the cutouts for the S-pen, speaker, camera, and flash are lined up well.
The one drawback is that like most other TPU cases there are 'tags' left on this case that are left from when the case was molded. These do protrude from the case more than what I would have liked, but can easily be removed with a blade.
Overall Function:
First and foremost a case is there to protect the phone, and with my experience so far I think this case will perform well. There looks to be a good balance between thickness and protection which is a plus since no one wants to add too much bulk to their phones. The raised edge allows those who don't have a screen protector to set the phone face down and have a little extra security that the screen will be unharmed.
Unfortunately, this case is still a little too thick on the bottom to allow successful function with the Samsung Desktop Dock. Although the phone will sit in the cradle, the USB plug cannot span the extra distance the case puts between it and the port.
Verdict:
I've used quite a bit of TPU cases on my devices in the past and generally the experience has been a mixed bag. Cimo's offering, on the other hand, seems like a well made worthy choice. It's minimal heft, good fit, solid protection, and fingerprint resistant matte finish makes a strong case to be your next purchase
Gallery:
I actually have been using a tpu case from them also, same look just glossy black. They are great fiting tpu cases. I have a friend buying one for his nexus now also. I would recommend them for sure.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Looks like the case covers half of the speaker on the back of the device judging by one of the pics you've posted here.
Pandemoniumone said:
Looks like the case covers half of the speaker on the back of the device judging by one of the pics you've posted here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I noticed that pic looked funny. I was swapping a few cases at the time and must not have got the case on perfectly when that pic was shot. When installed right the speaker is not obscured (although the cut out is a touch oversized).
Thanks for pointing that out.
Before I begin - yes, I know I'm being ultra-picky. I'm still looking for the "perfect" case, or as close to it as I can get. I don't have a dock so I'm not distinguishing those which also cover that, and I'm not counting sleeves. Despite finding hundreds of cases on Amazon and eBay, it appears there are only a few different types - with slight variations.
Here's what I found, with my $.02 below...
Silicone
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Won't protect the screen
-------------------------
Asus origami front cover
Horrible reviews, won't stay closed
-------------------------
360-degree, velcro or snap mechanism
Bulky
-------------------------
Another type of 360-degree case
Bulky
-------------------------
Tab-style folding mechanism
Keeps slipping out of tab in nearly-flat mode
-------------------------
Folio with kickstand
Bulky
-------------------------
Three-position stand
Had one, returned it - the hard clip that holds the
cover to the device hits the screen before slipping over
the edge. It will likely scratch the screen eventually
or cause wear on that edge.
-------------------------
Multi-angle stand
Stand not stable, don't like material covering the bezel
-------------------------
Triangle-fold
don't like material covering the bezel
-------------------------
Flap style, no stand
No stand
-------------------------
Sikai leather/plastic
Not bad, plastic/leather combination is ugly
I know there is a member here working on a plastic back case that looks promising, but I don't think that will be available any time soon. Have I missed anything else?
Let me know!
swordsman74 said:
I know there is a member here working on a plastic back case that looks promising, but I don't think that will be available any time soon. Have I missed anything else?
Let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BobJ is coming out with a silicone case, that works great! (I have a prototype, and he's told me the changes he's implementing, some of which I had recommended)
He's very conscientious about making quality cases, as is obvious from his Amazon reviews on the BobJ Toshiba Thrive cases he sells.
No, it doesn't cover or protect the screen, but if you feel the gorilla glass is sufficient, or if you don't and get a screen protector, it should be an issue.
All ports and openings will be accessible, and it provides excellent protection to the device.
Should be available in one to two weeks, hopefully.
You can go to www.bobjgear.com to check out what they'll look like.
swordsman74 said:
I know there is a member here working on a plastic back case that looks promising, but I don't think that will be available any time soon. Have I missed anything else?
Let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are 2 that I know of:
Sikai also makes a Microfiber case that is available on ebay. its essentially a tri fold covering the bevel but made out of microfiber.
great reviews from people on this board, but to me the way the stitching sticks out on each side is a deal breaker. and there is no way it wont start to stretch out and eventually the prime will have room to wiggle inside.
the Noreve high end leather case.
http://www.noreve.com/langue/en/pro...ormer_Prime_TF201_Tradition_leather_case.html
its a three position case made of high end materials that seems to deserve its own category. only issue is the price, which matches the high end materials.
its a shame marware hasnt come out with their 3 position case for the Prime. great materials, the bottom corner clips are felt on the inside so tbey dont scratch the screen and its half the price of the Noreve (based on ipad prices).
BBKB1217 said:
there are 2 that I know of:
Sikai also makes a Microfiber case that is available on ebay. its essentially a tri fold covering the bevel but made out of microfiber.
great reviews from people on this board, but to me the way the stitching sticks out on each side is a deal breaker. and there is no way it wont start to stretch out and eventually the prime will have room to wiggle inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using the Sikai Microfiber style case for a few months now and it hasn't stretched out at all. The material the case is made from isn't stretchy, it is a firm synthetic material similar to the material used in Apple's iPad Smartcover.
The seams are heat sealed as well as stitched. The edges are slightly flexible and are very comfortable in your hand, much nicer than the Prime's somewhat sharp edges.
If you are looking for a thin and light case to protect your Prime, it is one of the best ones available right now.
Prefer metal cover instead of PU leather case on the back N3,get to know some aluminum alloy cover yet seems it's a little bit wired with the appearance of an iPhone knock-off,if anybody tried this kind of case and if it will block the signals ?
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greentaloy said:
Prefer metal cover instead of PU leather case on the back N3,get to know some aluminum alloy cover yet seems it's a little bit wired with the appearance of an iPhone knock-off,if anybody tried this kind of case and if it will block the signals ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of a couple of weeks ago, there were two variants of the "iPhone-type" metal case. One used two microscrews to secure the back cover, the other used a "tab/slot" method.
I purchased one of each for evaluation from eBay. The one using the two screws required me to remove the back cover of the Note 3 to properly fit, yet the overall "thickness" between this case and the other is the same (or so negligible that I couldn't tell). Both cases have two round buttons for the volume, but the microscrew case has an oblong button for the power, whereas the tab/slot case has a round button for the power. Another (important) difference is the microscrew case has a raised lip around the camera lens, so it offers some protection, whereas the tab/slot case is flat, and the camera lens DOES protrude a bit, exposing it to risk of scratching. The oblong button, in my opinion, looks better.
You would think that the tab/slot case would be more susceptible to having the back plate fall out (and the phone with it), but, in actual use, it is quite secure, and I doubt that it would fail (especially since your natural hold keeps the tabs "squeezed" to the frame anyway). However, I suppose if you dropped the case, the back panel could pop out, whereas the microscrew case would not (although, the microscrew case is only secured by screws on ONE side, and the other side is still a tab/slot).
As for actual use, (I'm on USA TMobile), I did NOT notice any signal degradation whatsoever... I got the same number of bars as I always did without the case. I didn't do a scientific signal measurement... just a subjective look at the bars, but really... it worked perfectly fine, and isn't that what is most important?
HOWEVER, it completely negated the NFC (ie, it did NOT work), and it also prohibits QI Inductive Charging. So keep that in mind. Bluetooth and WiFI did not seem to be affected.
Another thing to consider... the openings around the USB charge port are not very big. I had to file the hole larger on the tab/slot case so my USB cable could completely plug into the phone. The microscrew case was large enough, but just barely. I did not try it with the Samsung supplied USB3 cord.
So what's the final verdict? I think the tab/slot case is better, as it did not require me to remove the back cover of the phone, and as I stated above, it was no thicker than the other (maybe the aluminum gauge is thinner?). You also don't need to carry around a screwdriver (and you'll need a VERY small screwdriver tip) if you ever have to take your phone out of the case.
Ultimately, I chose neither one, as the aluminum is quite slippery in your hand. Instead, I went with a Seidio Surface case, The Seidio also has a kickstand, which I needed.
The aluminum cases do look nice, if you like the iPhone look, but after using them for a week, I got tired of the look and went back to the black Seidio. The black color makes the phone look less imposing... the aluminum just makes the phone look bigger. I suppose if you got the black aluminum instead of the silver, it would look thinner. Also, just FYI... I also purchased an aluminum bumper and one of those cheap "brushed aluminum" back covers to see if I could get a "thinner" profile but with the same looks... don't waste your time... it didn't look all that great, and the aftermarket back covers are THICKER than the stock Samsung cover, so it makes the bumper a very tight fit.
For reference, here are listings from eBay that are representative of the cases I purchased (no guarantee that these "listings" will be viewable after a few weeks). If I decide to not be so lazy, I might take some photos of the two cases and post them... but for now:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291001851272
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200974399049
Hope this helps.
Had something similar on my tmobile S4 yes it killed signal in weak areas, ended up throwing it away.
New owner of a Note 3 but long-time lurker of XDA!
Noticed not too many users using aluminum/metal cases so I figured I'd give them a whirl~
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I decided to review this specific case because it's literally everywhere on ebay and seems to be the most popular aluminum case for the Note 3 currently.
1) What I received in the mail
Packaging was incredibly simple.
Here is what I received(This may vary depending on where and whom you buy yours from),
-Aluminum case enclosed in bubblewrap
-Keychain/Mini screwdriver(one side is flat head while the other is a philips screwdriver head)
-Mini bag with spare screws(Not pictured)
2) The Weight.
Weighed my Note 3 first to find it weighing at a paltry 6.05 oz.
After applying the aluminum casing, I found the weight to increase roughly 22%(From 6.05 oz to 7.35 oz)
Being that this is my first case for the Note 3, I'm unsure if the increase in weight is typical for most cases or abnormal.
3) Build Quality.
The casing actually feels very sturdy and tough in the hand despite it's thinness. This case is a SCREW-ON case.
There are rubberized strips inside the bumper to absorb any impact and the back panel actually replaces the stock back panel of the Note 3 to truly reduce bulk size.
But for some strange reason, after installing the case, I felt almost afraid of ever dropping my phone. Although the aluminum is thick and sturdy, I just didn't feel entirely safe holding it in my hand.
The buttons feel great! I actually prefer pushing the casing's buttons rather than the stock buttons.
All the cutouts are very accurate and easily accessible EXCEPT for the headphone jack.
You will NOT be able to use any 3.5mm right-angled cables with this case on!
This wasn't a dealbreaker for me because I never use my phone as my mp3 player.
As expected from anything made out of brushed aluminum, there is no grip to this case. If you are a butterfinger, stay far away from this case.
WARNING: the cutout near the S-Pen is just a tad bit sharp so please be careful when handling!
4) Aesthetics.
I must admit, I've gotten quite a bit of compliments after putting on this case!
It looks quite luxurious but the only downside is the obnoxious Engrish on the back of the casing. The logo almost looks like XXX or something and the description underneath is incredibly redundant(Seriously, it literally says "mobile phone metal frame cover mobile phone set Note 3").
The buttons remind me too much of the iPhone(especially the round volume controls). They look obnoxious on my Note 3 but atleast they work :/
For those who dislike reading long blocks of text,
Pros
-Looks luxurious and expensive
-Wifi is NOT affected by the aluminum casing (Download/Upload speeds were the same with and without the case)
-Buttons feel very good
-Cutouts are very accurate
-Phone does not move around in case due to the screws
-Pretty damn slim for a aluminum case. Does not add much bulk at all
-The added weight is not too large. This may not be a Pro for some.
-Compatible with most if not all screen protectors(I am using an iloome Screenmate Flex Tempered Glass Protector)
Cons
-Weird Engrish writing on the back(There are also blank versions of this case available on the internet!)
-3.5mm right-angled cables do NOT work on this case
-God damn slippery
-Feels somewhat unsafe to drop despite the robustness of the casing. This may not feel the same for other users.
-Gets cold when left untouched
-Sharp corners around S-Pen
-Screws are incredibly small and ridiculously easy to lose if not careful
More pictures!
Biggest complaint I've seen on this type of case is drastic decrease in signal.
Do you have anything to report in regards to signal?
Sent from my SM-N900V
I have this case in grey/silver and I did indeed notice some signal degradation in areas with weak signal. For this reason, I had to switch to a diztronic case. Otherwise this is a beautiful case - though makes the phone look a little thicker from the side view.
blaine07 said:
Biggest complaint I've seen on this type of case is drastic decrease in signal.
Do you have anything to report in regards to signal?
Sent from my SM-N900V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd.. I have yet to notice any decrease in signal with this case on. Perhaps this may vary depending on the user's location.
Most if not all aluminum cases cause signal drop. Sometimes it can be drastic and sometimes it can be very minimum. Every case I've owned that's metal is like that. Doesn't matter if it's cheap or expensive.
screws
I lost the screws and do not know where to find new ones, or what kind of screws they are? Can you help me?
I bought one of these cases. While it looks and feels great, i have to agree. It is crazy slippery. Like, really.
Also, more issues i had with it, is that I had practically no GPS signal, neither could I use the NFC. That's a pity, as I got numerous compliments about the case, and I would really like to use it full time. But alas, I am back to my slim fit carbon fiber case.
Can't you apply strategically placed strips of see through plastic armor to make it more grippy?
Does it provide any protection?
Sent from my SM-N9005
Good looking case ruined by their logo.
The case looks very nice - it's a shame the logo and decrease in reception mess it up.
Let me introduce to you my absolute favorite case, not just for the S8, but for many Smartphones that I have owned over the years. Long before I became a fan of these cases I was in love with the (UAG) Urban Armor Gear cases, that was until they didn't support a new smartphone that I had purchased. Like many of you I went out seeking a case that I liked, often buying a dozen cases or more since they were relatively cheap and easy to return thanks to Amazon, but once I found this gem I knew my search was over.
Supcase is now the first brand I go to for a case whenever I get a new smartphone and I was devastated when they didn't make one for my HTC 10 so I was forced to pay more for a similar product, Incipio's Octane case. The main reasons for me choosing this case over other similar cases are the look and feel, but the price is very nice as well. Compared to other similar cases I find the grip to be perfect and it doesn't grip to your pocket either. It seemingly adds no bulk (probably the thickness of a nickel on both sides and back) and it literally kept me from taking my S8 back and exchanging it for the S8+ due to it feeling too skinny in my hand. With this case on it has a very ergonomic feel and fits perfect!
The buttons are not any more or less responsive than a naked S8 and are easily found... and so is the horrible Bixby button unfortunately lol. This is a hybrid-type case with the edges around the case consisting of a very durable shock-absorbing TPU that is molded to a hard polycarbonate backing. Drop protection is excellent and exceeds military shock standards which comes at no surprise. It has raised edges to protect your screen when placed on a flat surface and the cutouts are sizeable enough to fit any plug you may have.
Overall it's a very good case.
http://a.co/5ldVaTJ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHFP7P3)
EDIT: Just to clarify on the thickness because some people say it 'looks' bulky... It only adds roughly 2mm of thickness to the sides. Of course the corners are roughly 4mm, but that's where you want more protection anyway. This is FAR from a bulky case IMO. For those in the states, like myself, 2mm is almost halfway between 1/8th and 1/16 of an inch.
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Look bulky but i am sure it protects. How much u got it?
Tiongkia said:
Look bulky but i am sure it protects. How much u got it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not bulky at all. Don't knock it til you try it. As I said in my review it only adds about the thickness of a nickel to the sides. It's only $12.99 on Amazon.
EDIT: I just measured the thickness and it's halfway between 1/8th and 1/16th of an inch or approximately 2mm of thickness that is added to the sides.
This is always what I start with as my go to case also. It may not look the best but the in hand feel and grip is perfect. Wish they had a clear back version.
allklrnoflr said:
This is always what I start with as my go to case also. It may not look the best but the in hand feel and grip is perfect. Wish they had a clear back version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do, but the style is different I personally don't mind the frosted back and it's not a fingerprint magnet like the clear cases which would arguably look worse lol. It also does a great job covering up any scuffs and scratches that happen over time... something the clear ones simply can't do.