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So we all like our protective cases... and I agree I think for the average person some type of tpu case or any case that provides some drop security is good. Your basically just looking to save the body of the phone... which i would think could be achieved pretty easily without getting the bigger bulky cases.. like UAG.. Otterbox etc.. if your working 20 feet up i'd say go for it.. otherwise.. why? wouldn't say a slim armor.. or just a slimmer designed case that has a better fit in your pocket do the deed just as well from a normal head to ground drop? I wouldn't think a slimmer case could achieve this easily (I'm not saying i'm right)...
Now for the part we all love.. the screen... so many people get cases.... practically everyone.. but most people tend to not guard the screen the way we should.. I personally believe this is where the money should be spent.. getting a good iloome glass protector or another alternative that will seriously protect the screen from a head drop to concrete etc... at least up your chances substantially from the screen being destroyed....
That is my amateur stance.... now this is why i start the thread.. because the UAG looks nice and very protective... but it adds (excessive?) bulk? couldn't a slim armor or another choice (place good slim protective case here please lol) and as far as my eye can see you can get the iloome flex for a great price.. which i think is a must.. not necessarily the brand but the protector.... so maybe someone can throw something in on a case to save from drops that is quality but slim... and hopefully this thread reminds someone to get a screen protector..... I'm just wondering if these cases are a bit of overkill considering the amount of bulk... and rather if a smaller footprint could basically acheive the same protection from. your normal 7 foot and down worst case scenario... thoughts? advice?
On my razrHD I used an Otterbox defender. So i've been looking around for something similar. But as the N3 already is a huge device to fit in your pocket, i wanted something more slim. The spigen neo wasn't available so I settled for the spigen bounce. I also added a screen protector film. Actually, if your phone drops, I doubt that any screen protector will help much. For me, the screen protector is more for little scratches you get when putting the device into your pocket, bag, or whatever else.
From my expirience, I really loved the silicone of my Otterbox. I could almost put my hand more than 45degrees without the phone slipping from my flat hand. I don't dare doing this with the spigen bounces TPU. Compared to the Otterbox, it's almost slippery.
But the Otterbox made the phone also even heavier than it was already. So i have plenty of reasons not to get a tough case. Instead I ordered a bamboo aluminum bumper. I love the looks,, I think it wont't add much weight and bulk and the back of the phone offers more grip than the spigens TPU and it's also replaceable which wasn't the case on my razr HD. Actually, the only one time I dropped my razr HD was when I was at home and had taken it out of its case to admire the slimness of the phone. Bummer. And I immediately had a scratch on one corner of the kevlar back.
So to sum it up, I plan on using a bumper because the sides of the phone cannot be replaced but the back of the N3 can. The screen won't make a difference with or without protector in my opinion, so I think it's more of a preference thing. I like the thought that I can just peel off the layer of plastic in case of minor scratches. The only last concern I have with my bumper is, that the "housing" of the camera seems to be aluminum which could get scratched because the phone will rest on the housings edge when laid down. The lens won't be affected because it will be angled to any flat surface, and I don't plan on laying my new toy on rough concrete or similar.
Wow. What a long post. But from reading the OP-post, I think it's all about sharing ones thoughts and experience so others can build on it. I hope you didn't mind reading all this.
Thanks but I think your getting screen protectors mixed up from the plastic junk ones two the glass ones that can save a screen... check out YouTube tests on tech 21 or iloome
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
loopers said:
Thanks but I think your getting screen protectors mixed up from the plastic junk ones two the glass ones that can save a screen... check out YouTube tests on tech 21 or iloome
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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Possibly true, but there'll always be that one little sharp edge the screen drops on so that it gets shattered. And with a screen this big, the likelyhood it's falling "butterside down" is pretty high. Anyway, I'm ok with my screenprotector like it is and I try to be careful not to drop my phone
The most drops I heard of so far was with people who used pouches. The pouch protects as long as the phone is in, but it usually drops down when exerted from the pouch. So I think it may be the same with any other case. Like it was with my razr HD. i never dropped it while it was in the Otterbox. Just the only one time I wanted to use it without my Otterbox.
I quite honestly don't ever see any hard materials landing on my screen, but I do like glass protectors due to the smooth texture and scratch resistance.
I currently use a slim armor and I wouldn't trust it as much as I would if I had an UAG on it even though the slim armor isn't actually that slim...
Kawaisa said:
I quite honestly don't ever see any hard materials landing on my screen, but I do like glass protectors due to the smooth texture and scratch resistance.
I currently use a slim armor and I wouldn't trust it as much as I would if I had an UAG on it even though the slim armor isn't actually that slim...
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Thanks. Probably go with the uag sadly.. it seems the best all around case though sadly has designer flaws
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
loopers said:
Thanks. Probably go with the uag sadly.. it seems the best all around case though sadly has designer flaws
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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From all my research it seems the best protection for the Note 3 is:
MIME Feather Glass protector
+
Polycarbonate Bumper.
What...Why?!?!
Well, first of all the Note 3 has a more sensitive active digitizer and I think the capacitive sensor's been bumped up a notch.
What that means is you can use screen protectors made of glass to give the screen the extra protection it needs.
These are usually VERY protective, and if given the right conditions should last the length of the phone's lifetime (usually 2 years).
The MIME Feather is the THINNEST glass protector available, sitting at 0.15mm its not that much thicker than plastic screen protectors.
Being the thinnest it should be the weakest of the glass protectors, but like I said since glass protectors are REALLY protective it will be more than enough.
And another point to make, this uses the best materials and machining available. Its just a step up, technologically wise, than the cheap 3mm ones.
So it can actually take a beating as much as those cheap 3.3mm glass protectors (which also tank hits, and brush off scratches as nothing).
For $32... its an expensive investment, but being a one off, its probably worth it.
Bumpers.
Is it weird that the Antenna-gate scandal left us with something genius?
Having a bumper which is scratch resistant, shock proof, temperature proof, and just hands down awesome is just... awesome.
I personally don't like bumpers because I feel like they don't protect the phone's front and back-- the truth is they do.
Having a bumper which sits mostly flush on the sides ...BUT protrudes out from the front and rear angles of the phone is magic.
It means dropping the phone will ALWAYS land on the bumper, and shock absorbed, dint free, scratch prevented.
And bumping your phone will ALMOST always ding the bumper.
What this means is a good, high quality bumper can put less "FAT" on your device and still provide the same protection.
I'm all for efficiency.
And why polycarbonate/VaporMG and not Aluminium or Metal?
It doesn't matter what type of metal you have, surrounding the perimeter of the device creates some sort of "force field" a phenomenon known as Faraday Cage.
An expensive metal bumper made by a reputable company will drop ~1 bar of signal, I'm not sure if NFC and Bluetooth are affected. On top of this, not all metals are the same.
Some are poor shock conductors, and won't really protect your phone.
While TPU can get the job done, its not 100% environment/weather proof. Something like a high quality Polycarbonate (think Nikkon DSLR camera housing) will last longer than your device's lifetime, feel great/grippy, and be as protective. Leather isn't a good choice here simply because its not very sturdy (when its just a thin bumper) and won't be able to absorb as much force as these plastics and amorphous metals. Wood seems like a good candidate... good luck in finding the right tree and the right lumberjack!
In conclusion, a very thin glass protector, and a sturdy plastic bumper.
Together they'll absorb almost all the bumps, nicks, and scratches your phone will experience in its lifetime of normal use.
To get better protection, you can always dial up to a 3mm glass protector and a full-case made of TPU/Glass-Metal/Leather, but I honestly don't think it adds as much protection as it adds bulk !
To get maximum protection for those of you who work in construction on skyscrapers... get a really expensive and thick plastic case. Probably one that has a front cover too. Something not far from Otterbox/Griffin/CaseMate/Lifeproof/Seidio/etc cases. Some of these should survive a car driving over it. Meanwhile lads, enjoy wearing a purse to carry your new blunt-force weapon.
Thank you for reading, and be careful out there : l
Kawaisa said:
I quite honestly don't ever see any hard materials landing on my screen, but I do like glass protectors due to the smooth texture and scratch resistance.
I currently use a slim armor and I wouldn't trust it as much as I would if I had an UAG on it even though the slim armor isn't actually that slim...
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Click to collapse
Well, maybe my wording was a little off, which is why I used the "butterside down" example. I meant that if your phone drops and it drops with the screen side down, there'll always be a sharp edge close by or a stone on the ground that just sits there and waits for a phone screen to fall onto it
I also never had any sharp objects falling on my screen so far :silly:
Sorry if I expressed myself incorrectly.
Kangal said:
From all my research it seems the best protection for the Note 3 is:
MIME Feather Glass protector
+
Polycarbonate Bumper.
What...Why?!?!
Well, first of all the Note 3 has a more sensitive active digitizer and I think the capacitive sensor's been bumped up a notch.
What that means is you can use screen protectors made of glass to give the screen the extra protection it needs.
These are usually VERY protective, and if given the right conditions should last the length of the phone's lifetime (usually 2 years).
The MIME Feather is the THINNEST glass protector available, sitting at 0.15mm its not that much thicker than plastic screen protectors.
Being the thinnest it should be the weakest of the glass protectors, but like I said since glass protectors are REALLY protective it will be more than enough.
And another point to make, this uses the best materials and machining available. Its just a step up, technologically wise, than the cheap 3mm ones.
So it can actually take a beating as much as those cheap 3.3mm glass protectors (which also tank hits, and brush off scratches as nothing).
For $32... its an expensive investment, but being a one off, its probably worth it.
Bumpers.
Is it weird that the Antenna-gate scandal left us with something genius?
Having a bumper which is scratch resistant, shock proof, temperature proof, and just hands down awesome is just... awesome.
I personally don't like bumpers because I feel like they don't protect the phone's front and back-- the truth is they do.
Having a bumper which sits mostly flush on the sides ...BUT protrudes out from the front and rear angles of the phone is magic.
It means dropping the phone will ALWAYS land on the bumper, and shock absorbed, dint free, scratch prevented.
And bumping your phone will ALMOST always ding the bumper.
What this means is a good, high quality bumper can put less "FAT" on your device and still provide the same protection.
I'm all for efficiency.
And why polycarbonate/VaporMG and not Aluminium or Metal?
It doesn't matter what type of metal you have, surrounding the perimeter of the device creates some sort of "force field" a phenomenon known as Faraday Cage.
An expensive metal bumper made by a reputable company will drop ~1 bar of signal, I'm not sure if NFC and Bluetooth are affected. On top of this, not all metals are the same.
Some are poor shock conductors, and won't really protect your phone.
While TPU can get the job done, its not 100% environment/weather proof. Something like a high quality Polycarbonate (think Nikkon DSLR camera housing) will last longer than your device's lifetime, feel great/grippy, and be as protective. Leather isn't a good choice here simply because its not very sturdy (when its just a thin bumper) and won't be able to absorb as much force as these plastics and amorphous metals. Wood seems like a good candidate... good luck in finding the right tree and the right lumberjack!
In conclusion, a very thin glass protector, and a sturdy plastic bumper.
Together they'll absorb almost all the bumps, nicks, and scratches your phone will experience in its lifetime of normal use.
To get better protection, you can always dial up to a 3mm glass protector and a full-case made of TPU/Glass-Metal/Leather, but I honestly don't think it adds as much protection as it adds bulk !
To get maximum protection for those of you who work in construction on skyscrapers... get a really expensive and thick plastic case. Probably one that has a front cover too. Something not far from Otterbox/Griffin/CaseMate/Lifeproof/Seidio/etc cases. Some of these should survive a car driving over it. Meanwhile lads, enjoy wearing a purse to carry your new blunt-force weapon.
Thank you for reading, and be careful out there : l[/QUOTE
This was what i was going for.. thank you for the information.. what bumper do you use if u don't mind me asking?
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loopers said:
This was what i was going for.. thank you for the information.. what bumper do you use if u don't mind me asking?
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Click to collapse
For now I've got this combo:
3mm Explosion Proof Glass
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181250089468?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
+
Black Matte Slim Bumper
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141097547867?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Next combo:
MIME Feather Glass
http://mimeusa.com/product/galaxy-note-3-feather-glass-tempered-glass-screen-protector/
+
Clear TPU Kickstand Case
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281194981583?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
This is only my second time posting a review like this (first was last year for the Note 2), and would just like to take some time putting together a review that I hope will help some people make a decision if they are undecided between some of the available cases.
After scouring the internet back in December I narrowed my choices down to four potential cases. I wanted to give each a fair shake, so purchased all four and have been trying each one out since then - used each case for a full 7 to 10 days at a time over a 5+ week period.
Disclosure:
I will say that I am an individual who values a case that offers more than just minimal protection. Spending $800+ CDN for a phone each year, I want to maximize the likelihood that it will last without needing replacement - even though I am extremely careful.
With that said, I also really like portability and value the aesthetically pleasing appearance of a device with case.
My previous device from last year (Note 2) was fitted with an Otterbox Commuter first, but then I decided to opt for the OEM Samsung snap on case (lightweight, minimal protection) that sold for about $20 CDN.
Before I get into the cases, a bit about the screen protector...
I am a proponent of screen protectors (as long as it does not feel too tacky to the touch) and from day one settled on the Spigen GLAS.tR Slim Tempered Glass protector for the Note 3. Spent a good few hours comparing different options and after purchasing a handful of different protectors prior, was just not wowed by any of them so gave the GLAS.tR from Spigen a go, and wow was it amazing. It may be possible that other companies offer similar (if not identical) glass protectors, but I was happy with this one. It was $39.99 CDN, but I believe there are some of the more cost effective brands that have similar tempered glass protectors as well.
On to the cases...
1. Spigen Neo Hybrid -- $35 CDN
Black back and option of six different colours for the frame - gold, red, white, slate, yellow and silver. Images below show the silver frame.
The case itself comes as two pieces - a thin TPU layer that encases the sides and back of the phone, along with a plastic piece that snaps around the four sides to hold it firm against the phone. The assembly process is quite straightforward and simple to execute. The packaging instructs to slip the TPU around the phone first prior to snapping the plastic outer part, but I have found that you can just as easily leave the two pieces of the case assembled together and simply snap the phone in. Once in, the phone is fit quite snug.
The phone fit with this case is rather slim. It will fit in just about any pocket and slide in/out with ease due to the smooth plastic material.
Port cutouts are all fine. Pen is removed without any problems, and access to both charging and headphone ports may be reached without having to uncover.
Pressing the power and volume rocker buttons are done so on the plastic frame. No issues with how they felt.
In regards to handling, while it feels nice in the hand, it is rather slippery and does not offer any grip whatsoever.
In terms of protection, it does a really good job of encasing the device to ensure there are no exposed edges/surfaces and will protect it well from scratches and light bumps. As for any sort of impact, I would not put much trust in it. The plastic is very thin and the ring around the edges is just that - plastic. A drop from waist-height onto a hard surface would surely scuff up and leave noticeable marks/dents on that polycarbonate piece. If you are not worried about the potential of dropping your phone, this is a very sleek case that offers a visually appealing look. For those wanting a case they can be confident in getting them through normal everyday use and not worrying about at least minor falls, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
2. Urban Armor Gear (UAG) -- $35 CDN
Four colour options to choose from - Aero (blue), Navigator (white), Outland (orange) and Scout (black). Images show Navigator white.
This case is one-piece, although it is apparently designed as a 'fused hard outer with soft impact resistant core' design as per the UAG website product description. The inner layer is not really all that soft though. I would say it is more like a single-layer construction style case. Installation of the case is very simple. The phone snaps right in, and is very snug - even more so than the Spigen Neo Hybrid. So one should not ever worry about the phone inadvertently coming out of the case - I would go so far as to say even upon impact. Something I liked about the design of the back was that the grooves provide for some grip with holding with one hand. Without this, the plastic back would not offer much grip to hold on to.
In terms of size, the case does not add very much bulk to the phone. Yes, it is a bit larger in both width and height compared to the Neo Hybrid, but still not a bulky case whatsoever.
Access to all ports done so with ease. There was an issue with the initial batch of these cases being released without the temperature and humidity sensor hole cutout. UAG offered to replace these for customers who did not have it on theirs, and apparently is no longer a problem with the current cases sold. The pen is removed easily and the camera cutout is adequate.
The buttons press fine, however they do have a somewhat hard 'plastic' feel to them when depressed. It does not pose a problem when pressing, but just a minor comment about the overall feel that felt different from the smoothness of pressing on the two Otterbox cases.
As for protection, this case sure looks pretty rugged from the back. It covers the phone well to prevent scratches and scuffs. I would say that the phone would be fine if dropped from waist-height, but a 'hard' drop may still leave the phone susceptible to some direct impact since the case itself is rather rigid.
Compared to the Spigen Neo Hybrid, the UAG no doubt offers much more protection. This just comes at the cost of it being very slightly thicker, wider and higher in dimension.
3. Otterbox Commuter -- $45 CDN
Comes in Black, Glacier (grey inner rubber, white outer plastic), Surf (dark blue inner, light blue outer), Merlot (purple inner, white-ish outer), Lily (purple inner, teal outer) and Berry (purple inner, red-ish outer). Gracier is shown in images.
This is a two-piece case that has a rubber inner layer around the phone and encased by a hard plastic outer shell that holds the rubber firm. Assembly is simple - once rubber layer is wrapped around the phone, slide either top or bottom edge against the plastic and press the opposite edge down so snaps snug in place. Once done, you may also need to lift open and close the headphone and charging port covers to ensure they are seated properly within the plastic shell.
Compared to the Note 2 Otterbox Commuter this one has a nicer feel to it. The rubber is held together very snug against the phone by the outer plastic, so there is no feeling of flimsy rubber as was the case with previous models. Because the back is plastic, it will slide in/out of a pocket rather well. As a result, it is however somewhat slippery in hand - but nowhere near as slippery as the Neo Hybrid. The rubber inner layer is exposed on the two upper and two bottom outer edges. This helps in adding the grip of the phone. The front facing lip of the rubber layer comes up past the plastic edges and also offers additional grip - this is something that stood out compared to the Neo Hybrid and UAG that I have to say made a big difference.
As mentioned, the headphone and charging ports are covered by a flap from the rubber layer. These are opened/closed easily. Removal of the pen is similar in ease as the UAG - the Neo hybrid was the narrowest of the three in terms of width of opening.
The volume rocker and power button feel very smooth, compared to the harder plastic feel of the UAG.
In terms of protection, this would offer much more impact protection than the UAG, and even more over the Neo Hybrid. I would feel confident in dropping the phone 6-feet in height onto hard surface anticipating only minor scuff damage to the plastic case. The front edge rubber lip comes up much higher above the screen than either of the Neo Hybrid or UAG edges - extra 1.5 to 2mm from the screen vs. those two.
All around, this has the most protection and the 'best feel' of the three so far. Very solid feel in hand.
4. Otterbox Defender -- $60 CDN
Just like the Commuter, this comes in Black, Glacier, Surf, Merlot, Lily and Berry colour combinations, as well as Blaze (black inner with orange and realtree graphic on back). Images show Glacier.
This is also a two-piece case, but compared to the Commuter (rubber inner & plastic outer) the Defender has a hard plastic inner with soft rubber outer layer. Assembly of this one is straightforward, however disassembly may be a bit difficult as the plastic clasps must be pressed in (to the phone) to release them. It is a snug fit, so it can be tricky until you get the hang of it. In addition, it also comes with a plastic screen protector built in to the plastic case layer. Compared to the Commuter, the rubber at the bottom edge also comes up to cover/protect the home button. Also, this case comes with a hard plastic belt clip/holster. I would probably not use it everyday, but I can see it being useful for people who are in environments that may benefit from the extra protection. With the screen facing down in the holster, it really feels safe and secure.
This case is the biggest of the four, however it was surprisingly quite compact when I first saw it. They redesigned it compared to how it was for the Note 2. Yes, it is thicker than the Commuter still, but just a little bit. It is a bit wider than the Commuter - maybe 2mm or so. Despite it's thicker dimensions, it still fits fine in most pockets - even slim jeans. Because the outer layer is rubber, it will not slide in/out as well as the other three though. On the plus side, the outer rubber layer is probably one of the most outstanding features of all the cases that surprised me. The enhanced grip it offers is absolutely amazing.
The built in screen protector is something that I did not like though. It feels OK and does sit rather well on the device's screen, but it's still not the same as an actual screen protector applied onto the device itself. After using the Defender and built in screen protector with the GLAS.tR for 3 days, I opted to remove/pop it out. So now I just have the tempered glass screen protector which feels way smoother and less affected by smudges.
The headphone and charging ports are protected by thicker feeling tabs compared to the Commuter. The opening for the pen actually feels just a hair-bit tighter than that of the Commuter's. From the looks of it, I am thinking this is because of how thick the rubber is around that corner.
The volume rocker and power buttons depress smooth and fine - pretty much identical to that of the Commuter's.
I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that the Defender offers way more protection than any of the three other cases. Even if the tactile rubber grip somehow fails your grasps, the impact protection this offers is second to none. I would probably feel confident in this phone dropping from two levels up onto hard surface.
Using this case everyday may not be for everyone though. Yes, it can fit in the pockets of slim jeans, but it may not be the silhouette one may want in their outfit. Sure, you could use the belt holster, but again, not everyone may want that look either.
I was very surprised how comfortable I felt by the end of the week of using the Defender. On the first couple days, it seemed like I was making an extra effort to carry it around. After the week, I could see myself really getting used to it.
Comparison Images
For all those who want to see the cases next to each other for dimension comparison purposes here they are...
OVERALL OPINION
There really is no 'best case for everyone'. It comes down to what you want and individual lifestyles and preferences. With that said, you need to determine how much protection you would like from a case.
I will say that of the four cases, the Otterbox Commuter comes out as the winner for me. It offers the most protection hands down with minimal bulk (although the defender is a close second). The UAG is a nice looking case from the back, but aside from that and the grooves for grip on the plastic back, there is not much special about it. Take into account the extra grip you get from the Commuter, and even more from the Defender, and they trump the UAG in that regard easily. The Neo Hybrid was disappointing for me as it not only did not offer much protection, it was also difficult to handle with its smooth-texture surface.
I do not regret having bought all four cases though - it's the price I'd gladly pay to ensure I find one that meets my expectations. The Commuter is now my everyday case, with the Defender being the one I change to here and there just to have a different look when I want to change things up. Even with slim pockets, the Commuter is still my choice over the slightly slimmer Neo Hybrid and UAG cases.
***************
I want to thank everyone who has reviewed a case for the Note 3. It had likely played a part in my decision making and am appreciative of the effort and time put in.
cheers,
Matt
Great reviews and thank you for taking the time & money to do this. I agree with you completely on the spigen neo hybrid review, tho it does look nice it has no grip and is more of a "for looks" type of case. Im rockin the ZL otterbox defender-lookalike case and it does a good enough job for me. I especially like the case since it provides for future modifications like extra room for microsd 2 sd card integration so you have your long lasting battery life, great protection and goliath like storage expansion
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda premium
I think the neo would protect from a small drop from waist height or something like that. The case would definitely not survive fully intact though the phone may well do. Not game to try it.
The UAG does stand up to drops quite well. It saved my Note 2 a couple of times, not only saving the phone but also with minimal scuffing to the case itself.
Even though I'm happy with the UAG, I'm tempted to try a commuter on the basis of this review. A bit more grip and port covers is certainly a tempting proposition.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
I switch between UAG and Trident Cyclops. Both of them offer excellent protection ?
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 ?
Thanks for the excellent review! I currently have a black Otterbox commuter and find the case to be nearly perfect in every aspect. I recently ordered a Spigen neo Hybrid in dante red just to change things up a bit and for a sleeker look.
Great stuff here, thanks for the great review. I have the UAG and love it, but am looking for a protective case with a better feel. After reading this, I'm eyeballing the Commuter as well.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Def a great review. Been checking out the commuter and UAG cases and definitely leaning towards the commuter now.
Sent from the big ol' Note 3
Haha I wish a review like this was posted before I went out and bought these cases myself. I have the Neo-Hyrbid, two UAGs (one is a replacement for the missing hole) and a Defender, in the exact same colors as reviewed.
I have to say that this is an great review and all of mattt33's review points are spot on. Of the three that I have, the Defender is my favorite for its protection, excellent grip and long-term holding comfort because of the soft outer shell. Comfort is very important to me because I do a good amount of gaming and media watching on my device. My only gripe about the Defender really has to do with the color choice. Anything other than black is going to show dirtiness after a while.
The Commuter does look great though, but I think I would miss the grip and soft-yet-solid feel of the Defender. I'd give it a try, but I'd never hear the end of it from my wife if she stumbled upon yet another case in the mail.
Completely different cases to compare. I have the neo hybrid, and also the uag, and the slim armor. I'd have to say I Love all of them for different reasons. But I usually use the slim armor. It just feels nice looks nice.
Guess where I landed right after ordering a Dante Red Spigen Neo Hybrid. !
Lol., It was merely a decision based on the looks. Didn't drop my Phone since the first day. So hope it will work out for me as i don't have an option to cancel or change the order.
Thanks for the review mate!
Great review. I actually own all of the Neo Hybrid colors. I am usually good with not droppinhg my phones. I like the look of them and am not bothered by the grip.
---------- Post added at 12:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:50 AM ----------
JazonX said:
Guess where I landed right after ordering a Dante Red Spigen Neo Hybrid. !
Lol., It was merely a decision based on the looks. Didn't drop my Phone since the first day. So hope it will work out for me as i don't have an option to cancel or change the order.
Thanks for the review mate!
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How has the case worked out for you?
I love Spigen Neo Hybrid but for me all cases in general makes the Note too big... Good review!
conamundas said:
Great review. I actually own all of the Neo Hybrid colors. I am usually good with not droppinhg my phones. I like the look of them and am not bothered by the grip.
---------- Post added at 12:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:50 AM ----------
How has the case worked out for you?
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Extremely Happy!
Only the original samsung Micro USB 2.0 Cable will fit when the case is on. Opening for the USB port on SPIGEN is small, so 3.0 cables will be unusable.
I love the look and feel of my Spigen Slim Armor case. It also protects fairly well from drops.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Details about Commuter
Wonderful review. After endless hours of research on cases, I thought I had narrowed my choices down to Trident AMS Kraken (since it had a kickstand as well) and the Ballistic Tough Jacket Maxx but this review completely changed my perspective. As such I am now highly considering the Otterbox Commuter. Although I prefer a kickstand, protection supersedes it. I just have a few questions for those who have used or have this case.
1) Are there any overall issues or concerns any of you that have or had the case?
2) Ease of access to the ports (i.e. being able to charge the phone?; being able to plug the 3.5mm earphone jacks in?)
3) Any concerns as far as rubber expanding (when phone heats up), not sitting tightly in place?
4) Any issues in conjunction with the use of a glass screen protector? I know the OP has one but the review was only for a week after, I'm concerned about longterm effect such as if its too tight bubbles may start to form.
5) The lip on the front side is much higher than the other cases. Does that affect the usability of the phone or cause any other problems?
Sorry for the numerous questions but finding the right case is imperative as I'll have this for 2 years.
snapper11 said:
1) Are there any overall issues or concerns any of you that have or had the case?
2) Ease of access to the ports (i.e. being able to charge the phone?; being able to plug the 3.5mm earphone jacks in?)
3) Any concerns as far as rubber expanding (when phone heats up), not sitting tightly in place?
4) Any issues in conjunction with the use of a glass screen protector? I know the OP has one but the review was only for a week after, I'm concerned about longterm effect such as if its too tight bubbles may start to form.
5) The lip on the front side is much higher than the other cases. Does that affect the usability of the phone or cause any other problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Otterbox Defender, rather than the Commuter, but I believe they're similar enough for my answers to be helpful....
1) No overall issues or concerns from me.
2) I've had cases for other phones where the rubber flaps covering the ports were more of a nuisance than anything, and I ended up cutting them off. On this case though, they really don't get in the way, and they do wonders for keeping dirt and debris out. The cover over the charging port closes nice and tight, but is opened easily enough with one finger and some slight pressure (or a fingernail. It also opens far enough that the rubber isn't putting unnecessary pressure on the USB cable or the port when plugged in. The cover on the headphone jack also closes up good and tight, but is slightly more difficult to open, at least for me. Normal 3.5mm plugs fit in just fine, and as with the charging port cover, the rubber doesn't put any unnecessary or damaging stress on cables, when plugged in. I've only had an issue with one 3.5mm to RCA cable, that had a slightly wider rubber base than most, which required taking off the entire case to plug in, but I think that's due to it just being an old, cheap cable.
3) No problems with the rubber, even when left in the car in 100 degree plus Southwestern heat. It fits as snugly as it did when I bought it.
4) I use an iLoome 9h tempered glass screen protector. I cut the plastic one that is built into the Defender out with a razor, and a little over 6 months later, it still looks immaculate. No bubbles, peeling, or sliding. You honestly can't even tell there's a screen protector there, it's that nice. The added depth of the glass protector makes it a little harder to snap the 2 plastic halves of the case together, and I have accidentally broken 2 of the plastic tabs, but it still closes just fine without those 2, and to be frank, they were only broken due to carelessness on my part.
5) Don't quote me, but I think the lip on the Defender is slightly deeper than on the Commuter, and it hasn't caused me any problems. In fact, it does wonders for protecting the screen when placed face down. If you regularly use the Touchwiz feature that lets you take a screenshot by sliding the side of your hand across the screen, it makes doing so a little difficult in portrait orientation, but that's really just nitpicking.
Hope you find some of this helpful!
:beer:
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
lol.... Read threads for a few days... Ordered a Spigen NEO (on spiffy looks), but after reading more threads, Friday, I ordered another Commuter. Which I've had on all my phones (since like the Blackberry days), as well as some Defenders.. I just wanted to spice it up, and the Note 3 is so nice looking I was trying not to wrap it in Otterskin...
Eh well, I'll use the Spigen for dressing up, lol..
Thanks!
snapper11 said:
1) Are there any overall issues or concerns any of you that have or had the case?
2) Ease of access to the ports (i.e. being able to charge the phone?; being able to plug the 3.5mm earphone jacks in?)
3) Any concerns as far as rubber expanding (when phone heats up), not sitting tightly in place?
4) Any issues in conjunction with the use of a glass screen protector? I know the OP has one but the review was only for a week after, I'm concerned about longterm effect such as if its too tight bubbles may start to form.
5) The lip on the front side is much higher than the other cases. Does that affect the usability of the phone or cause any other problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the Black version of the Commuter.
1) None
2) The flaps can be bend back fully without much issue, and they're solid enough not to tear whilst doing so. The plastic around the cutouts is about 2mm thick.
The official USB3 charger plug fits into the slot easily. There's about 2mm free space on the sides of the USB slot before the case starts. With the charging plug inserted, there's about 0.8mm free space between the plastic of the plug, and the plastic of the case on the sides, and 1mm at the top and bottom of the plug.
The headphone jack has 2.5mm around it, more than enough space for even a thick plug.
3) I've not noticed any reaction to heat in terms of expansion or contraction of the rubber. It's not that kind of rubber.
The only place it's a bit loose (you can bend it away-loose) is the front side with the volume rocker. But that may be my own doing as I can't stop playing with it. (I'm a bit OCD).
4) Don't have a glass one, I'm using the one that came with it as I currently can't afford a glass one.
5) It does on occassion get in the way a bit whilst swiping, particularly on the sides. As an upside, putting it face-down on the table is perfectly safe even on a rough, natural table. And it seals in all the light (which is great if you keep it on your nightstand!)
All in all, I'm happy with it
Oh, and removing/attaching it is easy, you can leave the thing in one piece and just pop it off at the top corners, and click it back in when you're done.
The thing I don't like about the Commuter is that the back is very slippery and slides around easily when placed on it's back. I have a compartment under the radio in my car and cannot put the phone in there with the screen up. When I accelerate like I usually do the phone slides right out, I had to place a piece of rubber type material in there to keep it from coming out.
very nice i will buy one
I ordered the Ringke Slim case and Supcase black/clear case to do some comparisons. They were both pretty cheap.
Foxgguy2001 already did a pretty comprehensive review of the Supcase (and posted a Photoshop template for the back, very handy!) so I won't do an entirely new review. However, just wanted to add that the cutouts for the headphones and USB are generously proportioned. This is great - my TPU cover for my Samsung S3 was good, but the headphone socket was a bit snug and my Sennheiser jack only just held itself in (and frequently popped out if I moved around... No such problems with either LG case.)
The Ringke Slim case is 100% 'hard' plastic material. In truth it has a little give to it, you can bend it in your hands with moderate force which is good as it probably won't immediately shatter if dropped from waist height. It has diagonal cutaway grooves at each corner, making each side independent of the others, and a little flexible - allowing you to pop the phone in without much hassle.
In this regard it's therefore got a bit less holding tension than the Supcase -- certainly enough to keep it on, and there is a retaining lip to stop the phone simply falling out, but I'm not sure whether the phone would stay in if dropped from an excessive height or at a weird angle (but then you have bigger problems if you're dropping your phone from more than 3 feet / 1 metre!) The back of the Supcase to me looks very slightly like the cousin of a Griffin Survivor iPhone case... No arguments though, it's all well designed and has some thought put into it.
---
The Ringke case came with a free "HD Crystal" screen protector (just the protector, no wipe or cloth or squeejee, but we all have loads of those -- and a few drops of soapy water is all you need to apply). Came with very comprehensive instructions and tips for a successful application, good customer support info too.
Unlike some more expensive film screen protectors, its cutouts for the front camera and sensors are well done with some nice indentations and precision angles -- for the total price, it's a really nice touch from Ringke to include a screen protector. My Spigen (which I managed to get loads of fluff underneath, d'oh!) probably won't last forever...
---
For both cases, all cutouts are precise and smooth-edged. The Ringke case has nice tapered edges around the camera cutout and I estimate (purely visually) it's about 4 mm thick.
I took some test photos with flash using both cases which came out great, no haloing or flash refraction through the edge of the case. The Ringke has two small cutouts in the bottom-right corner to attach a charm (if you're a twelve year old girl) or lanyard.
---
Ultimately, the Ringke case is such good value that even when the back scratches (which I'm sure it would given every day abuse) it's no real trial to buy a second one. Or buy multiple colours and swap between them!
I've gone with the slightly sturdier Supcase for the time being because its grip on the phone feels superior, and the slightly hard, rubbery texturised 'rim' gives me a bit more purchase (good, because I'm quite violent with my phone and also have very dry hands). The all-round lip which retains the phone on the Supcase is better than the easy-to-snap-in-but-slightly-looser Ringke. However, if your phone usually lives in a bag and just sits on an office desk, certainly give the Ringke Slim a try - you can see the whole phone through the transparent one (and it really does look quite pretty), it's quite discreet and still has decent grip factor considering it's just plastic.
They're only £6 each, why not buy both!
Hi, do you have any pictures of your G3 in your clear Ringke slim case?
Hi , There .
My name is Ben Hoffman , if you are familian with A C forum you will know i am the formed Admin and i was quite good at accessories.
I just joined this forum a couple days ago . So here we go , let us talk about cases
1 Famous UAG Case
This is my fifth Urban Armor Gear case, and they only keep getting better with each iteration. I first discovered them for my Galaxy S3, and was very impressed with the style, durability, and quality. Once I got my S7, I immediately blind purchased this case with confidence based on my previous experiences.
First of all, I really love how they have expanded the color selection. I usually have gotten the plain black versions, but this time I got the translucent red-black 'magma' case because it just looked so cool. And once I got it and saw it in person on my phone, I was not disappointed. I uploaded several photos of my case on and off my phone so you can judge for yourself, but I *really* love how this case looks and feels.
The case fits perfectly on my S7, and is precision cut to perfectly align with all necessary inputs and openings: audio jack, mic, speaker, camera, LED, volume & power buttons, and so on.
The main material on the back is glossy and slick, but the black parts around the edges, corners, and buttons, are a nice rubbery material that grips well and makes me much less worried about my phone slipping out of my hand since it is quite slippery case-less.
One area I'm always happy to see improvements with is the physical footprint of this case. My first one looked cool but did add significant bulk. This one has improved the design to stay very protective and stylish but without adding quite as much bulk as before. Any case worth buying will add some width to your phone, but this one strikes a good balance between size and protection.
The only thing I'm not looking forward to is seeing the case do its job and absorb scratches, spills, falls, and wear & tear because it just looks so nice out of the box. But better on a replaceable case than directly on your expensive phone.
I do miss when UAG used to include screen protectors with their cases. I hope they decide to reintroduce that again in the future given the relatively higher price. I was always very happy with the cut and quality of their included screen protectors, but sadly this one does not include one.
* Summary *
Pros:
[+] Very durable and protective, none of my UAG-protected phones have failed to survive scrapes, scuffs, and falls
[+] Precision cut to allow access to all ports, inputs, and buttons
[+] Fits phone like a glove, without adding a massive amount of bulk
[+] Great material and very happy with the grip of the rubbery corners, edges, and buttons
[+] Great brand with a history of quality and good customer support
[+] Opinion, but I seriously think these are the best-looking and stylish Galaxy cases currently on the market
Cons:
[-] UAG no longer includes screen protectors like they used to
[-] One of the pricier lines of cases on the market
Other:[*] I wish they had a couple more color options so I could get my wife more interested in this case - previous iterations offered a pink variety.
Link http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galax...ie=UTF8&qid=1462657422&sr=1-3&keywords=uag+s7
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2nd Clear SLIM HEAVY DUTY SPECK CASE
My wife and I are split on this one. But I don't want to imply either one of us really likes the case; just that I dislike it much more than she does.
On the plus side, Speck makes nice products; I have had & continue to have them on my Mac laptops. So I'm not criticizing Speck quality. But quality doesn't necessarily translate into value or function....
At $27.99 (Amazon price at the time of this review) I don't see the value. I know Speck (on both the Amazon product page and in literature included with the Vine sample) goes to great lengths to tell the potential buyer/reviewer that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Maybe so, but (pardon the pun) I just don't see it. I'm certainly not going to drop my brand-new S7 to see if it really is "mil-grade," but if it is it certainly doesn't seem any more "mil grade" than other cases I have used (and were at cheaper price points). I wonder if "mil grade" is sort of an advertising "come-on" like "organic"; sounds great but could mean just about anything (not only do I know that from personal experience (30 years in the Army), but take a look at this comment from the Wikipedia article: "Because no commercial organization or agency certifies compliance, commercial vendors can create the test methods or approaches to fit their product"). I'm not accusing Speck of anything; only saying that "mil grade" sounds good, but might not mean anything.
As to function, both my wife and I found that it was much tougher to operate the side buttons (2 on left, 1 on right) than it was using two other cases we've bought and are playing around with. It's so tough as to be annoying. The included literature makes the point that the slim profile makes it easy to slide in and out of pockets. True, but we also found the acrylic pretty slippery too; which I guess on one hand is a good thing (helps getting phone in/out of pocket), but also a real danger (so slippery that we might find ourselves testing the case's impact resistance sooner and more frequently than we thought we would).
I also thought the case was a fingerprint magnet. We washed our hands prior to using the case and within minutes the case showed smudges, fingerprints, etc. True, we might be able to see the beauty of the phone through the case, but it really looks bad when there are so many smudges, etc.
Finally, an acquaintance had a version of this case (one generation back for an iPhone). Didn't like it as "it completely fell apart within a few months." So unless there have been significant improvements over their cases of less than a generation ago, I'm not sure that this case is something I can recommend.
I wanted to go 1-2 stars while my wife felt it was a 3-star case at best. So we essentially split the difference. In the end, I really don't feel like the case warrants the asking price, nor do I feel it performs better (or even as well) as some of the other cases we're using and/or looked at ( Slim Transparent Clear Case for S7 or Galaxy Note 5 Case, Verus [High Pro Shield][Crimson Red] - [Military Grade Protection][Slim Fit] For Samsung Note 5 (yes, I know it's for a Note 5, but I have it on my Note and am hoping it will also come available for the S7; I suggested it because Verus claims "mil grade" for this case) ($15.99), or the OtterBox COMMUTER SERIES Case for Samsung Galaxy S7 - Frustration-Free Packaging - BLACK ($31.99)).
I’m not going to use it (already off the phone and looking for a new home). So if I’m not going to use it I don’t feel comfortable recommending it to others. To each his/her own I guess, so I’m sure this case has its fans. I’m just not one of them. Sorry.
3rd Slim Clear Transparent Case for Samsung S7
This is my 23rd case so far for my S7 (I like to change it up!), and so far the most durable/protective and best fitting one I have tried yet.Also it can show off your S7 with Transparent Back
The phone fits into the case very tightly, almost to the point where you can start to feel like it's not going to fit, but then you get it fully snapped in. The back is crystal clear and smooth, and has a good thickness to it -- not cheap or flimsy. I feel like this offers excellent protection against back side drops. The camera is recessed decently as well, which should keep it protected.
The sides are a more rigid plastic material that sits on top of the clear TPU material. Double protection is always welcome. I'm not sure that the rigidity will hold up to multiple drops -- but I'd rather the case take a hit than my phone, so again I feel safe in this case with side drops. The buttons (volume up/down and power) have cutouts so the clear TPU material is seen and used to press in. They fit perfectly and are very responsive.
The front of the case gives you a clear TPU raised border around the screen, so if sitting flat on a table, the screen will be raised up a bit off the table. This would protect again some screen-down drops, as long as the surface is flat without other object sitting on it that could poke the screen. This is as protective as cases get -- you'd want to get a screen protector of some sort to really protect your screen.
Overall, I'm really happy with the look and feel of this case. It doesn't look cheap, and feels solid and sturdy in the hand. I'm definitely a fan.
I was given a discount on the purchase of this product, but my review is based on the regular price of the item. This is a solid case that shows off your phone through the clear back, but gives it some style with the colored edges and trim. The gold color is very light, almost a cross between silver and gold, and doesn't look cheap. This is a fantastic case for the price!
$15.98 at amazon http://www.amazon.com/Artech-21-Scr...6&sr=8-3&keywords=artech+21+clear+case+for+s7
Use Artech21 ,get 20% off
3rd Easy grip slim cover
Lets consider this review tentative based on the release of the device. Seeing as how the phone isn't released yet, I can't really speak for how perfectly it might fit, etc. So with that being said, let me review this case based solely on material and design.
Typically with sleek cases, the level of protection is often compromised. For example, Otterbox cases are probably one of the best in terms of protection, but they are extremely thick in size and does not necessarily scream "fashion" to anyone. This Artech 21 case is as beautiful in person as seen in the renders. The cut-outs are created with extreme precision, and the gunmetal has a slight bit of gloss to demonstrate its elegance.
Pro:
- I've used previous Artech 21 cases. You can expect the cases to feel strong and well built.
- Dual material design. A soft but sturdy TPU cushion, and hard plastic frame. The TPU will handle the impact well but the plastic frame helps the case feel solid and strong.
- Thick enough without adding too much bulk.
- PRICE. I've owned a lot cases, some bought from carrier stores, and many from Amazon. You wont find case quality like this at this price from most sellers. PERIOD.
Con
- The design isn't for me. While I'm sure the ridged design will add grip to the already slippery glass on the S7, I would have liked it to be a smooth finish on the back.
Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Artech-21-Sho...=1462658433&sr=8-25&keywords=slim+case+for+s7
15.99 dollars, artech21 can have your 20% off
4 Otterbox and Little Rock comparison
This case comes as a 2 piece clamshell, top part containing the built in screen protector and the bottom having a rigid back and flexible sides that secure it to the top piece. The top half is a secured in place screen protector made of a clear and rigid plastic sheet with a cutout for the action button. The phone is snapped into this portion first where it makes a snug and secure fitment. The bottom half is thicker and possesses the bulk of the padding, seen in the honeycomb ridges and thick sidewalls. This half receives the top where it snugs into the flexible sidewalls.
The power and headphone jacks are covered with flaps, speaker and the volume and power buttons are firm but still responsive. The sides of the case are beveled above and below and are textured with a crosshatch design which makes it easy to pick up from a flat surface and have a secure grip. The rear of the case is branded with the company logo and an industrial design. The area around the camera is not very beveled which provides poor access to the Heart Rate Monitor. In testing with 2 OEM and one branded wireless Qi charger pads, the phone charged fine and no undue heat was detected.
In comparing this product with a direct competitor and king of the hill, Otterbox Defender, a few differences stand out. While both items have similar port cover designs, the hinge side on the Otterbox is to the front of the case where the silicone has the greatest flexibility and the Little Rock case is hinged toward the rear of the case where the silicone has greater stability. In my opinion the silicone on the Artech case will not stretch out around the port covers as easily as the Otterbox could. The Otterbox has a more accessible design around the Heart Rate Monitor than the Artech case does. The shape and texture of the silicone on the Artech case makes it appear slimmer and feel more secure than the Defender.
The biggest negative to the Artech case in my opinion in comparison to the Otterbox case; is the lack of a holster. A device this size in a thick case isn’t as convenient in a pocket. This is a personal preference however, I know many people that do not use a holster. It would be nice if a holster for the Artech was available as an add-on item.
The greatest perk to the Artech case is it is 25% of the price of the Otterbox. A second or third one could be purchased as a backups and still come out under the cost of one Defender.
Link for Otterbox S7 defnder case :
http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-DEFE...eywords=otterbox+defender+case+for+samsung+s7 $42
Little Rock http://www.amazon.com/Artech-21-Mil...64&sr=8-3&keywords=rugged+case+for+samsung+s7 19.99 dollars
Spigen Neo Hybrid Case
Nice case, but too slippery for one-handed use
1) Sufficiently protect the phone from accidental drops.
2) Not be too slippery so that I can easily pick it up, hold it, and use it one-handed.
3) Have a headphone jack opening big enough for my Etymotic ER4P headphones.
4) Slim so that it's pocket-able and easy to hold.
5) No outlandish designs and colors.
This case meets requirements 1, 4, and 5 but unfortunately fell short for 2 and 3.
Here are my thoughts on how this case met or didn't meet my requirements:
1) While I didn't actually drop my phone to test this, the case seems well-made so that it would protect the phone in most situations. I worry about a face-down drop since I've cracked screens twice like that, but this is probably a concern with most cases anyway.
2) The Polycarbonate frame gives the case a nice look, but unfortunately it makes the case too slick for my preference. This, combined with the relatively slick TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) that surrounds the phone, makes me want to stop using this case. If I remove the polycarbonate frame, then I can grab the case much better on the sides and back, but then I lose the added protection that the TPU provides. I have been using the case without the frame lately because I just don't feel comfortable holding the phone with it on.
3) Because I listen to music so often on my phone, it's essential that I can use my good set of headphones with whatever case I have on my phone. Because the Etymotic ER4P headphones have a slightly bulkier rounded connector, I can't plug them into the phone while the polycarbonate frame is on the case. I can plug them in when only the TPU is around the phone, but the clearance around the frame just isn't enough to allow the connector to plug in. This case is probably designed for the standard, basic headphones that come with the phone, but it doesn't work for me.
4) I really like the slimness of this case because it hardly adds any bulk to the phone. Because the Galaxy S7's width is already the max for my own preference, a slim case that doesn't add much additional width is important to me.
5) When deciding on cases I typically look for basic, black or dark-colored designs that aren't too flashy. I am not a fan of the reflective/shiny lines that run horizontally across the top and bottom of the TPU, and I would have preferred a black frame, but overall the subdued style meets my needs.
Conclusion: The case’s slippery feel and inability to accommodate my headphones serve as deal-breakers for me. I can make this case work without the frame if necessary, but it's just not ideal for me. The search continues. If anyone has better recommendations on which cases meet my requirements, I'm all ears!
Otterbox Symmetery Case
I purchased the otterbox symmetry case in Eden teal. I wanted the floral pond design but it never seems to be in stock. The design on Eden teal is very cute. It reminds me somewhat of lilly Pulitzer or Vera Bradley designs. The case itself is fairly lightweight and a one piece construction. It Is hard plastic with a rubber lining and seal around the face.
The rubber lining around the face has a raised beveled edge. I'm not sure what the purpose of this is, but I do know it attracts dirt like crazy. Just a few moments in the pocket of my black pants and it picked up the color. It will probably continue to get dirty with use, but maybe regular wiping down with some alcohol or cleaner will help. It somewhat did today after I noticed the dye transfer. Also, the rubber seal has a little play.
The buttons are very firm but I hope they'll break in eventually. It's a little difficult to reach the mute switch, and I have very petite fingers. If you have large fingers, good luck!
I think it's pretty easy to get this case on and off. I didn't feel like I was gonna break my phone in two trying to get it off like my Speck Candyshell case.
I have a tempered glass screen protector on my phone and this case JUST BARELY clears it on the sides. It has plenty of room at the top and bottom.
I haven't dropped my phone yet to attest its protection. Then again, I really don't want to find out. Lol
I don't think this case was worth $40. Just seems a little steep for what it is. $25 is more reasonable. But hey, you pay for the name.
Overall, it's an okay case that hopefully provides more protection than you average run-of-the-mill snap on case.
Brief Review for Lazer S7 case
This is a great phone case for protection. It also look rugged which is a plus. There is a variety of colors so this case can suit anyone.The gunmetal/black looks great on the s7 , and this is the type of case you'd want to be sporting if you dropped your phone. The corners feel super rugged so it has nice corner protection. Heres a list of some pros and cons as to why you might or might not want the case.
PROS:
- super sturdy
- slim profile compared to other protection cases. (this is also a 2 part case)
- protects your camera from surface scratchs
- buttons are very tactile and responsive
- doesnt attract fingerprints
- corners seem super rugged
- the sides have dotted texture so you can get a better grip .
- on the back, the case itself has elevated lips so even your case wouldnt get that scratched up.
- no ridiculous labeling
CONS:
- this isnt much of a problem, but the volumes arent elevated. it might bother some people, so definitely keep this in mind.
Overall, I recommend this case to anyone who is looking for a sturdy case to provide your s7 with protection. Most cases that provide this much protection is super thick, but this case has a slim profile which is a huge benefactor. If you want a slim case to protect your phone look into getting this one!
Link at amazon http://www.amazon.com/Artech-21-Sho...&qid=1462658917&sr=8-26&keywords=slim+s7+case
15.98 dollars , use coupon artech21 get extra 20% off
Obliq Case
I still agree with the overall sentiment that the protection and size, the two most important characteristics of a phone case in my opinion, is a perfect balance. I would also retract that speaker distortion criticism, I think it may have been a placebo because I can't tell a difference between the two anymore.
However, I've found the lack of grip problematic; though it's less slippery than the phone itself, I think ridges on the side of any phone case is a necessity, or at least some sort of sticky texture; the case is much too smooth, and I feel like it's more prone to slip out of my hand than a case like the Speck CandyShell Grip (a fine case, but I prefer the aesthetics and strength of this case). Also, I found that the buttons are slightly harder to press than I originally thought, and the lack of tactile feedback (compared to the plain phone) is disappointing. For those two reasons, I've changed my review from 5 stars to 4 stars. All other previous pros and cons have remained the same.
Pros:
- I intentionally dropped my phone a few times (with the case on) from waist and torso height onto hardwood floor to stimulate an actual accidental drop. Phone was fine, case didn't receive any visible scratches.
- Because the phone fits well into the case and the lip covers the glass front, the touchscreen did not receive any scratches either. I also love the lip because when using the phone without the case, parts of my hand would get read by the touchscreen, so scrolling webpages with just one hand wouldn't be smooth; now, only my thumb will touch the screen.
- It's easy to put in and remove the phone from the case.
- The case only adds a few millimeters in thickness, so it's not too bulky in pockets. I think it's the right amount of thickness for comfort and protection.
- I like the sleek design of the case and its minimalism, but this is totally subjective. I also like the subtle logo instead of a big ugly logo. Absolutely no trouble with charging or headphone jack.
Cons:
- The buttons aren't too hard to press, but they don't give the same satisfying click that you get from the phone without a case.
- Though the case doesn't have any ridges or sticky/rubbery material, it eliminates some of the slipperiness of the phone, making it easier to hold and use with one hand compared to just the phone itself. However, you sacrifice some grip with the sleek design; I'd prefer ridges on the sides so it's even easier to hold with one hand.
- Speaker is ever so slightly muffled/distorted compared to no case (after a couple times comparing music with and without the case, I noticed a very tiny amount of distortion).
Normally I'd recommend being wary of some of the early reviews because some to many of the reviews were paid for, but I actually really like the product, and I wasn't compensated in any way. I will try to update this review after a week, after a few months, and at least a year following this first initial review to let you know how the case holds up over time.
Case Mate Glitter Case for my wife
I have a few complaints about this phone. I have the Samsung Galaxy S7 and yes, it's an amazing phone but has some quirks about the sensitivity of the edge. So if you are texting with your thumbs and your palm hits the edge you can easily erase words or hit the enter button...not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of.
Therefore, it is really important to get a case that has a bit of a edge that stands out from the phone so your palms aren't able to touch the screen when you type. I excitedly bought this case without realizing the quirk about the phone but after a few days of using it, the edges don't stand out enough from the phone so I have a lot of trouble texting when this phone case is on.
Secondly, the glue that keeps the jewels on is potent and will leave a smell on your hands. I thought it would mellow out but it has not and has remained just as strong smelling as the day I got it.
Thirdly, the phone case is weighty and there is no grip! So, it will slip and slide around in your hands and the extra weight is noticeable after texting or writing an email...my hands actually started to ache from holding this for too long due to the extra weight. It is also bulky so your nice thin, lightweight phone now turns thick and heavy and it is noticeable especially in a sweatshirt pocket, in your purse or in your pants pocket.
Lastly, an odd complaint is that it picks up every little hair and piece of lint...they will stick up off the back of the phone. So anytime you put in your pocket or in your sweatshirt pocket, it comes out with little hairs sticking up all over the back of it. Plus I have cats and even their hair gets stuck in it. I am constantly picking them off! Super annoying! The back isn't' a smooth texture at all...it's pretty rough and not that comfortable to hold in your hands and it catches on everything.
Overall, I am just not pleased. I looked at other reviews from other phone models that use the same case like the iphone 6 etc and there are many negative reviews stating that if you drop the phone, the case isn't sturdy and your phone will break. This is just not a chance I am willing to take on such an expensive phone. I am returning this after giving it a fair shot. I have found the Speck case to be wonderful and just what I need. Is it as glitzy? Not at all but it is lightweight, thin, good grips on the side so it won't fall out of my hand and a good edge that stands away from the phone edge so my palms don't touch the side of the phone when texting. I would highly recommend that case over this one. The design of this case is beautiful but it only goes skin deep...there are too many other flaws that outweigh how pretty it is. Be warned!
Spigen® [Tough Armor]
First of all, I am pretty excited to get my hands on this specific model of the Spigen line. I have used Spigen's Slim Armor case ever since the LG G2 from a few years ago. I simply love the protection I can get with no real added bulkiness, and the idea that you can change out the hard outer shell for a totally different color to suit your mood for whichever day of the week it is.
If you have seen my review of the Spigen Slim Armor series, then you already have a slight idea of the technology behind this 'air cushion' design. The corners are designed to have what appears to be air added in between the rubber, allowing for a softer impact if you ever drop the device. The case comes in a few different pieces. First of all, you have the outer shell, which is a hard plastic. You might think that the Slim Armor series is a hard plastic, but the Tough Armor series actually does not bend like the Slim Armor does. This part, unfortunately, does scratch in time. I went ahead and took the liberty to scratch it with my keys, because often times I may have a few coins and perhaps my keys in my pocket. I did purposely carve my keys into my case, which hopefully you will not do under normal circumstances. The second part is the rubber or TPU inside, which gives it a very soft feeling to not scratch the phone as it sits inside the case. This inner shell is the majority of where your hand actually touches. It surrounds much of the sides, top, and bottom. If you have ever used the old school HTC phones, this is the exact type of TPU that prevents finger prints and gives it a really firm grip when you are holding the phone. The S7 is a very slippery phone without a case, which I am sure you know if you are looking for a case! This removes any worries that I truly have. Another difference between this and the Slim Armor is that there is no kickstand. After trying the Slim Armor, I do like the kickstand feature. Unfortunately, the kickstand did not make it to the Tough Armor series.
Overall, this is still my favorite Spigen product. The only "down" side is that I love the back of the S7, and I feel like the clear cases that Spigen carries can show off the back so much more. This case does not interfere with charging. The cutout ports are also very nicely done. There is no cutout for the sim card tray, but hopefully you are not taking that in and out often. The buttons feel clicky and responsive.
Straight out of the box the case is very attractive in coffee brown. The S7 fits in the holder perfectly and seems to be very secure. The magnetic clasp works well. All the cutouts are very generous. The overall look and feel are very nice and I am satisfied with my purchase with the following caveats:
VRS Design Wallet Folio Case
http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Design..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=028JFGRBSB4K0J2J85Y9
My particular case does not work with my wireless charger. If that is an issue avoid this case. Others can chime in if it's just me.
This will not replace a wallet completely. When you load up the case with cards and cash it does not sit well on the phone when closed. The three cards that I am am using don't sit that well either, but I feel they will be fine once the case is broken in a little more. Once broken in the front cover will have a curve to it for sure.
If you are the type not to use any screen protection, the case can potentially scratch the glass. The front flap has some give, so it will slide back and forth a bit. Also the edges of the cards come in direct contact with the screen.
A few stitches are not that tight. They have the potential to come loose with wear.
The "leather" has a few fine marks after a few hours in pocket. They are minor and hard to notice with a casual inspection. I am uncertain whether or not they will buff themselves out with wear or get worse. I will post a long term review at some point.
The front cover will press the home button while in pocket. There is a setting on the s7 to prevent this.
I know this sounds like a negative review, but I definitely do like the case. My logic when buying this case was that I would use it as a low profile wallet/case for occasions such as a night out or whenever I might want to minimize the bulk of carrying two items. If my caveats don't bother you too much than this may be the case for you.
If you have more cases , you can also add them into this thread
a lots of people contacted me about reviewing the cases , just simple contact the manufactory tell them what you can do for them,And you will have your answer
hey , i am going to add more reviews as i was contacted by some cases company , please add your review or tell me what you want to know
Spigen Wallet CASE
I really like this case. It's sleek and looks nice.
Pros
1. Phone fits snugly
2. Raised lips at top and bottom for extra protection
3. Look good
4. Holds up to 3 cards and easy to open
5. Buttons line up perfectly.
6. Double lining case for extra protection
Cons
1. Screen protector doesn't stay on due to tight fittings. (Solution: file down edges with file or scissors)
2. Card slot is very tight
3. Compared to my Onway case, this feels cheaper and more malleable.
4. Card slot could be a tad bigger.
Overall, it's a very nice case and I highly recommend it especially for someone who doesn't like carrying their wallet.
i am going to review a leather case , just trying to add more accurate description , let me know which case you want to know
any case that doesnt cover the buttons on the sides ?
dallasmanic said:
Otterbox Symmetery Case
I purchased the otterbox symmetry case in Eden teal. I wanted the floral pond design but it never seems to be in stock. The design on Eden teal is very cute. It reminds me somewhat of lilly Pulitzer or Vera Bradley designs. The case itself is fairly lightweight and a one piece construction. It Is hard plastic with a rubber lining and seal around the face.
The rubber lining around the face has a raised beveled edge. I'm not sure what the purpose of this is, but I do know it attracts dirt like crazy. Just a few moments in the pocket of my black pants and it picked up the color. It will probably continue to get dirty with use, but maybe regular wiping down with some alcohol or cleaner will help. It somewhat did today after I noticed the dye transfer. Also, the rubber seal has a little play.
The buttons are very firm but I hope they'll break in eventually. It's a little difficult to reach the mute switch, and I have very petite fingers. If you have large fingers, good luck!
I think it's pretty easy to get this case on and off. I didn't feel like I was gonna break my phone in two trying to get it off like my Speck Candyshell case.
I have a tempered glass screen protector on my phone and this case JUST BARELY clears it on the sides. It has plenty of room at the top and bottom.
I haven't dropped my phone yet to attest its protection. Then again, I really don't want to find out. Lol
I don't think this case was worth $40. Just seems a little steep for what it is. $25 is more reasonable. But hey, you pay for the name.
Overall, it's an okay case that hopefully provides more protection than you average run-of-the-mill snap on case.
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Was this review just copied and pasted from an iPhone case review? Or does the S7 have a mute switch that I'm not aware of?
Relayers said:
any case that doesnt cover the buttons on the sides ?
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i have not found yet
I waited a few weeks to review these to be able to give a more in depth review.
Zagg Curved HD: http://www.zagg.com/us/en_us/invisibleshield/samsung-galaxy-s7/glass-curve-samsung-galaxy-s7
This is Zagg's tempered glass, edge to edge screen protector. As most of you may know, yes it is dot matrix and therefore the adhesive is only present around the edges of the screen protector.
The application process was relatively easy. Washed my hands to make sure oil is off, aligned the top cut outs first and the rest of it fell in place. I would say it was a near perfect install based on where the home button, camera, sensors are in relation to the cut outs of the screen protector.
I first used it for a week with the RhinoShield bumper case. I am comfortable to say that the bumper case went quite nicely with the screen protector. there wasn't any major lifting except for one of the top corners where there was VERY minor lifting visible. The screen protector wasn't going anywhere even with the bumper case on. The protector felt nice when in use, finger glides just like the gorilla glass.
Onto the not so good points.
Significant loss of sensitivity. I couldn't wait to rip it off but I really wanted to give it a fair chance so I left it on for another week without the bumper case to see if it makes a difference. It didn't. I don't know how, but over time it actually got worse. Made typing and browsing really annoying. I guess because the glass only adheres around the edges, it also left a tiny bit of space between the the protector and the actual screen, therefore when I type it would make this tapping sound. The protector also adds a little bit of thickness to your phone, therefore the home button will be a bit depressed. And because of this bit of added thickness, even with the raised edge lips from the rhino shield bumper case, when my phone face planted in my bathroom, the Zagg protector cracked slightly. Now of course this could be different if you have a more heavy duty case which a more pronounced raised lip around the edges.
Rhino Shield bumper case: http://www.evolutivelabs.com/collec...cts/galaxy-s7-bumper-case?variant=12325884673
There is a video on youtube showing the protection that this bumper case provides, specifically for the s7. Mod Edit: Link removed. Page contains affiliate sales links. Not allowed on xda thanks!
There are more that shows the case with other phones. Their claim is it will protect the phone up to 11ft drop.
As I said above, if you are looking for a case that is somewhat friendly with the Zagg curved HD, this case would do the job.
Besides that, I must say I love this case because it's very light, adds very little bulk yet have a lot of real users backing up its level of protection.
The front and back of the bumper case have raised lips, more so on the back especially on the 4 corners. The buttons of the case are a tad bit harder to press in comparison to the Spigen I reviewed earlier, but it's still pretty responsive.
The only negative is that for some reason, one side of the case seems to be a LITTLE loose (side of the power button); it's not as snug as the other side. From a quick google search, It seems like the same issue exists with other phones and someone posted a response from Evolutive Labs saying that because the case is not made of TPU material, they purposely made the case not as snug such that it's easier to install the case . I am going to email Evolutive Labs about this and I will update this thread when I hear back. I must say tho this looseness is not noticeable when you are using the phone so it doesn't bother me. In fact it makes me feel more comfortable putting the case on with a screen protector since it's not going to bite into the screen protector as much.
Considering the Rhino Shield's price, would you say it's good value?
RebDovid said:
Considering the Rhino Shield's price, would you say it's good value?
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Hard for me to give a personal opinion since our canadian dollar sucks right now, therefore after conversion it's actually 30-35 cad with shipping.
If I am in the states tho, I would definitely pick this over the other cases that are in the same price range based on the level of protection it provides while being a minimalistic case.
I think they would gain a lot more interest at $20 usd with more color options but then with more color options it may end up increasing their production cost.