(Review) Spigen U100 Universal Kickstand - HTC 10 Accessories

Introduction –
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
If anyone remembers the HTC Evo line of smartphones, you’ll probably recall that one of their most defining features was the inclusion of a kickstand. With smartphones becoming a lot more multi-media orientated, it’s easy to see how such a feature would prove useful. But if you don’t own one of these phones and perhaps don’t want to add too much bulk by installing a case that includes its own kickstand, Spigen have you covered with their U100 universal kickstand.
Un-boxing –
The U100 comes with pretty simple packaging that’s easy to open and has enough info to get you started.
In addition to the U100 itself, Spigen include an additional strip of 3M adhesive in case the first strip loses adhesion or becomes damaged in some way.
Of note, a blue protective film is applied to the kickstand, there is no blue model, it is only offered in silver.
Design & Usage –
Whilst not the first product of its kind, the U100 is undoubtedly the sleekest and best looking universal kickstand. It’s not perfect and Spigen could definitely make some improvements with an updated model, but for what it is, the U100 functions pretty nicely.
The U100 feels more rigid than plastic models with an aluminium build that doesn’t look obnoxious when installed on thin modern smartphones. A lot of reviewers and users installed the kickstand on the bottom or middle of their devices, but it’s a better idea to install the kickstand closer to the top of your phone.
With such an installation, the stand never contacts the hand, maintaining the ergonomics of the phone and the screen doesn’t slant away from you when you place the phone down on a table. For my curved HTC 10, it also stops the phone from rocking when typing on a table, a common complaint. One of the main gripes I had about my former HTC M8 was how prone the brushed back was to scratching, with the U100 installed, this is much less of an issue since only the stand and bottom of the phone contact the table (as pictured above). In the same sense, the stand also provides some protection for phones with protruding camera lenses.
The stand opens with a satisfying mechanism that feels far more refined than other offerings. The stand is semi-automated with a spring loaded arm that is held in place by magnets when not in use. With a simple flick of the finger, the stand swings out, granting users what Spigen defines as an optimal viewing angle, around 60 degrees. In daily use, the stand has been pretty pragmatic and combined with the comprehensive speaker arrays on the HTC 10 and M8, works wonders for media. Though the magnets that hold the arm down are a little strong for my liking, the stand never opened or closed accidentally. The adhesive is also strong, being of the quality 3M variety, adhering reliably even to the curved back of my HTC 10.
Due to it’s more rounded features, the stand did’t actually catch on my pocket like a few of my cheaper universal kickstands did. It also didn’t pick up dust and lint from my pockets which should aid the longevity of the adhesive. The viewing angle is pretty spot on as claimed by Spigen and for Youtube and videos, the stand is perfect. The arm also has a slight cross sectional curve which enhances rigidity; the HTC 10 isn’t the largest phone on the market but it is one of the heaviest (for its size) and the stand still felt stable at all times. The hinge is pretty sturdy with minimal lateral deviation when wiggled.
The stand is also really well proportioned, just fitting on my smaller iPod Touch 6G whilst maintaining the correct viewing angle on my larger HTC 10. It could have been slightly thinner, the bottom panel is quite thick, but perhaps the stand would have been prone to bending and further damage.
Whilst the U100 lacks the level of finish showcased by the HTC 10, the silver kickstand still manages to blend relatively well with the anodized rear. But for darker smartphones, this may not be the case and the U100 definitely looked a bit awkward on my space grey iPod Touch. Taking a look at a few Amazon reviews reveals that the U100 is also quite prone to scratching. This is because Spigen use a painted finish instead of raw aluminium or anodization which is of course a lot softer and easier to mark.
With such a finish it would be great if Spigen could offer different colours to suit different devices; the usual silver, gunmetal and rose gold would work perfectly but only silver is offered at present. I also didn’t like how the little inlet to open the stand is only on one side. When installed on my iPod touch whose volume buttons are on the opposite side to my HTC, the inlet was facing upwards which clearly isn’t ideal, requiring two hands to open.
Verdict –
So the U100 does its job and does it well; it doesn’t look attractive on your device but looks far less unattractive than other models such as the rings style stands and plastic versions. Where the U100 falters slightly is the price; at $15 AUD the U100 costs as much as a full brand name case. Whether the sleek build and looks of the stand offset the premium price is ultimately up to the buyer, but in my testing, the premium finish and semi-automated opening mechanism make the U100 a pleasure to use.
I’ve actually used quite a number of similar adhesive stands, but I removed most of them after a few days. They were just too unrefined, either clunky to use or unsightly, most caught on my pocket and were too unstable to reliably hold the phone. What that extra money gets you is consistency, something you can only achieve through custom manufacturing which of course comes at a cost. Again, the U100 still isn’t perfect, the painted finish won’t age as well as an anodized finish and the one-touch mechanism isn’t quite as flawless as adverts will have you believe, the silver model also won’t be for everyone. But if you use your phone for a lot of audio/video playback, the Spigen U100 will be a serious augment to your media experience and mostly omits the need for a phone stand or dock.
Thanks for reading, if you enjoyed this article, please see my website for more reviews like this:
https://everydaylisteningblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/11/spigen-u100-universal-kickstand-review/

Related

[REVIEW] Incipio DualPro Case For HTC One

I will slowly but surely start posting the reviews for the cases I received last week after using them in the real world and here is the next one up. Let me know if you have any questions about it and if you want to see it installed on the Black HTC One as well since I do have it available.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I've spent the last week and a half putting the DualPro case by Incipio through the paces and finally feel I've gathered my thoughts enough for this in-depth review. If you haven't already seen my unboxing and intial impression video check it out below.
DESIGN
If you saw our review of the Incipio Feather SHINE case consider the DualPro the absolute opposite of it. By far the DualPro is the highest level of protection offered by Incipio for the HTC One and our initial reactions were a pretty accurate depiction of what we would experience during our extended use of it. The case design and execution are beautiful. It looks fresh and futuristic, very reminiscent of Tron especially with the neon color offerings.
I highly appreciate the attention to detail regarding the power button grove as well as ample lay on the table lip to protect your screen. Installation is pretty straight forward with these dual layer cases having the silicon portion wrap around your device first then snapping it into the hard shell for optimal protection. The camera is recessed it the case a good 3mm so no matter which side it lays flat on, it won't sustain any damage.
You get access to every port and phone feature with only the volume rocker being covered by the silicon portion. With a phone as beautiful as the HTC One there comes a point where protecting it has to be balanced with still making it look good and the DualPro offers the most amount of protection while staying aesthetically pleasing. Sure it may be one level below an Otterbox case for example but you also have to remember that those are some ridiculously ugly cases and the DualPro is not.
BUILD QUALITY
The two piece case fits together sort of like a puzzle to ensure that installation is done properly. The Incipio logo on the back acts as a visual cue to whether everything is lining up or needs some adjustment. The silicon is extremely rigid and feels more like TPU in the hand. It definitely doesn't collapse as easily as the insert in the DualPro CF case we also reviewed leading me to believe the level of protection is increased substantially. I briefly made a comment in the video above that having the case on my phone made me want to chunk it at the wall out of pure confidence and I'm glad to report that it has survived a few drops since receiving it.
I have a very smart little 2 year old who knows her way around daddy's device fairly well and loves to grab it when I'm not looking only to drop it inadvertently after she's been caught. The silicon portion absorbs the shock while the hard shell plastic ensures your device doesn't receive any dents. or scratches on its surface. Overall I am extremely pleased with the DualPro case. There is more than enough grip on the sides of the device thanks to a soft touch coating that feels awesome in the hands and does its job of providing friction very well.
I did experience some very minor frustrations while texting that are worth noting and they are primarily caused by the thick lip around the screen. I found myself having to angle my thumbs a certain way in order to press the letters around the edge of the keyboard such as A or L. There is a slight learning curve but once you get the hang of it you'll be just fine.
CONCLUSION
Its certainly worth having a heavy hitter in your line up of cases as its important to protect your investment and if you require a tough case that maintains great aesthetics then the Incipio DualPro is the one for you. Its dual layer protection ensures your HTC One won't suffer damage from those inevitable drops on its side and back while the 2.79mm lip on the front will provide some of the best lay on the table protection I have ever seen.
There's a nice selection of available color options including the following:
Charcoal Grey/Neon Yellow (As seen above)
Black/Neon Pink
Grey/Charcoal Grey
Black/Black
The case is available for pre-order now at a reasonable price of $29.99 and should start shipping in about 1-2 weeks as of this writing.
Check out the images below for a closer look.
Well done. Thank you for the review
Sent from The One
Excellent review. I purchased the Black/Black variant of the Incipio DualPro case, and after a few weeks of owning it, I was about to post a review for it before I found yours. This case is most definitely sturdy and provides great protection. I have purchased an Incipio DualPro case for my previous phone, and while it felt pretty durable, it has nothing on this phone's DualPro case. Similarly to how you said in your video, I feel as though I could throw the phone against the wall and the wall lose, while the phone wouldn't have a scratch. My old phone had many confrontations with concrete after falling out of my lap after getting out of the car, and it survived without a problem, and I feel as this one will be able to do the same with even more ease.
On another note, after applying this case to my phone, I found it extremely difficult to remove. It took several minutes to pry it off, which I suppose attests to the durability of it. It shouldn't take that long to remove a case. I had no problems removing my old phone's DualPro case in less than 10 seconds, and the quick removal time of it didn't appear to affect durability, so I see no reason why this case is so hard to remove.
Did you have any difficulty removing the case from the phone? You had a small issue removing the plastic and paper from it, but those weren't the phone.
I have the DualPro Shine, wich has the same dual-layer principle, but feels quite different. It is much less bulky, the front lip is about 1mm tall, but it protects the phone really well (i've dropped it a couple times). Plus, the Shine has a nice brushed aluminium finish or a carbon fiber option. pretty happy with it
How durable is the finish on the shine?

Painted "Lichi Grain" Hardcase Review: Superman Edition

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Where to Purchase:
Both of these links contain mostly the same cases, but there are a few that are available in one and not the other. So if there is a case you want that is located in both, buy from the seller that charges less!
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/24-Species-pattern-Lichi-grain-cover-case-For-LG-Nexus-5-case-LG-Google-Nexus-5/1566612064.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/24-Species-pattern-Lichi-Grain-cover-case-for-LG-Nexus-5-case-google-Nexus-5-case/1566550193.html
DISCLAIMER:
Just to be sure, I’m going to say beforehand, if you don’t already know, these are hardcases! With that in mind, know that these cases will not protect you from a drop! Scratch and scrape protection only!!
If you are the type that drops your phone, DON’T buy these cases.
If you do buy a case and drop your phone, and something unfortunate happens… DON’T blame me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my seemingly never ending search for the right case for every occasion, I stumbled upon the Painted “Lichi Grain” Hardcases. I am assuming “Lichi Grain” means leather look. Google search comes up with “Litchi” while every case of this style is “Lichi” so I don’t know. Maybe it’s just universally spelled wrong… who knows.
Anyway, these caught my eye for 3 reasons:
1) They are hardcases, which for better or worse, satisfy my minimalism addiction.
2) They have a neat texture.
3) They have painted pictures on them!
So, I decided to have a look through all of them and test one out. There are 20+ different designs to choose from. Some case designs are clearly meant for kids, some for girls, and some just weird…but I’ll hand it to them, they have a little bit of everything. I narrowed it down to the Skull, the weird anime Mario (not sure where I would ever use it!), and what I eventually settled on, which was the stylized Superman symbol. I figured I couldn’t be a grown ass man walking around with an anime Mario case… as much as the nostalgia was hitting me hahaha.
Presentation:
When I ordered it I was expecting the typical envelope with the case just wrapped in foam or something, which is generally how it is when you order something from overseas. While this came in an envelope, it was actually packaged nicely when I opened it up. It comes in a nice protective package, with a little window so you can feel the texture of the case. The presentation was a pleasant surprise.
When I cracked the package open and held the case you do notice the texture quite well. It isn’t two layers where it is a hardcase and then a leather coating or something. The plastic itself is textured and grooved like that. When you feel the case, you do feel the bumps and grooves, but it’s not a soft or grippy texture. The feeling is along the lines of the White Ringke Slim, the White Spigen Ultra Fit, the White LG Hardshell, or any standard polycarbonate case with no additional coating on it. This is just “Lichi Grain” textured. So I would consider it smooth but bumpy? If that makes any sense at all.
The painted picture on it made no discernable difference to the feel of the case. It still felt exactly the same as a standard polycarbonate case. So I don’t know what kind of paint they used, but you don’t feel it anyway. Whether or not the paint begins to wear/rub off or not, I have no idea, but for the short time I’ve had it, it seems durable enough.
Build Quality:
The case is thin and bendable. I would say it is just a bit thicker than the LG Hardshell (for those of you who have that). Following along those lines, you will know that this case will provide 0 drop protection. I think if you bent it outward too much, it would snap in half. Not that it would break putting it on and taking it off the phone, but just so you have an idea of the thickness of the case, and it being minimalist.
As for the cutouts, tight would be an appropriate word. It fits around the camera and flash very closely, but ever so slightly off centre (by like .25mm or something) and the power and volume cutouts are rounded and indented. I honestly would like them a tiny bit bigger, but if you are a fan of precise button cutouts, this doesn’t disappoint.
There is the slightest lip for a “lay on the table” screen down design. I never do, but if you want your case to be seen, you can do it without the screen touching the table (but just barely).
Looks:
I like it. The colors and contrast are very nice. The white is a bright white (the camera didn’t capture it well without flash due to how the room was lit) and I like the pattern used inside of the Superman symbol. It is not just a black stamp, but an interesting design in itself. The “Lichi Grain” also adds to the look and gives it some extra character. So I wasn’t disappointed at all in the looks department. It is a classy looking case.
Overall:
I’m pleasantly surprised. I figured I would give it a chance and it turned out nicer than I expected. It’s a nice looking case, quite thin, and the design/texture are done very well. I have no idea about the durability of the paint, so that’s still up in the air, but it looks nice regardless.
I’m not sure how often I’ll use it, as I still love my quicksand cases (of course) and I will soon have a Slickwraps skin to put on my replacement Red Nexus 5 (whenever they decide to ship it…) but I know I can pull this case out whenever I need a change of pace.
Pros:
- Sweet Design
- “Lichi Grain” Texture
- Thin/Minimalist
Cons:
- Durability of the paint is unknown
- Thin/Minimalist (so overall strength)
But they're like $7 above the usual price you used to pay for a case. You've got a big raise at work or what? ;D
Znamir81 said:
But they're like $7 above the usual price you used to pay for a case. You've got a big raise at work or what? ;D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha no kidding huh?
Just a bit of a change of pace is all. Still love my quicksand cases but I thought these ones were really neat.
The quicksand cases are definitely still my top pick. Build quality, texture, feel, price, etc. can't be beat. This was kind of an impulse buy based solely on looks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Oh wow. Just what I've been looking for. A hard case without that soft touch material I really don't like. Looks like the caseology but in a much thinner design with exposed buttons. Just wish I could find it in a plain solid color.
Sent from my Nexus 5

Review of UAG cases for S5 w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Urban Armor Gear UAG cases for Galaxy S5. http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/collections/all#samsung-galaxy-s5
Rather than starting my review with usual "I reviewed a ton of cases in the past, check out my signature...", I will tell you that UAG is the only case I use everyday with my Note 2. Period. YMMV and we all have personal preferences, and I'm not going to deny - there are a lot of other great cases which I'm going to cover in the next few week, but I'm glad that I can kick off my review of S5 cases with UAG. As a matter of fact, that was the first thing I put on my wife's S5 until she decides which one she ends up keeping. Here why I think so highly of this product.
I have reviewed in the past all of their cases from iPhone, S3, Note 2, S4, Note 3, and now S5. They definitely got this distinct industrial design look, which unfortunately has been copied lately by some low quality look-a-likes. With a lot of companies once they got a winning design, they just continue making the same cases scaled for the next phone, year after year. With UAG, they are constantly tweaking the design with new details to improve the grip, to have it thinner and more flexible while still retaining max protection, and even to improve the packaging. So starting with packaging, they finally got some refreshing colors to make their box more appealing. Of course, you still get a detailed description of the features on the front and on the back, including an official stamp of approval meeting MIL STD 810G-516.6 Military Drop-Test. It's about time to add this stamp of approval considering it has been already drop approved by thousands of it's users over the years, myself including. As a bonus, UAG also provided HD screen protector which I found to be a very nice gesture.
The case is very lightweight despite its composite design where hard outer PC shell is fused with a softer TPU-like inner soft impact resistant shell with a signature honeycomb pattern. The idea of such fused design makes the case thinner while still retaining a decent drop protection, and also adding a convenience of quick one-piece case removal without dealing with two separate shells. You also still have an enhanced corner protection which blends in nicely with the rest of the outline. One new additional element was added to the sides of the case in a form of a lower grip pads on each side which haven't been present in the previous S4 design. This enhances the grip and also makes sides look symmetrical next to upper pads with volume and power buttons. I found this design improvement to be very effective. Along with a sculptured industrial lines of the back design with decorative hex screws, UAG S5 case definitely has a much better grip. Although case feels slim, you still get the same rubber lip around the screen to lift the display with phone placed down or to provide a protection when dropped. Along with corner protection, you still get rear skid pads that allow phone to be placed on the back without any wobbling and keeping it from sliding on a smooth surface. And of course you get all the generous port openings to accommodate usb cables, over sized headphone connectors, IR port, mic, etc. Power and volume buttons have a very nice tactile feedback and can be easily located just by sliding your fingers along the side of the case. I also like how they put an inner trim around camera/flash opening to enable a glare-free flash.
Overall, I know it's hard to choose a case with every new phone because market is saturated with new additions almost every week. And most likely nobody gets just one case because we change it for different occasions or extended batteries, etc. But when you are making this deselection don't be fooled just by something that looks "cool", because at the end of the day the purpose of the case is to protect your phone. Well, that and also making it look cool at the same time But protection should be #1 priority, and if the case is made out of brittle plastic that will crack if dropped or cheap TPU material that will stretch and pull, or fused layers that will come undone - you might as well carry your phone naked. Otherwise, look for reputable companies that has been around for awhile, those which have a lot of feedback on Amazon, and those who don't just sell a case but actually offer a support to back it up. UAG is definitely of those companies, and I highly recommend and use their cases all the time.
Here are the pictures.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Great pics of fantastic cases. Gonna have to pick up one for mine. Looks good on the phone.
Great review. Thanks! :good:
I have the "Rust" on my S3 for almost the last two years and love it. (you love that color or just plain hate it.)
I'm getting the S5 in a couple weeks and already ordered my new S5 UAG "Rust" (again) from ebay for a great price of $26.44 shipped.
It's been a great case for me and look forward to the new one.
Thanks again for the awesome pics and review.
Side note: I've also ordered my new "phantomskinz" for my new phone which I have used on my HTC EVO and S3 and recommended to others and all liked them.
I am not affiliated with the company. Just sharing my experiences.
-Mike
Excellent review. Got the Scout on my S4 and hands down probably the best case I've used. Dropped my S4 a few times and its survived all the drops with no physical damage to the phone or case. The design is not suited to all but it functions extremely well.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Could you provide measurements of the case? It doesn't look all that bulky in the pictures.
How easy is it to take off/put on?
Is the finger print scanner or HRM impeded by the case at all?
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk
Fantastic review!
Any chance you can let me know if the lip around the case covers all the chrome bezel on the S5? I'm not personally a fan of it and I would love for my case to cover it. I currently have the Spigen Ultra Hybrid and it doesn't cover the bezel very well.
Got my maverick
I just got my maverick case. It looks and feels absolutely amazing. Easy to install and fits perfectly even with a tempered glass on. I love it. Really worth the money.
Excellent review and beautiful counter tops. :good:
felloffthetruck said:
Excellent review and beautiful counter tops. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMAO!!!! I was thinking the same at first pic ... "Nice Granite..." LOL
nice case there
When it comes to color selection, UAG has been very consistent with a selection of their "unique" colors. Even so it's referred to as black, white, blue, etc, they always have a special rugged off-shade, and color just doesn't fade. Been using their cases for years, so can confirm it from a firsthand experience. I didn't even realize, but they introduced a new S5 case color, Valkyrie. With this unique pink/rose shade of color, I think it will appeal more to ladies. Personally, I never seen any other case with a similar color. So here you go, an exclusive from UAG:
http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/valkyrie-1
sculpt a piece of wood, carve a rubber inside and not throw money =)))))
a paint them and write your name on it

(Review) Spigen U100 Universal Kickstand

Introduction –
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
If anyone remembers the HTC Evo line of smartphones, you’ll probably recall that one of their most defining features was the inclusion of a kickstand. With smartphones becoming a lot more multi-media orientated, it’s easy to see how such a feature would prove useful. But if you don’t own one of these phones and perhaps don’t want to add too much bulk by installing a case that includes its own kickstand, Spigen have you covered with their U100 universal kickstand.
Un-boxing –
The U100 comes with pretty simple packaging that’s easy to open and has enough info to get you started.
In addition to the U100 itself, Spigen include an additional strip of 3M adhesive in case the first strip loses adhesion or becomes damaged in some way.
Of note, a blue protective film is applied to the kickstand, there is no blue model, it is only offered in silver.
Design & Usage –
Whilst not the first product of its kind, the U100 is undoubtedly the sleekest and best looking universal kickstand. It’s not perfect and Spigen could definitely make some improvements with an updated model, but for what it is, the U100 functions pretty nicely.
The U100 feels more rigid than plastic models with an aluminium build that doesn’t look obnoxious when installed on thin modern smartphones. A lot of reviewers and users installed the kickstand on the bottom or middle of their devices, but it’s a better idea to install the kickstand closer to the top of your phone.
With such an installation, the stand never contacts the hand, maintaining the ergonomics of the phone and the screen doesn’t slant away from you when you place the phone down on a table. For my curved HTC 10, it also stops the phone from rocking when typing on a table, a common complaint. One of the main gripes I had about my former HTC M8 was how prone the brushed back was to scratching, with the U100 installed, this is much less of an issue since only the stand and bottom of the phone contact the table (as pictured above). In the same sense, the stand also provides some protection for phones with protruding camera lenses.
The stand opens with a satisfying mechanism that feels far more refined than other offerings. The stand is semi-automated with a spring loaded arm that is held in place by magnets when not in use. With a simple flick of the finger, the stand swings out, granting users what Spigen defines as an optimal viewing angle, around 60 degrees. In daily use, the stand has been pretty pragmatic and combined with the comprehensive speaker arrays on the HTC 10 and M8, works wonders for media. Though the magnets that hold the arm down are a little strong for my liking, the stand never opened or closed accidentally. The adhesive is also strong, being of the quality 3M variety, adhering reliably even to the curved back of my HTC 10.
Due to it’s more rounded features, the stand did’t actually catch on my pocket like a few of my cheaper universal kickstands did. It also didn’t pick up dust and lint from my pockets which should aid the longevity of the adhesive. The viewing angle is pretty spot on as claimed by Spigen and for Youtube and videos, the stand is perfect. The arm also has a slight cross sectional curve which enhances rigidity; the HTC 10 isn’t the largest phone on the market but it is one of the heaviest (for its size) and the stand still felt stable at all times. The hinge is pretty sturdy with minimal lateral deviation when wiggled.
The stand is also really well proportioned, just fitting on my smaller iPod Touch 6G whilst maintaining the correct viewing angle on my larger HTC 10. It could have been slightly thinner, the bottom panel is quite thick, but perhaps the stand would have been prone to bending and further damage.
Whilst the U100 lacks the level of finish showcased by the HTC 10, the silver kickstand still manages to blend relatively well with the anodized rear. But for darker smartphones, this may not be the case and the U100 definitely looked a bit awkward on my space grey iPod Touch. Taking a look at a few Amazon reviews reveals that the U100 is also quite prone to scratching. This is because Spigen use a painted finish instead of raw aluminium or anodization which is of course a lot softer and easier to mark.
With such a finish it would be great if Spigen could offer different colours to suit different devices; the usual silver, gunmetal and rose gold would work perfectly but only silver is offered at present. I also didn’t like how the little inlet to open the stand is only on one side. When installed on my iPod touch whose volume buttons are on the opposite side to my HTC, the inlet was facing upwards which clearly isn’t ideal, requiring two hands to open.
Verdict –
So the U100 does its job and does it well; it doesn’t look attractive on your device but looks far less unattractive than other models such as the rings style stands and plastic versions. Where the U100 falters slightly is the price; at $15 AUD the U100 costs as much as a full brand name case. Whether the sleek build and looks of the stand offset the premium price is ultimately up to the buyer, but in my testing, the premium finish and semi-automated opening mechanism make the U100 a pleasure to use.
I’ve actually used quite a number of similar adhesive stands, but I removed most of them after a few days. They were just too unrefined, either clunky to use or unsightly, most caught on my pocket and were too unstable to reliably hold the phone. What that extra money gets you is consistency, something you can only achieve through custom manufacturing which of course comes at a cost. Again, the U100 still isn’t perfect, the painted finish won’t age as well as an anodized finish and the one-touch mechanism isn’t quite as flawless as adverts will have you believe, the silver model also won’t be for everyone. But if you use your phone for a lot of audio/video playback, the Spigen U100 will be a serious augment to your media experience and mostly omits the need for a phone stand or dock.
Thanks for reading, if you enjoyed this article, please see my website for more reviews like this:
https://everydaylisteningblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/11/spigen-u100-universal-kickstand-review/

Case review: dbrand Grip for Pixel 5

Disclaimer: This review was neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any personal discounts. My personal opinion about this product is unbiased.
Pricing
dbrand lists the case with a skin for 39.90 USD. I applied a newsletter subsription and paid 35.91 USD. No shipping fees were charged.
Delivery
The case was shipped from Canada to Germany in about 12 days and a tracking code. Although I thought that sales taxes would apply and be collected by the customs, the package had a "customs free" sticker on it and no taxes were charged. I dunno why but I do not complain.
Pictures
Retail box
The retail box is a gem. I took some shots of it so you see what I mean. It contributes nicely to the product and makes you feel having purchased something precious. Nicely done, robots!
Assembly
If you purchased a skin with the case, you have to bring it up to the case first. If you watch and follow the video guide, this is fairly easy and led to a perfect result for me.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
For my last 5 phones, I used SPECK cases and therefore was used to bulky cases. In comparison, this case feels lighter and even slim. It sure is a good amount bulkier than typical "slim case" but it comes with a decent amount of drop protection. Thanks to the Pixel 5 being a compact phone, it still can be held with one hand in a comfortable manner when wearing the case.
The edges feature a slighly nobby texture that feels just great and should also prevent accidential slips. The texture of the Matrix skin looks dope.
All in all, this case looks high-class and also provides nice haptics. In my eys, it is worth the money.
Protection
The case feels sturdy and protective. I am confident that my Pixel 5 will survive some serious drops with it.
The lip on the frontside has the signature curve: Thick at top and bottom, flush at the sides. This makes the back-swipe gesture a breeze while still preventing screen contact when placed on flat surfaces. I am a bit unsure wether this will lead to trouble with face-down falls on uneven surfaces, but I assume that a evenly formed lid might not perform much better in this scenario.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
The case fits like a glove. The buttons are super clicky and it's a joy to use them. The cutouts are precise and the port cutout should be big enough to provide space for most cables.
Unfortunately, the fingerprint cutout is rather small. This makes the "swipe down for notifications" gesture definitely harder to use although it still works. For me, this is not a show stopper but it might be for people with fat huge fingers. I just wish that dbrand would have made the cutout a little bit bigger since this is my only point of criticism with this case.
Durability
If you search the internet about the dbrand Grip cases, you will stumble upon many stories where the cases fell apart. Then I found this thread, where dbrand gave a comprehensive explaination why this happened and which counter measures were taken. This case is the latest generation and comes with all the described improvents. Only time will tell wether this case will hold up better.
Verdict
I highly recommend the drand Grip case for the Google Pixel 5: It looks and feels great, provides good protection without adding too much bulk. The customizablity with new skins is unique and might tempt you to spend more money. This being said: If you have huge fingers, the fingerprint cutout might be too small for you. I am confident that this case will not fall apart (or dbrand being obliging if it does).
Could you please take a picture from the top with the screen on and with a white background on (you could go to the settings or anywhere else that shows the entire screen from edge to edge)? I would give an idea of how much bulk it adds to the phone.
I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
does the Wireless Charger work on pixel+case?
trax69 said:
does the Wireless Charger work on pixel+case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I use an Anker PowerWave Alloy and wireless quick charging works flawlessly.
dragos281993 said:
Could you please take a picture from the top with the screen on and with a white background on (you could go to the settings or anywhere else that shows the entire screen from edge to edge)? I would give an idea of how much bulk it adds to the phone.
I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you are:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
its a good grippy case.. I love mine.
you gotta be out of your damn mind to pay for this...Ringke case, 12 bucks, owned, tested (not intentional) and it even got a cool Lanyard loop.
I have a new one for sale - has a sage skin on back - never used it - $20 delivered - PM me or email me at [email protected]
One of long term video reviews showed edges warping near cutout and buttons. How is it holding up so far? Price gives me a reason to pause even with the super 'grip" edges.
After using it every day, it is still in mint condition.
Thanks for the really good review. Just one point to clarify: can you please confirm that the back of the base (not just the side bumper) also has a grippy texture? If you put it on your pant leg when sitting, for example, will it slide off easily?
I love my Dbrand Grip with the red dragon skin and its super grippy texture.
If you're looking at phone cases to protect your phone's screen, you need to check out one of the screen guards. Screen protectors are becoming more advanced as the years go by. Some are built right in, some you have to put on separately. Either way, these are the best ways to make sure that your screen is safe. How can I make my phone case grippier?
You should also make sure that the cases you're looking at are anti-skid. This means that the case doesn't just slip over the phone, but stays put instead. If your phone slips out of the case, it will stop the phone from sliding all over the place. How can I make my phone case grippier? Start looking for cases with anti-skid features!
Another question you may be asking yourself is how can I make my phone case grippy if the material is hard and doesn't let the phone slide all over? Well, this is another problem that many phone cases have. So many cases are made of extremely hard materials that it's nearly impossible to slide your phone in and out. But luckily, there are some great soft cases available that are great at preventing your phone from sliding around.
I've been rocking this phone case for over a year. Just ordered the Leather skin insert from D Brand drop and a matte black skin as well. I've had the tear down on it for the year. The case is quite nice and offers good protection. The cut outs make it easy to use gesture controls.
ademmer said:
Durability
If you search the internet about the dbrand Grip cases, you will stumble upon many stories where the cases fell apart. Then I found this thread, where dbrand gave a comprehensive explaination why this happened and which counter measures were taken. This case is the latest generation and comes with all the described improvents. Only time will tell wether this case will hold up better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After over a year of frequent use, I switched to an Google Pixel 6 Pro and therefore also sent this case to rest. Time for a wrap up on durability!
Unlike older generations, my case stood the test of time. The rubber did not separate from the plastic and even after some serious drops on concrete, the case is still in mint condition.
Only the skin foil started to get loose around the fingerprint scanner which led to strange haptics when you remove the finger from the scanner (since the foil will move a millimeter with with your finger). A new skin will surely fix this and so would some glue.
Guess what? I already pre-ordered this case for my new Pixel 6 Pro!

Categories

Resources