Develop Bugs

Evo 4G case updates - Ballistic SG, Otterbox Commuter, CaseMate Tough

Yep, I'm starting another Evo 4g case thread. Mainly due to the fact that I can't find any decent reviews on the new Ballistic SG.
I've pretty much ruled out the Otterbox Defender and Ballistic HC because they seem a little more bulky than I want and overkill.
(link removed)
I'm aware of the Otterbox Commuter's issues with the silicone port cover coming off. I held the case and it just seems a little unsubstantial to me. The silicone seems very thin and the hard case is adequate but still seems very thin as well. I've also read a lot of complaints about the silicone deforming and not fitting the phone well after a short time.
(link removed)
The CaseMate Tough Case seems a little more substantial but I can't tell how thick/thin it is from the pictures. The corners seem better protected than the Commuter but there are no port covers.
(link removed)
I can't find any adequate reviews of the Ballistic SG case. It seems a little beefier than both of the others. I've heard the kick stand is a flimsy POS (if it's the same as the Ballistic HC) but I don't mind snapping it off and using the stock one. There are also no port covers with this one. Their customer service seems a little lacking so I don't know about support/warranty issues.
(I can't post links to the cases which is pretty annoying)
Does anyone have any updated information to share on these cases? I searched the forum but couldn't find anything current, especially on the Ballistic SG.

I too am looking for more information or detailed review of the Ballistic SG. Thakx in advance.

The Ballistic SG looks to basically be like the inner layer of the HC, but with a more finished look. It looks like the kickstand is the same. The kickstand on my HC has held up well, it isn't flimsy at all.
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G with Tapatalk

kd0axs said:
The Ballistic SG looks to basically be like the inner layer of the HC, but with a more finished look. It looks like the kickstand is the same. The kickstand on my HC has held up well, it isn't flimsy at all.
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G with Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that the very most inner layer of the SG is silicone instead of the outermost layer of the HC. Does the HC case have anything soft inside next to the phone to protect it or do you think the inside could possibly rub the paint off the phone eventually?
How do you like the built in screen protector of the HC? Is it better than a stick on if you've used one of those?
I totally forgot about not having to use the outer layer of the HC which would be good to take that off and stick the phone in my pocket. It looks like the most versatile case.
The only thing about the SG is it has the inner silicone which also servers as the corner bump guards.
I'm still torn. lol

The HC isn't lined with silicone, but it does have "shock absorbent polymer" on both the inside and outside of the inner case. The hard plastic does not touch the phone so there's no need to worry about it getting scratched. The corners are also well protected.
The built in screen protector is the only thing I didn't like about the HC. I actually removed it from the case and I am using a regular protector on my screen.
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G with Tapatalk

I was leary if the HC because of the built-in screen protector. I has been waiting months for the release and actually bought the Seidio Innocase Rugged instead. After a couple months I bought the HC simply cause I wanted something new. The screen protector is actually great and feels natural with no loss of function.

stanglifemike said:
I was leary if the HC because of the built-in screen protector. I has been waiting months for the release and actually bought the Seidio Innocase Rugged instead. After a couple months I bought the HC simply cause I wanted something new. The screen protector is actually great and feels natural with no loss of function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you also using the inner adhesive screen protector? I read the outer protector could show air bubbles if not used with the inner one.
A big concern of mine with the HC is the plastic cover around the front rim that covers the prox sensor near the ear piece. I also read that some people have had problems with this. The manufacturer may have resolved this by now.

I have the Ballistic HC case with the screen protector that came with it. No bubbles here. The cover for the 3.5mm is a little bit floppy, but otherwise ok. I haven't had any issues wit the proximity sensor. Overall, the case is good. I paid $30 at Amazon for it.

sqwerl said:
Are you also using the inner adhesive screen protector? I read the outer protector could show air bubbles if not used with the inner one.
A big concern of mine with the HC is the plastic cover around the front rim that covers the prox sensor near the ear piece. I also read that some people have had problems with this. The manufacturer may have resolved this by now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using a Zagg screen protector and did get the oil slick look. The cabby powder trick works to cure that though. I am about to try the protector that came with it and see if that helps. No issues with the proximity sensor here though. I love it though, no complaints from me.

I have the red Ballistic HC case. Love it, but I have the proximity sensor issue. Is there a fix, or should I call Ballistic and try to get a new case?
Sent from my rooted EVO 4G running Myn's Warm 2.2 ROM, using Tapatalk.

I have an Otterbox Commuter (Bought 11/1 Last Year) and it works great. I cut the port cover off the bottom a couple months after I got it because it took too much fidgeting with it to get it to close right and I did not really need it.
The headphone cover on top is also getting pretty close to getting removed since it is an annoyance to have to open/close it all the time when I need it. It does not flip open like the bottom port cover did, but I just don't find that I need the extra protection for the ports on the phone.

Blkdimnd,
I don't know of a fix. Is the plastic raised a bit over the speaker and proximity sensor? Mine wasnt snapped together all the way at the top one time and I had that issue, but it was my fault. You could try bending the front cover so it bows in, instead of out, if that is your issue. Other than that, call Ballistic and see what they say.

Im trying to find reviews on the Ballistic SG myself... Seems good so far in terms of form factor as compared to the HC and Defender. I might end up purchasing it !!!

I own an Otterbox Commuter for my HTC EVO 4G and it is my second case. My first case was a simple and very inexpensive Amzer black silicone case that did the job of saving the phone's battery cover and camera lens from wear and tear for the first few months. After a friend purchased the Commuter and spoke highly of it and my Amzer case started to fit poorly -- likely my fault from removing it too many times -- I felt the need for something a bit more substantial. I bought the Commuter for around $30 in January and, nearly two months later, I must say that I'm pleased with my second case.
I agree that the silicone port cover feels flimsy. However, the cover shows no signs of ripping and I recharge my phone daily, resulting in heavy use of the cover. It would be great had Otterbox designed the port cover similar to the headphone jack cover, e.g., a cover that fits inside of the ports themselves, preventing them from opening on its own. Nevertheless, I understand why this may not have been practical: the ports are tiny as compared to the headphone jack port and appear to be more delicate.
I love the hard shell that covers that back of the phone. I purchased an inexpensive silicone mat for my car to keep the phone from sliding around on my center console; my first silicone case kept the phone from sliding on much of anything. The silicone inner shell and the hard outer shell easily protect the phone's camera and the screen.
My biggest gripe about the Commuter was the lackluster screen protector. It was great that the case came with a screen protector; it wasn't so great that the screen protector had numerous scratches after only one week of use. I replaced it after two or three weeks with a REALOOK premium screen protector, which comes with two (2) screen protectors and applied more easily than the one included with the case. Thus far, the REALOOK screen protector is holding up much better than the one included with the case and I have a second one to replace the first if it starts to show excessive signs of wear.
I can't personally compare the Commuter with any of the other cases in which you're interested but will personally vouch for the Otterbox Commuter. For $30, I feel that it does a better than adequate job of protecting my phone and it's so much nicer looking than most of the ones that friends and co-workers use for their phones, EVOs or not.

matthewdavisnelson said:
I own an Otterbox Commuter for my HTC EVO 4G and it is my second case. My first case was a simple and very inexpensive Amzer black silicone case that did the job of saving the phone's battery cover and camera lens from wear and tear for the first few months. After a friend purchased the Commuter and spoke highly of it and my Amzer case started to fit poorly -- likely my fault from removing it too many times -- I felt the need for something a bit more substantial. I bought the Commuter for around $30 in January and, nearly two months later, I must say that I'm pleased with my second case.
I agree that the silicone port cover feels flimsy. However, the cover shows no signs of ripping and I recharge my phone daily, resulting in heavy use of the cover. It would be great had Otterbox designed the port cover similar to the headphone jack cover, e.g., a cover that fits inside of the ports themselves, preventing them from opening on its own. Nevertheless, I understand why this may not have been practical: the ports are tiny as compared to the headphone jack port and appear to be more delicate.
I love the hard shell that covers that back of the phone. I purchased an inexpensive silicone mat for my car to keep the phone from sliding around on my center console; my first silicone case kept the phone from sliding on much of anything. The silicone inner shell and the hard outer shell easily protect the phone's camera and the screen.
My biggest gripe about the Commuter was the lackluster screen protector. It was great that the case came with a screen protector; it wasn't so great that the screen protector had numerous scratches after only one week of use. I replaced it after two or three weeks with a REALOOK premium screen protector, which comes with two (2) screen protectors and applied more easily than the one included with the case. Thus far, the REALOOK screen protector is holding up much better than the one included with the case and I have a second one to replace the first if it starts to show excessive signs of wear.
I can't personally compare the Commuter with any of the other cases in which you're interested but will personally vouch for the Otterbox Commuter. For $30, I feel that it does a better than adequate job of protecting my phone and it's so much nicer looking than most of the ones that friends and co-workers use for their phones, EVOs or not.
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Click to collapse
I appreciate the feedback. I just realized the Ballistic SG also doesn't come with a screen protector. While the one that came with your Commuter may not the best, I suppose it's still better than nothing if comparing it to the other case.
Quite a few people haven't really had a problem with the port cover like you say and if someone wants a case to be indestructible then you probably need to get a Defender.
Just for comparison these are the dimensions I got directly from Ballistic.
Ballistic said:
Thank you for your interest in the HTC Evo Ballistic HC case. Here are the dimensions you requested.
Dimensions in the Gel, including holster:
X – 85.34mm (3.36in)
Y – 145.91mm (5.74in)
Z – 42.47mm (1.67in)
Dimensions in the Gel, No Holster:
X – 81.69 mm (3.22in)
Y – 135.63mm (5.34in)
Z – 24.75mm (0.97in)
Here are the Dimensions for the Shell Only:
X – 77.59mm (3.05in)
Y – 131.27mm (5.17in)
Z – 21.99mm (0.87in)
Here are the dimensions of the HTC Evo Ballistic SG case.
X – 75.97mm (2.99in)
Y – 131.40mm (5.17in)
Z – 22.48mm (0.89in)
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Click to collapse
What I don't understand is if the SG is supposedly thinner than the HC it doesn't appear that way by the dimensions, unless that takes into account the curvature and the "lay on table" feature of the SG.
One reason I haven't already snatched up the SG is the cost. It looks like no one besides Ballistic is selling it so I can get an HC on Amazon cheaper.

I love my otterbox case because it is big and fits in my hands

I used the commuters for many months and never had a problem with the bottom port cover. in fact, that was one of my favorite things about the case. i was impressed how well it stayed in, considering all the hating I had read about it.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

I ended up buying a Ballistic HC. For the price, I couldn't beat it. Ballistic is charging $7.95 for shipping so the total on the SG would be around $43 when there are HCs on Amazon all day for a lot less. That's with no screen protector or you can buy a $10 screen protector and get free shipping for an order over $40. Still pricey for such a simple case that I haven't seen any reviews whatsoever on.
Besides price it came down to buying a case with or without a silicone boot. Every complaint I've heard about silicone is stretches out and I didn't want to have to constantly take the boot off my phone to remove dust and lint. I have a silicone cover on another device and it has some terrible scratches all over it from all the trash accumulating. The HC seemed ideal since the silicone layer is optional and has an attached screen protector which pretty much seals it off.
I love the semi-soft material over the inner hard shell. It's firm enough not to move around but soft enough to stick fairly well to most surfaces. It slides easily in and out of my pocket.
The power and volume buttons have a very solid feel.
I was surprised that having an inner and outer screen cover didn't make it any more difficult to register touching the screen.
My biggest gripe about the case is the terrible kickstand. It doesn't snap down very snugly and once you snap it out, it swings very loosely. I thought about taking it totally off but then about 3/4 of the area under the kickstand is only covered by thin mesh for a flush fit. The Otterbox Defender kickstand is much more solid. I'll probably stick some tape under it to stop the rattle.
My second biggest gripe about the HC is some lint/dust still gets inside the case. I hope the case will always stay snapped together well after a lot of opening it to dust off the phone screen. The case snaps together like you almost need a crowbar to get it open!
Whereas the Otterbox Commuter's silicone port plug doesn't stay in place but the headphone plug is good, the exact opposite is true of the HC's silicone jacket. The port plug fits and stays but the headphone plug doesn't stay very well.
Since the top area of the case drops down to right about the screen viewing area, it's difficult to drag the status bar down without a little finesse.
All in all, I think all these trade-offs were pretty acceptable considering the price I paid.

I *LOVE* my Seido Innocase Surface II/Best Buy Platinum case. It's solid, adds very minimal to the "footprint", doesn't collect lint, and with a screen protector, gives me about 95% coverage (camera lens/leds/kickstand/ear port). It's held up remarkably well with removing it many times to change the battery too. Some cases wear out & become loose or whatnot. I have added a couple pieces of paper to keep the edges firmly seated, but it does fine without it.
I always forget to check, but when I did, I found several different colors on ebay for $19 shipped.

OtterBox
I've used the Commuter and the Defender both. IMO, the Defender is too bulky, but offers great protection. As for the Commuter, I really liked the syle and feel of the the case, but after 3 days took an Exacto knife and cut off the bottom silicone port cover (very poor design). After I did that, I was happy with it. I've dropped my phone several times on the tile in my house and the case provided great protection. The silicone does seem to stretch out after time, especially if you change out batteries often.

TPU Case Review for I9100

I just got this case from eBay for around $5 USD and I am so impressed with it I had to write a quick review. I think the name brand is Fusion.
-The fit of the case is just perfect. Very snug.
-The thickness is just enough to protect the camera lens and screen without adding much bulk.
-The sides of the case have a nice texture to make it very easy to grip.
-The TPU material doesn't attract lint and is very easy to slide in and out of your pocket.
-All of the holes match up fine.
-The buttons on the sides of the phone are covered but in my opinion this makes the pressure required just right so you don't accidentally press them.
The only negative at all is that the hole for the headphone jack may be too small for some plugs. The Samsung headphones and my Bose headphones fit just fine though. (Update: My Bose speakers I had to trim a little plastic off of the audio cable but it fits fine now.)
Here is the eBay link if anybody wants one. This guy shipped one to me in 2 days in the US.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Clear-Fusion-Samsung-Galaxy-S2-i9100-TPU-COVER-CASE-/260780906673?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3cb7c0d8b1

If you're willing to wait a few days more, you can get them for 2,5$ in Dealextreme.

I have exactly the same one, purchased for £2.95 off ebay in the UK, and I would agree with all the points outlined above.

bought two of them from Dealextreme, but in black color, best TPU

Do they make them in matte black?

I ordered a similar one from eBay on the 14th, and it arrived today. Fits pretty well and leaves a bit of a bumper around the display, adding a bit of protection.

bmstrong said:
Do they make them in matte black?
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Click to collapse
I believe I saw a matte black on Dealextreme. Most of the black ones I've seen are part matte, part glossy.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-SCREEN-PROTECTOR-ACCESSORIES/dp/B004WO6ISI/ref=sr_1_23?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1306245039&sr=1-23

The thickness is just enough to protect the camera lens and screen without adding much bulk.
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Click to collapse
Hard to tell from the image, but isnt that simply a hole in the case where they camera lense is, so offers no protection for the lens at all??
Its an impossible task trying to find a case that offers protection for the camera.. they are so hi spec and good quality these days, the last thing you want is muck or scratches on the optics.. surely a case designer can be innovative enough to design some sort of sliding cover....

I purchased the Black one as well. However, the glossy part scratches too easily. Handle with care.

Well i've both the TPU case (but it's all black) and the Samsung case:
http://www.happybirthdaytoyou.com/bmcdigital/SS-I9100-VENT-BLK-1.jpg
I've tryed both, and i really prefer the samsung one, the tpu case attracts way too much dust, while the samsung case it's a lot easier to clean. The dust on the tpu case pile up on the sides, and from there it's a hell to remove it.

Artius89 said:
Well i've both the TPU case (but it's all black) and the Samsung case:
http://www.happybirthdaytoyou.com/bmcdigital/SS-I9100-VENT-BLK-1.jpg
I've tryed both, and i really prefer the samsung one, the tpu case attracts way too much dust, while the samsung case it's a lot easier to clean. The dust on the tpu case pile up on the sides, and from there it's a hell to remove it.
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Click to collapse
It's true, that was my experience with this TPU case as well. Dust would pile up on the edges of the screen and under the TPU lining. I'd have to constantly take off the TPU case and wipe the screen to keep my SGS2 nice and pretty. With the official Samsung vent case i can simply wipe the screen clean in one go without taking off the case. Sure, the official case offers less protection, but it also preserves the form and weight of the phone quite well, whereas the TPU case adds significant weight and thickness to the phone in comparison.

I just got a few of these delivered from buyaccess. Delivered in a week and they fit like a glove. Nice ridge around the screen so it won't scratch if you put it face down and extra grip on the sides.
€2 each and free shipping you cannot go wrong. Link to the sellar if anybody wants it.
http://myworld.ebay.ie/buyaccess/?_trksid=p4340.l2559

i am using nillkin tpu case ，absolutely good awesome。I was driving motorbike in raining day.made my hand wet and glutinous 。then using my phone，that is feeling good。not like some case make your hand oily
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150635443...43813&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fvi=1&_rdc=1

[REVIEW][GS2 T989] Diztronic Matte Back Black *Rev 2* TPU Case

Diztronic Samsung Galaxy S2 T989 Matte Back Black *Rev 2* TPU Case Review
I have had this case for about a month now and I am writing this review as there doesn't appear to be any particular review of the case for our phone. *to view a larger image just click on the thumbnail*
Delivery/Packaging |9/10| & Pricing |8/10| :
I ordered the case from the Diztronic website so it was delivered from their main facilities. I live outside of the US so I had to choose the "USPS First Class Mail" method which was $2.50 CDN. The package arrived in my mail box close to 2 weeks, which was a longer wait than I hoped for but it was noted that international shipping would take 7-30 days. The package itself came in a grey plastic envelope with the shipping information labelled on it. Inside the package was the case wrapped in a clear plastic with the logo label and a cut piece of cardboard that was placed to help retain the shape of the envelope. When taking the case out of the plastic, there is an image of the phone printed on a piece of cardboard within the case to show what the case will look like on the phone. The packaging the case came in was more than secure enough to provide protection when being shipped (there were no tears or faults in the packaging at all).
The pricing and availability of the case will vary at the time you read this. Although, the cost for the case itself was a decent $10 for what you get, by far not the most affordable however. I used the discount code "XDA" to get an extra $0.99 off the order which was convenient. It would have been nice if they included a screen protector like they do with some of the other phone cases they offer.
Installation & Fit |10/10| :
Putting the T989 in to the case is extremely easy since it's a one piece, TPU style case, so there are no tools or attachments needed. My approach in putting on the case was by starting off with placing the top of the phone (where the headphone jack is) in the case since the top of the case has 'lip' that goes slightly over the top bezel compared to the bottom. Then I just pushed in the rest of the phone in the case making sure the sides of the case did not catch the buttons, which was not a problem at all, right until the bottom of the phone was securely in place.
The case itself is extremely slim and the fit is almost close to perfect, every side of the case is snug to the phone, however, note that I am using the case on top of the body skin I reviewed here. So for anyone who was wondering, yes, this case will work with a body skin applied on the phone. The case is so firm in fact that even the left and right sides of the case do not move as easily when sliding your fingers towards them moving outwards , however, this may change in time... I just haven't experienced it as of yet.
Build Quality |10/10| :
This particular case has a very premium feel, there is a certain weight added to the phone with the case on. It also may have to due with the matte back option I chose for the case. The feel of the matte texture finish is almost identical to the feel of the Razer gaming mouse I have (if you have used a Razer mouse, you would understand what I mean). It has a very paper-like characteristic yet is soft to touch. The matte finish is carried from the outside of the phone to the inside as well which adds to the overall quality of the case (it is also provides a softer surface for the phone compared to the raw plastic). The benefits of having the matte finish is that it is less prone to fingerprints, the downside is that if the matte part gets scratched it will be very noticeable. The matte finish is smooth making it easy to take the phone out of the pocket.
I'd like to mention however, the matte finish is not applied to the outer border/rim of the case as that part is left glossy. It appears as if the case was made with two pieces which may be the instance since the separation between the glossy/matte finish is symmetrical around the circumference of the case. I believe this was done because it is the area that would get worn out the quickest and it probably was easier to manufacture that way. In my opinion, I think the glossy rim for the case was a great idea, it definitely looks aesthetically better for the whole front of the phone. Also, the glossy finish offers a better grip to the case, since the matte finish may be too smooth to grip at times.
Now, when it comes to the cut-outs of the case, they are placed accordingly for every necessary part of the phone. The cutouts for the power button/volume-rocker is perfectly placed and provides a substantial amount of room which provide easy access for any finger size. The cutouts for the headphone jack and micro-USB port are evenly spaced out which leaves enough room for anything that you would like to connect. The headphone jack of my Shure earbuds which is somewhat wide, fit without a problem, at the same time the stock USB cable that came with the phone fits just as expected with the case on (I have provided pictures above with the cables attached below) . Regarding the USB cut-out it was noted that in revision 2 of the case they have enlarged the cutout to leave room for the bottom microphone (I have not experienced any call echo with the case on, even on the stock T989 ROM). The cutout for the top microphone is also precisely placed, there are no issues.
The back cutouts for the case are just as accurate as the cutouts on the side of the case. The camera cut-out does not obstruct the lens of the camera or the LED flash at all. I particularly like how close the cut-out for the rear speaker is, it's nicely placed at the same time it does not reduce the volume produced from the speaker. I'd also like to mention that the case somewhat lifts up the rear of the phone around the speaker area which lets some sound still leak out when the back of the phone is faced down. Lastly, for anyone who is wondering about the reception quality when using this case, I have found no issues during use which is expected since TPU isn't a material that interferes with radio signals.
Protection Quality |8/10| :
The most important part of any case is the protection it offers and this case in my opinion provides more than satisfactory protection for day to day use. Due to its slimness it may not have the drop protection that cases like the Otterbox offer, yet, the TPU material used is particularly good at protecting the phone from average height drops such as from a computer table to stomach height. The case is thick enough to protect the camera area as it lifts the glass part off the surface, this also applies to the front glass of the phone as the rim of the case provides about 1 mm of clearance when setting the phone down on it's front. The rim of the case is formed perfectly over the edge of the front right before the glass, so if you have a screen protector it will not lifted/bubble up.As for scratch protection goes, the case definitely prevents scratches to the back housing of the phone. The disadvantage with this case is that since there are cut-outs for the buttons, dust/sand particles can enter sides of the case which can cause scratches to the bezel of the phone (which is the major reason I bought a body skin to be used right underneath the case). If you are worried about scratches on the phone, the combination of the body skin with this case offers amazing scratch protection if you are willing to spend the money for it.
Overall |9/10| :
If you are looking for a sleek looking slim case to protect your T989, the Diztronic TPU case is definitely a great option! The build quality of this case is notably impressive and there's no questioning to why this case is somewhat pricey compared to the TPU alternatives on Ebay. You definitely get a premium case, particularly with its Matte back finish. As for protection goes, the case offers the best balance between protection and keeping the slim profile of the T989, the TPU qualities with this case is more than enough in protecting your phone from everyday drops. Overall, the Diztronic Matte Back Black *Rev 2* TPU case is definitely a product I recommend for any GS2 T989 user, there are enough noteworthy features that this case offers for you to get one if looking for a case.

I know the review is long, please read what's written under "Overall" if you do not want to read everything or just don't read it at all, lol. Hope this review will be of some use to people. Cheers!

I can agree with everything said here about this case. It's really nice and extremely comfortable! It's the first case I got a while back and it's the last one I'll need.
Great, authentic review

I also have this case and I agree with everything said here. It is a really good case.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

I bought about three cases before this'd one and love it!! Great review and well said I love mine
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Thanks for this. Diztronic has my heart when it comes to protecting my phone.
Didn't know how it would look on a black S2 though until now. So thank you again.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

would you guys prefer the d30 case or this one?

mycars12 said:
would you guys prefer the d30 case or this one?
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I've been running d30 for about a year and 1 month and the case isn't dirty or yellow (it's white) and it still stands today with the many falls
Sent from my 4.2.1 xLoud Paranoid Grouper with Motley Kernel

I have the same case and its the best case I have ever owned. I drop my phone quite a bit and phone/case still look perfect. Fits great on device, and has a nice non slippery feel that does not attract dust. My wife has the pink version and its the same quality but a little slicker, she really likes it too.

diztronic
I have the matte black diz rev 2. I bought my t989 at tmobile store and wanted titanium but was told they aren't made anymore. Now this was from corp office. So I got white. The diz covers it nice black with a little white showing fitting for ICS . I really don't care if it scratches it. I May buy New housing anyway!

Best Case for Z3c with Magnetic Port Cutout

Hi, few days ago I was happy Z3c owner. Phone is great but it's one of the most fragile phones on market so I'm looking for a case.
I bough Ringke Fusion but seems also not so protective comparing to cases I had before for older phones like Ballistic or Trident.
So, if You would like to help me choose right. Except one I have (Ringke) I found Cruzerlite - looks nice cause on left side only magnetic port is opened so not so many weak spots but it also like Ringke seems like tuned regular TPU for 2$.
Case Mate from Z1c after adding few cutouts looks promising and people are saying it's best protection case. I also found Incipio Dual Layer case but I heard that rubber part is stretching and I hate it when it does.
There are many other cases on eBay for 2-10$ but I would like not to buy another case like this Ringke which is not best choice for me for it's price.

Cruzerlite Bugdroid.
Bought 14 months ago. Great cover

I use the Case-Mate Barely There clear plastic case (edit: for the z3c, not the modified z1c in the poll). It's hard plastic, not TPU, but I like it because it has a very slim profile.

Thank You, but unlike all I prefer something more "bulky". I used that my phone can hit on the street when I'm running and get out of this without a scratch. Pity that there is no such case for Z3c.

Hama Crystal Case for Z3C, fits perfect(without plastic adapters)

This thread should include the Devilcase. It can take hits to concrete, leaves the USB flap and magnetic port exposed, and adds minimal bulk.

I never saw any crash tests with Devilcase but I don't think those tiny parts of foam or sponge between phone and bumper can absorb damage.
I know it looks great but without it phone also looks great and I think with and without this case screen is as well exposed as without it. If I depend only on scratch protection I would take any 0.3mm transparent case.
Anyway thank You for mention.

The sides of the bumper come up about 2mm,so that with a glass screen protector (that you should get no matter which case you buy) there is still about 1mm separating the protector from the offending surface.
And like I said, I've dropped it multiple times onto concrete to absolutely 0 ill effect. It's not like other slim cases, aluminum behaves much differently than silicone.

I'm working in a repair service center and I saw many iPhones after they hit the ground in a alu bumper and they looks same as phones without any protection. Thats why I conclude that all hard cases and bumpers acts the same in contact with the floor.
Of course I'm using tempered glass but it can help in case of direct impact on the screen but it wont help with pressure formed from the side impact.
Still I'd go for something more flexible cause I'd rather not to test aluminum shock absorption.
I think if I wont find anything decent I will order Cruzerlite and after comparing it with Ringke I'll stay with better one.
It sad there is no really rugged case for Z3c.

You can laugh but after reading some reviews I ordered Devilcase.

I didn't want to argue with you, as we had contradictory personal experience. I won't laugh, you made a good choice.

I once had the original Sony case.
Plus: The magnet that opens the screen when opening the case
Minus: The window that is positioned in a different place than the clock widget. One cannot change the position of this clock widget on the lock screen.
Minus: The book-wise opening which makes the front flap being a hindrance for easy handling
Now I bought a cheap one, opening from the top side:
Plus: Easy handling
Plus: Self installed magnet in the flap for automagic opening of the screen when opening the flap.
Plus: Good protection
I have some pictures.
The Sony Cover pictures are taken with original locked phone.
The other pictures with unlocked Marshmallow and destroyed DRM keyes.
It's easy to see the bad picture quality after unlocking. :crying: :crying:

The best by far is the Case-Mate Tough for the Z3 Compact.
It's dual layered with an inner rubber layer and a solid plastic outer layer.
It has cut outs so you can use it with the official Dock DK48 and leaves the usb and sd card flap accessible.
http://www.case-mate.com/products/black-sony-xperia-z3-compact-tough-case

Do You have or tested one??

I have one and it's awesome. Good grip too.

I skipped this one cause most reviews I found was negative. Mostly because like half of the phone is unprotected.

Only a portion of one side is uncovered, all the corners are protected and even if you dropped it sideways the case sticks out.so the phone isn't touched. Try it out you will see how tough it feels.

Make no mistake, the phone is very safe.

devilcase all the way

I dropped my Z3c several times already, sometimes on a pavement. not even a scratch on the phone itself, Barely There protects it really well.

Review: Speck CandyShell Clear for HTC 10

I recently recieved my second SPECK CandyShell Clear for my HTC 10 (I broke the first one by trying to mod it but that's a different story), so I took the chance to take some photos and give you a short review. Disclaimer: This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
I paid ~30 USDs at an online Android accessories retailer (used some available-to-all coupon that reduced the price by ~5 USDs).
The price is pretty hefty when compared to other HTC 10 cases except the original ice view ones.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box, which looks nice IMHO and is very easy to open.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Although it is made of plastic, this case definitely screams premium. The way it shimmers and feels in hand sets it apart from its competition.
Unlike the (now retired) Gem Shell I had for my One M9 and similar to the original CandyShells, this one has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. Both layers are completely transparent (although the rubber has a very slight frozen look only notably when the case is not yet put on the phone).
SPECK promises that this case would resist UV yellowing and I can mostly confirm this: My first CandyShell Clear did not yellow for two month except the buttons. The buttons did yellow indeed but this did not affect the overall looks too much since the rest of the case stayed perfectly clear.
I had some CandyShell/GemShell/CandyShell Grip cases before and one of the very few downsides is that they were quite prone to scratches and looked worn after a couple of days. I was really astonished to see that SPECK made some serious improvements here: The first case had very few scratches after two month, none of 'em were obvious. No comparison to the elder cases where the gloss disappeared quickly due to the surface being covered by scratches all-over.
One nice detail is the SPECK logo. It is placed quite nicely to complement the HTC logo and not to interfere with it. But what it really makes it a stunner is how it is done. It is embossed in the rubber layer of the case in such way. that it appears to be embossed in the metal body of the phone. Nice idea, SPECK!
The only downside in this department is that this case adds some bulk. Not too much and nothing like UAG-like cases, but those who like their device as slim as possible might find it too bulky.
Protection
Protection is where this case really shines. The sturdy outer shell combined with the cushioning inner rubber layer keeps you covered in most drop situations. The front-side lip does not only protect the screen when putting it face to the table but is also thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces.
Fitting / Cutouts
This case sits like a glove. It is manufactured to fit the contours of the 10 like a perfect ten (pun intended). All cutouts are surrounded by rubber that will keep dust out of the case.
The small cutouts for the bottom-side and back-side microphone fit perfectly. The headphone jack cutout is big enough so that most headphones should fit into it. The camera cutout is quite big but this way, the flash should not interfere with the case (although I have not tested this). The bottom speaker cutout fits also well, same goes for the USB port cutout.
But the USB port cutout may be the biggest downside of this case: It is so tight that some cables won't fit. The original HTC charger cable, which comes with the 10 does. But my 3rd party cables with metal plugs did not fit and so won't any cables whose plugs are significantly bulkier than the rather slim plug of the original cable.
Remember that I told you, it was a different story that this is already my second CandyShell Clear? I broke the first one while extending the USB port cutout with a drill. Unfortunately, I did not spend enough attention and damaged the inner rubber layer which looked pretty ugly. So I replaced the damaged case with this new one and also replaced my cables with ones that provide slicker plugs. Quite some hassle but this case is definetly worth it.
In case you wonder which cables I was talking about: Aukey CB-CMD5 (pack of 5) will fit while Aukey CB-CMD2 (pack of 5) won't.
Liked this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!

Does the tpu on the front fit properly? The lip would get pushed in and down when I put the phone one and I couldn't get it to actually be a lip on the screen. I sent mine back. On the bright side speck has a very easy return process.

if you take a picture with the flash on, does the light bleed through the case?

aer0zer0 said:
if you take a picture with the flash on, does the light bleed through the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least the flashlight does. Have not yet checked whether this affects photos. I'd assume so but I remember having read otherwise somewhere. As soon as I tested it, I will let you know.

TotallyAnxious said:
Does the tpu on the front fit properly? The lip would get pushed in and down when I put the phone one and I couldn't get it to actually be a lip on the screen. I sent mine back. On the bright side speck has a very easy return process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This case is a tight fit indeed. It took me some patience to get the phone in while keeping the lid in place. Once the phone is in, it takes some force to remove it. Great for being sure that the phone won't slide out accidentally on drops. Not so great if you want to remove your phone frequently.