Related
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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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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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.
Well, what are your opinions on the otterbox impact? I basically want to know the reasons i should get it...
Im currently debating over the otterbox + JUST screen protector
and
full body maximum screen protector (from zagg)
The zagg one is a couple bucks cheaper for me because i have my warranty, but the otterbox definetly seems like more protection. My question is, is there ANYTHING about the otterbox that annoys you? Whether it be hard to push the touch sensitive buttons at the bottom of our screen, or if it made it too thick. Anything.
What would you guys get? The full body, or the otterbox?
Thanks
The otterbox.
The Zagg protector does protect your phone from scratches and small knicks. But if you drop your phone onto the street or a rough surface, the plastics of the phone will nick and chip on impact even with a zagg shield. An otterbox will provide the barrier or rubber that really saves phones on impacts. I have that case and its pretty decent. I bought it as soon as it came out and it was the only one available from otterbox at the time. Now, I think the commuter looks way better.
capocaccia said:
The otterbox.
The Zagg protector does protect your phone from scratches and small knicks. But if you drop your phone onto the street or a rough surface, the plastics of the phone will nick and chip on impact even with a zagg shield. An otterbox will provide the barrier or rubber that really saves phones on impacts. I have that case and its pretty decent. I bought it as soon as it came out and it was the only one available from otterbox at the time. Now, I think the commuter looks way better.
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Click to collapse
+1 otterbox for drop protection, zagg for scratch protection.
The otterbox is awesome for drop protection, it's a little bulky but not too much and the only thing i don't like about it is that it can attract some lint when in your pocket, specially on the speaker and sensor holes on the top but that's easily cleanable, and the bottom is not as tight as it was at first but thats after a year of use, i'd go with it or the commuter as it looks way better but kinda pricy.
Hi all, I am looking for a new case for my Vibrant. I currently have the "Officially the best Case.." but unfortunatelly it is falling apart after a good 1+ year run. Now I am looking to replace it with the same one or with something better (have not been keeping up)
Looking at the "Officially the best case.." I do not see any current links for it. And I have to say that I am limited to purchasing a case from ebay and worldwide shipping. Can you guys recommend something?
I would recommend any type of TPU case. I have one, and it has lasted me 1+ years. Absorbs shocks well and is relatively thin. There are a bunch on eBay.
I am looking at some black TPU cases, but on the poor images they put, I cannot see if there are buttons, cut out buttons on the actual case.. For example this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-New-T...ccessories&hash=item20bdf50ab6#ht_2636wt_1392
I do not see power and volume buttons on the side..
From what I know, I doubt that any will have cut out buttons. But you could make the holes yourself.
Ya, ok, not cut out buttons, but at least take the shape of the buttons...so you can distinguish them where hey are by touching the phone..
The cases will have protruding buttons for the places where the buttons are located. I hope you get a good case.
You should get the otterbox. I've had mine since it came out and it still looks like new. Dropped it a couple of times and you'd never know to look at it. I'm sure that you can find it on ebay.
I just got the Trident Aegis case. It looks nice and provides good protection (silicone + hard plastic). The buttons are also easier to press than before.
However, the thing is a dust magnet (what kind of silicone isn't?), so I'd recommend keeping it out of dirty pockets as much as possible. It's also not cheap ($25 on Amazon), but is worth it IMO.
I also bought a Mercury jelly case off eBay today, so that's a cheaper option.
3D0
The 3D0 case seems to be pretty good. I just wish it covered the entire back like the model for the SGS II does.
casemate hard case and screen protector keep my phone mint, and very thin. Was $35 and I have a picture from my wedding on the back that i constantly get comments about. Had it a year and hardly shows scratches.
I'm returning my Trident Aegis. The plastic started chipping off and I wasn't really a fan of the dust it attracted.
I'm using the Seidio innocase now. Seems kind of flimsy, but is a lot lighter and thinner than the Aegis.
Get a TPU. It protects from scratches and dropping quite well, I'm reluctant to buy any other kind of case. I haven't seen any TPU cases with the buttons cut out. They're one piece units that are hard to rip, tear and really damage in any way. And all the functions of the phone are still easily accessible. The buttons may feel a little hard to press at firsts, but you get used to it. I bought one like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TPU-Silicon...576411?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3371ccc19b
Trident Cyclops here. Available on ebay starting at $17.50 shipped and it is a tank. I did remove the built in screen protector as it annoyed the crap out of me. Gorilla glass is awesome and as far as I am concerned I do not need a screen protector.
My only gripe is getting it into and out of my pockets the silicone does tend to grab the cloth.
I have the Otterbox and would highly recommend it. It has good shock protection with an outer layer to prevent scratching. The silicone layer does attract lint but good luck finding one that won't!
As I understand it, the silicone cases are more environmentally friendly than the TPU. I've been using silicone, rotating through 6 colors (liturgical) seasonally, and have dropped my phone more times than I can count. It just bounces. Not a scratch to be seen, and given the softness of the silicone, it does a better job than most non-water resistant cases at keeping things dry. And, like Martha Stewart's silpats and silicone lubricant, nothing, but nothing sticks to it. Yes, it's a bit rubbery, but I can put it in the back pocket of some jeans I probably should finally put in the skinny-pants bin as easily as without the case. That's pure silicone, which isn't TPU. TPU is pretty plastic-y, rather than rubbery, usually, but it depends on what other, er, crap you put in it. I think the folks selling it don't care what kind of plasticized, probably-a-little-toxic material their selling, they just want to move them.
What I like most about it, though, is that it stays on when I want it to, but I can pop it off in .75 sec. OK, then there's the price...
Thansks for the info. I need back case asap. This thread helped.
i hope im not too late into recommendations but a silicon case should be the best choice, the vibrant is an extremely tough phone and hard cases would be almost a waste( plus the overall thickness will increase greatly)...
My case is a hard case and is very thin, the silicone case is good unless you carry your phone in your pocket. Then you get to experience lint and your pocket turning inside out whenever you need your phone . I recommend casemate hard cases, you can customize them.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
For those interested, here is my OTTERBOX COMMUTER vs CASE MATE TOUGH comparison. I now own both of these cases and found some interesting differences.
OTTERBOX COMMUTER
+ Very solid case 9/10
+ Rubber has extra cushioning bumpers on corners to better protect against drops
+ Cutouts also have secure plugs to prevent dust and water from intrusion
+ top, bottom and sides have hard plastic protection over the rubber making a more secure fit all round.
+ Rubber is of a higher quality 8/10
- Sound quality of speaker phone is slightly affected by the raised plastic that sits closely around the speaker. Sound comes out a little louder and sharper but still sounds fine.
- Case can be quite difficult to remove because the plastic cover sits over all four sides and is very tight
- Plastic cover surface is very smooth and nicely designed but will be slippery with oily or sweaty hands
- Screen protector cutout is a little short near the top where the earphone is compared to other screen protectors I've used, but quality is fine, average.
- headphone and charging ports are a little smaller than I'd like but should fit most accessories.
- ON and VOLUME buttons are a bit difficult to press, quite like most TPU cases
- Having plastic covering on the front sides, it can be easily knocked off a table when sitting face-down, and back down is even worse.
CASE MATE TOUGH
+ Very solid case 8/10
+ headphone and earphone ports are a perfectly cut to fit all brands.
+ Very easy to remove with only sides covered by plastic cover
+ Plastic material has excellent grip on sides and back making it much more secure in the hand.
+ Plastic is less likely to show scratches over time
+ Quite easy to remove with only the sides cover the the plastic cover.
+ ON and VOLUME buttons are very easy and nice to press, with perfect feedback, almost a little 'too' easy actually.
+ The entire front is rubber, so when sitting face-down, it does not move and has a secure grip on surfaces, less likely to be knocked of a table etc
- Because the plastic cover only sits over the sides, the top and bottom have the rubber exposed and it could catch on things, such as removing from a tight pocket. not a huge deal in use.
- headphone and charging ports are open and exposed.
- rubber is a little thinner than the Otterbox's and more stretchy/flexible, though may not be a big deal in use/drops.
So in conclusion, I really like both cases for different reasons. At first impressions, the Commuter appears to be the better case due to it's port covers, more secure fit with plastic covering all sides and the extra protection given to the corners of the case.....BUT....
....the Tough case just feel better in the hand, more secure. While both are almost identical in size, thickness and weight, the Tough has a nicely textured hard surface (that looks like rubber in photos) and this is what I would call 'active' protection, compared to the passive protection on the Otterbox. What I mean is that the Commuter is more likely to slip out of the hand, but be better against drops, and the Tough case is less likely to slip out of your hands, but make be less effective against drops. Also with the Tough case having rubber all the way around on the front, it's rock solid when sitting face down on a table surface and less likely to be knocked off.
Also, if you like to change your case on a fairly regular basis, the Otterbox is not an easy case to remove. Not that difficult, but the Tough is about 3x easier. This is a big deal for me, and combined with the nice secure feel, the Case Mate Tough is the preferred case for me as a daily wearer. If there are days where I feel I may need some extra protection against, say rain, I may be a little more inclined to throw on the Otterbox Commuter.
Either way you can't go wrong as both are great cases.
leicashot, any chance of any piccies with the Galaxy in the commuter case ? I'm thinking of getting one for my shiny new precious !
Also, do you have a car holder of any type that fits with the commuter on it ?
Do provide pics of these two cases if possible...
Interesting! I always wanted to compared them, but I dont wanna buy those cases because I know i would never use them after.
abhifusion said:
Do provide pics of these two cases if possible...
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Click to collapse
Will try take some pics later today....
do these cases come with screen protectors or no?
My tough case did not come with a screen protector which is fine by me since I hate them. Bout all I can say is that I had the tough case on my sgs2 both of which I got when they came out (each respectively, the case followed by a week or two) and have no complaints about it. Phone lived through a few drops one of which was standing in the back of a pickup to unload stuff and it fell out of my pocket onto the pavement, some 6 or 7 feet I would guess. The phone was fine and the case showed no mark whatsoever. I have not had any issue with the rubber on the ends sticking to anything and it does not pick up lint. The phone is easy to get in and out of the case but still completely secure in it and wont come out unless you take it out. The case has no movement on the phone and feels solid. The texture on the case is just about perfect for grip and more has an undefineable "good" feel. The ports and all openings line up perfectly with the headphone and microusb ports being opened up a little extra to let larger based headphone jacks or usb cables fully insert to their base. Something I appreciate because I have some headphones that sometimes wont go in without trimming the case.
To be honest I only see one real downside to this case and its going to come down to preference. If you want your phone as slim as possible this case isn't for you. The lip around the top is probably near two millimeter by itself and while it fits like a glove you have the width of both the rubber and case across the bottom and sides. To someone like me its a win because I think modern phones are too thin and I would want to do something to bulk them up even if I didn't need the protection.
I considered the otterbox to try something new but did not. I have no beef with it and it seems like folks that have them like them but for me it was hard to get away from something I knew worked great and for which I had no gripes.
I have a Case Mate tough too and i realy like, i used it on all my phones i had.
Here are some pics http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-Cases/Case-Mate-Samsung-Galaxy-S3-Tough-Cases.asp.
Never had the Otterbox but it looks clunkier and bigger, the Case Mate is a bit more elegant and has a good grip and feel.
Do any owners of either case use them in car holders at all ? If so any chance of pics in the car holder ? Also, does the case interfere with the operation of NFC at all ?
Hey guys,
I have the CaseMate Though since last week when i got my S3.
Before that I had the Otterbox Commuter on my DHD and I must say, I like the CaseMate much better. It may does not protect the ports as already said, but it does feel very good in my hand.
Car mounting is not a problem for me, I have an universal holder in which it will fit in easily
leicashot said:
Don't mean to be negative but I got the case today and it feels great except I'll be returning it. Why? Because the top front and bottom front of the case don't have hard plastic holding down the rubber lips, so they get caught and stretch in the pocket when retrieving. This over time may cause the rubber to tear or stretch too much cause it's very elastic and thin.
Whereas the Otterbox Commuter has the plastic sides cover top, bottom and both sides so that no rubber is loose, but held down tight. A much better product from my experience in the past and looking forward to having it when it arrives in the next week or so. This review will cover what I was talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Dxcyfm3Vg
UPDATE: See my review on both cases here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27997216#post27997216
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I read a negative point about Tough case from you in another thread. Didn't see it mentioned here.
So is this problem a big thing or can i go with Tough case?
I have the Otterbox Commuter case on my S3 and I love it!! I had a defender case on my Tbolt and it added weight and size to it. I did not like it for that reason. The commuter case for the S3 fits just right and doesnt take away from the size that much. I have to believe this is a must have case for some protection for your phone.
anyone know if the case mate tough fit the active holster because it does appear to be the same size as the commuter
What are the dimensions of the case mate tough.
Nice review! Have u ever used the incipio silicrylic? seems very much comparable to the Case-Mate Tough and I dont know which one to choose.. Heres a link http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-SA-302-Silicrylic-Silicone-Samsung/dp/B0085VAP38/ref=sr_1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1353870767&sr=1-2&keywords=incipio+s3
Hi, just got my casemate tough for the galaxy s4. I've been using one with my galaxy s3 and am very pleasedwith it but, unfortunately the one for the s4 is a bit disappointing. Although the look is the same the lip around the screen isn't as deep and the rubber doesn't come over the metal border fully. The volume button only has the rubber over it without the plastic surrounding which makes it feel fragile. I'll be returning the case and have ordered an otterbox commuter, although I would've preferred the casemate. Hope it's helpful.
I have 2 brand new Otterbox Defender series warranty replacements for sale, a Grey on white and Black on black with clip holsters for sale. Looking to sell both for cheap in a bundle. Shoot me a PM if your interested.
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hi guys
i have been comparing these two products for a quite some time and i cannot give my final decision to which product should i buy. i am looking for a case that has a front face cover. and i found the ballistic maxx and otterbox defender. but what makes me think twice between these product is the comes with screen protector. these protector is quite think and most likely it will ruin the colors of my S3's screen. i have seen it in some product reviews posted by youtube users. the screen becomes glary. and the second thing that makes me think twice is, if i remove the screen protector, will my S3 shake around inside the case if i dont use the screen protector?
i tried contacting the customer support of otterbox they said they cannot answer my concern. and for ballistic they told me i can still use the case even if i dont use the screen protector, but i still do not understand what they really meant. and they did not gave me a straight answer to my question on what will really happen if i did not use their product's screen protector.
now i would like to ask your personal opinion about these two products, which is better? and if you guys did not use the comes with screen protector will your S3 shake around inside the case? and lastly i am just looking for a case that has a front cover. i dont really like the flip cover cases.
thanks
From what I read about the defender taking out the screen protector does not affect the snugg-ness of the phone and case.
I have the trident kraken that came with a removable screen protector, that I decided but to use.
Sent from Pluto.
I know how you feel, i looked at both those cases and went with the Trident Kraken. Provides the same level of protection and the kickstand is a bonus. Second choice would be the otterbox.
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I personally hated the otter box, sold it as soon as I got the chance. I kept the maxx and it's the case I go for when I need a holster.
I took the screen protector off of my defender with no fit issues. I stopped using it because it squeeks so much. When you hold the phone. This may be due to extra flexing from the removed screen protector as it is rigid and glued in.
The otterbox is an awesome case, the only thing I hate is that the outer silicone layer always stretches out. The defender for my GS3 streched out after 2 months...
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ricktat said:
I took the screen protector off of my defender with no fit issues. I stopped using it because it squeeks so much. When you hold the phone. This may be due to extra flexing from the removed screen protector as it is rigid and glued in.
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I think it's just the case in general. My screen protector is still in tact and it squeaks like no other.
I'm tempted to get a new case, but can't decide. I've narrowed it down to the SG MAXX, Commuter, Kraken, PX260, and the Dualtek.
owlchemist said:
I think it's just the case in general. My screen protector is still in tact and it squeaks like no other.
I'm tempted to get a new case, but can't decide. I've narrowed it down to the SG MAXX, Commuter, Kraken, PX260, and the Dualtek.
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I got the dualtek case yesterday, it's a really nice case. I just wish there was a compatible holster for it.
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I have both cases mentioned in OP. The included screen covers are garbage. Make the screen look like crap plus particles such as sand, dirt (I am in construction field) and so on can get behind protector and scratch screen.
Standard zagg and otterbox working well for me. Zagg HD seemed to thin and marked up easy om my pocket. Otter box laps over the edge of the zagg, which so far has kept the edge from peeling on me which is a common problem for me and my use.
Ballastic has great rubber corners for drop protection but the otter box is easier to slip in and out of pocket and my preferred case.
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naturecannon said:
I have both cases mentioned in OP. The included screen covers are garbage. Make the screen look like crap plus particles such as sand, dirt (I am in construction field) and so on can get behind protector and scratch screen.
Standard zagg and otterbox working well for me. Zagg HD seemed to thin and marked up easy om my pocket. Otter box laps over the edge of the zagg, which so far has kept the edge from peeling on me which is a common problem for me and my use.
Ballastic has great rubber corners for drop protection but the otter box is easier to slip in and out of pocket and my preferred case.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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I also have both cases described in OP and have to agree to a point, the screen protectors make the screen look terrible. I went with the Ballistic for a couple reasons. 1. The Ballistic seems to slide in and out of my pocket easier (probably because it has more smooth surface than the Defender). 2. The belt clip seems more comfortable to me. The Defender belt clip seemed to sit higher on me which would gouge my hip. Not cool. 3. I got the Defender used when I bought my phone and the rubber on it seems a little loose. I don't think this will happen with the Ballistic mainly because my wife has one on her Note and it's help up extremly well. 3. I got my Ballistic Maxx on ebay for $30 in the color I wanted and I thought that was a good price. Now I need to ditch this screen protector and get a nice one.
I too have both cases. I did/don't use any of the screen protectors that came with it. As for OP, it really depends what you're trying to get out of it. What's your average day like? do you work in an office? go to school? work in construction? I am a process engineer and i'm in and out of food plants and i pull my phone out to snap pictures at least 4 times a day on a daily basis for an hour or so. With that being said I NEED the protection because I have dropped it a few times. I'm currently using the Ballastic without the clip, i just hold it in my pocket. The otterbox is a bit bulkier for me and it slips easy (from hand and in and out of pocket). The ballistic on the other hand, doesn't. It gives you good grip, and isn't a pain for me to pull out of my pockets (i wear dickies for work and rvca romero ii jeans when i'm out and about or jordan basketball shorts when i feel like bumming it). I like the grip because it doesn't slip out of my pockets easily when i wear basketball shorts as the ottorbox did. HOWEVER, be warned that it does pull lint easily. It's not alot where you'll get a hairball when you pull it out of your pockets but it is there. Overall, I'm sticking with the ballastic because it offers great drop protection (as does the OB), but with the corners I personally feel it's more secure and it's not as bulky as people say it is. I'll post up pictures when i get the chance.