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I currently have the Feather and love how it keeps the phone's slim profile while staying Rigid. From what I've read these cases seem to be similar, with the Feather not covering the top and the bottom, and the Surface being a two piece that snaps together. Does anyone own both of these cases and/or knows if the Surface is either thicker or the same thickness of the Feather?
I've tried the Ringke(best silicone case I've seen) and the ruggedized Moto battery cover and they helped me remember why I don't like soft cases...mainly because of the lip moving around when you take it out of your pocket every one in awhile. I also have a TPU case and that is probably the best soft case.
I have both cases. I went with the Seido case for day to day use.
Yes the Seido case adds some bulk over the Incipio, but I thought the trade off was worth it.
Both have the rubberized feel for extra grip, but without the super extra grip of the silicone or full rubber cases. The Seido slide on/off design means not have to "snap" or "pry" the case off when I need to get to the SD Card or Battery. The Incipio feather created "edges" which I just didn't like the feel of at the top and bottom of the phone.
I agree ^ I also have both, and even though the surface does add a little bit more bulk/ thickness, it does provide more coverage therefore protection. And just an fyi, the surface doesn't fit any dock I've tried it in even with the case insert removed... Which does suck, but its very easy to take off once you get used to it.
Sent from my MB860
Seidio all the way man. I dropped my phone once and it got scratched on the sides where the Incipio wasn't protecting. what's the point of even having a case if it barely protects it?
kshiuan said:
Seidio all the way man. I dropped my phone once and it got scratched on the sides where the Incipio wasn't protecting. what's the point of even having a case if it barely protects it?
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A lot of people, myself included, don't look for a case to protect the phone against impact, but simply to protect it from the day to day wear and tear of pulling it in and out of pockets or getting scratched by keys or some loose change.
-Doogs™
Do any of you use the Surface with the holster? Right now, I am leaning towards that instead of the Otterbox, but I'd like to know that the holster holds the phone securely before I spend the $50.00.
Thanks in advance.
beazie0885 said:
I agree ^ I also have both, and even though the surface does add a little bit more bulk/ thickness, it does provide more coverage therefore protection. And just an fyi, the surface doesn't fit any dock I've tried it in even with the case insert removed... Which does suck, but its very easy to take off once you get used to it.
Sent from my MB860
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My surface fits the lapdock with fit plate removed just fine.
kshiuan said:
Seidio all the way man. I dropped my phone once and it got scratched on the sides where the Incipio wasn't protecting. what's the point of even having a case if it barely protects it?
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considering the only part of the phone that the feather doesn't cover is the flimsy cheap plastic battery cover, i don't see the problem. i got the feather to protect the metal sides, which it does.
seidio makes great cases but it's just too bulky for my liking.
Thanks guys for the reviews and comparisons. I was on the verge of picking up the Seidio Surface, but after the news of the leaked HTC Holiday specs, I think I am going to curb my spending on any future Atrix accessories.
dLo GSR said:
considering the only part of the phone that the feather doesn't cover is the flimsy cheap plastic battery cover, i don't see the problem. i got the feather to protect the metal sides, which it does.
seidio makes great cases but it's just too bulky for my liking.
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IMHO it also doesn't protect the border of the front of the screen on the top and bottom. That is where I got it scratched...
Sent from my Gladiatrix
Got the Surface
soxfan37 said:
Do any of you use the Surface with the holster? Right now, I am leaning towards that instead of the Otterbox, but I'd like to know that the holster holds the phone securely before I spend the $50.00.
Thanks in advance.
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Hey buddy, just answering your question, I own both Surface and Active from Siedo and both of them are just amazing. For daily use Active is the option and fix perfect in the hd dock once you remove the main base cover of it and for the Surface, very slim and fancy. Both holsters hold the device extremelly well!
Hope it help, greetings!
First of all, i would like to thank the people over at Trident (www.tridentcase.com) for sending this case out to me.
Packaging - The box is pretty simple. Shows the product and the different colors it comes in. Black, Red, Pink, Green, and Blue. i will be showing off the black model. Inside the box comes a screen protector kit, which includes the screen protector, microfiber cloth and a applicator/squeegee card. The case retails for $49.95.
Case - The Kraken AMS case is a heady duty 3-Layer case which features a shock absorbing silicone, a polycarbonate plastic shell, rubber dust covers over the microphone and speaker, rubber covers over ports (charger and headset), and holster. The silicone part, or Perseus can be used as a stand alone case on days that you don’t need maximum protection, but will still give u good drop and scratch protection. The two polycarbonate shells cover the silicone to make the case durable. The case has a nice lip around the screen for a lay on table design. One accessory that the case comes with is a really durable metal kickstand. They also have other Kraken accessories which make the case more usable in everyday life. such as an AMS Bike Clip, AMS Tripod Mount, AMS Headphone Organizer, AMS Seatbelt Clip, and AMS Windshield Mount.
Thoughts - My thought on the case are it is made of very high grade materials. everything fits. cutouts are precise. I’ve only had the case for a few hours and i love it. the silicone is way much better than the otterbox defender. it feels of quality and doesn't attract lint. the volume and power buttons feel better than the naked buttons to me. the kickstand is SOLID and does its job great. the holster is just as heavy duty as the case and rotates so you can wear it comfortably. i will update the in a few days to give more opinions...
Pics - I will have pics of the phone with the case tomorrow, as my nexus is my only camera at the moment.
http://imm.io/iJnX
http://imm.io/iJoQ
http://imm.io/iJpn
http://imm.io/iJpw
http://imm.io/iJpJ
http://imm.io/iJpR
http://imm.io/iJqe
http://imm.io/iJqn
Conclusion - I think the case is well worth the $50 you are paying. you are getting a heavy duty case that can be used as a lightweight case also that provides an ample amount of protection. I would definitely recommend this case to anyone who is looking for an overall great case that will add bulk to your device.
if u feel i left something out or want to ask a question. go ahead. thanks.
But will it blend? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAl28d6tbko&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Seriosly though, If this fit a mugen 4000 battery id buy it. But so many premium cases none of them expandable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
what do u mean by blend.?
rlamontjr said:
what do u mean by blend.?
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Never seen the "Will It Blend?" videos?
http://www.youtube.com/user/Blendtec?feature=watch
Can't wait to see some pictures of the phone inside the case.
Some questions...
First, how do the two plastic pieces (the front and back) fit together?
On my otterbox defender, they just snap together with some tiny little clips and after about two drops 3 out of 4 clips are already broken so the only thing holding them together is the silicone cover that goes on the outside. I'm hoping the kraken is a lot more rugged in that aspect... The otterbox is great at protecting the phone but the case itself is already trashed after a few drops which isn't cool.
Second, how bulky is the kraken? It looks bulkier than the otterbox defender, especially on the sides since it looks like it has a ridge sticking out from either side of the screen. Does it feel good in the hand? My defender definitely makes the phone about 30% thicker which makes it less comfortable to hold but I've gotten used to it. Don't know how I'd feel about the ridges on the Kraken however.
Anyway thanks for the review.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
hmmmm. might just scratch, but not blend.
the two plastic pieces fit together nice and tight. the top and bottom are snap together. but the sides are actually placed in slots, it can be slight difficult to remove if u don't have nails. but i see that as a good thing. the Kraken would take some time to show wear and tear.
it may b just a tad bit bulkier, but the grip is a for sure thing. the poly carbonate is not glossy but isn't matte. it's sort of in between but doesn't show finger prints. the sides have ridges for better grip as well. i actually thought the defender felt great in hand, maybe because i have small hands tho.
few more pics.
http://imm.io/iLsD
http://imm.io/iLsR
http://imm.io/iLsX
Has anyone tried one of these with the extended battery? Looking forward to pics of the phone in the case.
More Pics...
http://imm.io/iWzQ
http://imm.io/iWzZ
http://imm.io/iWAd
http://imm.io/iWAn
http://imm.io/iWAz
http://imm.io/iWAI
http://imm.io/iWAR
http://imm.io/iWAY
http://imm.io/iWBl
http://imm.io/iWBF
the case fits the GSM extended battery with no problems at all.
Does this case make it hard to press the volume and power buttons? And it seems to cover up the notification light at the bottom doesn't it?
the buttons are the best thing on the case IMO. and the notification light isnt covered.
rlamontjr said:
the buttons are the best thing on the case IMO. and the notification light isnt covered.
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Thank you! I will probably be ordering the phone, this case and the 2000 mAh battery all today then
Ngo93 said:
Thank you! I will probably be ordering the phone, this case and the 2000 mAh battery all today then
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HI, just wondering if you wound up getting the 2000mah battery afterall and if so, how well it fits.
if it fits 100 percent with extended battery im a get one to
i recently bought one it appears the notification light is 40% block.. i'm using the standard battery gsm version could that be the reason i wonder
I have the same case with the extended battery (Sprint) and everything fits perfectly. The notification light is about 50% blocked but I dont use it anyways so it did not bother me much. The notification bar is easy to pull down with no interference with the top of the case like with the otterbox. The case can take a beating I have drop tested survived a 12ft drop. Even though it adds bulk because it is hard polycarbonate on the outside it makes it really easy to get in and out of pockets even with tighter fitting jeans.
Also if you have a Costco or Sams Club near by you can pick up the case for $30 instead of $50.
Seidio convert is better.. options for all gnex models and batteries
Sent from my Full AOSP on Toro-VZW using xda app-developers app
After a couple of months, do you guys still recommend the Kraken?
saintpanache
saintpanache said:
After a couple of months, do you guys still recommend the Kraken?
saintpanache
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I would recommend it if you are looking for a case that offers similar or even more protection than the Otterbox Defender. The case adds quite a bit of bulk to your phone though so that may turn off some people.
Throughout the work week, usually switch between the Kraken, Otterbox Commuter, and the SGP leather pouch. The Kraken will be used only if I have to go out to do field work.
The Commuter is only used if I feel like I don't want to use the SGP pouch. Otherwise I end up using the SGP pouch most of the time on the slower days of work where I'm just stuck in the office.
I'm leaning toward the Kraken because I've read a couple of story about how the Otterbox defender was scratching phones.
I have a commuter right now but I need something more rugged for work and also to protect my GNex from my crazy kids
saintpanache
If that's the case, the Kraken would be a good purchase for you. My Kraken case has held up well when I drop my phone when I'm out doing field work. Very durable and well worth it!
This is not intended to be a comprehensive review, hoping just to provide some additional insight and photos beyond what's already available on Amazon and Youtube. I'm surprised how few people have commented on this product which in my opinion is an excellent value at $32. It appears that the price has risen in the last few days to $39 however.
http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-BD4-HK...8753&sr=8-1&keywords=seidio+convert+galaxy+s3
I just got this case yesterday to replace both a Diztronic TPU case and Incipio Silicrylic Hard Shell Case with Silicone Core.
Both cases were nice, especially the Diztronic TPU case, however I frequently take my phone to the beach, camping, or have it in my pocket while I work in the yard and was looking for something more substantial. Additionally both the TPU and Incipio cases tend to "peel back" in certain places due to softness, often when pulling out of my pocket, and sand and junk would regularly slip in. I considered the Otterbox Commuter, Defender, and Seidio Active. But at the end of the day *most* of the time I am sitting at a desk, and I wanted a thin case for those times. I could either by an entirely new case to put on for when I need it, or go with the Seidio Convert and attach the additional layers as needed.
The Seidio Convert Combo, which I bought for $32, covers both of my needs.
Seidio Surface alone:
The Seidio Surface case is the inner layer and can be used by itself, and sells for $20 alone on Amazon. There is felt lining on the inside-back for a little bit of impact absorption, and the rest of the case is hard plastic with cutouts for all ports and buttons. The case goes on securely, and can be a bit of a pain to remove (which may be a benefit since it would be annoying to have it split apart when pulling the phone out of your pocket). It feels very thin, does not slip out of my hands, and will be my only case most of the time.
Full 3-Layer Convert Case:
The soft and hard outer shells can snap on over the Seidio Surface to provide more drop protection and flaps to cover headset jack, microusb, camera, flash, volume, and power. The volume and power buttons provide a satisfying 'click' feeling when pressed, and there is no difficulty in pressing the buttons at all. For whatever reason the power button is a little difficult to find by feel (the volume buttons are not). The soft middle layer does "peel back" like the TPU and Incipio caes, however instead of a naked phone underneath there is still the protection of the hard/tight fitting Seidio Surface layer.
The case is thick with all 3 layers installed, no doubt about it, too thick to pull out of my jeans front pocket easily while driving for example (it is still legal to talk and drive in Michigan...). However it doesn't feel too huge to keep comfortably in my jean pocket in general. I imagine the size is comparable to the Otterbox Defender, although I have never owned that case.
There is also the holster which I dont use.
The below photos include
-The Seidio Surface case by itself
-The Seidio surface with the Diztronic TPU case on top of it to compare thickness
-The full Seidio Convert next to the Diztronic TPU case to compare thickness
-A back photo of the full Seidio Convert installed
-A side photo of the full seidio convert in the holster
-A front photo of the full Seidio Convert installed
Great review.
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi
I have a Galaxy S4 and am using an Otterbox Defender Case. It's the one with the inner plastic shell and outer silicone shell with a screen protector. So far, I like it, it does provide max protection. Phone slipped while trying to hold the door open for someone while I was talking on the phone. Anyways, great protection but I'm already on my second silicone shell already. My first one stretched quite a bit because I've been trying to get a microSD card to work and so took apart the case quite a bit. I highly doubt Otterbox is going to send me a third silicone shell especially as I'm planning on taking it off again now to manually replace the home button and battery.
I recently saw the DRACOdesign Hydra bumper and it looks SICK! Just wondering if anyone know anything about the drop protection? I don't think I'll be throwing my phone off of a 30 story building anytime soon, but I do want a bit of protection in terms of having a working phone if it does fall. Do bumpers really work? Btw, I'm looking at an aluminum bumper, not those silicone or TPU wrap arounds as pretty sure they will still stretch.
Any general experiences, pros and cons of each? Thanks, really appreciate it
How many times to you take you case on and off.
I swap out the Otterbox and Zero lemon rugged case all the time.
No problems so far.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
KRAZYADROIDMASTER said:
How many times to you take you case on and off.
I swap out the Otterbox and Zero lemon rugged case all the time.
No problems so far.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
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Quite a few times actually. I have received two faulty microSD cards and so you can imagine me being stupid enough to put on the Otterbox case and then taking it off when trying to get the microSD cards to work even after constantly running it through several utilities. The point is, I know that the shell stretches and I'm on my second one. I have taken it off a few times already so really considering a bumper.
I use a bumper case and have used both TPU and aluminium, but I cannot recommend them for more than light protection. Yeah, I've dropped my phone once or twice in the last year or so (S3) but I'd not have had terribly high hopes that it would have survived being dropped from ear height with any of the bumpers I've used unless it had the luck of falling on some very soft grass.
I don't know if the DRACO bumpers exhibit enough difference in alloy to not do so, but the one I had only offered protection by simply deforming as aluminium is want to do as it is such a soft metal. I lost a chunk out of the corner and it was also a pain to take on and off. It also basically directly transferred the shock to the phone so I'm lucky it didn't outright break because of that. Unless someone has compelling evidence I would consider them a fashion item, not for protection (when it comes to someone who is likely to drop their phone more than once or twice a year and who doesn't want dents and scratches all over the super sleek and shiny bumper).
I find it curious that the silicone shell on yours is deforming so much, I used a 100% silicone case for a couple months at one point and it's still in good, non-deformed condition. Maybe try a different model or company that offers equal protection ? (I know there were other "heavy duty" cases for the S3 other than the Otterbox)
Pennycake said:
I use a bumper case and have used both TPU and aluminium, but I cannot recommend them for more than light protection. Yeah, I've dropped my phone once or twice in the last year or so (S3) but I'd not have had terribly high hopes that it would have survived being dropped from ear height with any of the bumpers I've used unless it had the luck of falling on some very soft grass.
I don't know if the DRACO bumpers exhibit enough difference in alloy to not do so, but the one I had only offered protection by simply deforming as aluminium is want to do as it is such a soft metal. I lost a chunk out of the corner and it was also a pain to take on and off. It also basically directly transferred the shock to the phone so I'm lucky it didn't outright break because of that. Unless someone has compelling evidence I would consider them a fashion item, not for protection (when it comes to someone who is likely to drop their phone more than once or twice a year and who doesn't want dents and scratches all over the super sleek and shiny bumper).
I find it curious that the silicone shell on yours is deforming so much, I used a 100% silicone case for a couple months at one point and it's still in good, non-deformed condition. Maybe try a different model or company that offers equal protection ? (I know there were other "heavy duty" cases for the S3 other than the Otterbox)
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turns out the draco is just for design, will pretty much dent completely on impact. i'm pretty sure otterbox uses a silicone shell instead of tpu and as my understanding goes, silicone is much softer than tpu and more prone to stretching probably makes it easier to put a phone inside a case and such. however, i'd still much rather stick with otterbox than ballistic or incipio or spigen. just curious if i should switch to bumper for moderate drop protection and to have a minimalist design.
zjhehe said:
turns out the draco is just for design, will pretty much dent completely on impact. i'm pretty sure otterbox uses a silicone shell instead of tpu and as my understanding goes, silicone is much softer than tpu and more prone to stretching probably makes it easier to put a phone inside a case and such. however, i'd still much rather stick with otterbox than ballistic or incipio or spigen. just curious if i should switch to bumper for moderate drop protection and to have a minimalist design.
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Why do poo poo Ballistic? They make awesome cases. I've taken off the case many times and the inner silicone is still like new. And on youtube, there's a video of someone doing a drop test from 3 stories high, and the phone survived beautifully. I've personally thrown mine up into the air 20ft or so onto concrete, and nothing happened to the phone. Btw, it is the Ballistic SG case I'm talking about. It has good sized corner bumpers on it.
So, as I have done with my last few phones I have obtained many of the most well-reviewed cases (and some not so) to see what I like best. I thought I would share my thoughts so that others might get some better insight into what's out there. I realize that cases are very subjective based on your specific goals for a case and your general tastes. With that in mind I’m just going to start by mentioning a bit about my own habits/likes so you can get an idea of what might influence me.
Like many (I think) I like to have a case that is as minimal as possible which still offering a level of protection against drops and bumps. I am definitely not an “otter-box” type guy who likes huge rugged cases with built-in screen protectors. Especially as phones are getting larger and larger I can barely fit them in my pocket even with minimal cases. To that same point, I tend to like very “sticky”/"grippy" or tactile cases as these large phones are also hard enough to hold as-is. I suppose if you have really large hands this might not be as much of an issue, but for me it tends to rule out a lot of cases that look great but feel “slippery.”
I tend to do a "stick test" where I lay the phone in the case flat on the palm of my open hand and then slowly rotate the phone to a vertical position The longer it takes for the phone to not slide off my hand, the better. Some cases will allow me to stand the phone basically straight up gripping my hand without me using fingers at all. Results are not totally scientific as the temperature/sweat on my hands can influence the outcome to some degree but overall I get a better than/worse than result.
As a real-life example of what I prefer, refer to my last 2 phone case choices:
HTC M8 - SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Premium Hybrid. I loved everything about this case for the M8. It looked awesome, had just the right amount of protection while still being a slim case. The material isn’t the stickiest but based on the curve of the M8’s back, which this case follows, it creates a great curve in your hand for a fantastic fit/group.
LG V20 - Ringke Fusion Smoke/Clear Case - Unfortunately they didn’t make the same SUPCASE for my V20, so I went with this one. It also is a hard polycarbonate back (but not too hard/thick) with a more flexible TPU bumper. It has a great amount of tactile stickiness and the phone never slips from my hand.
As evident, I’ve tended to gravitate towards relatively clear cases on my last phones because the phones themselves have been great looking phones (brushed metal all around, etc). I purchased the Pixel 3 XL black, which while a nice looking phone really isn’t anything spectacular and I think the right case may even improve the looks (something I didn’t think was true on my above 2 phones).
Taking the above into account, below are my reviews/thoughts on the cases I’ve tried for the 3 XL. I’ve divided them into several categories for easier comparison which you will find below:
Full TPU Cases
I don’t normally like full TPU cases because they don’t offer much protection and tend to feel “squishy” due to being made totally of flexible material. Still, they are light-weight and the clear ones offer a good view of the phone, so I decided to try a few out.
Cimo Slim Grip ($8) - Like all the clear TPU cases I reviewed, they still have a yellowish tinge right out of the box. It’s hard to know if the cases will yellow more over time, but you can definitely see the yellow in the thicker parts (and around the cut-outs). Once the phone is in the case it is harder to see this, and since all the clear TPU cases suffer from it I supposed I can’t dock too many points.
As a TPU case it is super flexible and super tactile/grippy. Unfortunately the inside of the case is as well which makes getting it into the case evenly is difficult. There is barely any lip to the front of the case, so not much distance between the screen and a flat surface. Additionally the lip seems uneven, and not sure if this is manufacturing or simply because it is difficult to line the phone up perfectly because of the grip of the TPU. Buttons (volume/power) have good feedback, overall what I would expect for an $8 TPU case that offers mostly scratch protection.
Totallee transparent case ($28) - Almost identical to the Cimo in all regards that a clear TPU case can have. It does perhaps a slightly better fit and quality (though still yellow tinge). It is incredibly flexible, more-so than the other TPU cases. The largest downside (for my needs) is it has virtually no lip. If you place the phone face down on a flat surface I’m sure that the screen will make contact in many situations. Overall is is a nice “barely there” case that doesn’t add bulk or size, but for $29 it is really hard to recommend over the Cimo.
Spigen Liquid Crystal ($11) - A combination of the Cimo and Totallee cases. It has a better lip than the Cimo and a better fit and overall quality. If you want a low-profile clear TPU case I think this is the one to beat.
Dretal Carbon Fiber Shock Resistant Brushed Texture Soft TPU ($8) - Unlike the other pure TPU cases this one is a brushed metal/carbon fiber black instead of clear. The case design is nice, but doesn’t seem the best quality, with minor imperfections in the melding of the parts. Also the carbon fiber pads on mine looked scratched/hazy out of the box on parts of them, something I’m sure will happen over time making this case not look as sharp. Apart from look, unremarkable in any other way (good or bad). While this is a very flexible TPU case (making the phone super easy to put in/get out), it isn’t a very grippy case and I found it slipping out of my hands more than the others. This would appear to be a “knock-off” of the Spigen Rugged Armor - a case not available when I was ordering my lot. For the small difference in price if you can get your hands on one I’m not sure why you wouldn’t opt for the Spigen.
Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Hybrid Cases - Light-weight
These are the types cases I usually prefer (along with the mid-weight ones below). Their harder back brings some rigidity and strength to the case and the rubberized bumpers provide some additional protection. Overall I find these superior to pure TPU cases while in some cases adding very little additional bulk.
MoKo ($7) - This is like the PC/TPU version of the Cimo from above. Decently grippy, though not as much as some of the other cases in this category. It is stiffer with the PC back and the rubberized edges are also pretty hard. The buttons are responsive but like a lot of cases in this and the TPU category they volume button is not split (up/down). This can make it difficult to tell which direction volume you are pressing. Lip is pretty good - possibly the highest in this category. There are little nubbins on the back corners that raise the case slightly from the ground. While these might help protect the camera by raising it a bit more, I wonder if they act as a buttress to strengthen the corners, they seem largely unnecessary though a few models incorporate similar designs.
VRS Crystal Chrome ($12) - While more expensive I found this to be mostly the same as the MoKo, but lesser quality. The lip is also the lowest out of the cases in this category, though to be fair the case may be the thinnest (though not by much). Nothing really here that can make me recommend it over the MoKo, especially at this price.
Ringke Fusion ($9) - Very similar to the MoKo in all respects. Might be a little better quality, but I could just be influenced by the brand. Volume control is also one button, but buttons seem a bit friendlier to use. Like the MoKo it has little nubbins on the bottom corners (more stylized). Also has a place for a lanyard (if that interests you). I think this would be my pick in this category if only for the reason that you can get it in a “smoke” color. Even with a black phone I feel the smoke adds a bit of “texture” to the look and prevents yellowing better. I don’t think the Pixel is pretty enough that it needs a completely transparent case anyway.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid S ($14) - Basically identical to the Spigen Liquid Crystal but with a stiff PC backing. It has slightly larger buttons and a kickstand. Personally, I don’t like the way the kickstand offset feels in my hand and I don’t think I’d get much use out of it. I don’t have much experience with the kickstands and they seem a bit flimsy to me. I’d be worried about it breaking off and then just having a busted case. Volume button is also two-parts, which makes feeling for them a bit easier. Once or twice I felt this case was a bit “squishier” in my hands, but the phone might not have been seated well. If you want a clear case with a kickstand, this is probably a good bet.
Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Hybrid Cases - Mid-weight
Along with the light-weights, I prefer these cases. It is often a fine distinction, but I tend to feel these cases have a bit more “padding” offering some more protection with a very minimal change in footprint. But, this designation is a bit subjective so you could group these with the lightweight above - the main difference being these aren’t all transparent all around.
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle ($13) - I really wanted to love this case as it is what I had on my HTC M8. Unfortunately, while the back is highly tactile, the rubberized side bumpers are pretty slippery. The bumpers give a good lip, but they also extend around the back of the case a bit, creating what amounts to a small rear lip. This causes the back not to rest as snug in your hand causing the whole case less grippy. Additionally the power and volume buttons are basically flush with the case making it a bit difficult to find them easily (and also promoting a smoother/more slippery surface on the sides!). The buttons are responsive though and the case is really easy to swap on/off. It has a nice clean look and I think would offer a good amount of protection, but I don't think it is the winner for me this time around.
Ringke Fusion-X ($13) - Built like the Fusion but with some more meat on the edges, an overall stiffer case. A tad bigger all around than the Unicorn, and seemingly certified Mil grade tested. The design is more stylized - a “rugged” looking case while not being overly bulky. The texture of the design gives it some grip, which is good because otherwise it wouldn’t be very tactile. More defined volume buttons. Might be a competitor to Unicorn, except the sides are pretty slippery. It also has a lanyard hole.
This is probably a good choice for a more rugged look coupled with slightly more protection (at the expense of some added bulk). For me though the slipperiness of the case offsets the additional protection it might offer. I’d rather not drop it in the first place then have it be more protected when I do! But as a secondary “rugged” case for someone that doesn’t like overly bulky cases it might be a good fit.
UAG Plyo ($40) - A really interesting case. At first I thought it was the biggest in this category but it actually seems to be the same size as the Fusion-X (perhaps a hair smaller!). It is virtually the same size as the Unicorn Beetle and even the lightweight Ringke Fusion. Unlike these phones however it has straight, not beveled edges so it initially gives the appearance of it being longer, but it really isn’t (it might be a hair thicker, but when put side by side it is virtually unnoticeable). Seriously, I almost dismissed this case out of hand as being too large, but when I compare it again to other cases I was highly considering I see that it is similar in size.
It is Mil-spec tested and unlike the Fusion-X it is very grippy. Perhaps not as grippy as the Fusion, but a close second. As you also might expect with a thicker case the buttons and side “squeeze”seem a bit harder to press, but not unworkable (and Active Edge sensitivity can be adjusted). It has a smoky tinge to the color and a honeycomb pattern at the bumpers give it a cool look. The sides and back have a slight inward curve which is visually different and I think actually helps with the grip. While I haven’t tested any of these cases with wireless charging, UAG states that this is compatible - which would have been one of my only concerns for a "rugged" case. At $40 the price is relatively very high and this may be the only reason can’t recommend the case, or at the very least choose it for myself.
Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Dual Layer Cases
I don’t prefer these types of cases, I find them to usually be bulkier and not usually provide more protection above the mid-weight single layer cases. They are almost never clear/clear-ish cases either though their dual layers can offer some interesting visual designs. My wife happens to be a fan of these, which is why I ordered a couple to check out.
Spigen Tough Armor ($17) - Honestly, I didn’t even realize this was a dual-layer case until I was reading some more about it for writing this review. I had it placed with the mid-weight cases above. Functionally I find it very similar to the Unicorn Beetle, despite it’s dual layers. It is basically the same size although with beveled instead of rounded edges. It was easy to put on/take off with both layers attached (part of the reason I didn’t realize it was dual layer).
The outer layer wraps around the middle and sides, but does not offer more protection around the corners. As the name implies, this is supposed to be “tough” and has some level of Mil-grade testing. I’m not sure I feel it would withstand that much more punishment than others in the mid-weight category though. It has the same flat buttons that the Unicorn does but the materials are not as grippy and can at times be quite slippery. Aesthetically, a very nice looking case but the all plastic kickstand mechanism seems flimsy. The kickstand does removes easily and they probably should have provided at least 2 spares with the case (which would have cost them pennies to do).
Spigen Neo Hybrid ($14) - Overall a really nice looking case - almost identical in size to the Tough Armor (perhaps a hair smaller all around). The outer layer wraps around the edges/corners of the phone than the middle like the Tough Armor. Unlike the Tough Armor, the edges are rounded as opposed to beveled. Volume/power buttons are easy to feel with good tactile feedback. I don’t think the thin outer shell is offering much more protection than the rubberized bumpers on the mid-weights above. It is however more grippy than the Tough Armor and also apparently has a Mil-spec rating. Unfortunately after several tries I still couldn’t get the outer shell to sit flush with the camera outline (it was raised around the camera's lower edge). Apart from that last issue, if you like dual layer cases and like the look of this one, I can recommend it.
Tudia Merge ($9.5) - Like the Spigen Tough Armor, the outer shell wraps around the middle and sides. It seems mostly aesthetic, but the metal look is very appealing and surprisingly not as slippery as the plastic on the Tough Armor. Buttons are a little stiff but overall feel good and the lip is sufficient. You can get it on and off easy without removing the back. This ended up being my wife’s pick.
BentoBen Slim Glitter Bling ($10) - This is mostly a “glamour case”, albeit a decently put together one. Quality is good although the paint on the edges will wear over time. On average the same length and width as many of the lightweight/midweight cases but a little thicker. Unfortunately this thickness doesn’t give it a superior lip (though it is sufficient). The buttons are a bit too recessed for my liking, but not stiff. The outer shell is actually pretty grippy due to the texture. We ordered this one only because my wife had the same one for her V20 and still she is opting for the Tudai this time around.
Miscellaneous Cases
Only one case doesn’t fit into the above categories. I ordered only to complete all the Spigen cases available for my phone to try it out.
Spigen Thin Fit ($10) - Basically a “non-case.” A small black clip-on that seems designed simply so you can use a magnetic holder without having to attach the magnet sticker to your phone directly. It adds virtually no bulk, but is slippery and would offer very little protection except from back scratches. Unremarkable for what it is and if you want something to prevent your keys from scratching the back of the phone it will work and probably slide in and out of your pocket easier than a TPU case. As for me, I’ll pass.
Well, that's all the ones I've tried out. Other well reviewed cases that I couldn't find on Amazon which I wanted to try:
Caseology Legion Series
Spigen Rugged Armor
Incipio DualPro Pixel 3 XL
Tech21 Pure Clear
Speck Presidio Stay Clear
For now, I think my choice is the Ringke Fusion, just like I had on my V20. Perhaps if the UAG drops in price I will move over to it.
If I check out any more or have any updated thoughts I'll update the thread.
I'll probably be hanging onto these cases for about a week before return, so please feel free to ask any specifics and I will try to get an answer.
So you buy these, review them, then return them?
airmaxx23 said:
So you buy these, review them, then return them?
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Yes.
Most of these aren't available anywhere except online so there is no way to find if you will like a case without actually trying it.
The $10 I will pay to ship them all back to Amazon is worth it to find a case I like.
Don't forget Spigen Slim Armor and Google fabric cases
airmaxx23 said:
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he's not, otherwise there wouldn't be a return policy. or, they would be sold in b&m stores where they could be tried on first, which would likely Jack up then price 2-3x. these cases cost pennies to make, maybe the best ones break into the very low dollars. returns are the cost of doing business.
Thread cleaned. Please keep comments on-topic. Disrespectful opinions about how the OP goes about acquiring the cases for reviews aren't needed.
Had @kellybrf not commented, I would have said the same. He's not taking advantage of any system. Amazon's return policy is interesting in how it's handled. If he's paying a return price, that means he's selecting the option that doesn't include the words "defective" or "not as ordered", etc. He's being honest with them about why he's returning them, otherwise he wouldn't be paying for return shipping.
The rugged armor is on amazon, did you not see it? would be curious how it compares as i use on all my phones
Thank you for the well-written review. It is very appreciated. My Pixel 3 XL is due to arrive on Monday the 17th. So I am in search of the required accessories. I require excellent protection as I drop things quite often ?
I have the Incipio DualPro. Love this case. Fits perfect, and has a perfect rubbery/grippy feel.
https://incipio.com/cases/more-devices/google-smartphone-cases/dualpro-google-pixel-3-xl-case.html
I've tried a few cases and, not speaking about phone protection, but I have found that none of the ones I've tried (all three were Spigen) are compatible with the Pixel Stand. The cases make the phone too thick to remain vertical on the stand.
I bought a otter box defender case the same time I got my class....I dropped the phone twice since and I have zero damage. Worth the money....not that bulky...
Uag plyo It is a very nice case with great protection. Wireless charging works perfectly. great case.
oneandroidnut said:
The rugged armor is on amazon, did you not see it? would be curious how it compares as i use on all my phones
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Long time replying, just wanted to state that the case was not available on Amazon when I was ordering cases. It may very well have gotten back into stock afterwards.
I am still using my Ringke Fusion case and I don't have any major complaints. The tactile/sticky nature of the case has been in line with my previous cases which I purchased for similar reasons.
I would still like to get the UAG Pylo, but not until I can find it for ~$15 (which may never happen). As I have never dropped the phone so far, I'm not sure the slightly extra protection of the UAG would even be necessary, but it is a distinctive looking case.