This is a review of Seidio CONVERT case for Samsung Galaxy S4: http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-convert-add-on-kit-black-p/bd2-hk4ssgs4.htm
For those familiar with CONVERT line of Seidio cases, this is going to be another familiar face. Following a proven formula of if ain't broken (and selling well) don't fix it - CONVERT case for S4 is identical to other Siedio CONVERT cases.
The case itself is designed as two cases in one. A lot of you might be familiar with Seidio SURFACE, also available as Platinum case from Best Buy, and Seidio ACTIVE. Now imagine two of these cases combined together with over-sized ACTIVE as an additional protection layer on top of SURFACE - and you will get CONVERT. Since I already reviewed SURFACE in this forum (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265930), I will not go into details again of this hard rubberized "slim" case with a unique interlocking two-half design. So let's look into details of CONVERT "conversion".
To take it to the next level, you get a soft silicon layer which goes right over SURFACE case. Beside offering an extra layer of shock absorption, it also adds a decent grip and port covers for micro-usb and headphones as well as sealing off volume/power button. Since its a silicon layer, power/volume buttons are easy to press and you get nice tactile feedback. Another unique feature - camera/flash gets a port cover as well. The camera port flips back and locks into the outer exoskeleton so you can take pictures without holding it down with another hand. Plus, there is a cutout for SURFACE case kickstand to open up without any obstruction. I do have to note - soft silicon is a lint magnet, not because it's sticky but due to build up static. That's something you will have to live with. Although silicon layer goes on SURFACE with a tight fit, you get another hard plastic outer shell on top of it. That shell offers cutout for kickstand and camera/flash port cover, as well as offering additional corner protection for the case. Silicon layer sides of the case remain open thus continue providing a very good grip of the case.
And to top it off, you get a specially designed CONVERT holster for the phone facing with a screen in and out! On my Note 2 it was only facing in, while on S4 you can put it facing out which is great since you can lean the case inside of the holster to prop it horizontally to watch movies/tv, etc. It's a heavy duty plastic holster with a signature spring loaded mechanism which as a bonus offers a latch to lock it up for extra security. Furthermore, there is another locking mechanism in the middle of the holster behind the belt clip which allows for a belt clip to be removed. I haven't seen any additional info about the purpose of removing this belt clip, but in a back of my mind I'm wondering if Seidio is still planning to introduce other accessories to be attached to this belt clip since you are left with 3 tabs after it's removed.
Overall, this is a VERY impressive case design with a big bonus of two cases in one where you can choose what level of protection you would like for your S4. With addition of very robust (landscape only) kickstand and best in class holster - I would definitely recommend CONVERT! If you already have SURFACE, its not a brainer to get this one.
Now, here comes the pictures.
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After my review someone actually pointed out that indeed Seidio will have a car mount and a bike mount attachment accessory when belt clip is removed (connecting to the holster). There is even an instagram teaser with a bike mount: http://instagram.com/p/ZlkTDPBSfV/
Related
This is a review of Seidio ACTIVE case with holster for Samsung Galaxy S4. http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-active-case-holster-black-p/bd2-hk3ssgs4k-bk.htm
For those familiar with Seidio line of cases, you will find S4 version to be in line with their other ACTIVE designs. Seidio ACTIVE case fits perfectly in between of their SURFACE and CONVERT lines. I wouldn't call it a slim case, but it's slimmer than some of the other dual layer cases. It also offers a decent protection thanks to its dual-layer design. Inner silicone shell is shock absorbent soft silicone with a wrap-around reinforced lip and side-grip molds. External shell, the exoskeleton, is made out of PC material with a nice flex and offers additional layer of corner/top, side, and back protection. The feel of this exoskeleton layer is very smooth and rubberized (Seidio signature) which gives you a good grip in addition to holding down the inner layer.
All the port openings have a perfect cutout and spot on alignment. Power and volume up/down buttons are covered, easy to push and a have great tactile response. Also, with inner layer being soft silicone, you never have to worry about your oddly shaped after-market micro-usb plugs or over-sized headphone connectors since those openings will stretch. I know some people prefer a tight layer around the phone without any pull. With ACTIVE there is some pull around areas where external exoskeleton is not holding it down, but it comes to an advantage for those who worry about their screen protectors since soft silicone wraps around and will not push on the edges of sp if you have the kind which comes closer to the phone's edge. Also, it offers a decent bumper so there is no worrying of putting the phone face down on the surface. Exoskeleton includes a signature magnetic kickstand which I found to have no interference with phone functionality. Kickstand is very solid and works great in landscape orientation of the phone. Don't forget, there is also a generous selection of colors for exoskeleton shell, and those colors look really awesome in rubberized finish.
Holster is another great bonus, and I find Seidio holster design with reinforced bottom corners and spring-loaded latch to be one of the best out there. With a felt inner lining there is no issue of scratching your screen. Fitment is perfect, like a glove. No worries about wobbling or sliding inside. Also, the clip swivels around to adjust the angle of how you want it to be mounted on the belt. Clip itself is very sturdy and heavy duty.
Overall, Seidio stayed consistent with a design and quality of their previous ACTIVE phone cases, so you will not be disappointed!
Here are the pictures:
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looks cool ive been looking for a case with a kickstand so i might just go with this one
I personally don't care for this case, but I just bought my step son this model for his S3, he loves it!
sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4
This is a review of Seidio Ledger case for Galaxy S5 (http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CSF1SSGS5K-DG) and Seidio Spring-Clip Holster for Galaxy S5 (http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-spring-clip-holster-p/hlssgs5as.htm)
Let me first start with Ledger review. My first exposure to this new line of cases from Seidio was recently when I reviewed their Ledger case for Nexus 7. Typically when I first get a case out of the box, which btw was minimalistic yet very revealing on the front/back to show off the case, my first reaction is how the case looks. With Ledger - the first impression is how it feels!!! Yes, as soon as you touch this case with your fingers, you quickly realize the quality of the material as your first impression. Designed in a typical flip cover fashion, the top of the case is made with some exotic Italian Polyurethane material which adds cloth like texture to the touch. The exterior part of the case where you actually place the phone is made with Seidio's signature soft touch coating material typically found on their SURFACE models. Inside, the case features soft micro-fiber material to protect your battery cover and the screen from scratches. Also, inside of the flip cover you will find a single slot which can easily accommodate either a credit card or a driver license or maybe a few bills. The flip cover closes with a magnetic flip, and also has cutouts at the top for a speaker and notification led. This is very important because most of the flip cover designs don't accommodate that, so you have to constantly open the cover to check if you got messages or emails and to keep it open while making phone calls. Here, you can do that with a cover flip closed.
Regarding the port opening and access, top and bottom of the case are open so there is no issues in there. Slight extension of flip cover actually gives an extra protection of those exposed areas if you drop the case. Power button cutout s precisely aligned and so does a speaker and camera/flash on the back. In addition to that, Seidio also included their signature metal kick stand with a magnetic closure. Overall, you get a decent basic protection of your S5 in a premium looking slim case. For a more heavy duty protection, you would probably want to look into something like DILEX or CONVERT from Seidio, but for light duty everyday use LEDGER will do the job.
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Next, I'm going to look into Seidio Spring-Clip Holster. When it comes to phone holsters, anybody who ever owned any Seidio cases or Platinum cases (re-branded SURFACE sold at Best Buy) will know these are among the best due to their slim design and spring-loaded latch at the top. Though a very basic slim design, the holster is made out of a very durable material with a felt-liner and face-in placement to protect your phone screen from scratches. The belt clip is very durable and rotates to accommodate 7 different angles. The spring loaded latch is very easy to access and to remove with one hand, and it holds S5 very securely inside without any movement. No buttons or port opening are obstructed. One thing to keep in mind, this particular holster is designed for S5 without any case on it. If that's how you prefer to carry your phone without stuffing it in your pocket - this spring-clip holster will do a great job!
This is a review of Seidio SURFACE case and holster for Galaxy S5. http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-surface-kickstand-combo-black-p/bd2-hr3ssgs5k-bk.htm
It has been almost a tradition for me to review Seidio cases with every new phone or tablet. So, keeping up with a tradition I would like to share with you their latest SURFACE case for Galaxy S5. If you are already familiar with Seidio line of these slim cases, also known as Platinum in Best Buy, there is not going to be too many surprises since it still fits like a glove and offers a basic light duty protection. But nevertheless, let's take a closer look at what I have found.
SURFACE is the slimmest case in Seidio collection, but contrary to some other slim cases it actually offers an acceptable level of protection (both scratch and drop) for everyday use. Designed as two interlocking sliding pieces, it offers a unique way to go on the phone and to take it off without pulling/stretching the edges of the case. Once both of the halves put together, it stays securely intact even if you drop it down. Made out of hard plastic material, it's lined with a soft felt layer inside to keep your phone from scratches and for extra shock dampening. Outside surface has a very soft rubberized coating to improve the grip, and to add extra friction once you put it on the surface - it will not slide if you bump it off any surface. Also, it provides a lip to put the phone face down without worrying of scratching it's display and allowing extra space margin for screen protector. It actually worked well with my tempered glass screen protector. Assembled, it feels very solid and secure in your hand, rubberized finish is very nice to the touch and at the same time will not pull your pants pockets once you take your S5 out.
Thought S5 camera bump is not flush with a battery cover surface, I was pleased to see Seidio came up with a groove in the upper half of the case so that camera doesn't get scratched during assembly, and once assembled nothing sticks out beyond the case surface. Also, all the cutouts are perfectly aligned and easily accessible. There are no sharp edges, every cutout has a nice rounded finish. I especially liked the generous opening for power and volume buttons allowing easy access to otherwise shallow buttons. It also provides an extra room around the flash to slide your finger to heart rate sensor. You will not have any issues accessing a cover of the charging port, and even should have plenty of room for headphones with larger plugs.
Of course, the review of SURFACE will not be complete without mentioning of their unique kickstand - one of the best built-in kickstand available with any of the cases. It's not some cheap plastic after-thought addition, but rather a high quality metal kickstand with magnetic mechanism to snap it back when not in use and without any interference with phone functionality. The kickstand can only be used in landscape view which is very convenient when you want to enjoy watching videos on your S5. And to complete this package, you also have Seidio's holster with one of the best in class spring loaded latches. If you prefer to wear your S5 with SURFACE on your belt, this holster will be the best solution for it with inner felt-lining to protect the display from scratches, clip that swivels in 7 angles, and easy to access latch that keeps phone secure in while also allowing one handed operation to remove the phone.
Overall, if you are looking for a great minimal case that offers both scratch and drop protection (although not as much of heavy duty drop), and a convenience of solid kickstand and holster - SURFACE is the top candidate in that category. Also, keep in mind that once CONVERT shell is available, you will be able to add another layer of heavy duty protection on top of SURFACE.
Here are the pictures.
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This is a review of Seidio CONVERT case with a holster for Galaxy S5. http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-convert-case-holster-black-p/bd4-hkr4ssgs5.htm
For those familiar with Seidio line of smartphone cases, once SURFACE and DILEX (former ACTIVE) are introduced, you know that CONVERT is going to follow! Typically there are no surprises with these cases since they follow a proven formula of if it ain't broken (and selling well) don't fix it, but still with every new scaled up (or down) model release I find a slight tweaks and slimmer profile without sacrificing durability and protection.
The CONVERT case itself is designed as two cases in one. A lot of you might be familiar with Seidio SURFACE, also available as Platinum case from Best Buy, and Seidio DILEX (former ACTIVE). Now imagine two of these cases combined together with over-sized DILEX as an additional protection layer on top of SURFACE - and you will get CONVERT. Since I already reviewed SURFACE for S5 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2741514), I will not go into details again of this hard rubberized "slim" case with a unique interlocking two-half design and spring loaded magnetic kickstand. So let's look into details of CONVERT "conversion".
To take it to the next level, you get a soft silicon layer which goes right over SURFACE case. Beside offering an extra layer of shock absorption and corner protection, it also adds a decent grip and port covers for micro-usb and headphones as well as sealing off volume/power button. Since its a silicon layer, power/volume buttons are easy to press and you get nice tactile feedback. Another unique feature - camera/flash gets a port cover as well. The camera port flips back and locks into the outer exoskeleton so you can take pictures without holding it down with a finger or a hand. Plus, there is a cutout for SURFACE case kickstand to open up without any obstruction. I do have to note - soft silicon is a lint magnet, not because it's sticky but rather due to a build up static. That's something you will have to live with, and I often consider that as a "signature Seidio" feature lol! Although silicon layer goes on SURFACE with a tight fit, you get another hard plastic outer shell on top of it. That shell offers cutout for kickstand and camera/flash port cover, as well as offering additional side protection for the case.
And to top it off, you get a custom fit CONVERT holster to accommodate the phone facing with a screen in or out! Just like on S4 (though it wasn't available back then for Note 2) keeping S5 facing out while leaning on the back against a clip props it horizontally for watching movies/tv, etc. It's a heavy duty plastic holster with a signature spring loaded mechanism which as a bonus offers a latch to lock it for extra security. Furthermore, there is another locking mechanism in the middle of the holster behind the belt clip which allows for a belt clip to be removed. That works great with Seidio QUEST interlocking system of various accessories such as car mount, armband mount, and bike mount. Last, but not least, Seidio included a screen protector which is a nice bonus.
Overall, this is a VERY impressive case design with a major bonus of two cases in one where you can choose what level of protection you would like for your S5. With addition of very robust (landscape only) kickstand and best in class holster - I would highly recommend CONVERT!
Here are the pictures.
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what's the screen protector with it is it dry or wet fit or will the case allow the use of a tempered glass ?.. TIA
This is a Review of UAG Folio case for Galaxy S5. http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/galaxy-s5-folio-case-red
I have reviewed a number of different "folio" cases in the past for various phones, but I never end up using one. The problem is that most of these cases are either too slim and offer no drop protection in favor of scratch protection, or they have annoying flapping cover that doesn't stay latched, or have front cover storage that bulks up the case and puts a pressure on the screen. Either way, it wasn't my cup of tea though I know a lot of people do prefer these. Furthermore, while being a fan of UAG cases I know they like to play it safe with their signature fused double layer open face design. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard they are introducing a folio case! Now, after I got a chance to test it out, I can tel you with certainty - these guys just reinvented the wheel!
The first thing you notice out of the box is a soft textured feel of this case. Referred to as "frogskin technology", they used some kind of a proprietary rubberized material with a non-slip grip where according to UAG it maintains grip even in wet and slippery conditions. Once you flip the cover open, the next surprise is a pocket under the cover with a room enough to hold 3 credit cards, including driver license, and a few money bills. The inside of the pocket has a textured synthetic lining which makes it easy to slide the cards out, and the middle of the pocket has a cutout for your thumb to push them out. Every detail of this design is very well thought of, including a padded cover with suede finish that won't scratch or put a pressure on the screen. And to top it off, front cover has a flap with a secure magnetic latch to keep it closed.
As I mentioned above, one of the big problems with a folio cases is not enough security to hold the phone and lack of general protection if you drop it. Some cases barely even hold your phone at the corners while others glue a cheap tpu or plastic case to the back cover. Here you have a fully functional high quality case with a folio cover attached to it. This portion of the case resembles a regular UAG case with a similar fused dual layer design and inner honeycomb impact resistant layer, but instead of a hard shell it uses soft rubberized "frogskin" finish. You still get a great level of protection while holding it securely inside and an easy way to take the phone out when need it. Also, just like with a regular UAG case, you get power and volume up/down buttons covered and with a great tactile response when pushed. All the ports are very generously open at the top and the bottom of the phone, and you get a precise speaker and camera/flash cutout on the back. The front cover has a cutout around front speaker area at the top so you can carry on a phone conversation with cover closed.
Overall, I think this is a first folio case that I'm going to use with our Galaxy S5 whenever I decide to keep the wallet at home and just take the phone and keys along with it. It offers a great storage functionality, a high quality exterior finish, an access to all the ports and buttons, and the same high level of protection I have come to expect from their regular cases. As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with this case that I wish UAG will make a special version without a front cover, and hopefully for Note 4 as well!
Here are the pictures.
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