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CC268's CASE GUIDE!

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

Phone cases - Rubber vs Plastic

I'm curious as to current thoughts on the whole rubber v plastic cases debate. I'd like to go with a rubber case personally as I like the feel and generally think they are less intrusive, but at the end of the day, I'm buying a case for protection over anything else.
What is the current thoughts in 2013 about case types, and who is the leading brand? Is otter boxes still way ahead of most of the competition?

i used otterbox defender for 10 months and switched over to an aluminum bumper on my note 2, which is slightly better because of the bulk

twistededge said:
I'm curious as to current thoughts on the whole rubber v plastic cases debate. I'd like to go with a rubber case personally as I like the feel and generally think they are less intrusive, but at the end of the day, I'm buying a case for protection over anything else.
What is the current thoughts in 2013 about case types, and who is the leading brand? Is otter boxes still way ahead of most of the competition?
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rubber. always rubber.

Actually, a hybrid with fused rubber/plastic is a much better alternative; like UAG cases.

one rubber case saved my phone more times, for 1$ una tantum
very good!
:good:

I usually get cases made of flexible plastic, but hard plastic mixed with rubber is pretty awesome too, like an otterbox

I would go with rubber. Seems to offer better shock protection

Rubber for me too.

I prefer to feel the original cover of the phone. However, as it may fall anyhow i've just ordered a plastic crystal cover to protect it without losing the view of the beautiful back of my white Nexus 5.

rubber ftw
more elastic i think

rubber and plastic

Rubber for me too.
Rubber for me too.

Some rubber cases are pretty much dust magnets so beware of those. Other than that, I'd generally still stick with rubber over plastic mainly because I feel that it absorbs shock/ fall damage a lot better than plastic. With plastic, feels more like crack on impulse. I have an Otterbox Defender and I dropped my phone while holding the door for someone and well, phone was still functioning so glad Otterbox worked. However, i haven't tried any other brands.
I did read about other phone case makers using fancy names like silicone, TPU, and what not. No clue what they are, but would be interesting to see an actual in-depth review of that.

[REQ] Spigen Neo Hybrid Case "After a while review"

Hi im looking to decide between the Spigen Neo Hybrid and Spigen rugged armor. I have read many reviews but none of them seems legit, so any user who have any of these cases please confirm this for me:
SPIGEN NEO HYBRID:
1. Does the sides of the plastic bumper tuns yellow after a while of use like a month or two? and if it does looses its color can i buy the bumper separately?
2. Does it provide better protection on drops as compared to the rugged armor?
SPIGEN RUGGED ARMOR:
1. Is the case too slippery?
2. How is the drop protection on this case?
I'm looking for protection over looks so please help me make a valid choice, and if you think that both the cases sucks feel free to suggest me the one you prefer.
Thanks in advance.

Hi, I have the Spigen Rugged Armor, this case is good looking if you don't mind that the OnePlus logo is hidden with this case. This case also have a good grip and good drop protection.
I once dropped my 3T while using this case with the screen facing down the concrete. Fortunately, this case protected my screen from shatter. I recommended you get this case if you spend majority of your work outside office. Better safe than sorry.

I bought the Rugged Armor and I have to say I'm really impressed. It's thin, feels great and definitely isn't too slippery. The carbon fiber looks good too. The only issue is I'm not sure how much drop protection it would provide because like I say it is very thin. There's a lip over the screen but I can imagine the phone becoming disfigured underneath if it was dropped from an appreciable height. I'm usually quite careful though so I'm trying not to worry about that

Thanks for the reply guys I was slightly inclined towards the rugged armor my self, it looks frekin awesome. I'll go for it then.

Currently using the Spigen rugged armour as I was afraid of finger prints with the clear variant. Not as slippery as I expected and gives all the protection you need, saved my phone from a couple of drops and it is scratch free

I'm actually using both. I initially only had the rugged armor and then bought the Neo hybrid. I found with a glass screen protector the Rugged armor doesn't play well with it. With just a plastic screen protector the Neo hybrid looks really nice. I love em both though

I have one and it's not really a good "feel" for me. It's a great case, just not to my liking. I am rocking this one now: OnePlus 3T Case, OnePlus 3 Case, Nillkin Synthetic Fiber Premium Bumper Case Cover [Compatible with Magnetic Car Holder] for OnePlus 3T / 3 - Black. It's a lot like the OEM and fits great. With that and the LiquidSkin protector, I really like the slimness and the feel.

Been using the rugged armor for about a month.
- Not slippery
- Good protection
- Not too thick
- I think the CF is stupid. I want it plain.
9/10 would buy again.

Aukrus said:
SPIGEN NEO HYBRID:
1. Does the sides of the plastic bumper tuns yellow after a while of use like a month or two? and if it does looses its color can i buy the bumper separately?
2. Does it provide better protection on drops as compared to the rugged armor?
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Have had the OP3T with that case for 2 months now
1. No they don't. I just have one little scratch on the corner revealing a small white line (barely visible)
2. No idea since I haven't dropped the phone a single time. I can just say that the bumper makes the case kind of more slippery actually. Previously I rocked Spigen Ultra Hybrid on Nexus 5/Nexus6/Galaxy S6 and it was much more grippy. I felt much safer while for example on a bus, now I aim to hold it with two hands since I don't feel the grip this well. The Neo's advantage over Ultra Hybrid though, is the fact that the whole product is relatively soft and flexible so that it doesn't damage the device at all as UH used to with its back made of hard solid plastic.
9/10 very decent, non-bull**** and SOLID case anyway. Totally recommend it, the notices above are just the matter of my fussiness

Protective Case

I always rock an Otterbox Commuter case on my phones mainly for work conditions can get rough at times. From what I've seen, Otterbox is only offering their Defender series (too big and bulky) and their Symmetry series (thinner, one piece case). I've decided to go with the Symmetry series and I'm pleasantly surprised. It definitely adds a little bit of bulk, but not as much as the Commuter, while offering great all-around protection. The one piece design is easy to put on and remove (unlike previous Symmetry cases I've tried on other phones). I do wish that there was a bit of grip on the sides like the Speck Presidio series cases, but I like the design. Unfortunately the only options were clear, pink, or black.... so I went with black.
So what's your choice for a protective case? Share pics and comments.

I too normally use the Otterbox defender for my phones but I wanted to try something new. I bought a poetic revolution for myself and a supcase unicorn beetle pro for my wife. They appeared a little slimmer and had port covers which I wanted. Amazon says they will arrive tomorrow so I shall see.

holden56 said:
I too normally use the Otterbox defender for my phones but I wanted to try something new. I bought a poetic revolution for myself and a supcase unicorn beetle pro for my wife. They appeared a little slimmer and had port covers which I wanted. Amazon says they will arrive tomorrow so I shall see.
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I had the unicorn beetle pro for my Nexus 6 and it's a nice cheaper alternative to the defender, but it still adds more bulk than the commuter case. I may look into the poetic case though. Let me know how they work out for you. ?
I went to Best Buy and tried out the Defender case. Definitely too bulky and I hate the built in screen protector (and it doesn't sit well over a glass screen protector, even if you take out the built in one).

You may not like the poetic as it has the built in screen protector. I'm used to the bulk of the defender so I'm not a great judge of the size. I will tell you the poetic is smaller then the supcase unicorn beetle. Built in port covers are nice too, overall it is a smaller rugged case you can say.

just received the Poetic Karbon Shield Slim Fit Case With Anti-Slip Side Grip and Carbon Fiber Texture. it's a slimmer-fit case that offers (what i believe is) more protection than a thin TPU case. sharing pictures for those interested to know how it fits the G6. i also have tempered glass screen protector on the phone as well. you'll also notice in the first pic that wireless charing works with the case on the phone. i usually go with a much thinner case but i really like the look and feel of this one. will give it a week or so before i decide if it's a keeper. (please excuse the dust in the pictures - our HVAC ducts were being cleaned when i took these pictures).

Went from a Note 3 with Otterbox Commuter to a G6 with Spigen "Tough Armor" case, and am satisfied with it. Feels like it provides just as much protection as the Otterbox Commuter, yet not adding quite as much bulk. I'm kinda rough with my phones sometimes, and I'd have peace of mind if I were to accidentally drop my G6 from waist-height or so.
If you choose to go with Spigen, definitely buy it off Amazon, rather than directly from Spigen's website; it's cheaper off Amazon.

cortez.i said:
just received the Poetic Karbon Shield Slim Fit Case With Anti-Slip Side Grip and Carbon Fiber Texture. it's a slimmer-fit case that offers (what i believe is) more protection than a thin TPU case. sharing pictures for those interested to know how it fits the G6. i also have tempered glass screen protector on the phone as well. you'll also notice in the first pic that wireless charing works with the case on the phone. i usually go with a much thinner case but i really like the look and feel of this one. will give it a week or so before i decide if it's a keeper. (please excuse the dust in the pictures - our HVAC ducts were being cleaned when i took these pictures).
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I almost went with this case but I got this one instead. It's the Caseology.

This Poetic has been great for me after a few days of use. Lightweight, decent protection, and good grip.
Poetic Affinity Slim Fit for LG G6 Clear Case With Anti-Slip Side Grip and Reinforced Corner Protection Bumper for for LG G6 Black/Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W5K3YWF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_N4v7ybREB4YDC

I wanted to order Poetic but they don't ship to EU and i get Ringke Fusion but still waiting for the phone.

cortez.i said:
just received the Poetic Karbon Shield Slim Fit Case With Anti-Slip Side Grip and Carbon Fiber Texture. it's a slimmer-fit case that offers (what i believe is) more protection than a thin TPU case. sharing pictures for those interested to know how it fits the G6. i also have tempered glass screen protector on the phone as well. you'll also notice in the first pic that wireless charing works with the case on the phone. i usually go with a much thinner case but i really like the look and feel of this one. will give it a week or so before i decide if it's a keeper. (please excuse the dust in the pictures - our HVAC ducts were being cleaned when i took these pictures).
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I just ordered this one on Amazon. Saw the office and couldn't pass it up. Glad to see it looks good, and works well with a glass protector. I got the Spigen glass 2 pack as I've always liked everything Spigen makes.
Was gonna get the unicorn beetle that I had for my s7e, but don't think I need that much protection on this one, plus no edge screens that I need to prevent my palm from hitting lol.
Update: I hate the Karbon case. Doesn't fit tightly and leaves gaps at the edges on the front. I guess for $8 it'll hold me over until I get a good case, but this one is not staying pass this weekend.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

I would go for the Spigen Rugged Amor, it’s much slimmer and provide pretty much the same protection as the symmerty series http://www.the-reviewr.com/best-lg-g6-case/

Had that rugged armor for my v20 and loved it. Decided to go with the neo hybrid for the g6
Spigen Neo Hybrid LG G6 Case Herringbone with Flexible Inner Protection and Reinforced Hard Bumper Frame for LG G6 (2017) - Gunmetal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4QCEHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2o68yb7SMM8C1

djjroc007 said:
Had that rugged armor for my v20 and loved it. Decided to go with the neo hybrid for the g6
Spigen Neo Hybrid LG G6 Case Herringbone with Flexible Inner Protection and Reinforced Hard Bumper Frame for LG G6 (2017) - Gunmetal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4QCEHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2o68yb7SMM8C1
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Do you have pics of what it looks like on your phone?
Thanks!

So guys I'm searching for a good protective case that doesn't add too much bulk. I'm torn between the Poetic Revolution and the Supcase Unicorn Beetle. I like the way the Poetic looks except for the cutout on back, I prefer the Unicorns Cutouts. If anyone here has any pics to share, that be awesome. Or unless someone has another case to throw in the mix. THanks

Which case should I buy?

Hello there. Currently I'm looking for a case for s10+, what would you guys recommend to me? I'd like from case to be just safe, already thought about Spigen Liquid Air, but I'm kinda afraid, it wouldn't be that safe. The second requirement is that caseshould be work with dome glass.

Look here,....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/accessories/samsung-galaxy-s10-plus-t3905296

I like my Otterbox Symmetry. It's nice and grippy and feels good in your hand. I don't know about dome glass. Drop protection is above average but realistically with these bezel-less phones you don't get a high degree of drop protection unless you buy something like an Urban Armour case which makes your phone incredibly uncomfortable to hold.

Imo mous case. Its one of the best in terms of drop protection.

D3O GEAR4....

Ringke Case, I Think is the best for Samsung Galaxy S10+

Crashguard bumper by rhinoshield. Keeps the sexy intact.

I'm using a Spigen Tough Armor, not too bulky and provides great protection.