Could someone give be a brief run down of the case types and attributes. Things like how thick they are, grip levels, impact protection, etc. I've seen tons of jell cases but not sure how jell compares to silicone or tpu and others.
ok theres Silicone cases which are really grippy often flimsy and fit phones kind of loose, they offer really good protection but get stuck in your pocket and attract a **** load of lint, and also because they dont fit tight they let a lot of lint and dirt in between the case and phone
theres hard plastic cases. they come with the grippy matte(rubbery) like material that a lot of like HTC phone use on their back covers, and they also come painted with all sorts of designs and in solid colors and also come in clear, and transparent colors(like smoke and all the colors of the rainbow), these protect your phone very well but the downfall is dirt and sharp edges.
most of these cases are a bit of a ***** to get on and off and most people leave them on for a long long time only to find out that dirt and lint got in between the case and phone and left horrible rub marks all over the phone, not to mention that while flexing and moving the case tends to scratch the contact points on the phone also.
then theres my favorite Gel/Jelly/Crystal/TPU all of which are the same they are a hard rubberish case that in most cases are easy to remove and put on and fit the phone like a glove (not leaving a lot of room for dust and dirt to get in) not meaning that dirt doesn't get in but its minimal when compared to the other two types of cases. they protect your phone just as well as any other case, have moderate grip (not too grippy like the Silicone and not too little grip like the hard cases) i compare the feel to kind of like the invisible shield "kind of grip" they come in solid colors and in clear tints
Ive bought all of these cases before on multiple phones (G1, Mytouch, Nexus, HD 2) and I have given all of these a chance and no matter how many times i buy a hard case or a silicone case i always end up with a Gel/TPU case, they fit great add the least amount of bulk out of the three and have saved all of my phones from concrete and tile drops multiple times (almost **** my pants when i did it with my Nexus and HD2 though )
with all these cases your going to have to remove the case every once in a while to get the dust out that gets in between the case and phone (unless you like scratches on your phone) thats the common downside to all of these cases but in return you have the security that you wont crack or damage your phone and it will last you
Great write up, thanks.
So is there little difference between the Gel/Jelly/Crystal/TPU? Reason I ask is that I have the t-mo jell case right now and find it makes the phone too big. I am willing to lose some protection to get something a little thinner and did not know if one of the other materials would be a better fit.
I actually found that the T-Mo case is one of the better ones out there. It it not your normal flimsy rubber gel like I had with my HD2, but fits very snuggly and actually adds a little bit of weight to the phone, which makes it feel a little more solid. (once again, coming from an HD2 that was metal).
There are a couple of other threads about the cases, but most of them say the T-mo case is one of the better ones right now. Because the phones are new, there is not too much in the way accessories at this time.
dmtaub said:
I actually found that the T-Mo case is one of the better ones out there. It it not your normal flimsy rubber gel like I had with my HD2, but fits very snuggly and actually adds a little bit of weight to the phone, which makes it feel a little more solid. (once again, coming from an HD2 that was metal).
There are a couple of other threads about the cases, but most of them say the T-mo case is one of the better ones right now. Because the phones are new, there is not too much in the way accessories at this time.
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that sounds kind of what i am looking for. so do they just have this one at t mobile stores? or are there several that i need to try to see which is which? the one you are describing, its not flimsly like those silicone gels?
also, what screen protector do you reccommend? I know there are other threads, but it sounds like you have tried many.
not trying to thread jack
kboater said:
not trying to thread jack
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Damn thread jackers... I kid.
Just an FYI and I know lots of popel love the t-mo case. Some pics to show how it increases the size of the phone. You can see a vibrant t-mo case, naked and G1.
i played with the one my tmo store had when i purchased my phone and it seems way more sturdy and better quality than most (I hated the one that came with my HD2 that ***** was flimsy as hell) my only gripe with that case is the fat lip around the edge of the screen, other than that i like it, but TPU cases IMO add the least amount of thickness heres some pics to clear up names between the different type of cases
Heres a Silicone (like the one at the T-Mo store) T-mo's is way better in quality though
http://cgi.ebay.com/BLACK-SILICONE-...ewItem&pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item43a077b6a9
heres the TPU/Gel/Jelly/Crystal/Hard Rubberish stuff
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-x-TPU-Case-Fi...AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item3caf486870
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-Silicone-Gel-...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item84b70ce076
I think Im about to take a plunge for a Galaxy S version since its been somewhat verified that it fits the Vibrant
Soooooo... theres also hybrid cases lol that mix both TPU and Silicone and that Mix hard Plastic and TPU
Hard Plastic and TPU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QhIb8OT9zI&feature=channel
Silicone and TPU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIi9cbm7HxU
to explain the differences in TPU, SILICONE and PLASTIC
TPU means Thermoplastic Urethane/Polyurethane BTW in case anyone was wondering (Sorry i just found out lol)
oh yeah and Silicone means BOOBIES lol
SykesAT said:
Damn thread jackers... I kid.
Just an FYI and I know lots of popel love the t-mo case. Some pics to show how it increases the size of the phone. You can see a vibrant t-mo case, naked and G1.
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that looks really nice and protective. does look like it adds some size though. I think im going to check it out as I really want something right now and dont want to wait form something to ship from hong kong off ebay.
i know, off topic, but what screen protector are you using in the pics? do you like it? I know in the other thread people recommned the somthing freak, but I dont love the idea of putting water all over my new phone. Most say the protectors from tmobile store are dull and dull down your screen...
kboater said:
that looks really nice and protective. does look like it adds some size though. I think im going to check it out as I really want something right now and dont want to wait form something to ship from hong kong off ebay.
i know, off topic, but what screen protector are you using in the pics? do you like it? I know in the other thread people recommned the somthing freak, but I dont love the idea of putting water all over my new phone. Most say the protectors from tmobile store are dull and dull down your screen...
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I still have the ones that came on the phone... Still trying to determine what to buy... given myself till the end of the week to decide.
On my G1 I use bodyguardz. I really liked it but two years have passed so I wanted to see if there was anything else that people liked. I would be happy to get bodyguardz again.
Gel/jelly are the same as silicone cases (soft)- not the same as crystal/TPU cases (a bit harder).
-bZj
_____
-sent from my Samsung Vibrant via XDAapp
YOU DONT KNOW ****!!!!!!! lol j/k ok lets just call it TPU and Silicone to keep it simple
just ordered my TPU case with 3 screen protectors (you know since i have 3 screens) and three wipe cloths (in case i forget my hanky?) as you can see in the description its a "Silicone" TPU case, it must be a hybrid case? lol j/k Ebay descriptions misinform everyone
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280537757969&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
when i "Google'd" Gel case and Jelly case and clicked on "images" a whole **** load of TPU cases came up BTW
^^^ that's what got me kind of confused cause eBayers can list their products as multiple materials and only when you get in and read the fine print does it clarify what it is exactly. I was about to buy the exact one you bought but the buy it now price jumped to $43 as I was going though the checkout process...
thanks for everyone's help with this. Last night I bought a cheapy (link) to hold me over till there are more options.
finally went to the t moble store and got their case. its the same as the one a few posts back that has pictures. I do like it, but wish it fit just a little more snug. im coming from a mytouch that had a snap on hard shell, so im used to them fitting tight. this will do for now. thanks for the info
now, guess ill order the clearfreaks screen protector from ebay... not thrilled, but dont see to many other "good" options at this point
is it true that the silicon type of cases doesnt allow the heat to dissipate and heats up the device ?
Related
Anyone have a suggestion for what kind of case will give me the rubberized feel that the HTC phones have (their backplates). Or if you can't think of a specific case, what kind of material I should be looking into>
I don't want a gel case I think cause its too rubberish and stick and hard cases are just bad. What's a good mix in-between?
http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=729133
Just look down before you start a new thread.
I did read all of that before posting. Unfortunately I am looking for a full-fledged case, not a skin or coat I put on the phone. I want something that will protect the phone from a full drop which is not a gel or hard case.
I have this one, it's a hardcase with rubber coating similar to G1, plus perforated holes for better grip. Best looking case in the market at the moment IMO.
"Mesh" case for i9000
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=730699
vuvsion I have been following the forum very closely. I know of these cases and was considering getting one for the LONGEST time. They DO look great. But if you drop it, your phone is ****ed. It doesn't cover the edges. I don't really care its backplate (i can replace that easy enough). The sides though, are not replacable.
The mesh case covers the back but not the edges. It's pretty but not drop-proof. Do you know of anything LIKE it that covers more of the phone. Cause that would be perfect.
Perhaps one of the case-mate cases would have that same feeling, but since it's still in design stage, it'll take awhile for them to release anything.
Do you know if Case-Mate is even working on a model for the Vibrant/Galaxy S? I just looked at their site and they have VERY few cases for past Samsung phones.
}{Alienz}{ said:
Do you know if Case-Mate is even working on a model for the Vibrant/Galaxy S? I just looked at their site and they have VERY few cases for past Samsung phones.
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7497121&postcount=23
Yup saw that like 3 minutes after posting. Voted on their case-mate forum too. I just hope it doesn't take a month for them to be out.
The body gloves are quite nice
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I keep seeing posts around the forums saying that the TPU (is that even correct?) cases are by far the best, and also that Bodyglove in particular bites the big one. However, I bought a Bodyglove case with my phone at the Tmobile store (I didn't even know about the galaxy S until mine broke and I needed a new one) and it seems great to me
Albeit the Power button is a bit hard to get to at times, it seems very rugged and like it could really take a beating. I'm pretty rough on my mobile electronics, and used to go through a lot of phones (at one point 5 in 12 months), but have calmed down a bit over the years.
I just want to understand if I am missing out on something, and if so - what that something is worth to me.
Anybody want to bash Bodyglove and help a brotha out at the same time?
the tpu case is awesome, it is like a hard but still flexible plastic which keeps the phone from getting too bulky like the rubberish case you can buy at tmo store.
buttons are a bit funky you have to press harder, but what a good case.
Personally I'm not TPU fan... Though I've only seen some cheap chinese ones, so maybe that is the problem.
I will say, about the body glove... If it is anything like the G1 body glove from TMO it will fall apart. The soft outer material peels off from the hard shell really easily.
Sent from my mobile, blame Swype for any mistakes.
i have a three dollar cheap chinese diamond pattern TPU case and its ****in awesome.
I used to love body glove products. But the last few I've had have totally sucked. I never tried their vibrant model, but my last one for mytouch slide was a total waste of money, but the reason I will never give them another try is when I contacted their customer support they told me they have had no other complaints and that basically it was my fault. I know this is total BS bc look at the feed back on them. I use the TPU hybrid and love it.
The reason I like the TPU over hard plastic is several reasons. First, the TPU is hard enough with withstand a long fall, but the case flexs and gives preventing the shock from blowing a traditional hard case to pieces and transfering the shock to the device. Thirdly is pretty easy to put on and take off without wearing it out like alot of snap together models. And lastly, it was CHEAP.
I'm not terribly experienced in the matter, but I learned a lot watching the daydeal videos on youtube. They actually do a great job of going into the nitty gritty of why you'd choose TPU over aluminum, hard plastic, silicone, etc... but they give a balanced look to show pros and cons. They aren't afraid to bash their own products to some extent either when the design isn't what they'd reccomend.
That said, I think TPU is popular for a few reasons:
- Cheap
- Cheap doesn't necessarily mean inferior quality
- Relative to a rigid Material: doesn't crack or dent, less prone to minor scratches, can wrap around phone without a seam that could loosen over time
- Relative to a soft silicone: friction doesn't make pocket/purse storage a hassle, doesn't tear/rip, better impact protection if there's a drop, doesn't grab onto dust/lint
So it looks like Case-Mate does not make a Barely There type case for the Samsung Captivate. Are there any other good similar options out there?
incipio feather is similar...but its less flexible
For a truly "barely-there" experience, I've just installed a screen protector. Voila!
I used to use what noma_pride mentioned above and was quite happy until recently. The full body skins tend to peel up from the edges and eventually dull overtime requiring replacements which can become quite annoying.
IMO I found no case/skins best. I found these jackets made from microsuede from sfbags.com and they are awesome! Check them out http://www.sfbags.com/products/cellphonecases/cell-phone-cases.php
slntdth93 said:
incipio feather is similar...but its less flexible
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Picked that up for my wife. She loves it. Thanks.
I personally like the flexible cases that body glove makes. The AT&T store sells this one, but I would not recommend getting it from them. Much cheaper through ebay. I had a hard case that snapped on, but found it covered up the sides and bottom too much. It affected dragging apps from main screen to other screens because you couldn't get your finger far enough to the side for the screens to scroll. Also I purchased a spare battery with battery charger and it was a pain to unsnap the case and swap batteries when I needed to. I have dropped mine with the body glove and phone still looked perfect. I am sure a hard enough drop would still be able to damage it though. The only thing about the body gloves that I think suck is only comes in black or pink.
I have a silicon case I bought in the mall (don't recommend that but I needed one as the lady one broke), and it's awesome. It's a harder silicon that still moved, and grips the phone like a condom. Our was made by an off brand, but I'm sure you can find it easily in any mall or online shop
sent from something somewhere
I think TPU cases are the best. They aren't "barely there" cases but the closest providing all the proctection you need. Price is a plus too. Try searching tpu in ebay
http://www.amazon.com/Impact-Resist..._1_5?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1319246803&sr=1-5
Im looking for a cheap decent case till trident releases the agies version, and this one looks to be the cheapest but yet decent, because it will has a drop resistant in it. i dont wanna spend 35 bucks on the case-mate tough due to gonna get the trident case when it comes out.
i liked it but i did not get one so i dont know how it is
majmuni said:
i liked it but i did not get one so i dont know how it is
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i like the kickstand idea of it, from the reviews it sounds ok, just the top and bottom are not well protected, just the corners.
They sell this case at the sprint store. so i would go there first and check it out but this is a way better deal then they have.
My local Sprint store also carries this case. I didnt buy it cause it really looked bulky.
atoy74 said:
My local Sprint store also carries this case. I didnt buy it cause it really looked bulky.
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I dont mind bulk really. i figure with big hands, that might help me a little because this phone i thin.
Scratches phone
Read my post here about this case...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1292459
Not everyone has troubles with it but I wouldn't trust the case if I dropped it. I ended up buying one of these from eBay and it provides way more protection with little bulk...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180729129853?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_1480wt_1341
No kickstand but it's worth it till I find something better. Only took 6 days to receive it.
The problem I've got with most cases, is that it looks like "a phone snapped into a case". And having a flippy kickstand out the back adds some functionality, but if you don't need or wouldn't use that functionality, it contributes all the more to that "that doesn't look like it belongs there" look. Looks a bit like you've taken half your windshield mount with you.
It's like those cars you see college kids driving around, with the stuff bolted onto them that doesn't integrate well with the car, and you wonder if they've ever actually been to a car show and understand that the best modifications are done in a way that makes the car look more integrated, not less. Phone cases have always been sinners this way.
I bought a matte black TPU case more or less as a placeholder... I've been a person who personally hates cases due to the above, and these phones are so thin that I'd hate to ruin that as well...
Needless to say, I clicked "purchase" with a sigh, thinking it was just temporary, something cheap for protection until the market opened up and I might find that 1% case that was classier and didn't look like a "case snapped on a phone".
I have been more than pleased with the TPU case, I feel like I've accidentally stumbled onto that case. It's the right combination between soft and hard, to actually absorb and disperse shock, it wraps around the front to protect there too, 360 degrees.
It looks like "the phone", it doesn't look like a case even, and the matte black back and gloss front ring look classy, elegant. No rubbery gel look, no playskool plastics, no kids-toy colors or fades, no skulls or dragons, etc. The phone is thin enough to pull it off without looking like a brick too.
I'd recommend this case to others - especially for the $8 shipped cost.
I'd think it'd much better absorb shock than a hard plastic one... it'll absorb it rather than transfer the shock wave right to your phone like a hard plastic one would.
I have not found any worthy case for SG2...There is not a big variety.
i almost love the case
for twenty dollars its not bulky. Thinner than the tpu cases thats for sure ialso tried a gel but doint think i need the xtra protection. im not clumsy and take care of my phones. the top and bottom are not protected but kinda they are they have a lip over the corner and unless it falls on something that sticks out im good. falls on floor the corners are good. plus any case that is over protecte are over bulky an for the scratching have not seen any thing of the like
I'm with Vega. This case is very good, looks great, isn't bulky, and isn't scratching my phone.
I posted some pics in the thread for this case ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1292459&page=2 ) so you can maybe see it from some angles not in the sales shots, but everyone I show this phone to immediately comments on how small and light the phone is, and then I take the case off and they are amazed it gets even smaller.
I'm not a fan of cases, and I'm not a fan of any extra bulk, and I really like this case. Looks great, and gives some light protection.
Light protection? Yes. I did a drop test on linoleum (much harder than carpet, but not as hard/damaging as concrete) and in three drop from knee, waist, and chest high, it did fine. At head high, the case popped off. Which I expected. If you are throwing your phone around like a spaz, get a good gel case or something better than that. If you might accidentally drop your phone getting out of a car, but are not a spaz beyond that, this case is great.
Pics again:
I used this case for about 2 weeks and it scratched my phone on the side bezel on both sides of the phone and also on the back of the phone down by the speaker. I wouldn't use it again. Got the TC case from Amazon in matte black. is much better and cheaper.
@DevonSloan thank you for a little bit more review on that for me :-D i also like the pictures you added much better than what amazon showed
Vega said:
for twenty dollars its not bulky. Thinner than the tpu cases thats for sure ialso tried a gel but doint think i need the xtra protection. im not clumsy and take care of my phones. the top and bottom are not protected but kinda they are they have a lip over the corner and unless it falls on something that sticks out im good. falls on floor the corners are good. plus any case that is over protecte are over bulky an for the scratching have not seen any thing of the like
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Not so. This kickstand case is much thicker and bulkier than the TPU case. I know this for a fact because I have both. The TPU TC case is cheaper, thinner, feels better in your hand, protects your phone better, won't scratch your phone, is less slippery, and your phone won't fly out of it if you drop it. That happened to me with this case, too. The kickstand is lame as well. If you set it on a table with the kickstand out, the phone leans back at about a 45 degree angle making it really hard to see the screen.
DataHawg said:
Not so. This kickstand case is much thicker and bulkier than the TPU case. I know this for a fact because I have both. The TPU TC case is cheaper, thinner, feels better in your hand, protects your phone better, won't scratch your phone, is less slippery, and your phone won't fly out of it if you drop it. That happened to me with this case, too. The kickstand is lame as well. If you set it on a table with the kickstand out, the phone leans back at about a 45 degree angle making it really hard to see the screen.
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well somethings wrong if ur having issues seeing the screen. the type of screen it is, has the feature to be able to have the phone at an angle and still see the screen clear.i myself would prefer a bulky feel any. like the htc evo shift is semi bulky just a really small screen.
If you like a bulky case this is the one to get. Most of us don't, especially on a phone this big. Just sayin
I'm trying to decide between these two cases, and Ive heard good things about both of them, but I'm just wondering which you guys think would be better.
Update, links :laugh:
Incipio http://www.incipio.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-Cases/Incipio-Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-SILICRYLIC-DualPro-Hard-Shell-Case-with-Silicone-Core.asp
Speck http://www.speckproducts.com/candyshell-for-samsung-galaxy-s3.html
gdaysoccer said:
I'm trying to decide between these two cases, and Ive heard good things about both of them, but I'm just wondering which you guys think would be better.
Can't post links because I'm still new, but they arent too hard to find.
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My vote goes to Incipio.
The dual layer Incipio Silicrylic should provide more protection than Speck, and Speck's are getting a reputation for cracking. (Another reason that I'd never buy from Speck is because they send lawyer nastygrams to people reselling their cases on ebay!)
i went to the att store yesterday and the guy there pulled out TWO spec cases. on one i couldn't get the up on the volume rocker to work. on the second one it held that button down
my vote goes to the incipio dual pro but i'm prob gonna end up naked. the incipio adds more bulk to the phone than the speck AND dirt still gets in the incipio one. i'd like to try the case mate pop case. that'll prob be my last try.
alternatively, the official samsung cases that come in a two pack are awesome. i'm just looking for something to cover my buttons because it's very annoying that they're kinda loose. was expecting GNex quality in the button sturdiness area (extremely stiff/held into place).
zmore said:
My vote goes to Incipio.
The dual layer Incipio Silicrylic should provide more protection than Speck, and Speck's are getting a reputation for cracking. (Another reason that I'd never buy from Speck is because they send lawyer nastygrams to people reselling their cases on ebay!)
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Had not heard about the cracking issue, so that is definitely something I'll keep in mind. And, I had heard about the reselling issue, which is quite sketchy in my opinion.
mrvirginia said:
i went to the att store yesterday and the guy there pulled out TWO spec cases. on one i couldn't get the up on the volume rocker to work. on the second one it held that button down
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Also had not heard about the volume rocker issue... making me think that Incipio is definately more the way to go.
mrvirginia said:
my vote goes to the incipio dual pro but i'm prob gonna end up naked. the incipio adds more bulk to the phone than the speck AND dirt still gets in the incipio one. i'd like to try the case mate pop case.
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I would rather go naked but Im just worried about all the problems Ive heard with people dropping them and such (not that I plan on dropping it :silly
gdaysoccer said:
I would rather go naked but Im just worried about all the problems Ive heard with people dropping them and such (not that I plan on dropping it :silly
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yeah i was naked for over 6mon with my GNex. still haven't dropped that one... lol
i don't drop phones. the S3 is very thin, though, and i feel i need to put something on it at least. i'll prob go back by and pick up a pop case just to give it a try. if all fails, samsung oem case it is for me prob.
Casemate Pop! beats both in this case IMO. It has the look of a Speck Candyshell (which are usually my favorite), plus kickstand, plus rubber grippage on the sides. The buttons are very tactile. And of course the case extends above the screen so dropping it on the screen won't break it. It fits even the largest headphone jacks (looking at you, big monitor-headphone people) and has a big space for large aftermarket USB chargers.
The silicrylic is very nice it is what I have on mine. I had the unsteady buttons and the silicrylic covers them perfectly and makes them feel extremely solid and stable and takes just the right amount of pressure imo to push them. I have the white s3 and the light / dark gray case it looks very good. I have had a lot of people say they really like my case. It also makes the phone very easy to hold onto compared to no case and seems like it provides good protection.
I've owned both and honestly, the speck is junk. If I were you, I'd order both and see for your self, then send back the speck.
FYI, I found on another thread where you can put a piece of paper or scotch tape inside the case above the volume rocker and it fixes that. I was upset when I ran into that problem on mine but it works well now. Easy fix on that particular issue.
I have the speck case only because it goes well with the MoshI ivisor. It looks good but has only been in my pocket with nothing else and looks rubbed and scratched on the back. Does feel like it could crack easily. I won't take my phone into work until I find a otterbox, which I will more than likely remove the built in screen protector.
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