Hi everyone,
I was asked by Blake from RearthUSA.com to evaluate their new rubber case for the Sprint EVO 4G. I have the white EVO really wanted to get a good case for my favorite little everything device.
There are things that I was looking for. From my past experiences with other types of case I had some requirements.
1. I hated the hard cases, because they were very difficult to get off. So hard that eventually the face plate of the hard case will break. You have to pry them off and that cause scratches and nicks and scars on the edges of the seams of the case.
2. The silicon cases fit and give great grip, but everything sticks to the surface. The material grabs the lint and crap in your pockets and out of the air. It is very hard to pull out of your pocket. This make it more annoying when the phone is ringing and you are trying to get it out in time. You have to force it out and grab tighter, this causes you to accidently push buttons on the screen or the hard buttons on the phone.
3. I did not want the case to add to much thickness to the phone. I love how thin it is. Can’t understand why people want a thin sexy phone, but then add on these thick cases that give huge protection.
4. I don’t want it to look cheap. Most generic rubber cases look so plain, cheap, and non-sexy. They are like a potato bad on a sexy runway model.
5. I am also very concerned about the back camera lens. I am still trying to figure out what was on the designers mind when they thought it was a good idea to push the lens farther than the body. To be exposed to damage.. being on the back.. which will always hit all surfaces when you put it down.
Now for the Ringke cases that Blake wanted me to evaluate. They sent me 2 case to evaluate.
http://rearthusa.com/products-page/ringke-gadget-cover/htc-evo-4g/
I asked for the Red Wine and the Aqua Black.
Colors:
The colors are a little miss leading.
In normal indoor lights the color is lighter than you would think the name suggests. In the sun, it is looks more like cherry red. It is fine for me.
The Agua Black is completely miss-leading (unless I got the wrong color). Based on the only 2 dark colors available: Slate Gray or Aqua Black, what I have can not be Slate Gray because it is darker on the website. I wanted a “black/dark” cover. From what others that have gotten the Slate Gray, they said it it was too gray. The Aqua Black is partially transparent and the color is Gray! On the back side, you can see the my white EVO cover; and can read the “Sprint 4G” logo right above the kick stand.
Fit:
The 2 cases are different . The Red fits perfectly. All ports and buttons are aligned. All the edges hug the phone just enough. The phone is snug. Red case “fit” is perfect.
The Gray is slightly too small. On the front screen, the sides; the tight fit causes the lip to LIFT off the glass screen and pulled outwards to the sides. This causes the sides to not have clean straight lines. Around the kickstand the opening does not hinder it function, but lines do not match up right. I even used the Aqua for a week so that it might have time to “work itself in”, but it never changed it’s fit or shape. This also means that the Red case will keep it’s great fit; and not loose it over time.
Finish:
All the sexy lines of the EVO are not lost by this case. It highlights all the sexy curves. The detail is very good. I like the extra line that follows the battery cover. The add opening for the “htc” logo is a good touch and give it a quality design image. The added texture of the skin is nice too and give a plush feel while providing better grip.
To my 5 requirements listed above:
1. Check: it is a rubber case and is easy to get on and off. Simple.
2. Check: it has a great feel. Not sticky or grabby. Goes in the pocket and slides out clean.
3. Check: it adds a minimum of extra thickness, but still provides a good add rubber protection.
4. Check: the design and attention to extra detail keeps my EVO sexy and slim.
5. Check: they added a little extra padding around the back lens for protection.
Price:
The price is $16.99 with free shipping. This may seem a little high.
We all know we can buy generic rubber or silicon cases for $5 plus $3 shipping all day online. But at that low price, I still say they are not even worth the $8. For a good quality case that you will want to use daily, $17 is a good deal.
Conclusion:
The quality is great. (don’t order the Aqua Black unless they remake the mold)
The price is good, because you can spend more in retail stores.
Ringke case is a must buy for anyone that has the same concerns and requirements as I do.
Suggestion for RearthUSA.com:
They should have a 2 pack deal for $19.99 with free shipping.
With each color selection, it will include a solid jet black case.
Thanks and I hope this review is able to help others.
Special thanks to Blake at RearthUSA for his help to get these awesome cases to me for review.
Sincerely
Dan330
great review....looks like a nice case
Great review. I have been contemplating buying one of these cases and one of my options was going to be the wine color or slate grey. Looking at it in your pictures it looks more red than I thought I would be. I have to agree that their colors are deceiving. I notice they sell a solid black for other phone but the Evo only gets dark grey. If they had a solid black I would have purchased already. The slate grey is just a dark grey. I want this case but the colors are keeping me back.
The price is also a concern and should be changed to two for 19.99 like you stated. That would be a great deal.
Let me know if your looking to sell these if your not looking to keep them.
Ordered two as well. Should get them soon and will have my review. I got the white and dark grey for my white evo. Sold my otterbox commuter so I can buy one.
mikfroyo evo!
Good work (as always) Dan... love the write-up.
I agree: they make good stuff, and customer service is top notch.
Jjday7 said:
Great review. I have been contemplating buying one of these cases and one of my options was going to be the wine color or slate grey. Looking at it in your pictures it looks more red than I thought I would be. I have to agree that their colors are deceiving. I notice they sell a solid black for other phone but the Evo only gets dark grey. If they had a solid black I would have purchased already. The slate grey is just a dark grey. I want this case but the colors are keeping me back.
The price is also a concern and should be changed to two for 19.99 like you stated. That would be a great deal.
Let me know if your looking to sell these if your not looking to keep them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be keeping them. I think it would be wrong if I sold them.. and they loose a sale.
They will be sold with my EVO.. when the time comes
stricklerjosh said:
Ordered two as well. Should get them soon and will have my review. I got the white and dark grey for my white evo. Sold my otterbox commuter so I can buy one.
mikfroyo evo!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why did you sell the Otterbox? what was it that u did not like?
Tre Lawrence said:
Good work (as always) Dan... love the write-up.
I agree: they make good stuff, and customer service is top notch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks dude.. after I was done writing it.. I was surprised it was so long. sorry
Alright time for my review of the rearth case:
My biggest issue was lint on my otterbox commuter, and the added weight and thickness.
I really liked the protection the commuter provided but it was a lint magnet. Was constantly wiping lint off as well as attaching the bottom flap.
I own a white evo and I didn't like the fact that the commuter completely hid that. I ordered the white cover to accentuate the white back.
I think it looks excellent. Also got a black one and you can see the white accents and it looks very good. All the cut outs are perfect.
Fit it very snug, the sides could be a little tighter but overall great fit.
Camera protection is perfect.
Most importantly for me it slides perfectly in and out of my pocket with no lint. I love it!
Came packaged very professionally.
Price is a little high but shipping is included, it is a local usa seller, and the build quality seems excellent. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.
Great job rearth on a great evo case!
mikfroyo evo!
mikfroyo... what color did you order? my Aqua Black was not like that! it was gray transparent.
update:
Blake from RearthUSA.. said that they are looking into my 2 pack deal... they liked it.. and are considering it. NO actual word to when or if they will.
Told him the same thing about 2 pack. I think it should be for the $16.99 though. I think that is aqua black. I like my white one best.
Dan330 said:
mikfroyo... what color did you order? my Aqua Black was not like that! it was gray transparent.
update:
Blake from RearthUSA.. said that they are looking into my 2 pack deal... they liked it.. and are considering it. NO actual word to when or if they will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mikfroyo evo!
So the red isn't a dark red? Any pics of the white one? How does this case compare to the otterbox impact?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-reviews/238720-rearth-usa-silicone-case.html
there are 2 pics of the white.
I have never used an otterbox... to me they are just too big!... they make phones look frankenstien-ish
Dan330 said:
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-reviews/238720-rearth-usa-silicone-case.html
there are 2 pics of the white.
I have never used an otterbox... to me they are just too big!... they make phones look frankenstien-ish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, leaning toward a white and red one but ill hold on to see if they have a bundle option soon. Would you say the red is a good choice?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
i would have liked the red to be darker... more "wine" color.
but still nice. of course that is a totally opinioned answer. I think my pics are very accurate to real world looks. so base it off that.
waiting....
he only said they are looking into it... it may or may not happen and maybe not soon.
and if your phone is walking around naked... hate for it to be damaged.. while you wait.
I bought this case before realizing that the reviews i've been reading about it have all been sponsored by Rearth... oh well. It was a good choice. I'm a case eilitist and silicone cases suck due to the "grippiness" of them.
TPU cases are pretty good but I found mine to be too thick.
The Seidio Innocase is really nice but their first round of production were too big, cases too expensive and even after they fixed production to make it fit better I still found the case to feel larger than the advertised "1mm' thickness. It made an allready wide phone super-wide.
This Ringke by Rearth is damn good. Best of both worlds imo. I've never felt a material like this before. I'm not stoked about the overlap on the front of the case--how it covers the borders around the screen--but I'm trying to look at it as a feature, that is, it keeps my screen protector's corners down and protected.
This thing is so thin, yet strong and smooth = no lint, no inverted pants pockets. It will, however, slide on a smooth surface so that may be a drawback for some. Off the phone it is as floppy as it looks in the video but reliably stiff once it's on the phone.
This message was not sponsored by Rearth
ALSO...
I emailed Rearth asking if they'll ever have a true black colored case, not grey, not transparent and they said they may have it as soon as one month from now.
Is it a tight fit case? I like tpu cases because of their tight fit no bulk.
Sent From My HTC Evo 4G On The Now Network From Sprint Using Tapatalk Pro!
yes.. it was sponsored.. but i was totally honest.. did not hold anything back.
yes.. it is a very tight fit.. the phone is hugged from all sides.
Dan330 said:
i would have liked the red to be darker... more "wine" color.
but still nice. of course that is a totally opinioned answer. I think my pics are very accurate to real world looks. so base it off that.
waiting....
he only said they are looking into it... it may or may not happen and maybe not soon.
and if your phone is walking around naked... hate for it to be damaged.. while you wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the commuter from otterbox, seidio white, and the impact as well. Red would be a nice color change and looks like they would be easy to swap out if I get a red and white one.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
yeah... very easy to swap.... simple...
scirio said:
ALSO...
I emailed Rearth asking if they'll ever have a true black colored case, not grey, not transparent and they said they may have it as soon as one month from now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did he ever respond? about the black case?
Dan330 said:
did he ever respond? about the black case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. He said he sent his supplier (manufacturer) in Asia an email inquiring whether they would produce it in a (what I called) "true black."
He responded that they might and to check again and that he'd let me know at the end of the month. Haven't heard anything since, today's the last of the month and I understand these things take time.
Nice video.. was going to buy this case for mine next week.. cos i dont like bulky cases..and that non slippery texture just caught me... i have heard that it comes in grey and purple and some other colour.. i have the blue galaxy s3.. which one do you think would suit that??
get the dark blue or grey one.
Chillz88 said:
Nice video.. was going to buy this case for mine next week.. cos i dont like bulky cases..and that non slippery texture just caught me... i have heard that it comes in grey and purple and some other colour.. i have the blue galaxy s3.. which one do you think would suit that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely go with that charcoal black or grey.
Great video dud. I hope you don't mind but i link your video to the american forums.
I got the same case in grey and it is very nice, just make sure you dont get a 'copy' as theres quite a few on ebay (it should say 'ROCK' on the back).
Even though this case might not be as protective as some TPU cases, I find the texture to provide superior grip and in- hand feel.
I've had the dark and light gray cases (authentic) for about two weeks now and they hold up well with no signs of wear.
I think I'd go so far as to say that the Rock Quicksand is THE best case I've ever had for ANY phone. And like most of you XDA folks, that's a lot of phones and cases!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Chillz88 said:
Nice video.. was going to buy this case for mine next week.. cos i dont like bulky cases..and that non slippery texture just caught me... i have heard that it comes in grey and purple and some other colour.. i have the blue galaxy s3.. which one do you think would suit that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with the Black one....which is actually a DARK GREY. Not sure why Rock even calls it Black....maybe they're color blind?I'm sure whoever created the color codes in China just called the Dark Grey Black....and the Light Grey....Grey. They should actually be Dark Grey.....Light Grey.:victory:
I bought the Generic Grey initially and thought it looked MUCH too light on my Blue GS3....kinda reminded me of the underbelly of a Stingray or even a Great White Shark....but now it's grown on me.
Just for reference the Generic Quicksand case available on Amazon has a more rubberized texture....and it's actually quite nice.
I have a few more weeks to send it back I think I'll keep it....unlike the Rearth Ringke which just doesn't do it for me even though many of the feature are ever so slightly better than the Rock.
I plan on doing a side by side comparison of all three cases right after Christmas and maybe have a few more cases to compare against each other.
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So I was looking around and it turns out there aren’t very many reviews for bumper cases for the Nexus 5. I ordered a Bright Red 32GB as a replacement for my old Black 32GB phone that suffered from a Dognado. I also wanted to give a few @slickwraps skins a shot, so a bumper case was my only option. Now I know why there aren’t very many reviews for bumper cases… Turns out the selections for bumper cases on the Nexus 5 are quite crap… There are maybe 2 or 3 different bumpers out there and that’s pretty much it. They are also a mixed bag in terms of opinion here on XDA and elsewhere. But I did stumble upon these “lucency” transparent bumper cases. They’re pretty much available for every smartphone out there, so I figured why not give it a shot. (Last pics are my finished product with the red bumper + red phone + black carbon fiber skin!)
Knowing my problem with never being able to order only 1 of anything, I ordered all of the colours except for purple, pink, and somehow I missed black… I have since ordered a black bumper, once I received them and realized I didn’t have it… so that one’s still a few weeks away. Anyway, let’s get on to business.
Price:Currently $2.88 USD
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3011059081...eName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Materials and Build Quality:
I was a bit hesitant when I was ordering them because I thought they were made entirely of TPU. I figured that since clear TPU tends to yellow over time, that I might be stuck with yellowed bumper cases. I went for it anyway though. To my surprise, the clear portion is not TPU but flexible and bendable transparent polycarbonate. Basically it is a harder plastic casing, with only the coloured portions being TPU. The closest I can describe it would be similar to a Poetic Borderline case, but instead of different colours of shiny plastic, you have clear plastic instead. In this case though, I think the clear plastic is a bit thicker as when you place the phone on its back, the camera is raised off of the table; while other people have said the camera was still in contact with the table in the Poetic Borderline case.
That brings me to the second point here. With it being made of a harder plastic, the drop protection is a little bit less than TPU. While I think it should be fine with a drop of maybe 1 or 2 feet, that would probably be the max though. Any higher, and the shock from the impact probably wouldn’t dissipate well and go right through the phone instead of being absorbed/dispersed/repelled like a normal TPU case would. This case should be able to protect from a light drop, but don’t expect the phone to survive a fall on the edges from higher than a couple of feet. Still, the drop protection and TPU lining on the front and back are perfect for my needs, and much better protection than the phone being naked of course.
The case seems to be built well and doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The TPU and clear plastic are molded together very well and don’t look like they will peel apart, tear, or snap. So the build quality of the bumper I think is actually quite strong and sturdy; pretty good for the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fit and Finish:
There are pros and cons when it comes to the fit and finish of these bumper cases. So I’m going to break in into those 2 sections:
Pros:
Snug Fit: The case fits on perfectly. It is not loose in the case, doesn’t wiggle around at all, and feels sturdy and solid once it’s attached. There is no way that the case will be coming off of the phone unless you take it off yourself. There is also enough give on the sides so that it isn’t super tight, just snug.
Transparency and Contrast: This is personal preference of course, but I love the fact that the framing is clear and you can still see the back and sides of the phone through the case. I also like how it is just the bordering and buttons that are made of coloured TPU, so the lay on the table (face down) and raised back protection (for the camera) are both there. And the contrast between the clear + coloured TPU + phone make a very nice look.
TPU Protective Lining: I just mentioned this above, but it does serve additional purposes. Other than providing the lip for the front of the screen and back as well, it also serves to protect the clear plastic from making any contact with the surface you are placing your phone on. This protects the clear portion of the case from getting scratched up by dirt and debris on tables etc.
Also, the TPU lining protects the phone from getting scratched by the edges of the clear plastic. On the back of the phone, where the clear portion ends, the TPU acts as a cover over the rough edge of the clear plastic to protect the back of the phone from getting scratched by the case. On the front, the lip is entirely TPU, so the hooked edge holding the case on the phone is TPU and not hard plastic.
That brings me to the next point.
No Scratching: You might think with it being a mix of harder plastic and TPU that it may scratch the phone, but it won’t. All of the parts that hold the phone in the case are made of TPU. So it will pop in and out, and the only thing “rubbing” against the phone (corners/sides/etc.) when you put it on or take it off, will be TPU material.
Tactile Buttons: This is a concern that a lot of people have when they buy cases; is there still going to be feedback when the case covers the buttons. I am happy to say that yes, the buttons still have good tactile feedback when you press them. Using TPU over the buttons was a good idea, and the snug fit of the case means the TPU sits firmly over the buttons. Basically when you click, you feel it click.
Cons:
TPU isn’t neatly done in some areas: This is nitpicking a little bit, but there are some parts of the case where the TPU material doesn’t look as nicely finished. What I mean is there are a few bits of extra TPU material here and there, and a few bits remain from the moulding process. I guess it can be a bit difficult to melt TPU onto clear plastic and keep it super tidy…
Small headphone cutout: It is basically just enough to fit your standard jack from a set of earbuds, but don’t expect it to fit anything larger. It’s a relatively small opening. They basically made it "just enough" but nothing more.
Smallish USB cutout: The cutout is actually big enough to fit every microUSB cable I have, but the TPU lip over the bottom front of the phone gets in the way. It’s not really a problem as you can just lift the TPU up and plug in the cable, but it is a bit of an annoyance.
Colours: This isn’t really much of a big deal, but it is something to note. The dark blue isn’t really a dark blue (even though the pictures show it that way). It is more of a mix of purple and blue. The orange as well isn’t really orange; it’s more of a "peach" orange colour. Some people may like the colours that way, but for me I would rather have a real dark blue, and a real orange…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pictures:
Anyway, on to the pictures! Since I have the majority of the colours, I might as well show pictures of all of them on the phone. These were mostly done on my Black Nexus 5, but I think they would still look pretty good on the white one as well. My Red Nexus 5 I think will be limited to only Black, White, and Red as the rest of the colors sort of clash.
** NOTE: The macro pictures really do a good job of highlighting DUST between the cases and the phone. You don’t see it at all to the naked eye.**
Green:
Dark Blue:
**Note: This colour looks dark blue in pictures, but is actually more of a purple blue.**
White:
**Note: You can see with the white case what I was mentioning earlier about some of the TPU not being neatly done in some areas.**
Orange:
**Note: While the pictures don’t really show it, this case has more of a peach colour than all out orange. It is orange, but “peachy” orange… **
Light Blue:
Red:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Conclusions:
I’ll keep it simple. I like them! They’re sturdy and fit well. And being clear really highlights the contrast between the phone and the TPU lining. :good:
Bonus:
My new Red Nexus 5 with a Slickwraps Black Carbon Fiber Skin + Red Bumper!
GhostNGoblins91 said:
Looks good! Nice colors on these cases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I really like the contrast the colours make with the phone. It kind of reminds me of Tron! haha.
While these cases aren't really appealing to me, I've gotta say I love your reviews. I hope you buy a whole lot more **** for the nexus 5 so we get more reviews from you ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using Tapatalk
The best combination by far(red N5 with black carbon back and clear/red bumper!)
Why are you doing that? Now I want a couple of this bumpers! But I said that I'm going to stop buying cases because now I have 10.?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
D3_ said:
While these cases aren't really appealing to me, I've gotta say I love your reviews. I hope you buy a whole lot more **** for the nexus 5 so we get more reviews from you ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, thanks bud! I think I'm running out of accessories that appeal to me though!
And yeah, the cases are definitely personal tastes. It's understandable that they won't suit everyone. I might have already cleared out ebay of all of the things I want.
dsmpampis said:
The best combination by far(red N5 with black carbon back and clear/red bumper!)
Why are you doing that? Now I want a couple of this bumpers! But I said that I'm going to stop buying cases because now I have 10.?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the Red Phone + Black Carbon Fiber Skin + Red Bumper really is an eye catcher! Black and Red is just such a good combo.
I think you're suffering from the same thing I am. Accessory Addiction! hahaha. I have so many cases and Qi chargers it's ridiculous.
Thank You!! Looks Slick!
We need to get some Glow in Dark accents in there for that Tron look. Reach out to me.
Thank You!
Weston
Slickwraps.com
slickwraps said:
Thank You!! Looks Slick!
We need to get some Glow in Dark accents in there for that Tron look. Reach out to me.
Thank You!
Weston
Slickwraps.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done and done! Sent you a DM. Much appreciated!
I have a red N5, I'm buying online from a China site, they get the stocks directly from the manufacturer so they're relatively cheaper, about USD$1.5 ea, but I think that most of the colours will clash with my red N5, so I got the red and black only.
Now I wish I had gotten a black N5 thanks to all your pictures......
Here's the full range of colours available on the Chinese site, if anyone's interested!
Sent from Jonn,
Jiayit's OMG-MY-EYES Neon Nexus.
jiayit said:
I have a red N5, I'm buying online from a China site, they get the stocks directly from the manufacturer so they're relatively cheaper, about USD$1.5 ea, but I think that most of the colours will clash with my red N5, so I got the red and black only.
Now I wish I had gotten a black N5 thanks to all your pictures......
Here's the full range of colours available on the Chinese site, if anyone's interested!
View attachment 2643738
Sent from Jonn,
Jiayit's OMG-MY-EYES Neon Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing about black though, it pretty much goes with anything. So it's kind of too easy! It's like you're cheating.:laugh: Just be creative, try putting on some different types of skins for the sides and back. It can completely change the look of your phone.
I chose the red Nexus 5 as a replacement, because I knew I was going to be putting skins on the phone and wanted the letters to be red. I didn't actually choose it because I wanted a red phone, but the contrast the red letters make through different skins is a really nice look.
Also, if you want to give the link to the website you use for the cases, I can add it to the OP.
This combo looks good. It's the Light Blue Bumper + Red Nexus 5 + Black Carbon Fiber Skin. So you don't just have to stick with red and black.
mmmmBACON said:
That's the thing about black though, it pretty much goes with anything. So it's kind of too easy! It's like you're cheating.:laugh: Just be creative, try putting on some different types of skins for the sides and back. It can completely change the look of your phone.
I chose the red Nexus 5 as a replacement, because I knew I was going to be putting skins on the phone and wanted the letters to be red. I didn't actually choose it because I wanted a red phone, but the contrast the red letters make through different skins is a really nice look.
Also, if you want to give the link to the website you use for the cases, I can add it to the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait? You didn't have a red one to start? They let you change color?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
ethan.r.besbris said:
Wait? You didn't have a red one to start? They let you change color?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they didn't let me change colour. I bought a new one. I have both a black and a red Nexus 5. My dog broke the screen on my black one (that's why I don't show the front of it), instead of sending it in to get the screen fixed,I ordered a red one as a replacement. It would have cost over $200 anyway with shipping+tax, and not having a phone for several weeks wasn't an option for me. I wanted red NEXUS lettering when I put a skin on it.
mmmmBACON said:
No, they didn't let me change colour. I bought a new one. I have both a black and a red Nexus 5. My dog broke the screen on my black one (that's why I don't show the front of it), instead of sending it in to get the screen fixed,I ordered a red one as a replacement. It would have cost over $200 anyway with shipping+tax, and not having a phone for several weeks wasn't an option for me. I wanted red NEXUS lettering when I put a skin on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just picked up the white and black ones. I have the alligator leather wrap on my phone, so hopefully these cases will make it look even better. It will be nice to have a little added protection, but keep the sleek look of the wrap.
I really like the way the white and orange one looks. These are pretty cool. But I've already got a "light" case - the Ringke Fusion. I'm not sure when I'd use something like this over the fusion - especially when the fusion has the cool back plates.
But either way, these are fantastic looking.
Great post, thanks for the pics!
kopower said:
Just picked up the white and black ones. I have the alligator leather wrap on my phone, so hopefully these cases will make it look even better. It will be nice to have a little added protection, but keep the sleek look of the wrap.
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I think they'll look good on your phone with the wrap. That's pretty much the reason I got these ones. I wanted to show the skin without adding too much bulk. It also helps that the bumper is mostly clear! A little bit of extra protection while staying for the most part, out of the way.
IceCatraz said:
I really like the way the white and orange one looks. These are pretty cool. But I've already got a "light" case - the Ringke Fusion. I'm not sure when I'd use something like this over the fusion - especially when the fusion has the cool back plates.
But either way, these are fantastic looking.
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Yeah, they contrast really well with the black Nexus 5. They suit my needs quite well, generally minimalism. I'm not really into full cases. And with my hands usually moist a lot of the time, a clear backed case would be covered in fingerprints and smudges instantly. For me at least, you won't really notice the fingerprints on a bumper as much.
Also, I can use my magnetic car dock and still attach it right to the back of the phone without the need for a case + metal plate! :good:
Oh true, but despite the look, I still do want a little more protection. I've got a Trident case on the way that I'll use whenever I'm heading to work or just feel that I'll be clumsy that day, but I love rocking the thin case whenever I'm off. Using it in your car, as you've said, is totally a bonus worth looking over, though. Hmm..
Well, I'll pick up a few soon and I'll mess around with them. I know I'm going to be picking up a slickwrap lens skin soon, so maybe I'll get one of these to go along with it.
IceCatraz said:
Oh true, but despite the look, I still do want a little more protection. I've got a Trident case on the way that I'll use whenever I'm heading to work or just feel that I'll be clumsy that day, but I love rocking the thin case whenever I'm off. Using it in your car, as you've said, is totally a bonus worth looking over, though. Hmm..
Well, I'll pick up a few soon and I'll mess around with them. I know I'm going to be picking up a slickwrap lens skin soon, so maybe I'll get one of these to go along with it.
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Yeah, being bumpers these won't provide lots of protection, just a few bumps on the edges and maybe a light drop. They'll never match a real case. I'm coming from Quicksand hardcases though, in terms of drop protection (where most times it's a corner or edge) these things are like tanks in comparison! :laugh:
These bumpers are pretty cheap as well. So it's easy to just buy a couple and play around with them. If you don't really like them, they didn't exactly break the bank.
The magnetic car dock thing was kind of a bonus; I didn't realize it at first. Using the quicksand cases, there's a small round metal plate you put in between the case and the phone, then it attaches to the mount no problem. With the bumper and skin, the car dock just locks on to the metal plates meant for the Qi charger in the back of the phone. Super convenient. I just got in my car and thought crap... but I just stuck it against the phone and it worked perfectly.
This is the CD slot car mount I have: http://www.amazon.com/InfiniApps-Smartphones-Cradle-less-Quick-snap-technology/dp/B00DPMNNUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395707885&sr=8-1&keywords=infiniapps. There's actually a generic one on Amazon that is pretty much the exact same thing for $15.99.
mmmmBACON said:
Yeah, being bumpers these won't provide lots of protection, just a few bumps on the edges and maybe a light drop. They'll never match a real case. I'm coming from Quicksand hardcases though, in terms of drop protection (where most times it's a corner or edge) these things are like tanks in comparison! :laugh:
These bumpers are pretty cheap as well. So it's easy to just buy a couple and play around with them. If you don't really like them, they didn't exactly break the bank.
The magnetic car dock thing was kind of a bonus; I didn't realize it at first. Using the quicksand cases, there's a small round metal plate you put in between the case and the phone, then it attaches to the mount no problem. With the bumper and skin, the car dock just locks on to the metal plates meant for the Qi charger in the back of the phone. Super convenient. I just got in my car and thought crap... but I just stuck it against the phone and it worked perfectly.
This is the CD slot car mount I have: http://www.amazon.com/InfiniApps-Smartphones-Cradle-less-Quick-snap-technology/dp/B00DPMNNUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395707885&sr=8-1&keywords=infiniapps. There's actually a generic one on Amazon that is pretty much the exact same thing for $15.99.
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Hm. I'll definitely have to look into that, as well. I have a carmount already - it's a home made one that functions as both a wireless charger and car mount, but I have to take my case off to use it. (I made the catch a smidge too small.) I actually use it in my home office (because it can swivel and I can have it standing and facing me next to my computer.) However, I think that it'll actually fit with one of these cases. Now I definitely want to pick one of these up. Thanks for both of the links. I might get a car mount to actually use in my car.
IceCatraz said:
Hm. I'll definitely have to look into that, as well. I have a carmount already - it's a home made one that functions as both a wireless charger and car mount, but I have to take my case off to use it. (I made the catch a smidge too small.) I actually use it in my home office (because it can swivel and I can have it standing and facing me next to my computer.) However, I think that it'll actually fit with one of these cases. Now I definitely want to pick one of these up. Thanks for both of the links. I might get a car mount to actually use in my car.
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Oh nice. I'm not that handy when it comes to making stuff! I can put a skin on my phone pretty damn perfectly, but I think that's the extent of my skills. :laugh:
I can't really use wireless charging in the car though. I use navigation and stream music pretty heavily and wireless charging won't provide enough current to charge it simultaneously while doing that. Also, the phone get's hot enough just using navigation + streaming music; if I added in wireless charging I'm pretty sure my phone would melt into a puddle.
mmmmBACON said:
Oh nice. I'm not that handy when it comes to making stuff! I can put a skin on my phone pretty damn perfectly, but I think that's the extent of my skills. :laugh:
I can't really use wireless charging in the car though. I use navigation and stream music pretty heavily and wireless charging won't provide enough current to charge it simultaneously while doing that. Also, the phone get's hot enough just using navigation + streaming music; if I added in wireless charging I'm pretty sure my phone would melt into a puddle.
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It gets REALLY hot whenever I charge and do a conference/video call, so yeah, I wouldn't try it. It's not that big of a deal, either - it was really just adding clamps onto the side of a flat QI charger I had lying around so it would hold the phone (because I'm too picky and didn't trust the magnet.) I'll eventually post pictures next time I'm at my home office. But it's relatively simple in comparison to these fancy ones.
I do have a question regarding these cases, though. I know you mentioned that the case doesn't "feel" cheap - just how bendy is it? If I leave it around, will my wife's 1 year old niece bend it beyond repair?
Had a tough time deciding. Silver looks super nice with the silver band, and will make me feel a bit better about replacing my silver Rolex. Silver with the leather band is kind of meh though. Black looks nice with the leather band, looks doable with the black metal band but not quite classy for a suit IMO, it would be fine but not have that slight edge of classiness.
In the end I ordered the silver one. Hopefully the metal bands won't be delayed too long. What did everyone else order?
spinedoc said:
Had a tough time deciding. Silver looks super nice with the silver band, and will make me feel a bit better about replacing my silver Rolex. Silver with the leather band is kind of meh though. Black looks nice with the leather band, looks doable with the black metal band but not quite classy for a suit IMO, it would be fine but not have that slight edge of classiness.
In the end I ordered the silver one. Hopefully the metal bands won't be delayed too long. What did everyone else order?
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black on metallic black is super sexy.
but silver on silver is for the monday to friday up to mid day wear for me at least
eastsidebiz said:
black on metallic black is super sexy.
but silver on silver is for the monday to friday up to mid day wear for me at least
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Haha, don't think I didn't consider buying 2 of them. In fact if I like it I will do EXACTLY that and swap them out as I like. They are cheap enough where buying a couple of them isn't a big deal.
Got silver as well.
Silver, with a black metal strap. When the metal straps ship... eventually. At least that's what I ordered and what my plan is.
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Took me a while to decide, but I went with the silver bezel because it offers more contrast than the black on black. Not planning to get the metal strap.
Black looks sick.
I was all about the black version but Best Buy seems to only be carrying silver, at least in my area. I grabbed a silver and there's no way i'm going back. I think it's gorgeous and distinctive.
ill be getting the silver
1- looks more shinny and classy
2- it will not drive me bat-shet crazy like the black would once the first scratch on the black finish occurs.
Silver for sure. I wish it came with a brown leather band... I already have a black sports watch (suunto core) so I needed/wanted something I can wear that is more formal looking.
Silver + Suede Gray looks boss!
I went with black ordered from BB. It's expected this week. Not sure at this point if I'll change the band or not.
I plan to use it at work (Plumber) and also for casual to a full suit.
Hopefully it works out. But I may also end up with the R watch when it's released.