Develop Bugs

Ballistic SG Maxx Review

Ballistic SG Maxx Review for the Nexus 5
Introduction:
Since I've seen many questions on the Ballistic SG Maxx (a.k.a. Tough Jacket Maxx), I decided to make a review regarding my input on this nifty case. To start things off, I’d like to mention that this case if one of the most expensive cases out there. It’s usually around 28 USD but it’s definitely worth the money considering that the case will protect your $350+ investment.
Design:
The Ballistic SG Maxx features a dual layer design with a built-in screen protector and a belt clip. The inner piece is made of silicon; a thick, stretchy material. (Be aware that the silicon is not to be stretched too extensively. Doing so will result in a warped product.) The outer layer is plastic. Aesthetically, the design looks rather bulky, but the intention of the company was to design a bulky case capable of resisting drops. In terms of taking on and taking off the case, I find it effortless. The outer layer comes off with slight pressure and the silicon layer slips on and off with ease. The belt clip is plastic. It feels cheap, but after taking out for a spin, I found it to be actually pretty sturdy.
Feel:
The case obviously adds a lot of volume to the phone. The case is still usable in one hand and I can still reach all the icons on the other side of the screen without the assistance of the other hand, not to mention my hands are small. The outer plastic layer feels nice in the hand and gives the phone a good grip. On the back of the plastic is a rubbery back plate. The back plate helps with the traction of the phone. The button cutouts are amazing. They are easy to press, but are not too sensitive at the same time.
Dust:
This case is a lint magnet. The silicon attracts dust easily. The speaker grills are susceptible to dust. Luckily, the charging port and the headphone jack have flaps that cover the internals of the phone. Be aware dust can still seep through the cracks of the flaps.
Camera: The case is thick, but it does not obstruct the camera’s field of view neither does it block the camera’s flash.
Screen Protector:
Like many, I bought the case because of the built-in screen protector. I was appalled by the fact that I wouldn't have to purchase an additional screen protector since the case already supplied me with one. Honestly, the screen protector that Ballistic supplies the SG Maxx with is disappointing. There’s a noticeable gap between the phone and the glass screen when you apply it, which invites dust to loiter on the inside of the screen protector. It’s also extremely thick. The touch screen’s sensitivity goes down when the screen protector is applied. The edges of the protector are rigid and can cut you if you’re not careful with it. You’ll be better off using a different company’s screen protector. Ballistic’s screen protector is low quality and is not on par with other brand’s screen protectors. The built-in screen protector may look appealing at the first glance, but when using it, it is very inconvenient.
Verdict:
Overall, this is a good case for those who seek maximum protection. I've dropped my phone twice; once at 2 ft and once at 4 ft and my phone took no damage. If you never drop your phone or has no concern in shielding your device, this case is simply not for you.
Pros:
- Good drop protection
- Precise cutouts
- Fits the Nexus 5 well
- Comes with a belt clip
Cons:
- Can be costly
- Built-in screen protector is disappointing
- Lint magnet
- Adds a lot of bulk to the phone
Images are attached to the post. Thanks for reading!

I too have this case and find the build quality superior to otterbox. I also like the idea of the soft part being on the phone followed by a hard case protecting the outside as opposed to vice versa on the OtterBox. I will say that I may not purchase another case from them though because after buying my SG Maxx it's as if ballistic forgot they ever made them after the name change.
All in all- like I said I totally agree it's a good case, but if otterbox stops being scared of nexus devices then I would probably go that route due to the ridiculously awesome warranty (makes you feel like your money was better spent.)

http://i.imgur.com/V57GksT.jpg
Good review. I have one as well. My brother's screen still cracked after a fall but he had the normal version, not the MAXX. I have dropped mine from 3 ft, no issue. I ordered a new screen protector, felt better but not optimal and I'm not using it, as you have to double tap towards the top.

Thanks for the awesome review. I been rocking this same case for about a 2 weeks now. Mine is the fully black version that doesn't have a belt clip on it. I used to be an Otterbox fan, then I switched over to Diztronic for my other phones. Decided to pick this up with 2 discounts and have loved it since, by far one of the best cases I have owned yet as far as build quality goes.
Swyped from my LG Nexus 5 using XDA premium.

Nice review, thanks!
One remark: I think you're missing the point of the screen protector that comes with this case. It's really thick because it's meant to protect more than just scratches, it will(or should) protect your screen against more than just keys or coins in your pocket, for example if you drop it and lands face-down on an object.
I don't think you should consider this case as a 'daily driver', but more of a case you put on when you hiking or something, which is exactly what I'm considering it for

The built in screen protector is NOT built in. You can remove it whenever you want. It is really nice. Super strong. It is not meant for daily use. I work construction and it is perfect for me.
I've dropped this phone from a distance than would of ****ed this phone up. (around 2 stories high onto asphalt) Not a single scratch on phone or case.
I use this one for work and http://www.spigen.com/nexus-5-case-ultra-hybrid.html for home./

Ergonomics (in-hand feel)

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the OnePlus 3 feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

It's a little bigger than I expected.It's thin and feels good both in hand and in my pocket.

is it slippery without any case?

tnttrx said:
is it slippery without any case?
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Click to collapse
Definitely. I've had a couple of scary moments already where it almost slipped out. But you get used to it.

so, I'll have to order some dbrand for it, at least... thx.

good size and good weight, it feels good in the hand, just that the screen is very close to the edge, I still have not used.
a word on the power button, too sensitive for my taste

i agree its light and thin, but it is slippery and i have also had a few scares too, i am going to get a dbrand skin and hopefully that will help

Too big and slippery, but feels great. I'm gonna buy a case though

It is relatively comfortable with 2 hands. But one hand operation is a little tricky. Especially when pressing the hardware buttons.

that's what she said

it feels comfortable...a bit slippery, but i use this:
http://de.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs...2687355767.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.68.oJxzZY
it's fine for me

feels good in hand but its definitely slippery at times.

A little bit slippery but I use always a case to protect the phone and so it is OK for me.
Gesendet von meinem ONEPLUS A3003 mit Tapatalk

Overall, it feels quite good in your hand - quite lightweight and comfortable. In regular use though, you may find it somewhat slippery. Also, using the phone may require both hands at times. Single hand use is difficult some of the time. It reminded me a little bit of the LG G3 in terms of the feel and usage - though I had a leather back on my G3 (so it wasn't slippery at all).

I would've liked a slightly rounded back better, less slippery.

Ergonomics (in-hand feel)

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the OnePlus 3T feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

It´s a little bit slippery.

To slippery.. Unusable "without a Case/TPU"

Agree. OnePlus 3T/3 is way too slippery to use without a case, especially in situations where you have to use it in one hand. Thankfully there's great cases by OP themselves. I absolutely love the original Karbon Case for OP3T/OP3. It has great grip, looks and it provides "ok" protection for back, camera and even front (it has lips on the corner that allow you to put the phone face down without scratching the screen).

It feels just like a LG G5 with the metallic backing and similar color.
I also bought a TUDIA Slim-Fit HEAVY DUTY ~~ and my gripes with the case is that the backing is rounded hard plastic and it makes the phone slippery as well and is prone to spinning and sliding.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01H0EA1WU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I m using it since 6 months....and it feels too slippery without any cover...but the build quality is better than samsung

This phone is a tad large for my tastes, but i came from an HTC One m7 which in my opinion was the perfect size

knightrider64 said:
This phone is a tad large for my tastes, but i came from an HTC One m7 which in my opinion was the perfect size
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Same consideration here, especially when adding a much needed case for protection. I'm coming from an Xperia SP (4.7" screen) which, considering the bezels, is basically like a contemporary 5" device in terms of overall size and I think that's the perfect size that also makes it easy to use the phone with one hand. Maybe 5.2" would still be OK with such thin bezels, but 5.5" is, as I feared, a bit too much and for me it's not really about the width of the device, but more about its height. Anyway I do enjoy the screen size more now that it's easy to increase the screen density with the Nougat update

Slippery but feels great in the hand.
Feels better in the hand then Samsung and most iPhones.
Doesn't feel heavy but feels and looks premium.

Approximately 1/20 of a millimeter thicker than the iPhone 7. Is it better to be thinner, or to feel thinner?
That being said, it feels about a third thinner due to the curved and beveled edges built into it, which the iPhone design team seems to never have thought about. Better grip compared to the iPhone when holding it by the edges, easier to feel the edge and how good of a grip one has.

knightrider64 said:
This phone is a tad large for my tastes, but i came from an HTC One m7 which in my opinion was the perfect size
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Click to collapse
Funny, I had the m7 before and had the exact same thought. I miss being able to walk down the street and message with one hand comfortably.

It feels awesome and the build quality is just on-spot.
But to me it's a little too large (coming from a hammerhead Nexus 5) which might resolve once I get used to the size.
Reports of it being slippery without a case are definitely true for me as well.

[...]

Yes I do find it slippery as well kinda scary as I would hate to drop it. But with the oneplus sandstone case it's prefect.

Lots of unused space on top and an bottom (but most other devices aren't better).

Quality feel (use of materials)

Rate this thread to express how you think the Xiaomi Black Shark 2 feels in terms of quality. A higher rating indicates that it feels premium and high-quality (attention to detail is high, manufacturing defects don't exist, etc).
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

Hard to evaluate, as I've been using the included case since day 1. It's a rubber case. You know how they feel. Naked it's super slippery, and while the cold metal and glass combo on the back feel super nice, I just wouldnt dare carrying it without a firm rubber grip on it. Feels sturdy as all heck. Due to the dense metal for it's cooling inside, you can be sure that if you drop it, it will damage the floor first, before the floor damages it. Dont drop it on your face

Ergonomics (in-hand feel)

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the OnePlus 8 feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

this phone is extremely slippery. You will need a case for this phone. Phone is slightly lighter than the oneplus 6t.

Phone is very thin and light, which felt like a shock coming from the 7 Pro. I recommend a case, especially if you don't want to trigger edge touches with big hands.

Coming from a OP6,
It's ok, the flat screen was better. The finger print at the back was nicer, smoother and more accurate. And felt more natural in the hands.

I bought this phone on the day it came out, coming from the OnePlus6 and Essential phone.
Just like earlier posts on here, I thought the OP6 was slippery, but the OP8 is worse.
Front finger print use kind of annoying, the rear one was easier for my finger to access. Now is just pretty much the thumb.
Overall size of phone doesn't make things awkward. I have medium-ish hands so I think it fits in my hand nicely.
Random note; I bought the clear case off OnePlus's website. It's still a little slippery, and not gel. Very tight to get on the phone.

Ellises said:
I bought this phone on the day it came out, coming from the OnePlus6 and Essential phone.
Just like earlier posts on here, I thought the OP6 was slippery, but the OP8 is worse.
Front finger print use kind of annoying, the rear one was easier for my finger to access. Now is just pretty much the thumb.
Overall size of phone doesn't make things awkward. I have medium-ish hands so I think it fits in my hand nicely.
Random note; I bought the clear case off OnePlus's website. It's still a little slippery, and not gel. Very tight to get on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did yours not come with a case?

marvi0 said:
Did yours not come with a case?
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Click to collapse
It did not. Just a screen protector applied that really easily scratches up.
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