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Draco S3 Bumper Review + Video review + high res. pics(Astro Silver)

Hey everyone, I'm back with another review. This time it's on Draco Designs' Aluminum Bumper for the Galaxy S3(Astro Silver).
Video Review:
Build Quality:
The CNC machined aircraft grade aluminum used to make the bumper is extremely solid. It's not overly heavy, and the aluminum itself feels nice and high quality. In addition, I have never seen a case so well sculpted and engineered. Every subtle detail and curves are done absolutely perfectly. There are just no jagged lines and every part of the case is flush with each other and flows.
Design:
Without a doubt, the S3 Bumper is sexy. Its curves and sleek metal aesthetic make for an all around extravagant appeal that complements the Galaxy S3 very well.
Feel:
Gone are the days where you no longer have to worry about holding onto a "cheap, plasticy feeling phone." With the Draco bumper, your phone will feel brick solid and smooth.
Protection:
Protection lacks with the S3 Bumper. Sure it's made out of aluminum, but when you leave a big opening on the front and back of the phone, there is a lot of risk and potential damage for those parts. The sides and edges are well covered, but the part of the phone where it most matters like the front where the screen is, is left exposed without any coverage. Because of this, I would highly recommend using a screen protector along with the bumper.
Cutouts:
All areas of the phone are well accessible besides the headphone jack and micro USB charging port. The headphone jack cutout is way too small and recessed to accommodate what I would estimate as 99% of headphones. As for the micro USB port, the stock cable will work just fine, but any docks and stuff of the sorts will not work with this case because of the recession of the cutout.
One thing I really liked was how Draco used aluminum button coverings for the volume rockers and power button. They look great and match well with the overall "metal theme." They also give great feedback when pressed.
Signal/Reception:
According to the tests I've taken with and without the case on, network speeds are not affected at all whatsoever with the Draco bumper. A video showing the comparison is on its way.
My final thoughts:
Overall, I like the Draco Designs S3 Bumper, but it's not for everyone. First of all, it's for a niche market because not everyone has $90 to spare on a case. Also, despite being made out of aluminum, the case is not overly protective and because it's a luxury product, I would definitely not want to drop my phone when it's in the case. If you're the type of user who can spend $90 on a case and either doesn't mind dropping his or her phone or doesn't drop it at all, then I can definitely recommend the S3 Bumper. You really do get what you pay for in terms of the craftsmanship and quality that goes into the product.
Pics
Free USB strap cable(included with the case) - pretty much just a strap that attaches to the bumper via a lanyard and has a built in micro USB to USB connector for charging/syncing your phone on the go.
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The inner rubber lining is there to protect the corners of the phone. Each corner is lined with the same clear rubber.
FOR THE FULL PICTURE SET, VISIT MY WEBSITE.

[VZW] Skinomi full body skin

I wanted to share my experience and answer any questions should anyone have any. I searched and didn't find much in terms of full body skins for the nexus, especially the skinomi and more specifically the CDMA model.
As we know size between gsm and CDMA are a tad different. I know that phantom skins makes a full body for the vzw nexus but I was able to get my skinomi for 14.99. I figured for that I would try it out and share my experiences.
What the kit includes -
- one full body skin / 3m / dry application ( style of your choice - see website ) which covers pretty much everything but screen.
- one wet application screen protector
- micro fiber cloth
- application solution and squeegee
- instructions?
First impressions -
it fits pretty well. I use the extended 2100mah battery and it covered the door perfectly. ( I think the doors are about the same size anyway ). I did have to stretch it a bit down the sides for the volume rocker and power buttons to fit inside the cutouts perfectly but it was ultimately painless and very easy.
The quality of the skin is great. Its a 3M material but pretty thick. The point is not to add drop resistance, so if you drop your phone a lot this is not for you. This is more so scratch protection for your entire device. It fits the CDMA nexus very nicely still allowing access to your volume n power as well as your 3 pin, headphone and charging port
The screen protector went on painlessly as well. I'm usually not a fan of the wet application screen protectors or that orange peel feel. This def feels thicker then your vzw screen shields but doesn't seem as orange peelish as something like a zagg. Still drying so I won't be able to share how it looks until then.
My only complaints, if I had to complain, would be around the edges. As you can see pictured the corners folded over a bit creating a slight bump on each of the corners. I plan to use a hair drier and attempt to push those down a bit more. Not a huge deal for me.
Overall I'm very pleased for 14.99+tax shipped. I got tired of the bulk of a case and wanted something new. Just sharing my experiences should you want to move away from a bulky case as I did and want to find a low cost high quality product that will fit the CDMA nexus.
If you have questions, ask. Hopes this helps someone.
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Have the same skin and I love it, provides super protection.
Screen protector from them still needs improvement. I cannot even see the screen after 6 months of usage and considering buying a replacement from Zagg.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

SilentO said:
Have the same skin and I love it, provides super protection.
Screen protector from them still needs improvement. I cannot even see the screen after 6 months of usage and considering buying a replacement from Zagg.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen protector, works perfectly for me actually, going 4 months strong!
As for the rest, I took everything off and left only the battery cover skin and the lens skin on...those rough edges were bugging me too much

amCase Hybrid Bumper Case Review + pictures *Giveaway now!!!!*

I just got my amCASE hybrid case and I'm quite pleased with it! First time buying an amCASE case but definitely won't be my last time.
Packaging
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One thing I like to see with packaging is when its kept to a minimum. It's more eco-friendly and it keeps cost down for the manufacturer and consumer. We don't need a flashy package do we? They spend the money were it belongs, on the product!
Build Quality/Design
The build quality seems to be high. No rough corners, sharp edges or defects. All lines are clean and well made. It does have a white "amCASE" logo on the back that doesn't seem to quite fit with everything else but it's not too noticeable or distracting. They went with a two tone two material hybrid design. The back is a harder frosted plastic while the sides are a glossy tpu rubber material. It transitions from on material to the other seemlessly.
The frosted back is transparent but gives a smoked/blurry effect when looking through it. Which I kinda like; sort of artsy don't you say?
All cutouts seem to be perfectly aligned. No ports are covered. I like how they went with a big cutout for the micro usb port so we can use any micro usb cable to charge our phones. Also the cutout for the headphone jack is decently big. Would like it to be a tad bigger so ANY headphone plug can be used but it looks like most if not all plugs would be okay with this case. I hate it when a cases headphone cutout is too small to use with your headphones but that wasn't the case with this one.
The "buttons" on the case to simulate where the actually buttons are of not the best quality but definitely not the worst I've seen on tpu cases. Finding the buttons in pocket wasn't a problem as it has a good feel to them. Pressing them was good also. I never felt like I had to exert too much effort to get the button press to register with the phone.
It's also worth mentioning that the edges are raised to prevent scratching the phone when placing it face down on a table.
It's not the slimmest nor the bulkiest but a good compromise between the two. It won't protect your phone from a drop 2 stories up but it will provide good protection all the way around your phone for those minor drops we all have.
Giveaway! A brand new unopned hybrid case
Totally free but continental USA only as I'm covering the shipping. Sorry other countries.
https://www.facebook.com/TechMatte
Must Like TechMatte's Facebook page!
Write on the wall that you read this review AND provide a link to this review in the post.
Then write a reply with your thoughts on this review and this will end in 1 week. I will PM the winner for his/her address and I will send it out. I will send it via usps. No insurance so if it gets lost in the mail; sorry but I won't be buying another one to send you.

phew; just dropped my phone and the case protected it like a champ!

Have same case.
Great hybrid case if you are into TPU feel.
Pros:
- Precise cutouts
- USB cutout works with larger samsung cable
- Not slippery, comparing with YESOO Ultra slim Frosted http://amzn.com/B00GG2KWZY
- Just a tiny bit bulkier then YESOO Ultra slim Frosted
- Great (read tight, but not over tight) fit
Cons:
- Power button became not responsive, it works, but you cannot feel the click, I might just get exacto knife and remove it from case.
- Glossy sides, I would prefer matte, but it's personal design preference
Conclusion:
I would definitely recommend this case if you like TPU feel of the sides and don't mind glossy black sides.
All in all a lot more protection from the rubbery sides!

Doing a giveaway now! Read the review and the rules are there! Ends in 1 week. Merry Christmas!

Wooot I need to order me a case soon lol
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Review - Otterbox Commuter Series for HTC One

The price of Otterbox brand cases was always a huge turnoff as was the size. I didn't want my slim One having additional bulk---at least any more than was necessary. Enter Commuter series.
The case is comprised if two pieces; soft rubber interior case and hard plastic exterior that protects the back, sides, and the bottom/top of the phone. The inner case has soft plastic nubs that cover both the charging port and headphone jack. IR blaster is exposed as are the bottom Mic, rear Mic and camera. Volume manipulation is easier with this case as the soft plastic raises the button height. Feels decidedly sturdy and premium. Fits well but does take some time to get the outer case to snug up to the inner case. Comes with screen protector though I haven't and will not install it.
In hand the case feels sturdy without the additional bulk associated with Otter Box cases. Grip is much improved over going caseless, and as stated earlier it's much easier to manipulate the volume.
Protection wise it seems to offer what you would think an Otterbox would offer. Corner impacts are absorbed by the soft plastic interior case, and the screen won't touch the surface you lay it on because the screen is recessed a few milimeters due to the case design. It's also nice that both ports have covers installed to keep debris from entering them. Only gripe on that point is one handed operation to plug in the usb cord and headphone jack is tricky but doable.
The good thing about this case aside form the protection is the fairly slim profile and the ease of going in and out of your pocket. Both pieces of the case are hard and slick enough to not snag up going in and out of your jean pockets.
The only real complaint that I have is how hot the phone seems to get during gaming. Though it's a phone issue and admittadly the plastic never feels as hot as the phone felt caseless.
If you are looking for a case that offers great protection while still maintaining a slim profile; this case is ideal. A little pricey, though (35 USD @ Sprint Store)
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Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

I've had this case since the second week of having my one. I initially had bought the incipio dualpro shine, but it made my signal go in the toilet, even though the package said it wouldn't affect it... Signal issues aside, the commuter is a much better case. The port covers and shape of the IR blaster cutout are the winning features.

5 Stars Case!
I had this case after 3 weeks Using my one..Its been almost 8months now and my One fell down so many times. And still working great..Protection is great and the look is great.I have nothing to complain about this case..

Love the commuter case on any phone that I had it on but when I got my One I thought it made the phone feel a little wider than usual so I ended up going with another case but my fiance got it cause she has the case of the drops and it has taken a beating and keeps on ticking.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[Review] Noreve Perpétuelle Leather Case (Noir)

Hi XDA,
Time for another case review, again courtesy of the lovely people over at Noreve. In total this will be my 9th Noreve case review, so I am pretty familiar with their quality and style by now.
Noreve are known for their high quality leather cases, and what's even better is that they come with a ton of customization options a lot of other companies simply do not offer, especially with genuine leather.
As always, the case comes in a very nice box :
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And once you open the box, you are greeted with a very handsome, velvety cloth pouch, to protect the case. Inside that of course is the case itself. I have always loved this touch and attention to detail from Noreve.
Once out of the pouch, you are greeted with that unmistakable smell of premium, genuine leather. This is what the case looks like :
And here is a shot just below installation, side by side with the Nexus 5 :
Installation is very simple, it just snaps into place very easily. However it's also very secure, I've never had one of these cases where the grip failed the phone and accidentally came off. In fact, a friend of mine dropped his Galaxy S3 while he was riding on his motorcycle and the case was still gripping the phone tightly. The case got a few scruffs, but the phone was unharmed.
Here is the case in it's open state, where you can see the Noreve branding on the inside. The case also has a magnetic closure which is very nice and works well :
Here are a few shots of the sides. There are easy access to all the ports and buttons, such as the volume rocker, power button, micro USB connector and headphone jack.
Here is a shot of the back of the case. The camera cutout is perfect.
And finally, a casual picture with the Nexus 5 installed and ready for action.
My one gripe about the case is that the LED indicator cutout is not aligned perfectly with the LED, it's a bit off. Noreve should look out for things like this in the future and make sure it's exact, as I'm sure a lot of people (including myself) care about small details such as this.
Overall, I am very pleased with the case. It provides great protection against just about anything, and it just looks fantastic. For those of you who are sick of cheap plastic cases which feel like, well, cheap plastic, then this may be a good alternative. There is just something about leather that makes me keep coming back to Noreve, and they never disappoint.
The cases are a bit on the expensive side. This one in particular retails for 46 Euros, and prices vary depending on which finish and stitching options you order one with. They offer free worldwide shipping with DHL though, so that's a major plus. I got my case in about 3 days, which is excellent.
All in all, I would say that it's well worth the money as you get what you pay for.
Here is a link to their product page for those of you who are interested. If anyone has any suggestions or feedback, just let me know and I will be happy to direct them to the Noreve team.
Also, Noreve is looking for people to review the cases they will be making for the Galaxy S5 and Sony Z2 once they are released. If any of you would be interested in reviewing those cases, just send me a private message and I will hook you up.
Cheers.