Hello,
I have the International GSM unlocked version of the GNex. Shortly after purchase, I did something I have not done in many many years. I actually bought something from Radio Shack. As it seems none of the big stores have any cases for the GNex, I just happened to pass by an RS and found the OtterBox Defender. I absolutely hated it:
1) It seems the very top of the case did not fit tightly enough. The main issue was that it made it VERY difficult to access the notification bar on the GNex. I actually had to squeeze the case a little.
2) There is space between the screen protector and screen. This made it very easy for dust, threads, junk to get between the two.
3) The case never seemed to really go together solid. It always kind of squeeked (which I have seen in other threads)
4) Having come from the GSM HTC Hero, one thing that I was worried about in switching to the GNex was slipping it into my pocket. I have been very impressed with how slim the GNex is. The OtterBox made it a big hunk of junk.
One thing I have not figured out is if the GSM International version might be a slightly different size than the Verizon version? The look the same in the store.
clobber said:
One thing I have not figured out is if the GSM International version might be a slightly different size than the Verizon version? The look the same in the store.
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The international GSM version is thinner than the LTE version that Verizon has. That might account for some of your issues. Although even with the difference in thickness, there's still a bit of space between the screen and the screen protector on the LTE version. Many people have complained about the dust and random crap that gets in there on the Defender case.
I have the Defender for the Galaxy Nexus (it came with it), and I personally don't like it either. I used it for all of half a day before I decided that it just wasn't for me. I ended up going with the Diztronic case, and it's just about perfect. It even works with the OEM extended battery for the LTE version. I typically don't like TPU cases, but this one doesn't feel like a TPU case once it's on. It has a much more solid feel without adding much of any bulk to the phone.
I had similar impressions with the Otterbox Defender that one of my friends had on his Nexus S. It seems to offer great protection, but the built-in screen protector caused more problems than a stick-on kind.
I love the Commuter series cases and had one on my Galaxy Nexus for a few months until I got the SGP Crumena leather sleeve. I've been very impressed with it so far - a fantastic case that isn't a case
Im using a gsm nexus with the defender . I removed the screen protector with goo gone, then applied an ebay type screen protector directly to the screen . Major improvement with that dust behind the lense problem. Now about the size. The defender is literally too big for the gsm model. I folded a microfiber cloth and placed it behind the phone. That made it fit better until i get a bigger battery. Ive heard rumors that the 2200 mah batteries fit inside the defender with all the extra room.
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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
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-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 $43 as I was going though the checkout process...
thanks for everyone's help with this. Last night I bought a cheapy (link) to hold me over till there are more options.
finally went to the t moble store and got their case. its the same as the one a few posts back that has pictures. I do like it, but wish it fit just a little more snug. im coming from a mytouch that had a snap on hard shell, so im used to them fitting tight. this will do for now. thanks for the info
now, guess ill order the clearfreaks screen protector from ebay... not thrilled, but dont see to many other "good" options at this point
is it true that the silicon type of cases doesnt allow the heat to dissipate and heats up the device ?
My wife has always carried her flip phones in her purse, which was OK. However I just picked her up a SGN and am uncomfortable with the idea if this floating around inside a purse, even with a screen protector and/or in a side pocket. As such, I'm looking for something a bit more substantial that won't prove to be a big hindrance.
I've got a Diztronic matte black on mine but, as mentioned, don't think a screen protector would do the job inside a purse.
Suggestions?
My wife ordered a case from this website:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaSideSew...edium=trans_email&utm_campaign=purchase_buyer
She's done it before and was happy with the product she got. You can give them specific dimensions (i.e., dimensions including the case).
A TPU case would be sufficient, check out ebay there's a huge selection and they average 7$
Sent from my (GSM) Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Product Link: http://amzn.com/B0062V037Q
I'm not really prepared to give a full review of this case yet since I just put it on today and haven't "lived" with it for very long, but I wanted to go ahead and post some pics for anyone who might be interested. These pics are of a Galaxy Nexus LTE with extended battery. I believe it's designed to fit the LTE with standard battery, but it fits just fine with the extended battery.
What I can tell so far -- the glossy/gel part of this case is rubbery and sticks to hard surfaces, but doesn't seem to stick to fabric/clothes so i don't think it'll be a problem getting in and out of pockets. The matte part is like a textured plastic -- very smooth and not sticky at all. The gel fits around the front and sticks up only a fraction above the screen like it's supposed to, so you can lay it face down and the screen won't touch the surface. Anyway, here are the pics.
If I'm missing any angles that anyone wants to see, let me know and I'll take more pics. I'll try to add some more opinions about this case after I've carried it around a little.
how flexible is the case?
Thanks for sharing large photos, it really helps to show the fit of the case. Think I'll go ahead and order one.
For those who have a different case, it would be nice to see those cases posted in a similar fashion.
I have this case too and I believe it was molded to fit the GSM version. I've had both versions of the phone and it fit the GSM version perfectly. The Verizon version (even without the extended batt) does not fit quite right. You can see it clearly in your 4th pic how it bulges out and does not hug the edges of the screen area properly. I also don't care for the button areas, as they are both enclosed and make it difficult to locate the buttons by feel.
Thanks. I just picked up one in green and it seems to fit fine over the extended battery. I am still able to find the power button because it has a different texture than the rest of the side.
It will probably take a few days to see if it is better out worse that the gel I got at Verizon. So far, so good. And it was on sale!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
You can find this for 2 dollars on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...TPU+Gel+Case+for+Samsung+Galaxy+Google+Nexus+
ludow said:
You can find this for 2 dollars on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...TPU+Gel+Case+for+Samsung+Galaxy+Google+Nexus+
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i don't think that is the same case. the one i got is made by Qubits.
@halo0: yes, i can tell this case wasn't made for the extended battery, and i can see what you're talking about in picture 4, but i don't notice any bulge in actual use, and i'm pretty anal about my cases.
also, like @VivianC mentioned, it's easy to find the power and volume buttons by touch because of the difference in texture.
ludow said:
You can find this for 2 dollars on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...TPU+Gel+Case+for+Samsung+Galaxy+Google+Nexus+
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My case was around £3 and is IDENTICAL to the pictures above and this link.
Don't spend more than $10/£5 on this case.
The reason why I am getting rid of this case is because it makes the screen/sleep button quite weird to press. (However, having this case for nearly a month you get used to it)
Sadly, lint and dirt collects easily around the lip of the case where it touches the screen.
There are NO issues with this case pulling up the screen protector edge. (I've read how someone said cheap TPU cases sometimes do this)
Does provides good protection for small knocks and drops! - Dropped my phone on wood floor twice and was well protected!
Got these on amazon for 8 each.green one for my girl black for myself. Barely noticeable and I actually think it fits better with the extend battery than the standard, mine (with extended battery) just feels better than hers without. Good skin, very pleased with it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I have three different colors (red, clear, and black) of this case and I have to say I am very pleased with them. They were made for the GSM version but they still fit pretty good with the CDMA's. (Small buldge that was previously mention) Paid $5 for the red and the clear one. $8 for the black one. I'd recommend it for those prices.
I've got this and I really don't like the button covers. They're to stiff for my liking. Amazon carries this for $9.99 with two screen protectors and a micro fiber pouch.
Sent from my ICY+ Galaxy Nexus
I purchased this case. I'm a sucker for white cases. I thought you VZW GNEX folks out there would like to know how it fits.
I'm sorry to say that I am a bit disappointed.
This case will probably be great for the GSM version. I was not satisfied with the fit on the Verizon G-NEX. As you can see the case is a bit shallow on top of the phone. Compared to the Verizon TPU cases, this case seemed loose and could slide off, again probably because this was meant for the GSM phone. As a note, I do not have the extended battery.
scorch968 said:
I purchased this case. I'm a sucker for white cases. I thought you VZW GNEX folks out there would like to know how it fits.
I'm sorry to say that I am a bit disappointed.
This case will probably be great for the GSM version. I was not satisfied with the fit on the Verizon G-NEX. As you can see the case is a bit shallow on top of the phone. Compared to the Verizon TPU cases, this case seemed loose and could slide off, again probably because this was meant for the GSM phone. As a note, I do not have the extended battery.
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Well if you decide to sell it. Im your man :-D
I have the Black Version. Been using it for a few weeks now. I use mine with the Extended Battery and Backplate. It won't fall out, but I did mention (with pics) that it was too shallow at the top of the phone (where I never thought it would have a problem).
The phone fits good on the Extended battery backplate. Real nice and tight. The case fits perfectly at the bottom. The case lip is fine but only the top half is too shallow.
It still fits... not perfectly but fits. I've never had the case come off or remotely make me think otherwise. It is pretty good quality and I like that the black blends in with the screen pretty well.
That said, I did order a Diztronic v3 case with the button cutouts. It supposedly fits better. We'll see. I should be getting it Wednesday (or today!). I got the Smoke Gray and I probably won't like the color. I'm really digging the Matte Black or White but they didn't have any available during CES.
Here is my review of the SGP Capsule case: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21385362&postcount=42
Edit:
Mine seems to fit better. All my corners are covered, its only the buttons that are out of whack. Perhaps you got the GSM model.
Perhaps. Buttons alignment is good however.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I ordered a white one too. I am still waiting for it, but I am have the GSM version. I guess I will like mine when it comes
I think you will, build quality is good. I like a little bit of a lip around the screen so if it happens to fall face first, there is less of a chance of contact.
scorch968 said:
I think you will, build quality is good. I like a little bit of a lip around the screen so if it happens to fall face first, there is less of a chance of contact.
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Thank you for the reassurance. How long did you have to wait to get your case? I am assuming you are in US and got USPS to ship it.
About 7 days.
Just got my white ultra capsule today too for the CDMA version. As stated the fit isn't very good around the top but it is a beautiful case. I was wondering if anyone has tried any modification to the top section to make it fit better?
Anyone willing to trade their white case for a brand new matte black barely there case,I have the GSM version and it doesn't fit mine.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
So I am really torn. With my old phone I had a case originally, but I would swap batteries twice a day, plus I could never dock it in the car (since I had a dock made for my phone), or on my desk.
I am guessing with this phone I would not be switching batteries as regularly as I am now, but I still have the home/car dock issue. What do you guys think???
You can think of cases/screen protectors as insurance. In the end, it's up to you. But, one accident is all that is needed to ruin the phone.
I plan on getting a case, but my situation is going to be slightly different than your's. I have no issues with the dock situation.
Trust me, case up. I dropped my galaxy s3 and it smashed into tiny pieces. It wasn't insured so I was screwed.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
The phone will be too valuable for me to drop. I seem to drop them from time to time. I will have some kind of case (bought 2 already).
As far as the battery switching, with the 3100mAh batt and resonably long life as reports elsewhere, I think you won't be de-casing nearly as often.
My present iPhone (gasp) has an otter case. Taking apart the 2 part casing to change batts would really get old fast.
Once you drop a phone in a parking lot, you learn to slap a case on it as soon as possible.
Otterbox JUST came out with the iPhone 5 case this week (or maybe late last week). That is a longgggg time to not have a case if the same trend goes with the Note 2.
Samsung TPU Case
I grabbed one of the actual Samsung branded TPU cases. First time I've ever bought an OEM case. It's a very, very slick case. Feels nice in the hand, doesn't add bulk and has a raised from edge. It's a bit pricey at 30$ and the only complaint that I have right now is the AUX hole isn't that big so a bulky connector still means I have to remove it.
Other than that, the grey on grey looks glorious.
I have never cased my phones. I've always used a horizontal to carry the phone on my belt. My S and SII have both been dropped several times and the only issue I have had is scuffing and nicks on the edges. Amazingly they help up better than I would of thought. The hip case has always worked well for me and provides good protection. But once the phone is removed from the case it up to you to keep it protected.
I'm planning on picking up a note II and have picked up a horizontal case for mt belt and a case with a bumper around the edge and a flip cover. I'm afraid the case my make the phone a little thicker than I'd like and am looking for an additional case with a slim profile bet also covers the back and edges.
The note II being a large phone, with a little more weight and a large surface area I'm thinking a case would be a good idea. I'd say a nice minimalistic case that is easy to remove is the way to go.