Develop Bugs

Mini Case review of 5 popular cases

I am not an official tech reviewer, just some dude with an EVO that has tried out several of the popular cases out there, and will offer my opinion for whatever that is worth.
- Body Glove; http://www.htcphones.net/body-glove-snap-on-case-for-htc-evo-4g/
Picked up the day I bought the EVO last Summer. Case looked bad ass in the package, but sucked balls, very cold and hard feeling next to the face, and cracks. Worst case
- Otterbox Impact; http://www.otterbox.com/HTC-EVO-Imp...-EVO4G_color=20&start=3&cgid=htc-evo-4g-cases
It feels great in the hand, and offered great protection, but was just too thick and bulky for my tastes, and sticky feeling, bad for pockets. Good case, just too big
- Otterbox Commuter; http://www.otterbox.com/HTC-EVO-Com...-EVO4G_color=20&start=2&cgid=htc-evo-4g-cases
Got as a gift, nice case, but too slick in the back, the hard plastic finish is too slippery, and again a little bulky for me. Ok case, just too slick and thick.
- Case-Mate Tough; http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-EVO-4G-Cases/Case-Mate-HTC-EVO-4G-Tough-Cases.asp
This case is very nice, two piece design, offers great protection. My little kids did the testing, and it works, sailing off the counter top onto the hardwood floor lots of times, with zero issues And the back rubber feel of it is soooooo nice in the hand, perfect grip. But again a little thick to be putting in jeans and soon shorts for Summer, will stick out too much, and scare the ladies. But this case is a keeper for riding my Mountain Bike, or going to carnival rides. Great case, keeping this.
- Incipio Edge; http://www.myincipio.com/HTC-EVO-4G-Cases-Accessories/Incipio-HTC-EVO-4G-EDGE-Hard-Shell-Case.asp
This is the slimmest of all cases I have had, and I actually like that a lot. I like thin phones, not bricks, and the other cases while nice, were just way too big, making the EVO feel much larger than it already is. The Edge is slim, nice color, and fits in pockets effortlessly. Great case, keeping this.
Out of all the cases I have tried, the "Edge" is my fav, with the Case-mate Tough a very close second. But I have not tried out the Seidio Innocase II yet, how is that ? http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/csr3hev4-wh.htm

You forgot to mention that the silicon for the Otterbox Commuter becomes loose like all other silicone cases and the thin part near the bottom face of the phone looks hideous after it becomes loose and there is no fix for it that I know of.
Each Otterbox case made for this phone has its own special problems and I think Otterbox rushed the design but yet the cases for the Iphone are flawless and look a hell of a lot better. I don't recommend Otterbox to anyone with and Evo at this point unless they change something.

Jfree3000 said:
You forgot to mention that the silicon for the Otterbox Commuter becomes loose like all other silicone cases and the thin part near the bottom face of the phone looks hideous after it becomes loose and there is no fix for it that I know of. Sure you can send it back for a new silicone piece but paying shipping every two or three months is not cool.
Each Otterbox case made for this phone has its own special problems and I think Otterbox rushed the design but yet the cases for the Iphone are flawless and look a hell of a lot better. I don't recommend Otterbox to anyone with and Evo at this point unless they change something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are wrong about the shipping you dont pay one red cent. ive had several otterboxes for ever phone ive had and all ive ever had to do was make a 5 minute max phone call or an email and i get whatever i need in 2-3 days in the mail, Ive never had to send anything back. its so easy its ridicules. as a matter of fact i just called and told em i didn't like the defender case because the kick stand was just too thin(i agree with u on that point that kickstand is horrible thin as a reed) they sent me another defender to replace the broken stand and sent me a commuter case for free. All of this cost me nothing but the time to make the call.
Fact of the matter is if you want a serious case thats gonna give your phone maximum protection any case whether its otterbox ,titan, seido all of em r bulky when you want max protection. its a bit of a trade off as i see it, yea its bulky but my phone looks brand new indefinitely.

Check out trident cyclops, i've always been a big fan of them.

steelewise said:
you are wrong about the shipping you dont pay one red cent. ive had several otterboxes for ever phone ive had and all ive ever had to do was make a 5 minute max phone call or an email and i get whatever i need in 2-3 days in the mail, Ive never had to send anything back. its so easy its ridicules. as a matter of fact i just called and told em i didn't like the defender case because the kick stand was just too thin(i agree with u on that point that kickstand is horrible thin as a reed) they sent me another defender to replace the broken stand and sent me a commuter case for free. All of this cost me nothing but the time to make the call.
Fact of the matter is if you want a serious case thats gonna give your phone maximum protection any case whether its otterbox ,titan, seido all of em r bulky when you want max protection. its a bit of a trade off as i see it, yea its bulky but my phone looks brand new indefinitely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct sir, for some reason unknown I was thinking about Zagg and they make you pay for a return. Just got off the phone with Otterbox and they are shipping me a new commuter case, took all of 5 minutes.

No review of Ballistic case?
This has been a telepathic transmission from the Outer Limits.

[Q] Incipio feather, is it REALLY durable?

i get the point that its to allow some protection while maintaining the form factor, BUT IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?! would i get similar performance from a case thats twice as big or would this just be a piece of crap if you dropped your phone (cause if i crack the screen on this phone ill be ass-out)?

If you want real protection you don't want the feather. At a minimum you want a Seidio surface (for minimum bulk) or active/ Otterbox case. If you want cheap, just go with a tpu from amazon. The problem with the Feather is it doesn't wrap around completely and therefor offers no protection for the screen or corners. That is a case worth bull-snot in my eyes.

In my experience, the thin'n'light cases are only for those who need a little bit of scratch protection (aka desk jockeys like me, but I work on cars and stuff so I need the durability).
If you want the ultimate durability, get an Otterbox Defender. They're bulky as hell, but extremely durable.
If you want good protection without nearly as much bulk go with an Otterbox Commuter like I'm running. No complaints so far, even after a few decent tumbles.

vrgelinas said:
In my experience, the thin'n'light cases are only for those who need a little bit of scratch protection (aka desk jockeys like me, but I work on cars and stuff so I need the durability).
If you want the ultimate durability, get an Otterbox Defender. They're bulky as hell, but extremely durable.
If you want good protection without nearly as much bulk go with an Otterbox Commuter like I'm running. No complaints so far, even after a few decent tumbles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1
I work with cars too and I will never again use a snap on case. They shatter and send the phone flying in the air. I do like the look of the feather though. Maybe I'll try one down the line
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

I bought a feather and liked it, not the most protection, but it was enough for my needs and I can't stand big cases. However, after 2 to 3 months, I started noticing small cracks around some of the corners and around the camera opening. They haven't effected the overall structure of the case yet, and I'll admit to taking the phone out of the case god only knows how many times to do battery pulls when I was hacking and flashing a lot of roms. I'm sure this contributed to the cracks, so I won't fault the case entirely.
If you want basic protection in a super small and light case, it's a good option. And for the $16 I paid for it (on ebay, and it included a screen protector) I'm really not too upset at the cracks, again, since I did put the thing through hell.

i broke a feather. that said it took the hit instead of the phone, but they're not all that durable.

i have the feather and it cracked in three places without ever being dropped. not cool. but they shipped me a new one under warranty without making me send mine back. yay. the only reason i got it was because my back cover was making creaking sounds in one corner and this case stopped that without adding bulk.

Used My GN For The First Time Without The Case...

It's almost perfect. Been inside the TPU since minute one and I cleaned her today. Looking at it and holding the GN caseless was incredible. Slim, thin. Only quibble is that it can be a tad slippery. I'm way to chicken to use it without a case on a regular basis.
Any go GN nude all the time?

I do Why hide such a beauty? The screen is good enough to resist scratches and the back is really good too. After 7 - 8 months if I do notice some wear and tear, I can just order another through eBay for 15 bucks or so..

I got mine yesterday and I don't use a case. I dropped it onto concrete from about 2 feet and it sustained no damage.

Using mine without a case too. I find putting a case on it just ruins the aesthetics and makes the phone thicker.
I get that people use cases for protection, and one thing i can say is that samsung phones are built to be really durable. I dropped my samsung nexus s countless times and it still worked like a champ.
The galaxy nexus feels even more durable so no worries here.

Using mine without a case. I hate cases. Ruin the feel and design of the device. I did order a sleeve (like the one that came with the Nexus One) off ebay. I just need something to protect it while in my pocket. Not worried about drops.

I've never had a case on any of my phones. I'm really careful and I've only dropped a phone once. I think cases make the phone look generic. With that said, being the GN is large and a little slick to handle I decided to get the diztronic case. Plus I wanted to protect my $730 investment.
Its a nice case but it only lasted for about 5 hours before I whipped it off.
Cases just aren't for me I guess!

enumBoss said:
Using mine without a case. I hate cases. Ruin the feel and design of the device. I did order a sleeve (like the one that came with the Nexus One) off ebay. I just need something to protect it while in my pocket. Not worried about drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for going off topic but can you please provide a link to the one you got? I was looking around on eBay / Accessories forum but didn't find anything similar to the one for Nexus One

swapnil said:
Sorry for going off topic but can you please provide a link to the one you got? I was looking around on eBay / Accessories forum but didn't find anything similar to the one for Nexus One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the one I bought: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...2&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:US:1123#ht_2629wt_1163
But the listing ended. I emailed the seller when the first listing ended and said I wanted to buy one and he gave me that listing. So it's worth a shot if you're interested.

Caseless here. I just have the protection film on the bottom and sides of the back to protect against scratches.

I'm caseless here as well. Most devices feel the best when you use them without cases.
It's like going condomless. You're more prone to bad stuff but you get to feel it best ;p
But make sure you put screen protection film on. My screen scratched quite badly already. It's pretty hard to notice, but make sure you take a good look at your phone screen under bright light perhaps halogen lights and you'll see all those scratches!

i also go caseless- i put a case on when i am at the gym but thats the only time i use one- i have a screen protector but thats it...

Using mine nude since I got the phone 2 weeks ago. Although seriously thinking of putting a screen protector
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Using mine stark naked although I am considering a matte screen cover that might help reduce the glare in the office.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Caseless here too. I used to own an iPhone with an Otterbox Defender, and after that, I hated how clunky phones got with cases. These phones are designed to be sleek, and I feel like you take that away when you slap a piece of black TPU or silicone on it.

I'm case-less, except for a screen protector from Zagg. Bought a Diztronic case but it hasn't arrived yet.

tk123456789 said:
I'm case-less, except for a screen protector from Zagg. Bought a Diztronic case but it hasn't arrived yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have the Matte one myself. It's a fine TPU product. Caseless though this thing feels like a slab from the future. I wish I wasn't chicken.

I clicked this thread expecting a horror story. "I took the case off, and I dropped it the first day..."
Anyways, if I buy the Galaxy Nexus, I'll probably use it careless. Unlike my stupidly built iPhone, I could actually set the phone down on a table, or drop it, without too much of a problem.

Don't use a case, but I do have it in a pouch. I think its the best of both worlds.. protected from dust and keys and bumps while in my pocket, but looking good when its out and being used!

i dont use a case, i'm currently looking for a pouch so i can sling it in my gym bag though.

My phone is always commando why hide it under a case.

What case do you use?

What is a good minimal case for the Atrix?
I care more about feel than protection.

If you use or are going to be using any of the docks, don't bother with an actual case. Too much of a pain to deal with every time you dock and undock (I used to think otherwise!).
I took mine off because it now just goes between my desk or pocket and the vehicle dock.
That said, if you are not using a dock, this case from Seido is rock-solid and looks great, Comes in several colors, this one just happens to match my roadster.
(while I really wouldn't characterize this case as "minimal," compared to an Otter Box, it is!)

I've been using a Seidio Surface for about a week:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=mobile&field-keywords=seidio+surface+atrix
Very impressed with the quality of this case which feels good and is very slimline and lightweight yet still sturdy.
You'll find video reviews of the case on Youtube which may be helpful.
The added advantage for you living in the US is you will only have to pay about half the amount I did to get one posted over here to the UK!

I was using an otterbox.. But i find it makes it hard to swipe at the edges of the phone so I'm back to being bare

I had a Speck candy shell case for awhile, but I found it made the screen smudge when I would try to clean it so I took it off.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

incipio feather slim case

ultra slim leather pouch sena cases

I use Body Glove that I got at the at&t store. I've loved it from the start. I don't know how good it is for protection, but I like that iit doesn't feel like it'll slip out of your hand and it's easy to take off (miui ROM makes me have to battery pull sometimes.)
Sent from my MIUI Atrix 4G.

nunjabusiness said:
If you use or are going to be using any of the docks, don't bother with an actual case. Too much of a pain to deal with every time you dock and undock (I used to think otherwise!).
I took mine off because it now just goes between my desk or pocket and the vehicle dock.
That said, if you are not using a dock, this case from Seido is rock-solid and looks great, Comes in several colors, this one just happens to match my roadster.
(while I really wouldn't characterize this case as "minimal," compared to an Otter Box, it is!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the exact case I'm using on my Atrix too! I love this case, I even got the same color hahaha. I like that it doesn't hinder the fingerprint scanner in any way. and the grip on it is solid.

Otterbox Impact

this one:
http://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/Motorol..._MobilePhonesCasesPouches&hash=item415a500388
nothing special but does it's job

Incipio feather, but they keep cracking. Even though the company is great and has already sent me replacements twice.
I have ordered these now

Doesn't really qualify as a "case" as such, but a full body kit from Zagg definitely qualifies as minimal. I take pretty good care of my phones and hate the extra bulk in my pocket so it works for me. Having said that, these don't help much in a fall...

I've used several cases but ended up with just the zagg front. The battery cover completely covers the corners so I didn't feel the extra bulk of a case was really worth the extra protection. Plus they're cheap to replace and cases are a pain when using docks.

quicklyspent said:
I've used several cases but ended up with just the zagg front. The battery cover completely covers the corners so I didn't feel the extra bulk of a case was really worth the extra protection. Plus they're cheap to replace and cases are a pain when using docks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First time you drop on one of those corners on concrete - You'll wish you had a case

I have....twice. Both from above waist height. Battery cover is scratched but that's it. I could replace it but, meh.
For all their shortcomings in the software department, Motorola actually makes some well built hardware.

quicklyspent said:
I have....twice. Both from above waist height. Battery cover is scratched but that's it. I could replace it but, meh.
For all their shortcomings in the software department, Motorola actually makes some well built hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are amazingly lucky you haven't shattered the screen! You know what they say though, 3rd time's the charm! lol

I, too, have gone caseless. I've got a screen protector on it, but I figure that all the corners and back panel are just a piece of cheap plastic. When it comes time to resell my phone I'll just buy a shiny new backplate for the same price as a nice case. It's worked for almost a year now.

It depends on your taste, but the Otterbox case I bought is actually pretty good protection and slim factor. Only thing is that you lose the ability to use the docks.

I've gone case-less also. Due to the slippery feel, I definitely wanted a case but there wasn't a good, grippy option that could still be used with the cardock. Surprisingly enough, I've trained myself to grip the phone carefully and its only been dropped once but with no damage (from 6 feet high). Moto builds tanks.

[Q] Otterbox Defender?

Has anyone ordered the otterbox defender for the Note 4 yet? It is available in black on their site now. I know the case is bulky but I work construction so I need heavy drop protection. I would appreciate any input from owners of how you like the case, also any recommended alternatives to an Otterbox.

I had the otterbox defender for my old note 3. It was amazing at protecting it from falls, drops, and the oppsies. It does add bulk to an already enormous phone, but there's something majestic about it. I also worked construction, and I mistakenly dropped it on a pile of broken concrete from a second floor. It survived without any issues. The bulk, and a little ugly otterbox has superior protection bar none.

Dude I dropped my note three from my hand holding it looking at it...fell kinda slapped it a couple times and the screen shattered in one of those it all depends on how it hits in what postion the force is on the phone....honestly the best constructed ones for protection so far that I've seen are the eBay ones made out of like tire rubber with treads on it...over a plastic inlay...holding the two side by side you can see that the otter box head of marketing is doing his job well and selling an inferior product to the masses then not most but alot of good competition...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app

Otterbox has saved more phones than killed. If you are concerned about damaging your phone and you KNOW HOW FRAGILE IT IS...i have a novel idea for you..
LEAVE IT HOME. LEAVE IT IN THE CAR. LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF. LEAVE IT IN THE OFFICE. WHATEVER.
For the rest of us that would like some extra piece of mind...I ordered the Commuter series in silver/black on day of release. hell the website wasn't even updated yet. It still won't arrive til wednesday however even with 2 day shipping .
Why commuter and not defender? I don't need the stupid belt clip. that's the only difference between them.

The built-in screen protector helps.
fubar569 said:
Otterbox has saved more phones than killed. If you are concerned about damaging your phone and you KNOW HOW FRAGILE IT IS...i have a novel idea for you..
LEAVE IT HOME. LEAVE IT IN THE CAR. LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF. LEAVE IT IN THE OFFICE. WHATEVER.
For the rest of us that would like some extra piece of mind...I ordered the Commuter series in silver/black on day of release. hell the website wasn't even updated yet. It still won't arrive til wednesday however even with 2 day shipping .
Why commuter and not defender? I don't need the stupid belt clip. that's the only difference between them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

lawalty said:
I had the otterbox defender for my old note 3. It was amazing at protecting it from falls, drops, and the oppsies. It does add bulk to an already enormous phone, but there's something majestic about it. I also worked construction, and I mistakenly dropped it on a pile of broken concrete from a second floor. It survived without any issues. The bulk, and a little ugly otterbox has superior protection bar none.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://goo.gl/5f5J2s Hard Shell
http://goo.gl/NzfGyp Soft Cover
At At&t they had this as a package. Soft shell comes with a screen protector which is housed in the hard shell. Couldn't find the all-in-one package on either sites but this is what I picked up from there. It's a little bulky but feels safe.