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[Review] Frugal setup

The Galaxy S III is a beautiful, expensive, fragile phone. I can understand how people would pay $30+ for a case. For me, I can't help but look for a deal so I wanted a setup that maximized each dollar I spent. I wanted a case that offered decent impact protection, a lip for the screen, and a slim profile. I'm very picky about screen protectors so clarity, smoothness, and most importantly, full screen protection was key.
Total cost: A hair under $5
Case: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280900471671?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Screen protector: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FONF4Q/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
Review:
I've been a big fan of TPU cases. Silicone is too flimsy while hard plastic cases may mar the phone more than the environmental dangers it is supposed to protect against. TPU is rigid yet fairly soft and extremely light. However, it suffers from discoloration.
For $3 this hybrid offers a gray TPU frame and frosted clear plastic backing. The gray TPU and hard plastic resists discoloration from the hands and jeans and goes very well with the marble white version of the Galaxy. Cutouts are accurate and happily, the power and volume buttons are not difficult to press despite being covered by the TPU. The lip prevents the screen from touching the surface and the case in general is extremely rigid. The tight fit makes it difficult to take the phone out but offers more rugged protection. As an added benefit, the side of the case has grip which feels good in the hand.
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The screen protector is made by Chromo and its cutout is exactly how screen protectors should be cut. Many other brands take shortcuts, often times leaving the upper right corner of the screen (where the FFC is located) and lower portion of the home button vulnerable. Chromo leaves little exposed. It develops scratches fairly easy but it feels great, almost like glass. Chromo offers almost full screen protection but since it is not curved, it slowly lifts up around the edges. The trick I use is to tape the left and right sides of the screen protector down before installing it into the case. As shown in the picture, it's almost unnoticeable.
No only does this prevent the screen protector from lifting, it also protects the trim of the phone from gathering microscratches from the TPU material (which happened to my Galaxy S II). The benefit from this case and screen protector combination is that the tight fit holds parts of the film down.

Now I talked about how hard plastic might end up scratching the finish of the phone. This is where clear scotch tape comes into play. Using wide, clear tape, I simply applied it to the battery cover. Just like the wet full body films like Zagg, using a little bit of soapy water helps with the application process. The tape also helped protect the LED light and camera lens; a cutout is needed for the speaker though.
You can also apply a small piece of tape to the home button for added protection. As you can see, I'm a big fan of tape.
Sure this setup probably won't protect as much as an Otterbox. Ideally I would also like a fancy curved screen protector from Spigen. However, compared to the almost $40+ I would spend just on those 2 products, I have a satisfactory setup that keeps my phone protected and handsome.

the tape on the home button is just plain hideous

King Shady said:
the tape on the home button is just plain hideous
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I just stuck it on to get an idea. A few minutes would produce a better shaped product.

Looks like it works good in a pinch, but I dunno how I'd feel about putting scotch tape all over my brand-new phone. Honestly, I find my setup of a diztronic piano black tpu case and the SGP Ultra Nano to be a great combo, and well worth the $25 total it runs. You honestly can't tell there's a screen protector at all if you apply it correctly, unless you closely examine the borders, and the feel is indeed better than naked. You get a 3-pack, and if you have any issues with it they'll generally send you a new one for free. Honestly, I feel like anyone who can afford somewhere between $200 and $600 for the phone should be able to justify $25 or so for a nice case and screen protector.

+1 about silicon flimsy. I rocked a silicon case for a little while because that was all they had where I am. It would slide right off the phone when I put it in my pocket.

[User Review] Amzer Pudding TPU Case Black For Moto G

I initially looked at the flip case, but having had a go with a friends, I didn`t like the `flip` when making a call.
I started looking round for alternatives and spotter the Amzer Pudding TPU case.
I wanted something with protection all the way round the phone. I`ve seen several where the corners are exposed. Dropping it on a corner is something I had with an old phone and it immediately cracked the glass, so a fully enclosed cover was top of the list.
This has a `rubberised` texture and in use, it certainly feels grippy. The edges are sticky enough so you won`t drop it easily, but not so bad that you can`t get it in and out of your pocket without it `grabbing` the material. :good:
For £6.50 delivered, I really can`t complain. :good:
Amzer logo embossed onto the rear of the case
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Full edge coverage
Closeup of the corners
Neat cutout for the headphone
Camera & Speaker cutouts
Power and Volume controls are covered, but they are easy to use and I haven`t struggled to press the buttons at all.

By how much does the thickness increase..
i know its too much to ask but if u ever remove the case can u post pictures of case and bare mobile side by side
btw i have never used a tpu case..its is rubbery flexible or plasticky...i have heard that its a combination of both

Wh00sher said:
Dropping it on a corner is something I had with an old phone and it immediately cracked the glass, so a fully enclosed cover was top of the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But a drop of more than 2-3 feet would probably still break the phone. To get better protection, one should have a case with thick rubber bumpers on the corners like the Trident or Ballistic case. But of course, it wouldn't be as pocket friendly.

I have this case and dislike it. It adds too much thickness for me, but about what you can expect from a TPU case. I buy cases for scratch protection rather than drop protection. I hate the glossy bezel and just wish they had that same back finish for the entire case. The finish of the back is nice since it doesn't pick up fingerprints. The last thing I can't stand is how small the usb connector cutout is. This can probably be fixed with a knife, but it still shouldn't come like that.

is it sturdy material or flexible that it can be like silicon cover in the ease of putting/removing the phone from it?

It is not terribly difficult to put this case on or remove it. One of the best features of this case for me is the matte back section which greatly improves grip and the button molds in the side.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

wolfen69 said:
But a drop of more than 2-3 feet would probably still break the phone. To get better protection, one should have a case with thick rubber bumpers on the corners like the Trident or Ballistic case. But of course, it wouldn't be as pocket friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every time I use a heavy-duty case though I end up removing it after a few months and using a less-protective one because of the bulk, tpu cases seem like an "OK" compromise (or at least I hope).
I've been eyeing the Cruzerlite bugroid ones since watching this IRL drop test (nexus 5) video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY9Svj9fYVg but the Amzer one reviewed here looks very nice :good:

isit a good alternative for the gripshell?
I need a bumper what do you suggest?

It does provide good protection but makes the device look dull. I guess I'll have to buy something else for my wife.
Sent from my Nexus 7

Its very cool, but its expensive. I'm from Spain and this price is elevate for me.
Enviado desde mi XT1032

This was the only tpu case available when the phone first launched online. It is a durable case with good protection, not too bulky. Offers good grip. Overall 7.5/10.

After much ado I finally decided on this case, bought it, received it, liked it at first. Then I had it in my pocket for a day at work.
Took my phone out of my pocket and the screen was covered in little waves of dust. And it had gathered up around the edges. Even had a small piece of plaster or something sticking to the screen.
I work in a dusty environment but this is ridiculous. I didn't have problems with my 3GS or Lumia, and though the bareback Moto G's screen seemed to attract a little more dust than those... This case is a DUST MAGNET.
I wish someone would have mentioned that in any of the dozens and dozens of reviews I'd gone over.

Review of UAG Folio case for S5 w/lots of pics!!!

This is a Review of UAG Folio case for Galaxy S5. http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/galaxy-s5-folio-case-red
I have reviewed a number of different "folio" cases in the past for various phones, but I never end up using one. The problem is that most of these cases are either too slim and offer no drop protection in favor of scratch protection, or they have annoying flapping cover that doesn't stay latched, or have front cover storage that bulks up the case and puts a pressure on the screen. Either way, it wasn't my cup of tea though I know a lot of people do prefer these. Furthermore, while being a fan of UAG cases I know they like to play it safe with their signature fused double layer open face design. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard they are introducing a folio case! Now, after I got a chance to test it out, I can tel you with certainty - these guys just reinvented the wheel!
The first thing you notice out of the box is a soft textured feel of this case. Referred to as "frogskin technology", they used some kind of a proprietary rubberized material with a non-slip grip where according to UAG it maintains grip even in wet and slippery conditions. Once you flip the cover open, the next surprise is a pocket under the cover with a room enough to hold 3 credit cards, including driver license, and a few money bills. The inside of the pocket has a textured synthetic lining which makes it easy to slide the cards out, and the middle of the pocket has a cutout for your thumb to push them out. Every detail of this design is very well thought of, including a padded cover with suede finish that won't scratch or put a pressure on the screen. And to top it off, front cover has a flap with a secure magnetic latch to keep it closed.
As I mentioned above, one of the big problems with a folio cases is not enough security to hold the phone and lack of general protection if you drop it. Some cases barely even hold your phone at the corners while others glue a cheap tpu or plastic case to the back cover. Here you have a fully functional high quality case with a folio cover attached to it. This portion of the case resembles a regular UAG case with a similar fused dual layer design and inner honeycomb impact resistant layer, but instead of a hard shell it uses soft rubberized "frogskin" finish. You still get a great level of protection while holding it securely inside and an easy way to take the phone out when need it. Also, just like with a regular UAG case, you get power and volume up/down buttons covered and with a great tactile response when pushed. All the ports are very generously open at the top and the bottom of the phone, and you get a precise speaker and camera/flash cutout on the back. The front cover has a cutout around front speaker area at the top so you can carry on a phone conversation with cover closed.
Overall, I think this is a first folio case that I'm going to use with our Galaxy S5 whenever I decide to keep the wallet at home and just take the phone and keys along with it. It offers a great storage functionality, a high quality exterior finish, an access to all the ports and buttons, and the same high level of protection I have come to expect from their regular cases. As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with this case that I wish UAG will make a special version without a front cover, and hopefully for Note 4 as well!
Here are the pictures.
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Review of UAG Folio Case for S6 w/lots of pics!!!

This is a Review of UAG Folio case for Galaxy S6. http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/galaxy-s6-folio-black, available on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/URBAN-ARMOR-GEAR-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B00SXFEAB4/
I have reviewed a number of different "folio" cases in the past for various phones, but I never end up using one. The problem is that most of these cases are either too slim with hardly any drop protection in favor of scratch protection, or they have annoying flapping cover that doesn't stay latched, or have front cover storage that bulks up the case and puts a pressure on the screen. Either way, it wasn't my cup of tea though I know a lot of people do prefer these. Furthermore, while being a fan of UAG cases I know they like to play it safe with their signature fused double layer open face design. So you can imagine my surprise when they introduced and I got a chance to test their S5 Folio case last year. Now, on their 2nd gen, they re-introduced Folio case for S6 model with an updated design. Here is what I found.
The first thing you notice out of the box is a soft textured feel of this case. Referred to as "frogskin technology" grip, they use a proprietary rubberized material with a non-slip grip where according to UAG it maintains grip even in wet and slippery conditions. Once you flip the cover open, unlike S5 Folio case, you are no longer presented with a pocket under the cover. The inside has a padded cover with suede finish that won't scratch or put a pressure on the screen. The front cover has a very narrow tab with a magnetic latch on the side to keep it closed. I do have to mention that once magnetically “latched”, the cover is securely closed but I had to align it with a magnet every time I closed it. That narrow tab is “too narrow” to close with a casual flip, so it requires just a little bit of effort to make sure it’s aligned.
So where did a pocket for credit cards disappeared? Like a magician case with a secret trap door, there is a velcro strip to flip the cover flap and to reveal a secret pocket in the back where you can place up to 3 credit cards. At first I was on a fence if I like this solution or not. It is very original, and it keeps the case slim (relatively speaking) without bulging cover where you usually store your cards/money. Here, you won’t be able to put money bills, but 3 credit cards (or combination with a driver license) fit perfectly and easy to slide out. I think it’s a really cool idea!
As I mentioned above, one of the big problems with a folio cases is not enough security to hold the phone and lack of general protection if you drop it. Some cases barely even hold your phone at the corners while others glue a cheap tpu or plastic case to the back cover. Here you have a fully functional high quality case with a folio cover on top of it. This portion of the case resembles a regular UAG case with a similar fused dual layer design and inner honeycomb impact resistant layer, but instead of a hard shell it uses soft rubberized "frogskin" finish. You still get a great level of protection while holding it securely inside and an easy way to take the phone out when need it. You even get a secret hidden pocket for a spare SIM card storage. Also, just like with a regular UAG case, you get power and volume up/down buttons covered and a great tactile response when pressed. All the ports are generously open at the top and the bottom of the phone, and you get a precise camera/flash/sensor cutout on the back. The front cover has a cutout around front speaker area at the top so you can carry on a phone conversation with a cover closed.
Overall, I think this is among few folio cases that I find to be all in one stylish, practical, and not too bulky whenever someone decides to keep their wallet at home and just take the phone and keys along with a case. It offers hidden storage functionality, high quality exterior finish, access to all the ports and buttons, and the same high level of protection I have come to expect from their regular cases. After all, it is still tested to meet military drop-test standard (MIL STD 810G 516). Also, the case is available in Black or Red exterior color.
Here are the pictures.
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Question Case Review: Caseborne vs Torras vs Cresee

I have been searching for a good case for this phone and these are my experiences so far.
First i purchased the cresee
Cresee Case for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (2022) Magnetic Hinge Cover Protection, Slim Fit Hard PC + PU Protective Phone Case for Galaxy Z Fold4 5G - Blue https://a.co/d/iJGBWZz
It was cheap and just a stop gap until i found a better case honestly. It provided hinge protection but that was about it. After a few days the adhesive came off and then the front panel wouldn't stay on. Scratch that one. I also really wanted a kickstand so I added one. It just snagged every time I put it in my pocket. Without the added kickstand, it was . 775" thick, with it as pictured it is . 973" thick, 6.2" tall and 2.86" wide
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I then decided to try the Torras Marsclimber kickstand case. It advertised no adhesive and looked quite nice.
TORRAS Marsclimber Kickstand Z Fold 4 Case, [Aluminum Alloy Stand] [No Adhesive Worry] Slim Thin Translucent Matte Durable Kickstand Case Compatible for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G Case 2022, Black https://a.co/d/dCkyPFj
It definitely had a premium feel and the kickstand was quite rigid. The case was a little slippery to feel and didn't offer much in the way of one hand grip option. It did not give any hinge protection. Aside from that, the case was slim and looked nice. Until about 2 weeks in, when the front started popping off regularly. It would fall off all the time. I wasn't ready to give up on it just yet and contacted the manufacturer. They did not respond in a week. I sent that case back for a refund. ( Which is why i didn't post pictures). Wireless charging was a little spotty, but I could usually find a position to charge it.
Next up I got the Caseborne
CaseBorne V Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Case - Full Body Protective Case with Semi-Auto Hinge Cover, [Tempered Glass Screen Protector], Kickstand and S Pen Holder (Black) https://a.co/d/08rg35a
I posted pictures of what the case comes with. It has two screen protectors for the front and also has 2 sets of extra adhesive strips just in case. The case comes with the adhesive already on the case. I tried putting the case on without removing the adhesive backing just to see how it might do without them and I honestly don't think it needs them. The way the phone fits in the case it seems fairly captive. It was nice that they included extras though
Install wasn't too hard though it was fairly firm going in. Largest dimensions on this case on my phone were 6.25" tall, 3.405" wide and . 93" thick. I'm 5'8" and with about 175. The phone is bulky in this case, but fits in my pockets fine.
It definitely seems protective. I have dropped it from table height to concrete 3 times in this case with no issues. I didn't install the screen protector, but there is a lip of . 095" which seems more than adequate.
In daily use it has a lot of features I like so far. This is the s pen case, and the s pen holder gives me something to grip onto as in the picture. I wear medium gloves and this phone is tough to grip with a single hand with no case of the other cases, but this works very well. I probably had to hook my finger into the kickstand to good it with one hand. The s pen bump also works as a small kickstand. The actual kickstand stands the phone up nearly vertical.
Wireless charging has not been an issue. The buttons for volume function normally and there has been no issue with the power button/finger print scanner being inaccessible as I've read about on some other cases. I have to say aside from the size, I am very satisfied with this case. It is definitely larger than the Torras, but not prohibitively so, and it does give much more protection.