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Hey guys, after an intensive and thorough review + research via numerous threads and online videos, I have narrowed it down to three cases that I would like to get for my new S2.
In reality, I wanted to narrow it down to 2 cases: Case-Mate Tough & the SGP Neo Hybrid, but then came along the Pop! So now, I'm even more stuck on deciding.
Here's my breakdown to why I chose these three cases. My very first choice was the SGP Neo Hybrid. I really liked how it came with a SGP Ultra Crystal screen protector. Coming from an InvisibleShield on previous phones, I wanted something that was not wet or solution-based. All the reviews state the SGP screen protectors are dry applications and do not have that "tacky" feel that Zagg would have.
However, when I found the Case-Mate Tough, I was completely amazed by it's durability and protection. However, the case did not include a fancy SGP screen protector (although the reviews say it did come with a generic screen protector).
Next thing, the Case-Mate Pop comes up as a recent new addition, and I'm thrown into deciding again. One thing I am unsure is how thick the Pop is compared to the Tough. Is it even more bulkier? I could not find the dimensions or size on the website.
Anyhow, what are your thoughts on these three? I was really inclined to SGP because I felt like I was getting two things for the price of one: an good screen protector + a decent case.
Decisions, decisions...
hummmmm 3 very good cases there mate and i am sure you will be happy with what ever you go for .
I love the look of the sgp hybrid cases , the yellow one looks amazing from pics i have seen and it offers good protection as well . only thing is to get to me i might have to wait 15 days :-( i am waiting for uk stockists to grab one
i currently use the casemate tough and it is a very good case that again offers full protection and confidence that if i dropped the sgs2 it would be fine in this case . the only things with the casemate tough is the inner is silicone and it does attract a bit of dust around the edges of the screen due to this. a quick wipe and its back to dust free though .
i like the look of the casemate pop though as well and may grab one too . i did notice the casemate pop has a shiny back though and i think this will scratch easier then the sgp hybrid and the casemate tough which in turn could make the ''pop'' look a bit tatty before the other ones you mention . i like the idea of the stand though and it does again offer good protection .
There are some cases like the casemate barely there or the genuine sgs2 case and they dont offer full protection as the top and bottom are exsposed , i dropped my sgs2 with a barely there case on and it protected it ok but you guessed it the bottom and top silver got a few marks as they are exsposed so i couldnt recomened any case that doesnt cover the whole phone .
The ones you have chose are all good cases and its quite funny as it goes as i think they are my fave three out at the minute too although the alluminum bumper does also look quite good in the thread in this forum .
As i said earlier i think you will be happy with any of them mate , about the screen protector you can buy sgp ones seperate and even get anti fingerprint ones which are great The ones i got with the casemate phones didnt fit the sgs2 and they stopped sending them with their cases untill they got proper screen protectors , this may have happend now as it was about a month ago i bought my cases
sorry for long reply bud and good luck with your case hunt
Hey man, I don't know if this helps, but I purchased a Case Mate Tough and took some measurements on it with my digital caliper.
2.814 inches / 7.14756 cm Wide
5.108 inches / 12.97432 cm Long
.541 inches / 1.37414 cm Thick
Compared to the measurements of the phone itself.
2.614 inches / 6.63956 cm Wide
4.939 inches / 12.54506 Long
.345 inches / 0.8763 cm Thick
So logic says that the Case Mate Tough adds about .2 inches / .508 cm to the width, .169 inches / 42926 cm to the length, and .196 inches / .49784 cm to the thickness of the phone itself.
I haven't used my Tough at all really, I think it feels too thick unfortunately. I am one of the people who is fine with the feel of the phone the way it is, with the Tough it kind of makes it feel like some sort of industrial type of phone with all the rubber and thickness and what not. Maybe I would just need time to get used to it though. But the lip over the edges of the screen that the case provides does kind of annoy me.
@OP- Pretty simple to chose between those 3.
CM Tough- The best possible case out there. If you have no affection to looking then there is no other case than this.
CM Pop- Bit of looking, bit of toughness, but none to it's best level.
SGP Neo Hybrid- Great looking. Moderate build quality, thus average toughness.
Regards.
I'm trying to make the same decision except with just the Tough Case and Pop Case. What's putting me off the Pop Case though is that everyone's complaining of how the silicone wears away easily.
Anyway, on Amazon it lists the Pop's dimensions as 4.9 x 0.4 x 2.6 inches. Haven't found anything more official then that though. It'd be good for someone to post comparison photos if they've got both.
I have had a case mate pop for about a month and here is what I think :
Pros:
Great protection - the rubber around the edge would save the screen if it ever fell screen-down onto a hard surface
Looks nice
Case buttons do a great job protecting the phones real buttons
Cons:
I am finding it adds quite a bit of thickness to the phone, more so than I would like.
The headphone jack is pretty deep. If you have a huge 3.5mm adapter like the ones that come with big Sennheiser cans, they wont fit with the case.
It can be kind of tough to remove until you get the hang of it, due to the hard plastic back. The way I found that works best is to grab the bottom/midsection of the phone by the case, and then bend the top of the case back so it removes the top portion of the phone. Don't be afraid to bend the white plastic.
I have not had much issue with the silicon wearing away, except for a tiny spot where the hand grip meets the white plastic at the back. Then again I work in a factory so it is really rough on the phone, much more so than an average user.
Overall it is a great case, but not the best option if you want to keep it slim. I am going to try an SGP Air and Neo Hybrid next.
Thanks for the updates and replies, guys.
A few more questions. For those who have both and/or had the Case-Mate Tough & SGP Neo Hybrid... which one offers a better BACK-CAMERA protection? I noticed on some of the YouTube reviews, it shows that both cases have slightly recessed back-camera holes to protect the back camera from possibly scratching (when aligned and facing on a flat surface).
I assume the Case-Mate Tough would probably have a slightly deeper recession b/c the case as a whole is more bulkier than the SGP Neo Hybrid? Anyhow, it's quite hard to tell from the video reviews. Anyone know?
same question , and i need to take the Decisions in a few hours
any one could help ASAP ??
Just ordered a Neo Hybrid in black...
My view is this:
Pop = If you want a stand
Tough = If your main concern is protection
Neo = If you don't mind a trade off in protection for great look/design
CaspaTheGhost said:
Just ordered a Neo Hybrid in black...
My view is this:
Pop = If you want a stand
Tough = If your main concern is protection
Neo = If you don't mind a trade off in protection for great look/design
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! I ordered both the Case-Mate Tough & SGP Neo Hybrid because it was just too hard to decide. Perhaps the best two available cases right now.
so which one do you like more? im getting my S2 on sunday and would like to have a case on the way to keep it safe
As soon as i saw the case mate pop i wanted it for the stand.
Then my brother told me about the otterbox covering the headphone jack and usb port with the silicone so it stops dust getting inside it so i ended up going for that.
The silicone near the top doesnt sit flush with the phone when the hard case is on it which annoys me, but apart from that im happy with the otterbox.
remove neo hybrid from your options if you are going for protection. the silicone is thin and the plastic frame is flimsy and can easily by deformed
I am using the case mate tough for 3 month now. Without it, my phone would be dead/seriously damaged by now. I am very clumsy guy, and so far my phone survived droping while biking, multiple table-drops, my girlfriend stepping on it and several children attacks.
The phone goes in my front pocket whith the screen pointing to the outside. This way the case being 2-3mm higher than the phone protects the screen perfectly from the pants touching it.
Once a month i free my phone for some cleaning job: it still looks like the day i bought it.
One thing: When looking for a car mount go for Herbert Richter (can't post link due to low post restriction)
Just want to share a review of this case which i bought and have used for 1-2 weeks.
just a bit of background about why I chose this case.
I was looking for a tough case and find that the otterbox or casemate tough do not fit what I am looking for.
i had a otterbox commuter case for my HTC HD2 and the polycarbonate break easily around the edges where the ports are... i really want something that is rubber around the edges instead of plastic (I bought the defender case in the as replacement and that's exactly how it was.)
Unfortunately, the defender case is not available for the SGS2.
I have gone though 2 sgp cases and the neo hybrid breaks easily around audio port/ extra hole at the top right. and so my hunt for a tough case started.
so about this case.
This case does adds considerable size to the SGS2. it adds about an inch at the top and bottom of the phone and about 1cm at the sides however do take note that these extra additions are all of rubber material so your phone is really protected well against drops and bumps.
This is how the case itself looks like and its thickness relative to the phone.
the way the case is designed is like a 'hole dug in the middle of a brick'. and the phone fills perfectly into the hole and is now protected by the case.
The case is also ergonomic designed to be used for games when using the phone in the horizontal position.
the 2 pictures below are what the phone now looks like with the case.
Pros:
-Fully protected by rubber around the phone and therefore protects well against accidental drops and bumps.
-Feels good and have a better grip when I play games now on my SGS2
-Has different colours available as compared to casemate tough and otterbox commuter
Cons:
-The increase in size and thickness of the phone is not something that everyone will like.
-Due to the extra inch, I can only use a USB cable to charge my phone and therefore eliminating the use of sync stands like Zenis. My L shape earphones still fit into the audio port without an issue.
Conclusion for this case
I really like the case and it fits what I am looking for in a case that is able to protect my phone well and not look dull.
I would give it 4/5 for the case and it cost around USD27 excluding postage from Korea.
For guys who are interested, you can check out this link: scroll to the part where a video is embedded and see the case being subjected to drop test.
http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challe...90000001&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=iface
Great review! Thanks for all the info... Really helpful!
http://youtu.be/tKm14N17aSk
On Saturday, we headed out to our local mall in an attempt to find a case for our new Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 that we purchased off of Craigslist. As no surprise to us it was easier to find accessories than the actual phone. As you know if any phones are out there, they were probably a pre order. Sprint stores just began selling today.
AT&T had the best selection actually. There were a few Casemate cases, Body Glove, the Samsung flip cover thingamajig, and this Ballistic case. Since there wasn't an Otterbox anywhere to be found locally, I pulled the trigger on the Ballistic case.
On their website it appears that the silicone portions are very well manufactured. You don't see the little ridge going around it (probably from two pieces put together) and the other imperfections. That makes it really look like a premium product. Otterbox pretty much has their manufacturing process down to a science.
One thing they note on the clip is that the device can only be mounted faced towards the inside. This is great, but I do like option on most Otterbox Defender cases where I can turn it outwards. The clip swivels 360 degrees. That's definitely a plus. It's annoying when clips can't spin the full 360 degrees.
Here are some details from their website:
It’s time to live your life to the Maxx. The Samsung GALAXY S III’s minimal and organic design is reflected in the smooth and non-linear lines of the device. Its human-centric nature provides an ergonomic and comfortable experience with enhanced usability.
Our Ballistic SG Maxx Series offers 4 layers of the best engineered drop protection on the market. This baby offers a durable holster, port covers, a no-slip grip, reinforced corners, but most important a replaceable, rigid, screen protector that provides amazing impact protection.
Advanced four layers of protection
Layer 1 - Molded screen protector provides impact protection for your screen
Layer 2 - Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 3 - Tough impact resistant polycarbonate shell
Layer 4 - Soft silicone equipped with reinforced Ballistic Corners™
Includes lay-on-table feature - screen will not touch the surface when layed flat on a table
No-slip stability when layed face down
Integrated port covers
Extremely durable horizontal holster
Rigid screen protector provides impact protection and is user replaceable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really think you're going to stay with this device and case for a while the user replaceable screen protector might be an advantage to you. The plastic screen protector will probably offer more impact protection that a ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD or something similar. However, especially when looking a white screen, you can tell how much worse the view is. You can see all the colors of the rainbow. This does happen with most Defender screen protectors I've seen and to a little extent in other products. Good news here is that you can replace that portion with a ZAGG or whatever you desire.
You can lay the phone face down with this case. I find this handy in office environments where you don't want people to know that everyone including your mother are blowing up your phone with texts or Facebook messages.
I'm not keeping this case, but it does offer a lot of protection. I think I'll keep my S3 sleek and sexy for now.
MSRP $49.99 (cost $50 at AT&T store)
Official Page: http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-3-ballistic-sg-maxx-series-case
Ballistic Cases on eBay.
I already know one person who might respond that this is not the SG MAXX case, but it is. Just saying that I honestly don't believe they would push out 10 of these cases to one store with some the wrong labeling.
By the pictures on their site you can see that the plain SG series does not come with a clip AND there is no 3.5mm headphone jack port.
On the bottom, by the capacitive touch buttons I do have a bump that makes it harder to hit the menu and back buttons. On their website neither case has these. They might have made changes. This could be an early production run. I'd hate for them to have added them later. The cut of the silicone just isn't clean in my opinion, and I'm really not a big stickler on stuff. It just looks like something with a made in China sticker.
Man i used Ballistic with all my other fones seems they dropped the ball with the one for the S3 what were they thinking with the clearance of the buttons
Karl said:
Man i used Ballistic with all my other fones seems they dropped the ball with the one for the S3 what were they thinking with the clearance of the buttons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a nice comparison of the Ballistic case for Galaxy S3 vs Otterbox Defender. They show the size difference also
http://smartphonepedia.com/galaxy-s3-otterbox-defender-vs-ballistic-case.html
I just picked up the regular SG case for my S3 and I am not really impressed. My biggest gripe is that there is no protection for the camera. I was wondering if the SG MAX or otterbox case provided these.
Also, the SG caused my SD card to mount and un-mount very rapidly. Not sure what was happening there. The SG case is also causing my ArmorSuit skin to peel around the edges.
My experience with the S3 has been less than ideal.
The silicone feels very cheap on this case and that screen protector is the dumbest thing ive ever seen. And you do have the ballistic maxx the person who was posting on your youtube video dosent realize when ballistic says 5 layers of protection there including both the holster and screen protector
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
bmoreboy02 said:
The silicone feels very cheap on this case and that screen protector is the dumbest thing ive ever seen. And you do have the ballistic maxx the person who was posting on your youtube video dosent realize when ballistic says 5 layers of protection there including both the holster and screen protector
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured they were counting anything they could as a layer. That person is on XDA. They just wouldn't stop arguing so thanks. I'm glad Ballistic didn't donate this product because I had to tell the truth!
Hey fellas,
Got my hands on the Incipio Faxion today, this is a one-piece hybrid style case that offers great protection without adding excessive bulk. Made of a TPU and polycarbonate combination, the Faxion fits tightly on your Galaxy S3, ensuring a nice and solid feel. Ports and cutouts are perfect on this one, and although the back scratches up, at least the case is getting damaged and not your phone. Scratch & drop protection are very good since the combination of materials provides for great shock absorption and scratch protection. The case retails for 35$ from Incipio but you can find it for 20$ if you look around.
Check out the full review below:
i quite like this one tbh ... will scour around for a cheap one because it looks nice
tawne said:
i quite like this one tbh ... will scour around for a cheap one because it looks nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a terrific case! Unless you absolutely love it, stay tuned for my CandyShell review since they are similar cases, that way you can decide which of the two you like better.
Alright guys, I need your opinions and recommendations. What are your opinions on a case that maintains a small and reasonable form factor while providing great protection, far beyond other cases of a similar size. Basically what case do you think is the perfect compromise of size and durability? I'm sure that a thread like this will help more people than
Please share your opinions, personal experiences, or recommendations, or just anything that you have to offer.
I am in the same boat. Want minimal bulk, minimalist styling and some protection. I'm usually OK with just scratch protection, i.e. those < 1mm thin snap on covers but am willing to go a little thicker
I like the Rock shell cases, the Incipio Feather, and the Spigen Air cases. Something slightly more substantial or even the same would be nice it it wrapped around the top and bottom of the phone as well.
Give this one a try guys - I use this case on my last 3 Android Devices and absolutely LOVE it!
http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-active-ks-case-holster-black-p/bd2-hk3ssgs3k-bk.htm
a few cases that I have considered...
I'll start by offering a few cases that I have considered purchasing, and that I can't decide between.
Otterbox Commuter Case:
http://www.otterbox.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-Commuter-Series/SAM4-GALAXY-S3,default,pd.html
It seems like this case offers great protection, but I've heard that it has issues with being very slippery, difficult to press buttons, and might be a bit bulkier than cases offering similar protection.
Trident Aegis:
http://www.tridentcase.com/shop-pro...00/aegis-case-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-i9300.aspx
This case seems to offer similar protection to the Otterbox Commuter, but at a size that is easier to hold and fit in your pocket. This might be a keeper...
Incipio Silicrylic DualPro Shine:
http://www.incipio.com/Samsung-Gala...-SHINE-Hard-Shell-Case-with-Silicone-Core.asp
I just saw this case today online for the very first time. It looks amazing. It may offer slightly less protection than an Otterbox Commuter, but it looks much more pocketable, and easier to hold. It also looks like it might leave enough room to attach a Spigen Steinheil GLAS screen protector, something that I'm pretty sure can also be done with the Otterbox Commuter.
Spigen Neo Hybrid:
http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...g-galaxy-s3-case-neo-hybrid-color-series.html
Everytime I see this case I practically drool over how attractive it is. It looks very easy to hold, and is extremely sleek and sexy looking. Of course, it doesn't offer nearly the amount of protection as the Trident Aegis or Otterbox Commuter, but it might still offer enough protection. Opinions?
airman410 said:
I'll start by offering a few cases that I have considered purchasing, and that I can't decide between.
Otterbox Commuter Case:
http://www.otterbox.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-Commuter-Series/SAM4-GALAXY-S3,default,pd.html
It seems like this case offers great protection, but I've heard that it has issues with being very slippery, difficult to press buttons, and might be a bit bulkier than cases offering similar protection.
Trident Aegis:
http://www.tridentcase.com/shop-pro...00/aegis-case-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-i9300.aspx
This case seems to offer similar protection to the Otterbox Commuter, but at a size that is easier to hold and fit in your pocket. This might be a keeper...
Incipio Silicrylic DualPro Shine:
http://www.incipio.com/Samsung-Gala...-SHINE-Hard-Shell-Case-with-Silicone-Core.asp
I just saw this case today online for the very first time. It looks amazing. It may offer slightly less protection than an Otterbox Commuter, but it looks much more pocketable, and easier to hold. It also looks like it might leave enough room to attach a Spigen Steinheil GLAS screen protector, something that I'm pretty sure can also be done with the Otterbox Commuter.
Spigen Neo Hybrid:
http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/sa...g-galaxy-s3-case-neo-hybrid-color-series.html
Everytime I see this case I practically drool over how attractive it is. It looks very easy to hold, and is extremely sleek and sexy looking. Of course, it doesn't offer nearly the amount of protection as the Trident Aegis or Otterbox Commuter, but it might still offer enough protection. Opinions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried all these cases, and in all honesty - the Seidio Active Case beats them all hands down! No Contest! http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-active-ks-case-holster-black-p/bd2-hk3ssgs3k-bk.htm <--- I highly recommend this !
G-Man. said:
Give this one a try guys - I use this case on my last 3 Android Devices and absolutely LOVE it!
http://www.seidioonline.com/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-active-ks-case-holster-black-p/bd2-hk3ssgs3k-bk.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you happen to have any other pictures of that case, preferably with the phone in it? There are only two pictures on the website, can't really see very much of it.
airman410 said:
Would you happen to have any other pictures of that case, preferably with the phone in it? There are only two pictures on the website, can't really see very much of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can try to get some pics- my GS3 is the only camera I've got atm though lol - hard to take a pic of the phone in its case hehe. I'll search my house and see if i cant find my long lost digi camera - no promises there!
I've got the black Active case (no kickstand) and I love it. It doesn't slip, very grippy, still easy to pocket, also has a holster that is actually quite nicely built. The active is a slim case, that still protects the corners, top, and bottom. I've had this case for almost 2 months now and its been awesome. Its easy to remove and put back on. I'm getting ready to buy the Active case with the kickstand soon...
If you just want scratch protection and slim fit goto eBay or amazon and search for mercury. I've switched to my otterbox commuter for a week but came back to my mercury. Otterbox is good for drop protection but I only worry about that if I'm hiking and taking pictures so Ill swItch when I need to.
Sent from my SPH-L710
G-Man. said:
I can try to get some pics- my GS3 is the only camera I've got atm though lol - hard to take a pic of the phone in its case hehe. I'll search my house and see if i cant find my long lost digi camera - no promises there!
I've got the black Active case (no kickstand) and I love it. It doesn't slip, very grippy, still easy to pocket, also has a holster that is actually quite nicely built. The active is a slim case, that still protects the corners, top, and bottom. I've had this case for almost 2 months now and its been awesome. Its easy to remove and put back on. I'm getting ready to buy the Active case with the kickstand soon...
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So, I just realized that the link you provided was to a combo deal for the Active w/kickstand case and a holster. I found the link to just the case without the holster. Many more pictures of the phone + case. Looks great, it just might be the perfect combo.
http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CSK3SSGS3K-GR
airman410 said:
So, I just realized that the link you provided was to a combo deal for the Active w/kickstand case and a holster. I found the link to just the case without the holster. Many more pictures of the phone + case. Looks great, it just might be the perfect combo.
http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CSK3SSGS3K-GR
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You'll love that case!! No question about it
Theres the Ballistic Life Style (or LS)
http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ballistic-life-style-smooth-series-case
I think it looks the best, but I have not seen any reviews on it.
They got a video of their iphone LS being dropped
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziwHJh0PGOc
Body Glove drop suit looks nice too (A forum member has a picture of it in the pictures of your case thread)
http://www.bodyglovemobile.com/product/samsung-galaxy-siii-dropsuit-case-black,385,3.htm
I too am in the market for a case, I want some drop protection
Urban armor gear
Why not try this stylish case?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008EPW2AE/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=wireless
G-Man. said:
You'll love that case!! No question about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love all seidio cases but my absolute favorite will be the surface with holster. Yeah, it won't give you as much protection as the "active" but it adds the protection you need - or looking for.
Now that I mentioned the above, knock on wood***, should i happen to drop my phone let there be nothing wrong
I like the D3o cases that T-Mobile sells. I had a Ringke Slim case but that offered crappy drop protection. I've since bought the D3o case and it seems to offer much better protection while still keeping a similar form factor.