Related
Skinomi TechSkin
I decided to get Skinomi's wet-application screen protector since the V20's slightly curved glass results in tempered glass screen protectors being cut too short. This is the full coverage version and not the case friendly one they sell. I attached some images, but more can be seen in the following imgur link:
LG V20 Skinomi TechSkin
I'd recommend it if you prefer having more of the glass covered. I usually opt for Skinomi or IQ Shield (both are pretty much the same company) products for devices that don't have totally flat displays. I took the pictures two days after I installed the screen protector.
Pros:
Full coverage
The surface is smooth and doesn't feel rubbery
Display clarity isn't affected
Cutouts are exact for the camera and sensors
Blends in well with the phone
Great warranty support
Cons:
Fingerprint magnet
Lint likes to collect along the sides
Orange peel effect at certain angles, but only noticeable with the screen off
It can be indented if you happen to catch it with your nail, but it tends to smooth out on its own
Incipio
Carnaby Esquire Series: Nicely designed case and fits perfectly. Don't really have anything negative to say about it, except for the price. Thankfully, I got it while it was on sale. Also, both this case and the NGP are compatible with the Skinomi screen protector.
Imgur link to more pictures
NGP Advanced: Between the two, this is my favorite. It provides great grip and is slightly thinner. I wish the power button cutout was slightly larger/more angled, but I can still use the fingerprint sensor fine.
Imgur link to more pictures
Slickwraps
I got the matte black skin from Slickwraps. I was going to go with dbrand, but since they were having a sale at the time, I knew shipping for it would be delayed by at least a week. The SW skin fits perfectly and doesn't affect case compatibility. It also comes with sections for the top and bottom, but I've only installed it for the back plate.
Imgur link to more images
il buono said:
I decided to get Skinomi's wet-application screen protector since the V20's slightly curved glass results in tempered glass screen protectors being cut too short. This is the full coverage version and not the case friendly one they sell. I attached some images, but more can be seen in the following imgur link:
LG V20 Skinomi TechSkin
I'd recommend it if you prefer having more of the glass covered. I usually opt for Skinomi or IQ Shield (both are pretty much the same company) products for devices that don't have totally flat displays. I took the pictures two days after I installed the screen protector.
Pros:
Full coverage
The surface is smooth and doesn't feel rubbery
Display clarity isn't affected
Cutouts are exact for the camera and sensors
Blends in well with the phone
Great warranty support
Cons:
Fingerprint magnet
Lint likes to collect along the sides
Orange peel effect at certain angles, but only noticeable with the screen off
It can be indented if you happen to catch it with your nail, but it tends to smooth out on its own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it too, however if you use a case yiu will noticed peeling at the sides
I wish it could be 2mm shorter on each side.
I'm using it also. I've had it on for 3 weeks and my bumper case has not affected it.
Sent from my LG-V521 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Skinomi is what I used when I got mine as well.
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk
I wish I could cut this screen protector just about 1mm on each side. Is it possible?
I use spigen case.
netgar said:
I wish I could cut this screen protector just about 1mm on each side. Is it possible?
I use spigen case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply. Skinomi sells a case friendly version of their screen protector. I believe it's the same height, but they cut the sides shorter for case compatibility. That said, both of my Incipio cases work great with the Skinomi screen protector.
that SlickWrap black matte looks nice! does the camera section fit perfectly such that it would be hard to remove? I have a plastic film over mine now, but noticed a few times when I take the case off that it pulls that off too
il buono said:
Skinomi TechSkin
Incipio
NGP Advanced: Between the two, this is my favorite. It provides great grip and is slightly thinner. I wish the power button cutout was slightly larger/more angled, but I can still use the fingerprint sensor fine.
Imgur link to more pictures
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it called NGP? It's the only thing that struck me about this case.
il buono said:
NGP Advanced: Between the two, this is my favorite. It provides great grip and is slightly thinner. I wish the power button cutout was slightly larger/more angled, but I can still use the fingerprint sensor fine.
Imgur link to more pictures
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A fantastic case and the standout feature is really the grip. Beats the ringke oynx which beat the spigen rugged armor
i went with spigen's glas tr for screen protector and quite happy with it
Yesterday I recieved the SPECK Presidio Grip for my new Google Pixel 2 XL. I thought that you might enjoy some photos and a short review. This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
SPECK lists this product for 44.95 USD. I paid ~10 USDs at an German online retailer who lists the case for ~25 USD and applying an available-to-all discount for new customers. The list price is pretty hefty, the reduced one is a steal.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box which allows to take a sneak peak at the case without unboxing.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Unlike the classic glossy CandyShell cases, the Presidio Grip is made of matted plastic with rubber stripes on. This looks nice and makes the phone much more easy to hold. The rubber removes the slippery quality of the phone's material.
This case has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. The edges and corners have some air-cushion. SPECK promises that the case would resist scratches easily. Since it is only a day old, I cannot tell. But judged by the feel of the product, I tend to believe the promise.
The lid above the USB port is rubber only (without a plastic housing). I believe this to be a weakness as I experienced deformed/broken rubber at the exact same place earlier on other cases. Time will tell.
The lid in combination with the curved glass panel leads to deep ridges which are predestinated to collect lint. It might be necessairy to remove this cases from times to times in order to clean it.
Be aware that this case adds some bulk definitely more than rubber cases. And as the edges are air-cushioned, the device grows in dimensions to a point where a person with smaller hands might have trouble to hold it in a comfortable manner.
Protection
I am quite confident with the protection level: The sturdy outer shell combined with the air cushioned edges and the inner rubber layer might protect the phone from serious drips. The frontside lip is thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces and avoids scratches when putting the phone face to the table.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
This case fits like a glove.. All needed cutouts are there. They are located perfectly and are surrounded by rubber to keep lint out of the case.
The buttons are rubber-made and are easy to press. The covered buttons still provide great tactile feedback.
Active Edge
Active Edge is still working with this case put on and not much pressure is needed to activate it.
Verdict
I highly recommend this case: It looks and feels great, provides great protection without adding too much bulk.
Please rate
Enjoyed this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!
Have it. Great case must own for my devices.
ademmer said:
Yesterday I recieved the SPECK Presidio Grip for my new Google Pixel 2 XL. I thought that you might enjoy some photos and a short review. This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
SPECK lists this product for 44.95 USD. I paid ~10 USDs at an German online retailer who lists the case for ~25 USD and applying an available-to-all discount for new customers. The list price is pretty hefty, the reduced one is a steal.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box which allows to take a sneak peak at the case without unboxing.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Unlike the classic glossy CandyShell cases, the Presidio Grip is made of matted plastic with rubber stripes on. This looks nice and makes the phone much more easy to hold. The rubber removes the slippery quality of the phone's material.
This case has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. The edges and corners have some air-cushion. SPECK promises that the case would resist scratches easily. Since it is only a day old, I cannot tell. But judged by the feel of the product, I tend to believe the promise.
The lid above the USB port is rubber only (without a plastic housing). I believe this to be a weakness as I experienced deformed/broken rubber at the exact same place earlier on other cases. Time will tell.
The lid in combination with the curved glass panel leads to deep ridges which are predestinated to collect lint. It might be necessairy to remove this cases from times to times in order to clean it.
Be aware that this case adds some bulk definitely more than rubber cases. And as the edges are air-cushioned, the device grows in dimensions to a point where a person with smaller hands might have trouble to hold it in a comfortable manner.
Protection
I am quite confident with the protection level: The sturdy outer shell combined with the air cushioned edges and the inner rubber layer might protect the phone from serious drips. The frontside lip is thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces and avoids scratches when putting the phone face to the table.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
This case fits like a glove.. All needed cutouts are there. They are located perfectly and are surrounded by rubber to keep lint out of the case.
The buttons are rubber-made and are easy to press. The covered buttons still provide great tactile feedback.
Active Edge
Active Edge is still working with this case put on and not much pressure is needed to activate it.
Verdict
I highly recommend this case: It looks and feels great, provides great protection without adding too much bulk.
Please rate
Enjoyed this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the review. I had this case for the original Pixel XL and noticed the fit became more loose in a pretty short amount of time (like 4 days). I ended up going through 3 of these before I ended up with a Tech21 case instead which has retained its tight, glove like fit for at least 6 months now. Have you noticed this case becomes noticeably more loose over time?
Today was my 5th day of use. I removed and put the case back on several over the last few days. Until now, I haven't noticed any signs of a loosening fit.
Does it play well with tempered screen protectors?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Don_Perrignon said:
Does it play well with tempered screen protectors?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have one but according from the look of it and the available space I'd say yes.
I have the Speck Presidio Show - which is the same case but with a clear back and without the grippy texture there. I love this case. It has a nice beefy front lip more so than the other three cases I have. Definitely not a slim case, but it's not overly thick either. Provides more serious drop protection than most cases as well, without being big like an Otterbox Defender.
pixelsquish said:
I have the Speck Presidio Show - which is the same case but with a clear back and without the grippy texture there. I love this case. It has a nice beefy front lip more so than the other three cases I have. Definitely not a slim case, but it's not overly thick either. Provides more serious drop protection than most cases as well, without being big like an Otterbox Defender.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also have the Speck Presidio on my XL2. Love the case. I'm bad with dropping and this was by far the least slick case. No drops yet. I'm wanting to get a tempured glass to go with but can't decide after tons of readings seems like they are mostly all bad minus maybe the Dome whitestone. Which I'm not sure if it fits with this case and I'll be highly annoyed if I spend 45 and it doesn't. Although from looking at the edges I'd guess it would fit.
Don_Perrignon said:
Does it play well with tempered screen protectors?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Presidio Grip on my Pixel 2 XL since I got it in November (week of Black Friday). I agree with the reviewer -- fits very well, excellent grip and it certainly appears to offer excellent shock protection -- but it DOES make the phone significantly bulkier.
Re: the question about screen protectors: I have an InvisShield from SG Fresh Idea on the phone, and the Presidio Grip is perfect with that. There's only a tiny bit of clearance between the InvisShield and the Presidio grip, but it's enough so that the case never touches the protector, and therefore doesn't lift the protector at all -- even when I squeeze the side to trigger Google Assistant.
Since it fits the InvisShield perfectly, you can also be confident that it would be fine with the Whitestone Dome Glass, since that's a bit smaller than the InvisShield.
What's the name of the retailer?
ademmer said:
Yesterday I recieved the SPECK Presidio Grip for my new Google Pixel 2 XL. I thought that you might enjoy some photos and a short review. This review is neither sponsored, nor did I recieve any discount in order to write this review.
Pricing
SPECK lists this product for 44.95 USD. I paid ~10 USDs at an German online retailer who lists the case for ~25 USD and applying an available-to-all discount for new customers. The list price is pretty hefty, the reduced one is a steal.
Retail box
This case comes in the standard SPECK retail box which allows to take a sneak peak at the case without unboxing.
Build quality / Durability / Looks
Unlike the classic glossy CandyShell cases, the Presidio Grip is made of matted plastic with rubber stripes on. This looks nice and makes the phone much more easy to hold. The rubber removes the slippery quality of the phone's material.
This case has a two-layered construction: The outer layer is sturdy plastic while the inner one is soft rubber. The edges and corners have some air-cushion. SPECK promises that the case would resist scratches easily. Since it is only a day old, I cannot tell. But judged by the feel of the product, I tend to believe the promise.
The lid above the USB port is rubber only (without a plastic housing). I believe this to be a weakness as I experienced deformed/broken rubber at the exact same place earlier on other cases. Time will tell.
The lid in combination with the curved glass panel leads to deep ridges which are predestinated to collect lint. It might be necessairy to remove this cases from times to times in order to clean it.
Be aware that this case adds some bulk definitely more than rubber cases. And as the edges are air-cushioned, the device grows in dimensions to a point where a person with smaller hands might have trouble to hold it in a comfortable manner.
Protection
I am quite confident with the protection level: The sturdy outer shell combined with the air cushioned edges and the inner rubber layer might protect the phone from serious drips. The frontside lip is thick enough to protect the screen while dropping on almost flat surfaces and avoids scratches when putting the phone face to the table.
Fitting / Cutouts / Buttons
This case fits like a glove.. All needed cutouts are there. They are located perfectly and are surrounded by rubber to keep lint out of the case.
The buttons are rubber-made and are easy to press. The covered buttons still provide great tactile feedback.
Active Edge
Active Edge is still working with this case put on and not much pressure is needed to activate it.
Verdict
I highly recommend this case: It looks and feels great, provides great protection without adding too much bulk.
Please rate
Enjoyed this review? Do not forget to push the "thx" button!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's the name of the German retailer? I'm in the UK so no customs fees...thanks
I had this case as well. I returned it, though, because the grip texture started to peel after a few weeks.
edgeicator said:
I had this case as well. I returned it, though, because the grip texture started to peel after a few weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow...that's unusual for a Speck case. The Candy Grip has been around for several years, and the Presidio Grip is a similar concept, and they've been incredibly popular case for iPhones and many Android phones for years. I've had a Presidio Grip on my Pixel 2 XL since Thanksgiving -- just about 3 months now -- and use my phone a LOT, so the case is getting handled many times a day, sits in my pocket when not in use (except when on my nightstand charging at night), gets pulled in and out of my pocket dozens of times a day, etc., and -- it's indistinguishable from new.
Most people I know who have had Speck cases over the past 5 years or so have never had issues. I've read a tiny handful of reports online of folks who talk about peeling -- in most of these, it seems they bought online from a reseller, and it's been suggested that these were likely counterfeit Speck cases (apparently pretty common), sold as the real thing. Of course it's possible you have the real thing and it's peeling -- just a pretty rare occurrence -- I'm not challenging your experience -- just wondering if it's possible you had a counterfeit, or if Speck's quality control let a bad batch through. Where did you buy yours?
Same here, no issues with Speck cases! Best protection and grips!!
jonstrong said:
Wow...that's unusual for a Speck case. The Candy Grip has been around for several years, and the Presidio Grip is a similar concept, and they've been incredibly popular case for iPhones and many Android phones for years. I've had a Presidio Grip on my Pixel 2 XL since Thanksgiving -- just about 3 months now -- and use my phone a LOT, so the case is getting handled many times a day, sits in my pocket when not in use (except when on my nightstand charging at night), gets pulled in and out of my pocket dozens of times a day, etc., and -- it's indistinguishable from new.
Most people I know who have had Speck cases over the past 5 years or so have never had issues. I've read a tiny handful of reports online of folks who talk about peeling -- in most of these, it seems they bought online from a reseller, and it's been suggested that these were likely counterfeit Speck cases (apparently pretty common), sold as the real thing. Of course it's possible you have the real thing and it's peeling -- just a pretty rare occurrence -- I'm not challenging your experience -- just wondering if it's possible you had a counterfeit, or if Speck's quality control let a bad batch through. Where did you buy yours?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from target.com when it was on sale during the holidays. 3 of the smaller, outer strips at the midline of the phone horizontally were peeling for me.
paulbadassbriant said:
what's the name of the German retailer? I'm in the UK so no customs fees...thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.otto.de/p/speck-hardcas.../?variationId=649310242#variationId=649310242
17 EUR voucher + free delivery for new customers: https://www.otto.de/user/register?entryPoint=loginPage
Makes this case a steak!
edgeicator said:
I had this case as well. I returned it, though, because the grip texture started to peel after a few weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine's still good as new.
Case reviews: Rhinoshield CrashGuard & SolidSuit, Zeking Ultra Slim, Crave Slim Guard
i've used a number of cases that you can easily purchase from amazon before including the spigen tough armor, spigen neo hybrid, spigen crystal shell, ringke fusion and the rhinoshield crashguard. I think the 2 most important aspects of a good phone case is reinforced corner protection and elevated front edge to protect the screen. When I got the pixel 2 XL, I started looking for a slim yet protective case and I ended up trying the 4 cases below. I used each case about 1-2 weeks and thought I'd share my thoughts. I did receive the Rhinoshield cases from the company for free but they are not involved with my write up in any way, shape or form.
The photos attached are in accordance to the order of which the cases are reviewed.
Rhinoshield CrashGuard bumper case:
This was my favorite case when I had my galaxy s7 and when I moved on to the LG G5 then G6, I was disappointed to find out that they don't make the CrashGuard for them.
From my experience using this case with the galaxy s7 (which I had for about a year before it was stolen...), this case simply works. I am not the best when it comes to handling my phone therefore it gets dropped a lot; this case really does the job well when it comes to impact protection while being minimalistic. During the past 2 weeks with the case, I've dropped my pixel 2 a few times from different heights, mostly from standing height and some from when I get out of the car and the case has been effective. According to Rhinoshield, their cases have a 11.5 ft impact resistance rating which supposedly far exceeds the " US MILITARY DROP TEST STANDARD".
Many others have commented on how slippery this case is. Well, it is and that's because Rhinoshield now coats the cases to make them more stain resistant. For me, personally, I don't mind as I find it easier to slide in and out of my pockets.
Some physical changes I've noticed is that the case fits A LOT more snug to the point where it is quite difficult for me to take the phone out of the case. That's an inconvenience for me as I fly a drone here and there and in order for the phone to fit into the remote controller I have to take the case off. Now I may have to buy a separate phone holder for the remote controller. Another change that's worth pointing out is that in my old s7 case, the raised lip on the back of the case was more pronounced at the corners and the top and bottom edges. This gave me more of a piece of mind since it is a bumper case and the back of the phone is exposed. However, it seems like they have eliminated that from their design of the new cases and I wish they kept that. Lastly, now you can change up the color of the power button but the colored buttons have to be purchased separately. The power button is very responsive but the volume rocker you'd have to press a little bit harder.
Other non-noticeable changes they've made since I had their case for the s7 is they now use a different material (fancy name 'ShockSpread Material') for their cases which is suppose to be lighter, thinner but just as protective and durable.
The case is friendly with their screen protectors, as well with the Sparin TPU screen protector that I got from amazon. In terms of skin, it will not work with the Dbrand precision fit skin but fine with standard fit. However, it will leave an indent on the standard fit skin as shown in photos.
Lastly, if you happen to have a Feiyu tech SPG-c gimbal, with the heaviest counterweights the phone with this case just barely works.
Rhinoshield SolidSuit
Overall, very similar to the CrashGuard bumper case.
I'll highlight the differences:
- compatible with the RhinoShield add-on lens
- of course, heavier and bulkier (heaviest of the 4)
- feels very solid because of the overall construction, as well the back is protected
- most of the finishing is the same as the CrashGuard, however the back of mine has the carbon fiber finishing which I guess made it less slippery
- volume rocker is much more responsive than the CrashGuard
- did not work at all with the Feiyu tech SPG-c gimbal
Zeking ultra slim TPU case from amazon canada
In my opinion, very good case. For less than $10, you get padded corner protection plus raised front edge without much added bulkiness; this is just as good as cases such as ones from Spigen or Ringke but for 1/3 or 1/2 the price.
It is made of TPU and I haven't had the case long enough to speak about yellow-ing, but the TPU feels decent not cheap. On the inside of the back of the case, there are these microdots and I can't understand their purpose. You can actually feel them when you brush you finger across. The side buttons are responsive, clicky. A really thoughtful and unique design is that along the sides of the case the TPU's texture is different and it allows for better grip (almost like there's a very smooth sandpaper strip). The advantage of this case in comparison to the two Rhinoshield cases above is that it does feel slimmer in hand.
When it comes to impact protection, it doesn't have that "over 11 ft of impact protection" that's marketed for the Rhinoshield cases, however the few times I dropped the phone in this case it was completely fine.
I did try to use this case with the Dbrand 'precise fit' skin. It will not work well with the skin if you have the tendency to take your phone in and out of the case. As i took my phone out, it lifted the skin that goes around the the corner on the side of the phone. On the other hand, the 'standard fit' skin did just fine. In terms of screen protectors, it is compatible with the Sparin TPU screen protector as well as the protectors from Rhinoshield.
Similar to the Rhinoshield CrashGuard, this barely worked with my Feiyu Tech SPG-c gimbal.
Crave Slim Guard from amazon canada
This case is very similar to the Ringke Fusion in a sense that both have the TPU bumper that goes around the case, and the clear polycarbonate back. This case, however, has a very pronounced elevated front lip to the point where it almost feels like the phone is sunken in inside the case. It's very good if you're looking for extra raised front protection, however when you're swiping left or right on the screen you will feel the edge more so than the other cases. It may help if the company just round off the raised edges a little bit more. A thoughtful part of their design is that they raised the back corners a tiny bit; my guess is they are there to raise the back a little bit so when you sit the phone on a flat surface it doesn't scratch up the polycarbonate back. All the buttons super responsive and clicky; probably the best buttons of the 4 cases. The phone does feel pretty slim in this case and I think even slimmer than the Zeking TPU case. I don't remember dropping my phone while using this case, but based on its construction it should do just as good as the Ringke Fusion case but definitely not as good as the other 3 cases above.
Overall I think this case is just as good as the Ringke Fusion if not better protection because of the pronounced elevated front edge. Keep in mind, from my experience using these cases with a polycarbonate back they will get scratched up over time and you will see more finger print smudges.
When it comes to compatibility with skin and screen protectors, it is the same as above.
Similar to the Rhinoshield CrashGuard and ZeKing ultra slim, this barely worked with the Feiyu Tech SPG-c gimbal.
Long review but hope this helps. I will start another post for my screen protectors review as well as a review of the add-on lens from RhinoShield.
Nice reviews! Kudos
My fav is the Zeking ultra slim TPU!
Not related to the topic, but can you tell me where you get the yellow skin for your Pixel? I'm interested in that yellow lock button.
allweknowisa said:
Not related to the topic, but can you tell me where you get the yellow skin for your Pixel? I'm interested in that yellow lock button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from DBrand
see my review here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...and-skins-review-hyperblack-titanium-t3780607
The yellow power button is from rhinoshield. you can purchase the colored buttons separately on their site and it's compatible with their cases.
Thanks for your detailed review. One thing is that I tried Ringke Fusion and Crave Slim Guard; I think Ringke Fusion does provide a bit more of FRONT lip, doesn't it?
drvalianto said:
Thanks for your detailed review. One thing is that I tried Ringke Fusion and Crave Slim Guard; I think Ringke Fusion does provide a bit more of FRONT lip, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the exact measurements and my experience with the ringke fusion is with the lg g6 case. To me it seems like the crave slim guard has a slightly more raised front lip than the ringke fusion but then i am not comparing apple to apple.
Update:
I stuck with my RhinoShield Crashguard and it has protected my phone... extremely well. I have lost count how many times I've dropped it face down, down the stairs, and more.... yep, a bit clumsy with phones.
I stayed at this villa in Bali, and it literally tumbled down these stairs from top to bottom..and my phone remains immaculate. (except when i was in Bali I decided to use it briefly without the case..and of course I dropped it..... )
Included photos of the case with the worst scratches and also...the staircase where it literally bounced its way down...
So I see that several manufacturers don't offer the clear plastic screen protector layers that snap in any more (Like Supcase Unicorn Beetle and Otterbox Defender). I like these because they offer superior protection while the outside shell is off of the phone, but I talked with the manufacturers and they stopped offering them because they have issues with using a fingerprint reader on some phones. Has anyone found a case that works?
I went through this with a Pixel 6 that I returned (for several reasons) where the snap in middle layer clear screen cover had issues with the fingerprint reader. Seeing that the S22 has an ultrasonic reader instead, wondering if that is an improvement. A couple of manufacturers I have used in the past have removed that clear layer from there cases because of issues. Can anyone verify a case that works with 3 layers (Plastic front cover, plastic rear cover with or without a holster, and a middle clear snap in plastic screen protector.
Version w/ S-Pen Holder:
https://www.amazon.com/CaseBorne-Compatible-Samsung-Galaxy-Fold/dp/B0B86Q1H41/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=caseborne%2Bz%2Bfold%2B4&qid=1670817376&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&th=1
Version w/o S-Pen Holder:
https://www.amazon.com/CaseBorne-Compatible-Samsung-Galaxy-Fold/dp/B0B86NMFSH/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=caseborne%2Bz%2Bfold%2B4&qid=1670817629&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
I love my Galaxy Z Fold 4, but was disappointed once I found out that there are not many cases available for it. And the ones that are typically suck. I tried cases from Spigen, VRS Designs, SUPcase, Zagg and multiple others from Amazon. EVERY SINGLE ONE was terrible quality. The hinge protectors were clunky and poorly designed. These other cases HEAVILY relied on the adhesive strips to hold the flimsy case onto the phone. Several of the rugged cases included built-in screen protectors, which were terrible. I dreamt of a case that would provide 360 degree protection, a sturdy kickstand, a practical S-Pen holder and the ability to use a tempered glass screen protector. When I thought all hope was lost, CaseBorne provided my dream case.
The Vanguard Series Z Fold 4 case by CaseBorne is INCREDIBLE. Before I go any further, this case is a tank. And tank's are big. If you own a Z Fold 4, you know that it is already a thick phone. And this case will make it even thicker. But if you own a Z Fold 4, then you're most likely okay with that. If you weren't, you wouldn't use a foldable.
Now for the Pro's:
- Rugged and durable case design
- The cover screen is protected by a raised lip, but it doesn't interfere with typing. Even with my big sausage fingers.
- The back of the phone provides a nice raised lip around the camera, and a really nice, sturdy kickstand.
- The kickstand is positioned perfectly on the back, and the phone can be propped up in any orientation (folded and unfolded).
- 2 tempered glass screen protectors are included with the case.
- The hinge protection is amazing. Some very intelligent engineering went into making this hinge cover. Yes, it's claim-to-fame is that it doesn't cover the front screen when the device is unfolded. But I really appreciate the quality of it the most. Something about the design and quality of the hinge cover is just incredible. When unfolding the device, it is so smooth and doesn't feel clunky and cheap like other rugged cases.
-The hinge cover includes an awesome hidden compartment for your S-Pen. Personally, it's my favorite implementation of an S-Pen holder for the Z Fold 4. It's hidden and out of the way, but also very accessible when I need to use my S-Pen.
- Karl, the founder of CaseBorne, is a really nice guy and is very personable. And CaseBorne is a small business, so it's great to support them!
Con's (There aren't many):
- The screen protectors are slightly too big. The edges of the protector go right to the edges of the front cover. Unfortunately, after trying to apply the screen protector perfectly several times, I was unsuccessful. As of now, the right edge of my screen protector is slightly lifted off of the cover screen. But it's something I'm willing to tolerate.
- Color selection. I selected the all black case. And it looks great; however, I would like to see some other color options in the next version. Currently, CaseBorne offers black, a light orange, and purple. I would really like to see a dark orange/copper or an olive green.
- When the device is unfolded, the hinge cover acts as a grip for your fingers. However, due to the design of the hinge protector, it doesn't stay completely stationary. There is some slight movement in the hinge cover. I would like to see this somehow made to not move when the device is unfolded. But let me be clear, it doesn't feel cheap, just kinda 'springy'.
Overall, this is an incredible case, and I suggest anyone who owns a Z Fold 4 to check it out.
Caseborne Case Quick Review -
Caseborne Case(without SPen) by ArmadilloTek for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
I was searching for a phone case that could maximise protection and I stumbled upon Caseborn by ArmadilloTek . At first glance, the prices were the same as other case manufacturers. The Caseborn case seemed to be more protective than other cases.
In the case box, you can find 2 screen protectors for the external screen, 2 wipes, and some spare two-sided scotch. The case itself is very good, it has great protection all round the phone including the camera and the hinge. It also comes with a horizontal stand which lets you watch videos, play games etc with ease. However, the size of the case overlaps the size of the phone itself but this is expected if it offers maximum protection.
PRO'S:
- Good quality plastic of the case
- Includes hinge protection
- Easy to hold the phone; there is no awkwardness when holding it
- Easily foldable
- The inside of the case has padding so the phone can't get scratched
CON'S:
- It's big for someone with small hands which could cause issues
- Phone case seems bigger than the phone
Overall, the phone case is a very solid build. It has brilliant protection. The phone case has great potential in the market and can definitely be a competitor with other case brands. Time will tell how the case is in use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B86NMFSH
Some may say this case is "MASSIVE", and they're not wrong. However, it's no bigger than any other brand's cases with a hinge protector and pen holder. If you want a fully protective case that can hold the spen and keep your warranty alive because _Samsung_, you basically need something this tanky.
That said, there are some amazing features of the Caseborne over some of the competitors. Just as a reference, I have 2 Samsung cases (Standing with S-Pen, and Slim standing case), a Spigen case with the pen holder on the right side, and a bunch of generic cases with and without the hinge cover. What sets the Caseborne apart are
The one-piece design: Caseborne comes with stickers inside just like the Samsungs, but they don’t seem necessary. The case hugs the phone incredibly well and will not fly off, unlike the Samsungs. Since it’s a single piece, you don’t need to worry about the hinge part scratching up other parts of the case or phone when unfolding it.
Screen protectors: The included front screen glass protectors are good quality, and much better than the dot matrix screen protectors found on the generic ali express cases. And also much better than some of the other $80+ cases that doesn’t even come with a screen protector. The case and the screen protector are an EXACT fit, so if you have a different aftermarket TGSP like me, you will need to remove it before installing it.
Cutouts: This is one of the few cases that actually cover the volume rocker while still allowing for easy fp unlock. Most other cases do not cover a good half of the power/volume rocker side, and some of the other cases that do cover extend out too far to be able to unlock the phone easily. I have not had any issues unlocking my phone with this case.
Unfortunately, it’s not perfect:
The kickstand feels cheap. It works well enough, but the plastic action just doesn’t feel good. Something like ESR. TORRAS, or Spigen’s kickstands (for other phones, not the Fold4) would go a long way to making this case feel much more premium
The actual volume rocker buttons feel a bit too sharp and protrude a bit too far.