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This thread is simply designed to help those who are currently looking at cases and want to decide which case is best for their needs.
I guess you could say I am a "Case Expert" - I have spent a lot of time collecting and trying different types and brands of cases for not only my HTC Thunderbolt, but previous phones like my Samsung Fascinate.
Keep in mind different phones will have different cases and brands available to them, but this guide should cover the most popular brands. Enjoy!
I will divide this guide into several sections:
- Case Types
- In-Depth Look at Specific Cases
- Best Protecton
There are several different Case Types (Four Basic Types)
*** Hard Cases: Typically snap together or "slide" on using two sections
Examples: Seidio Surface Case, "Shell" Cases, Snap-On Cases
Opinion: Typically not the greatest cases as most snap on cases are a PITA to both put on and take off - also very vulnerable to dust and dirt contamination, thus scratching your phone - does more damage than protection
Exceptions: Seidio Surface Case - this case has protective material on the inside, preventing scratching, although doesn't completely protect from dirt and dust
*** Rubber/Jelly Cases- Fairly self-explanatory, very low cost - not to be confused with silicon or TPU cases
Examples: N/A
Opinion: For the cost, these aren't bad actually. However, with that being said you can find many different cases in the same low cost price range that are better. These cases take the cake when it comes to dirt, lint, and dust attraction. Simple solution: Clean them often using dish washing soap, which over time will eliminate some of the dust and dirt attraction. These cases are also the hardest to slide in and out of pockets, so if your into those skinny jeans, stay away from these :laugh:
Exceptions: N/A
***TPU/Silicone Cases - Great cases, in fact...these happen to be some of the cheapest cases and are actually some of my person favorites
Examples: TPU Cases - http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Rubberi...8594&sr=1-2&keywords=HTC+Thunderbolt+TPU+Case
| http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Rubber-...677&sr=1-19&keywords=HTC+Thunderbolt+TPU+Case
Opinion : First off, they are some of the cheapest cases available. Second, these cases attract very minimal amounts of dust, dirt, lint, etc - I would say the least amount out of all the other case types. Easiest cases to slide in and out of pockets. Finally, if you take your cases off to use accessories such as car docks, music docks, etc then these cases are great for you as they are some of the easiest to take on and off. Great protection too, both shock resistant and typically have enough of a lip to protect the screen.
Exceptions: N/A
***Premium Cases/Hybrids - These are the pricier cases, also tend to be the most protective
Examples: Seidio Cases, Otterbox, Platinum, Incipio, Casemate, Body Glove, Trident...
Opinion: For the most part these are great cases, they tend to be more expensive but if you are rough on your phone, they typically prove to be a good investment. Typically offer the most protection and use the best materials and includes several layers of protection(Hard Shell, Rubber Shell, etc).
I will go into depth on the majority of these cases in the "In Depth Look at Specific Cases" section.
Exceptions: N/A
***In Depth Look at Specific Cases - Some of these may not be so "in-depth"
Otterbox Defender - This case is probably the most protective case you can buy (Seidio Convert case is very comparable). It utilizes several layers - a snap on hard shell, an outer rubber shell, and an optional holster. The snap on inner shell comes with a rubber-like pad mounted on the inside, providing the phone with a protective surface, keeping it safe from scratches. The rubber outer shell is a thin shell that simply wraps the inner hard shell - it fits very well. It also comes with a built in screen protector - its junk, so I simply took it off. The rubber shell does attract a decent amount of dirt and lint, which can be a pain, but overall not too bad. The inner shell can also be a PITA to put on and take off, so if you need to take your case off quite a bit for connecting to accessories, this may not be the case for you
Rating: 7.5/10
Seidio Convert Combo - This cases utilizes three layers or protection, four with the holster. First is the inner hard shell - protective material layers the inside of the case, slides together. Second is the rubber shell - very similar to the Otterbox rubber shell. Third is a hard plastic skeleton - goes on top of the rubber shell, keeping it in place and adding additional protection. Fourth is the optional holster. This case is much easier to take on and off compared to the Otterbox, although it can be easy to scratch the phone when sliding the inner plastic shell on and off. If you need the ultimate in protection, but take your case off a decent amount, this may be the case for you.
Rating: 8.5/10
Casemate Pop! - This case is one layer of protection. However, it has a hard rubber/silicone inner lining, which is excellent protection for you phone. The outside of it is wrapped in a glossy, hard plastic shell. Easy to take off, however, after taking it on and off for a while, it begins to wear the hard rubber inner lining down. Also, the hard plastic shell looks old after a couple uses, as it scratches very easily - White color also begins to yellow after time.
Rating: 7/10
Trident Kraken - This case utilizes two layers of protection - First, a soft silicon inner lining. Second - a hard rubberized snap-on shell. This case is definitely a cool looking case, but a major PITA to take on and put off...one of the most poorly fitted cases out of the cases I have tried. Nonetheless it is a good looking case and offers good protection.
Rating: 6/10
Body Glove - This cases uses one layer of protection - hard snap on case with a cool rubberized wrap. This case doesn't add to much bulk, but provides great protection, however it is a tough one to get off (almost snapped the tabs off when taking off). It does not attract much dust and dirt like other cases and isn't too bad when it comes to slipping it in and out of your pocket.
Rating: 6/10
Incipio Silicrylic: One of my favorite cases as it provides great protection and is one of the easier cases to put on and take off. Does not attract much dust, lint, and dirt. Great color schemes as well!
Rating: 8.5/10
***Best Protection - Of course, this is opinion based, but very much based on observations over the years.
Best Look/Cool Factor: I am a huge fan of Ghost Armor - it is a wrap (they have several different styles including Clear, Matte, and Carbon Fiber) that protects almost every inch of your phone from scratches. They also have the best screen protector hands down (in my opinion)...I currently have my Thunderbolt wrapped in Android Green carbon fiber - very cool. I have also used white, in which I have never experienced any sort of yellowing at all, also very easy to clean! Of course, Ghost Armor does not protect your phone from drops, it simply protects it from scratches, so I top it off with a nice clear TPU case such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Thunde...095&sr=1-5&keywords=HTC+Thunderbolt+clear+TPU
This provides an amazing look and some of the best protection - also TPU cases attract little to no dust, dirt, and lint! Also, once you buy the full wrap and screen protector, you get full lifetime replacement, meaning you can get everything replaced for $10, you can even change colors! I highly recommend having a Ghost Armor employee do it if you have any stores near you...if not it doesn't seem like too hard of a task to apply yourself.
Ultimate Protection: Ghost Armored - including screen protector and topped off with the Otterbox Defender case or Seidio Convert Combo!
I spent a lot of time on this guide, so I hope this helps out when it comes to choosing a case.
If you have anything I can add to this guide or suggestions, feel free to comment!:laugh:
Posted here too I see! great guide man. Since my post on rootz I have decided to put the Otterbox back on. I have heard of some just ripping out the screen protector on the otterbox as it is the worst part of the case in my opinion.
bond32 said:
Posted here too I see! great guide man. Since my post on rootz I have decided to put the Otterbox back on. I have heard of some just ripping out the screen protector on the otterbox as it is the worst part of the case in my opinion.
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Nice! Yea it a good case, but yea the screen protector is junk IMO...if you have the time you can even paint the inner hard plastic shell whatever color you'd like, a lot of people do it and if you do it right it looks amazing
I received an amCase Hybrid Bumper Case and overall it’s pretty good.
The case is a TPU type case with black sides and a matte clear back. The quality of the material used is pretty standard and is on par with cruzrlight that I think many of you will be familiar with. The fit of the case is perfect with everything lining up properly and is very snug, but not too tight where it’s difficult to take on or off. I am using a spigen screen protector with the case and it’s not interfering with it by pulling up the corners or anything like that.
I actually like this case better than the Ringke Fusion one that I got. The amCase nailed the seams on the back of the device where the matte clear plastic and the black plastic meet. They look like one piece of plastic unlike the Ringke where you can see clear glue like seams which detracts from the aesthetic significantly. The case works no problem with the nexus 4 wireless orb charger as well.
The one complaint I have about the case is the power button movement. It is pretty tight and doesn’t give that satisfying clicky press. It’s not as bad as I’ve seen on some cases, but it’s nothing like the wonderful movement on the official nexus 4 bumper.
Overall, and for the money, I would say this is a solid case and I would definitely recommend purchasing it if you’re in the market for a TPU case. The price point is right and the materials and fit are right on. I'd give the case 4.5 out of 5.
If anyone has any questions about the case I’d be happy to answer.
http://www.amazon.com/amCase-LG-D82...-1&keywords=amCase+Hybrid+Bumper+Case+nexus+5
Thank you for the review and pictures. It seems that the back isn't clear enough to fully reveal the nexus logo.
I also have the amCase Hybrid Bumper Case for the Nexus 5. Here are my thoughts:
+case contours to curves of Nexus 5, unlike boxy design of Spigen Ultra Hybrid case
+ports are snug and do not seem to let in dust like the Spigen Ultra Hybrid case, which has overly-large port openings
+Volume Low button has clicky feedback. (Power button and Volume Up button do not have clicky feedback on my case)
+ Flash module cutout is large, i.e. good. (Other cases with tiny, circular flash module cutouts produce distorted photos when flashed is used because the flash bounces off the sides of the tiny cutout and reflects back into the camera lens.)
+- especially snug fit
+- frosted semi-transparent back panel is...different
+- volume and power buttons are covered (they are not cutouts)
-slippery, not grippy
I first had the Seidio Surface case with kickstand and while I liked the case the kickstand was worthless in portrait mode, it was also a bit slippery to hold. Next I bought the SupCase and it does provide more protection than the Surface without adding too much bulk. The edges were a bit sharp but had started to wear down and the case provides more grip then the Surface & has a dimple. A downfall of this case is trying to type while the phone is on a desk/table as it slides around.
So I recently purchased the PureGear GripTek case in green. This case is not bulky but provides great grip due to the multitude of grooves in the sides and back of the case. The lip around the screen protects it if placed face down but thin enough that it doesn't interfere with swiping. The buttons have a good feeling to them and the bumpers on the corners will provide more impact protection without being obtrusive. The case slides very easily in/out of my pocket as well. Overall it's hands down the best case I've owned or seen. I plan on taking a Dremel with a round stone and carefully making a small dimple myself in the case, shouldn't be very hard to do and will make the grip even better.
I do wish that PureGear offered more color choices, I would like to see a darker blue & red along with other options. I bought the case from www.WirelessGround.com for $14 shipped with an online free shipping coupon.
http://www.pure-gear.com/griptek-impact-protection-for-motorola-moto-x.html
I kinda like this. Is it pretty much a TPU case with softer/more rubbery corners?
tallgrasshawk said:
I kinda like this. Is it pretty much a TPU case with softer/more rubbery corners?
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Yes, the main material is not as gummy as Cruzerlite TPU cases I have had but it still flexible and easy to install. The added grip of the case is a big benefit with this case, I think I'm going to get a black one also.
Hi, few days ago I was happy Z3c owner. Phone is great but it's one of the most fragile phones on market so I'm looking for a case.
I bough Ringke Fusion but seems also not so protective comparing to cases I had before for older phones like Ballistic or Trident.
So, if You would like to help me choose right. Except one I have (Ringke) I found Cruzerlite - looks nice cause on left side only magnetic port is opened so not so many weak spots but it also like Ringke seems like tuned regular TPU for 2$.
Case Mate from Z1c after adding few cutouts looks promising and people are saying it's best protection case. I also found Incipio Dual Layer case but I heard that rubber part is stretching and I hate it when it does.
There are many other cases on eBay for 2-10$ but I would like not to buy another case like this Ringke which is not best choice for me for it's price.
Cruzerlite Bugdroid.
Bought 14 months ago. Great cover
I use the Case-Mate Barely There clear plastic case (edit: for the z3c, not the modified z1c in the poll). It's hard plastic, not TPU, but I like it because it has a very slim profile.
Thank You, but unlike all I prefer something more "bulky". I used that my phone can hit on the street when I'm running and get out of this without a scratch. Pity that there is no such case for Z3c.
Hama Crystal Case for Z3C, fits perfect(without plastic adapters)
This thread should include the Devilcase. It can take hits to concrete, leaves the USB flap and magnetic port exposed, and adds minimal bulk.
I never saw any crash tests with Devilcase but I don't think those tiny parts of foam or sponge between phone and bumper can absorb damage.
I know it looks great but without it phone also looks great and I think with and without this case screen is as well exposed as without it. If I depend only on scratch protection I would take any 0.3mm transparent case.
Anyway thank You for mention.
The sides of the bumper come up about 2mm,so that with a glass screen protector (that you should get no matter which case you buy) there is still about 1mm separating the protector from the offending surface.
And like I said, I've dropped it multiple times onto concrete to absolutely 0 ill effect. It's not like other slim cases, aluminum behaves much differently than silicone.
I'm working in a repair service center and I saw many iPhones after they hit the ground in a alu bumper and they looks same as phones without any protection. Thats why I conclude that all hard cases and bumpers acts the same in contact with the floor.
Of course I'm using tempered glass but it can help in case of direct impact on the screen but it wont help with pressure formed from the side impact.
Still I'd go for something more flexible cause I'd rather not to test aluminum shock absorption.
I think if I wont find anything decent I will order Cruzerlite and after comparing it with Ringke I'll stay with better one.
It sad there is no really rugged case for Z3c.
You can laugh but after reading some reviews I ordered Devilcase.
I didn't want to argue with you, as we had contradictory personal experience. I won't laugh, you made a good choice.
I once had the original Sony case.
Plus: The magnet that opens the screen when opening the case
Minus: The window that is positioned in a different place than the clock widget. One cannot change the position of this clock widget on the lock screen.
Minus: The book-wise opening which makes the front flap being a hindrance for easy handling
Now I bought a cheap one, opening from the top side:
Plus: Easy handling
Plus: Self installed magnet in the flap for automagic opening of the screen when opening the flap.
Plus: Good protection
I have some pictures.
The Sony Cover pictures are taken with original locked phone.
The other pictures with unlocked Marshmallow and destroyed DRM keyes.
It's easy to see the bad picture quality after unlocking. :crying: :crying:
The best by far is the Case-Mate Tough for the Z3 Compact.
It's dual layered with an inner rubber layer and a solid plastic outer layer.
It has cut outs so you can use it with the official Dock DK48 and leaves the usb and sd card flap accessible.
http://www.case-mate.com/products/black-sony-xperia-z3-compact-tough-case
Do You have or tested one??
I have one and it's awesome. Good grip too.
I skipped this one cause most reviews I found was negative. Mostly because like half of the phone is unprotected.
Only a portion of one side is uncovered, all the corners are protected and even if you dropped it sideways the case sticks out.so the phone isn't touched. Try it out you will see how tough it feels.
Make no mistake, the phone is very safe.
devilcase all the way
I dropped my Z3c several times already, sometimes on a pavement. not even a scratch on the phone itself, Barely There protects it really well.
Case reviews: Rhinoshield CrashGuard & SolidSuit, Zeking Ultra Slim, Crave Slim Guard
i've used a number of cases that you can easily purchase from amazon before including the spigen tough armor, spigen neo hybrid, spigen crystal shell, ringke fusion and the rhinoshield crashguard. I think the 2 most important aspects of a good phone case is reinforced corner protection and elevated front edge to protect the screen. When I got the pixel 2 XL, I started looking for a slim yet protective case and I ended up trying the 4 cases below. I used each case about 1-2 weeks and thought I'd share my thoughts. I did receive the Rhinoshield cases from the company for free but they are not involved with my write up in any way, shape or form.
The photos attached are in accordance to the order of which the cases are reviewed.
Rhinoshield CrashGuard bumper case:
This was my favorite case when I had my galaxy s7 and when I moved on to the LG G5 then G6, I was disappointed to find out that they don't make the CrashGuard for them.
From my experience using this case with the galaxy s7 (which I had for about a year before it was stolen...), this case simply works. I am not the best when it comes to handling my phone therefore it gets dropped a lot; this case really does the job well when it comes to impact protection while being minimalistic. During the past 2 weeks with the case, I've dropped my pixel 2 a few times from different heights, mostly from standing height and some from when I get out of the car and the case has been effective. According to Rhinoshield, their cases have a 11.5 ft impact resistance rating which supposedly far exceeds the " US MILITARY DROP TEST STANDARD".
Many others have commented on how slippery this case is. Well, it is and that's because Rhinoshield now coats the cases to make them more stain resistant. For me, personally, I don't mind as I find it easier to slide in and out of my pockets.
Some physical changes I've noticed is that the case fits A LOT more snug to the point where it is quite difficult for me to take the phone out of the case. That's an inconvenience for me as I fly a drone here and there and in order for the phone to fit into the remote controller I have to take the case off. Now I may have to buy a separate phone holder for the remote controller. Another change that's worth pointing out is that in my old s7 case, the raised lip on the back of the case was more pronounced at the corners and the top and bottom edges. This gave me more of a piece of mind since it is a bumper case and the back of the phone is exposed. However, it seems like they have eliminated that from their design of the new cases and I wish they kept that. Lastly, now you can change up the color of the power button but the colored buttons have to be purchased separately. The power button is very responsive but the volume rocker you'd have to press a little bit harder.
Other non-noticeable changes they've made since I had their case for the s7 is they now use a different material (fancy name 'ShockSpread Material') for their cases which is suppose to be lighter, thinner but just as protective and durable.
The case is friendly with their screen protectors, as well with the Sparin TPU screen protector that I got from amazon. In terms of skin, it will not work with the Dbrand precision fit skin but fine with standard fit. However, it will leave an indent on the standard fit skin as shown in photos.
Lastly, if you happen to have a Feiyu tech SPG-c gimbal, with the heaviest counterweights the phone with this case just barely works.
Rhinoshield SolidSuit
Overall, very similar to the CrashGuard bumper case.
I'll highlight the differences:
- compatible with the RhinoShield add-on lens
- of course, heavier and bulkier (heaviest of the 4)
- feels very solid because of the overall construction, as well the back is protected
- most of the finishing is the same as the CrashGuard, however the back of mine has the carbon fiber finishing which I guess made it less slippery
- volume rocker is much more responsive than the CrashGuard
- did not work at all with the Feiyu tech SPG-c gimbal
Zeking ultra slim TPU case from amazon canada
In my opinion, very good case. For less than $10, you get padded corner protection plus raised front edge without much added bulkiness; this is just as good as cases such as ones from Spigen or Ringke but for 1/3 or 1/2 the price.
It is made of TPU and I haven't had the case long enough to speak about yellow-ing, but the TPU feels decent not cheap. On the inside of the back of the case, there are these microdots and I can't understand their purpose. You can actually feel them when you brush you finger across. The side buttons are responsive, clicky. A really thoughtful and unique design is that along the sides of the case the TPU's texture is different and it allows for better grip (almost like there's a very smooth sandpaper strip). The advantage of this case in comparison to the two Rhinoshield cases above is that it does feel slimmer in hand.
When it comes to impact protection, it doesn't have that "over 11 ft of impact protection" that's marketed for the Rhinoshield cases, however the few times I dropped the phone in this case it was completely fine.
I did try to use this case with the Dbrand 'precise fit' skin. It will not work well with the skin if you have the tendency to take your phone in and out of the case. As i took my phone out, it lifted the skin that goes around the the corner on the side of the phone. On the other hand, the 'standard fit' skin did just fine. In terms of screen protectors, it is compatible with the Sparin TPU screen protector as well as the protectors from Rhinoshield.
Similar to the Rhinoshield CrashGuard, this barely worked with my Feiyu Tech SPG-c gimbal.
Crave Slim Guard from amazon canada
This case is very similar to the Ringke Fusion in a sense that both have the TPU bumper that goes around the case, and the clear polycarbonate back. This case, however, has a very pronounced elevated front lip to the point where it almost feels like the phone is sunken in inside the case. It's very good if you're looking for extra raised front protection, however when you're swiping left or right on the screen you will feel the edge more so than the other cases. It may help if the company just round off the raised edges a little bit more. A thoughtful part of their design is that they raised the back corners a tiny bit; my guess is they are there to raise the back a little bit so when you sit the phone on a flat surface it doesn't scratch up the polycarbonate back. All the buttons super responsive and clicky; probably the best buttons of the 4 cases. The phone does feel pretty slim in this case and I think even slimmer than the Zeking TPU case. I don't remember dropping my phone while using this case, but based on its construction it should do just as good as the Ringke Fusion case but definitely not as good as the other 3 cases above.
Overall I think this case is just as good as the Ringke Fusion if not better protection because of the pronounced elevated front edge. Keep in mind, from my experience using these cases with a polycarbonate back they will get scratched up over time and you will see more finger print smudges.
When it comes to compatibility with skin and screen protectors, it is the same as above.
Similar to the Rhinoshield CrashGuard and ZeKing ultra slim, this barely worked with the Feiyu Tech SPG-c gimbal.
Long review but hope this helps. I will start another post for my screen protectors review as well as a review of the add-on lens from RhinoShield.
Nice reviews! Kudos
My fav is the Zeking ultra slim TPU!
Not related to the topic, but can you tell me where you get the yellow skin for your Pixel? I'm interested in that yellow lock button.
allweknowisa said:
Not related to the topic, but can you tell me where you get the yellow skin for your Pixel? I'm interested in that yellow lock button.
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from DBrand
see my review here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...and-skins-review-hyperblack-titanium-t3780607
The yellow power button is from rhinoshield. you can purchase the colored buttons separately on their site and it's compatible with their cases.
Thanks for your detailed review. One thing is that I tried Ringke Fusion and Crave Slim Guard; I think Ringke Fusion does provide a bit more of FRONT lip, doesn't it?
drvalianto said:
Thanks for your detailed review. One thing is that I tried Ringke Fusion and Crave Slim Guard; I think Ringke Fusion does provide a bit more of FRONT lip, doesn't it?
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I don't have the exact measurements and my experience with the ringke fusion is with the lg g6 case. To me it seems like the crave slim guard has a slightly more raised front lip than the ringke fusion but then i am not comparing apple to apple.
Update:
I stuck with my RhinoShield Crashguard and it has protected my phone... extremely well. I have lost count how many times I've dropped it face down, down the stairs, and more.... yep, a bit clumsy with phones.
I stayed at this villa in Bali, and it literally tumbled down these stairs from top to bottom..and my phone remains immaculate. (except when i was in Bali I decided to use it briefly without the case..and of course I dropped it..... )
Included photos of the case with the worst scratches and also...the staircase where it literally bounced its way down...