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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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.
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...
Click to expand...
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.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk 2
When you have one of the smartest smartphones at your disposal, you obviously want to make sure that you have the smartest protection out there. The rugged OtterBox Defender Case safeguards the thin and light body of your Samsung GALAXY Note from damages under virtually , any circumstances for the ultimate protection solution!
DESIGN AND FEEL:
Full access to all the Samsung Galaxy Note’s buttons and features through the case, including camera, flash and stylus opening.
Silicone plugs provide full coverage of volume controls, headphone jack, micro USB opening, power button and charging port.
Two-layers of protection include a sturdy polycarbonate inner layer and rugged silicone outer layer.
Inner polycarbonate layer includes a built-in screen protector and inner foam liner.
Outer silicone layer features a grooved texture on the side for enhanced grip.
BUILD QUALITY AND LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Screen Protection: Built-in screen protector prevents scratches, scuffs and smudges while retaining the sensitivity of the Note’s touchscreen.
Inner Layer: Two-piece polycarbonate snaps together around the Galaxy Note creating a solid shelter. The
inside of the polycarbonate includes a foam inner liner to cushion the Note against oopsies such as bumps,shocks and drops.
Outer Layer: Rugged silicone wraps around the inner polycarbonate layer. The sides of the silicone outer layer feature a grooved texture for enhanced grip.
Holster: Rotating belt clip securely fastens to almost anything and also doubles as a media viewing stand when locked into place. You can face the touchscreen out for use or face it in for maximum protection.
ACCESSIBILITY AND STYLE :
The case is classic black in color, which some people may find boring, where as I just love the simple bold look, it looks very sturdy and strong. It does add some bulk to the phone but for me it wasn’t a deal breaker.The Earpiece,Sensors and front facing Camera are protected with hard plastic edges which are very classy and look stunning.The Volume keys are also fully protected ,as is the Power key on the right side..
At the top , the noise cancelling mic is open and the Headphone jack covered by a small pull-able cover, what is great about this is there is a very hard plastic edge around the Jack port.As with the Top the Bottom is also well protected namely the Micro USB Charging port. The S-Pen is fully open giving great ease of use when pulling out the S-Pen. There is separate openings for Microphone and rear speaker.
One word to describe this case would be: DEFENDER!
"Conclusion"
My overall experience with Otterbox Defender series has been great. This is the Best Protective Case for Galaxy Note as no other case provides this Premium look, Awesome feel, and the Amazing protection that Otterbox provides.
Price :
It is priced at $59.99 on www.otterbox.com
For Images and More info , Visit : www.theandroidcop.com/review-otterbox-defender-case-for-samsung-galaxy-note/
I was fortunate enough to find this case lying around the workplace.
The boss-man said I could have it!
Saved myself $60!
Ouch... feels like having 2 notes inside my pocket, lack of close-up pictures in details
Too bulky for a already large phone... and too expensive.. there is better protection for less out there... IMHO
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app
Yes its big, but I'd worked out what size it would be before buying the phone or case. Get a ruler, make a cardboard mock up.
I actually had the case before the phone and it went straight into it on arrival. Working outdoors a lot and having had old candy bar type phones often take a tumble to the ground, I wanted my new phone properly protected.
Having used the phone and case for 6 months, its only tumbled out of pocket once, when not actually clipped in. I typically use the hard beltclip cover, in top pocket of work shirt, with the clip opened over the shirt button. This prevents it riding deeper in the pocket, but the button provides something for the clip to grab, so if during contortions outside, the phone flips out of pocket, it remains clipped to the pocket. Additionally when using the belt clip cover, the silicon shell faces the body, so it seems very unlikely perspiration would find its way into the phone, which seems to be an issue with some phones and their usb/headphone ports (covered with defender)
It seems it would also be quite secure if deeper in the pocket without the belt clip cover, the silicon case grabs the pocket well, although in this position the button is exposed to body moisture (if theres no stock seal around that)
What I did NOT like about the case was the built in screen protector, like all matte finish protectors I have seen, it blurs the pixels giving a fuzzy effect to the display.
I carefully removed the built in protector, pushing around with thumb in warm weather worked, and replaced it with a Spigen glas.t, tempered glass protector. The glas.t is about 0.5mm thick, there is room for it within the defender case. I suspect the tempered glass/silicon adhesive would do a good job of spreading the energy from a sharp impact, performing much like a laminated car windscreen which tend to keep most impact chips in the outer glass layer.
I have the full protection of the defender case, and full visual clarity of the screen. Win/Win
I also do not have to worry about the possibility of dust, grit etc working its way into the case and being held against the screen. This may not happen, I didn't leave it original long enough, but certainly seemed it would be likely in the environments I work in.
Hope this helps someone
Its big, bulky, but is worth it! Own one myself. Its worth the tradeoff for protection of an expensive toy
Well i have this case for over 2 months and i can say that its trully worth the money! The extra protection is awesome as well is the design and grip! However it has 2 downsides IMHO.
1st you have to open it and clean it once per 15 days and believe me at first it's a pain in the ass to open it and you re gonna break some nails .
2nd some areas far on the top on the screen need to be pressed harder i.e. it takes some time to get used to taking down the Notification Center the first days.
Hope this helps!
Yesterday I recieved the SPECK Presidio Grip for my new Google Pixel 2 XL. I thought that you might enjoy some photos and a short review. This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
SPECK lists this product for 44.95 USD. I paid ~10 USDs at an German online retailer who lists the case for ~25 USD and applying an available-to-all discount for new customers. The list price is pretty hefty, the reduced one is a steal.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box which allows to take a sneak peak at the case without unboxing.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Unlike the classic glossy CandyShell cases, the Presidio Grip is made of matted plastic with rubber stripes on. This looks nice and makes the phone much more easy to hold. The rubber removes the slippery quality of the phone's material.
This case has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. The edges and corners have some air-cushion. SPECK promises that the case would resist scratches easily. Since it is only a day old, I cannot tell. But judged by the feel of the product, I tend to believe the promise.
The lid above the USB port is rubber only (without a plastic housing). I believe this to be a weakness as I experienced deformed/broken rubber at the exact same place earlier on other cases. Time will tell.
The lid in combination with the curved glass panel leads to deep ridges which are predestinated to collect lint. It might be necessairy to remove this cases from times to times in order to clean it.
Be aware that this case adds some bulk definitely more than rubber cases. And as the edges are air-cushioned, the device grows in dimensions to a point where a person with smaller hands might have trouble to hold it in a comfortable manner.
Protection
I am quite confident with the protection level: The sturdy outer shell combined with the air cushioned edges and the inner rubber layer might protect the phone from serious drips. The frontside lip is thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces and avoids scratches when putting the phone face to the table.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
This case fits like a glove.. All needed cutouts are there. They are located perfectly and are surrounded by rubber to keep lint out of the case.
The buttons are rubber-made and are easy to press. The covered buttons still provide great tactile feedback.
Active Edge
Active Edge is still working with this case put on and not much pressure is needed to activate it.
Verdict
I highly recommend this case: It looks and feels great, provides great protection without adding too much bulk.
Please rate
Enjoyed this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!
Have it. Great case must own for my devices.
ademmer said:
Yesterday I recieved the SPECK Presidio Grip for my new Google Pixel 2 XL. I thought that you might enjoy some photos and a short review. This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
SPECK lists this product for 44.95 USD. I paid ~10 USDs at an German online retailer who lists the case for ~25 USD and applying an available-to-all discount for new customers. The list price is pretty hefty, the reduced one is a steal.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box which allows to take a sneak peak at the case without unboxing.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Unlike the classic glossy CandyShell cases, the Presidio Grip is made of matted plastic with rubber stripes on. This looks nice and makes the phone much more easy to hold. The rubber removes the slippery quality of the phone's material.
This case has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. The edges and corners have some air-cushion. SPECK promises that the case would resist scratches easily. Since it is only a day old, I cannot tell. But judged by the feel of the product, I tend to believe the promise.
The lid above the USB port is rubber only (without a plastic housing). I believe this to be a weakness as I experienced deformed/broken rubber at the exact same place earlier on other cases. Time will tell.
The lid in combination with the curved glass panel leads to deep ridges which are predestinated to collect lint. It might be necessairy to remove this cases from times to times in order to clean it.
Be aware that this case adds some bulk definitely more than rubber cases. And as the edges are air-cushioned, the device grows in dimensions to a point where a person with smaller hands might have trouble to hold it in a comfortable manner.
Protection
I am quite confident with the protection level: The sturdy outer shell combined with the air cushioned edges and the inner rubber layer might protect the phone from serious drips. The frontside lip is thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces and avoids scratches when putting the phone face to the table.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
This case fits like a glove.. All needed cutouts are there. They are located perfectly and are surrounded by rubber to keep lint out of the case.
The buttons are rubber-made and are easy to press. The covered buttons still provide great tactile feedback.
Active Edge
Active Edge is still working with this case put on and not much pressure is needed to activate it.
Verdict
I highly recommend this case: It looks and feels great, provides great protection without adding too much bulk.
Please rate
Enjoyed this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the review. I had this case for the original Pixel XL and noticed the fit became more loose in a pretty short amount of time (like 4 days). I ended up going through 3 of these before I ended up with a Tech21 case instead which has retained its tight, glove like fit for at least 6 months now. Have you noticed this case becomes noticeably more loose over time?
Today was my 5th day of use. I removed and put the case back on several over the last few days. Until now, I haven't noticed any signs of a loosening fit.
Does it play well with tempered screen protectors?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Don_Perrignon said:
Does it play well with tempered screen protectors?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have one but according from the look of it and the available space I'd say yes.
I have the Speck Presidio Show - which is the same case but with a clear back and without the grippy texture there. I love this case. It has a nice beefy front lip more so than the other three cases I have. Definitely not a slim case, but it's not overly thick either. Provides more serious drop protection than most cases as well, without being big like an Otterbox Defender.
pixelsquish said:
I have the Speck Presidio Show - which is the same case but with a clear back and without the grippy texture there. I love this case. It has a nice beefy front lip more so than the other three cases I have. Definitely not a slim case, but it's not overly thick either. Provides more serious drop protection than most cases as well, without being big like an Otterbox Defender.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also have the Speck Presidio on my XL2. Love the case. I'm bad with dropping and this was by far the least slick case. No drops yet. I'm wanting to get a tempured glass to go with but can't decide after tons of readings seems like they are mostly all bad minus maybe the Dome whitestone. Which I'm not sure if it fits with this case and I'll be highly annoyed if I spend 45 and it doesn't. Although from looking at the edges I'd guess it would fit.
Don_Perrignon said:
Does it play well with tempered screen protectors?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Presidio Grip on my Pixel 2 XL since I got it in November (week of Black Friday). I agree with the reviewer -- fits very well, excellent grip and it certainly appears to offer excellent shock protection -- but it DOES make the phone significantly bulkier.
Re: the question about screen protectors: I have an InvisShield from SG Fresh Idea on the phone, and the Presidio Grip is perfect with that. There's only a tiny bit of clearance between the InvisShield and the Presidio grip, but it's enough so that the case never touches the protector, and therefore doesn't lift the protector at all -- even when I squeeze the side to trigger Google Assistant.
Since it fits the InvisShield perfectly, you can also be confident that it would be fine with the Whitestone Dome Glass, since that's a bit smaller than the InvisShield.
What's the name of the retailer?
ademmer said:
Yesterday I recieved the SPECK Presidio Grip for my new Google Pixel 2 XL. I thought that you might enjoy some photos and a short review. This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
SPECK lists this product for 44.95 USD. I paid ~10 USDs at an German online retailer who lists the case for ~25 USD and applying an available-to-all discount for new customers. The list price is pretty hefty, the reduced one is a steal.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box which allows to take a sneak peak at the case without unboxing.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Unlike the classic glossy CandyShell cases, the Presidio Grip is made of matted plastic with rubber stripes on. This looks nice and makes the phone much more easy to hold. The rubber removes the slippery quality of the phone's material.
This case has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. The edges and corners have some air-cushion. SPECK promises that the case would resist scratches easily. Since it is only a day old, I cannot tell. But judged by the feel of the product, I tend to believe the promise.
The lid above the USB port is rubber only (without a plastic housing). I believe this to be a weakness as I experienced deformed/broken rubber at the exact same place earlier on other cases. Time will tell.
The lid in combination with the curved glass panel leads to deep ridges which are predestinated to collect lint. It might be necessairy to remove this cases from times to times in order to clean it.
Be aware that this case adds some bulk definitely more than rubber cases. And as the edges are air-cushioned, the device grows in dimensions to a point where a person with smaller hands might have trouble to hold it in a comfortable manner.
Protection
I am quite confident with the protection level: The sturdy outer shell combined with the air cushioned edges and the inner rubber layer might protect the phone from serious drips. The frontside lip is thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces and avoids scratches when putting the phone face to the table.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
This case fits like a glove.. All needed cutouts are there. They are located perfectly and are surrounded by rubber to keep lint out of the case.
The buttons are rubber-made and are easy to press. The covered buttons still provide great tactile feedback.
Active Edge
Active Edge is still working with this case put on and not much pressure is needed to activate it.
Verdict
I highly recommend this case: It looks and feels great, provides great protection without adding too much bulk.
Please rate
Enjoyed this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's the name of the German retailer? I'm in the UK so no customs fees...thanks
I had this case as well. I returned it, though, because the grip texture started to peel after a few weeks.
edgeicator said:
I had this case as well. I returned it, though, because the grip texture started to peel after a few weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow...that's unusual for a Speck case. The Candy Grip has been around for several years, and the Presidio Grip is a similar concept, and they've been incredibly popular case for iPhones and many Android phones for years. I've had a Presidio Grip on my Pixel 2 XL since Thanksgiving -- just about 3 months now -- and use my phone a LOT, so the case is getting handled many times a day, sits in my pocket when not in use (except when on my nightstand charging at night), gets pulled in and out of my pocket dozens of times a day, etc., and -- it's indistinguishable from new.
Most people I know who have had Speck cases over the past 5 years or so have never had issues. I've read a tiny handful of reports online of folks who talk about peeling -- in most of these, it seems they bought online from a reseller, and it's been suggested that these were likely counterfeit Speck cases (apparently pretty common), sold as the real thing. Of course it's possible you have the real thing and it's peeling -- just a pretty rare occurrence -- I'm not challenging your experience -- just wondering if it's possible you had a counterfeit, or if Speck's quality control let a bad batch through. Where did you buy yours?
Same here, no issues with Speck cases! Best protection and grips!!
jonstrong said:
Wow...that's unusual for a Speck case. The Candy Grip has been around for several years, and the Presidio Grip is a similar concept, and they've been incredibly popular case for iPhones and many Android phones for years. I've had a Presidio Grip on my Pixel 2 XL since Thanksgiving -- just about 3 months now -- and use my phone a LOT, so the case is getting handled many times a day, sits in my pocket when not in use (except when on my nightstand charging at night), gets pulled in and out of my pocket dozens of times a day, etc., and -- it's indistinguishable from new.
Most people I know who have had Speck cases over the past 5 years or so have never had issues. I've read a tiny handful of reports online of folks who talk about peeling -- in most of these, it seems they bought online from a reseller, and it's been suggested that these were likely counterfeit Speck cases (apparently pretty common), sold as the real thing. Of course it's possible you have the real thing and it's peeling -- just a pretty rare occurrence -- I'm not challenging your experience -- just wondering if it's possible you had a counterfeit, or if Speck's quality control let a bad batch through. Where did you buy yours?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from target.com when it was on sale during the holidays. 3 of the smaller, outer strips at the midline of the phone horizontally were peeling for me.
paulbadassbriant said:
what's the name of the German retailer? I'm in the UK so no customs fees...thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.otto.de/p/speck-hardcas.../?variationId=649310242#variationId=649310242
17 EUR voucher + free delivery for new customers: https://www.otto.de/user/register?entryPoint=loginPage
Makes this case a steak!
edgeicator said:
I had this case as well. I returned it, though, because the grip texture started to peel after a few weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine's still good as new.
Version w/ S-Pen Holder:
https://www.amazon.com/CaseBorne-Compatible-Samsung-Galaxy-Fold/dp/B0B86Q1H41/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=caseborne%2Bz%2Bfold%2B4&qid=1670817376&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&th=1
Version w/o S-Pen Holder:
https://www.amazon.com/CaseBorne-Compatible-Samsung-Galaxy-Fold/dp/B0B86NMFSH/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=caseborne%2Bz%2Bfold%2B4&qid=1670817629&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
I love my Galaxy Z Fold 4, but was disappointed once I found out that there are not many cases available for it. And the ones that are typically suck. I tried cases from Spigen, VRS Designs, SUPcase, Zagg and multiple others from Amazon. EVERY SINGLE ONE was terrible quality. The hinge protectors were clunky and poorly designed. These other cases HEAVILY relied on the adhesive strips to hold the flimsy case onto the phone. Several of the rugged cases included built-in screen protectors, which were terrible. I dreamt of a case that would provide 360 degree protection, a sturdy kickstand, a practical S-Pen holder and the ability to use a tempered glass screen protector. When I thought all hope was lost, CaseBorne provided my dream case.
The Vanguard Series Z Fold 4 case by CaseBorne is INCREDIBLE. Before I go any further, this case is a tank. And tank's are big. If you own a Z Fold 4, you know that it is already a thick phone. And this case will make it even thicker. But if you own a Z Fold 4, then you're most likely okay with that. If you weren't, you wouldn't use a foldable.
Now for the Pro's:
- Rugged and durable case design
- The cover screen is protected by a raised lip, but it doesn't interfere with typing. Even with my big sausage fingers.
- The back of the phone provides a nice raised lip around the camera, and a really nice, sturdy kickstand.
- The kickstand is positioned perfectly on the back, and the phone can be propped up in any orientation (folded and unfolded).
- 2 tempered glass screen protectors are included with the case.
- The hinge protection is amazing. Some very intelligent engineering went into making this hinge cover. Yes, it's claim-to-fame is that it doesn't cover the front screen when the device is unfolded. But I really appreciate the quality of it the most. Something about the design and quality of the hinge cover is just incredible. When unfolding the device, it is so smooth and doesn't feel clunky and cheap like other rugged cases.
-The hinge cover includes an awesome hidden compartment for your S-Pen. Personally, it's my favorite implementation of an S-Pen holder for the Z Fold 4. It's hidden and out of the way, but also very accessible when I need to use my S-Pen.
- Karl, the founder of CaseBorne, is a really nice guy and is very personable. And CaseBorne is a small business, so it's great to support them!
Con's (There aren't many):
- The screen protectors are slightly too big. The edges of the protector go right to the edges of the front cover. Unfortunately, after trying to apply the screen protector perfectly several times, I was unsuccessful. As of now, the right edge of my screen protector is slightly lifted off of the cover screen. But it's something I'm willing to tolerate.
- Color selection. I selected the all black case. And it looks great; however, I would like to see some other color options in the next version. Currently, CaseBorne offers black, a light orange, and purple. I would really like to see a dark orange/copper or an olive green.
- When the device is unfolded, the hinge cover acts as a grip for your fingers. However, due to the design of the hinge protector, it doesn't stay completely stationary. There is some slight movement in the hinge cover. I would like to see this somehow made to not move when the device is unfolded. But let me be clear, it doesn't feel cheap, just kinda 'springy'.
Overall, this is an incredible case, and I suggest anyone who owns a Z Fold 4 to check it out.
Caseborne Case Quick Review -
Caseborne Case(without SPen) by ArmadilloTek for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
I was searching for a phone case that could maximise protection and I stumbled upon Caseborn by ArmadilloTek . At first glance, the prices were the same as other case manufacturers. The Caseborn case seemed to be more protective than other cases.
In the case box, you can find 2 screen protectors for the external screen, 2 wipes, and some spare two-sided scotch. The case itself is very good, it has great protection all round the phone including the camera and the hinge. It also comes with a horizontal stand which lets you watch videos, play games etc with ease. However, the size of the case overlaps the size of the phone itself but this is expected if it offers maximum protection.
PRO'S:
- Good quality plastic of the case
- Includes hinge protection
- Easy to hold the phone; there is no awkwardness when holding it
- Easily foldable
- The inside of the case has padding so the phone can't get scratched
CON'S:
- It's big for someone with small hands which could cause issues
- Phone case seems bigger than the phone
Overall, the phone case is a very solid build. It has brilliant protection. The phone case has great potential in the market and can definitely be a competitor with other case brands. Time will tell how the case is in use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B86NMFSH
Some may say this case is "MASSIVE", and they're not wrong. However, it's no bigger than any other brand's cases with a hinge protector and pen holder. If you want a fully protective case that can hold the spen and keep your warranty alive because _Samsung_, you basically need something this tanky.
That said, there are some amazing features of the Caseborne over some of the competitors. Just as a reference, I have 2 Samsung cases (Standing with S-Pen, and Slim standing case), a Spigen case with the pen holder on the right side, and a bunch of generic cases with and without the hinge cover. What sets the Caseborne apart are
The one-piece design: Caseborne comes with stickers inside just like the Samsungs, but they don’t seem necessary. The case hugs the phone incredibly well and will not fly off, unlike the Samsungs. Since it’s a single piece, you don’t need to worry about the hinge part scratching up other parts of the case or phone when unfolding it.
Screen protectors: The included front screen glass protectors are good quality, and much better than the dot matrix screen protectors found on the generic ali express cases. And also much better than some of the other $80+ cases that doesn’t even come with a screen protector. The case and the screen protector are an EXACT fit, so if you have a different aftermarket TGSP like me, you will need to remove it before installing it.
Cutouts: This is one of the few cases that actually cover the volume rocker while still allowing for easy fp unlock. Most other cases do not cover a good half of the power/volume rocker side, and some of the other cases that do cover extend out too far to be able to unlock the phone easily. I have not had any issues unlocking my phone with this case.
Unfortunately, it’s not perfect:
The kickstand feels cheap. It works well enough, but the plastic action just doesn’t feel good. Something like ESR. TORRAS, or Spigen’s kickstands (for other phones, not the Fold4) would go a long way to making this case feel much more premium
The actual volume rocker buttons feel a bit too sharp and protrude a bit too far.