Review of Spigen Neo Hybrid, GlasTr, and Aluminum home buttons w/lots of pics!!! - General Accessories

This is Review of Spigen S4 accessories: Neo Hybrid case, GlasTr tempered glass screen protector, and collection of Aluminum replacement home buttons, http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/samsung/galaxy-s4-cases.html
Spigen is famous for their slogan "Something You Want". If you just got your new shinny S4 or waiting to get one soon, you will definitely find something you want from a collection of newly released Spigen accessories. This company is very well known for their screen protector and slim case accessories. Slim cases often sacrifice extra drop protection in favor of very basic scratch protection. This is definitely not the case with Slim Armor I already reviewed and this new Neo Hybrid. As a bonus, a premium tempered glass screen protector (GlasTr) and replacement aluminum home buttons were included in my review package, so I will take an opportunity to talk about all of these in my review.
Neo Hybrid is a very unique case consisting of two pieces, a thin TPU inner shell and outer PC frame. While TPU shell comes in black, PC frame is offered in a variety of 5 different colors. I just wish those would be sold separately so you don't have to buy another case if you want to change a color of your frame. TPU shell is made out of flexible material that snugly wraps around your S4 covering the whole back, with an exception of speaker/camera/flash opening and also covering the sides leaving only precise cutouts for power/volume/micro-usb/speaker/headphone and other S4 port openings. The outer finish of TPU is matte and non-slip, while inner finish has a pattern with a mix of matte and shiny pattern grooves which all come together to offer an acceptable impact protection. The PC frame only covers the edges of the case, and precisely interlocks with grooves of TPU shell. There is no worries that either TPU shell or PC frame will come loose once everything is assembled. One important thing to note, TPU and PC has to be assembled together before putting S4 into the case. One unique feature of PC frame are the separate power and volume buttons that are plastic but made to resemble shiny aluminum-like material. Once the case is assembled with S4, it feels very solid with a phone, no pulling or sagging anywhere. TPU part of the case gives a good non-slip surface for the back of the phone and also offers a small lip on the front so you can put a phone face down without worries about the screen touching the surface. Due to unique design of this form-fitted case, it transforms shape of S4 into a square off design, resembling in some way iPhone. I personally found it very comfortable to hold in my hand, a decent non-slippery grip. I know there has been a number of remarks about micro-usb port opening. I tried it, and demonstrated in my pictures, with Samsung oem charger cable and two other usb cables without any problem. But it's quite possible there will be 3rd party cables that will not fit properly, One option is that you can always trim off rubbery-plastic part of the connector since they typically have over-sized grip mold. Overall, a very unique slim case that also offers wrap-around protection and adequate shock absorption during your typical everyday use. They did kept it slim with a small lip, and in my personal opinion this case will work better with a thinner GlasT screen protector rather than GlasTr which I'm going to talk more about later.
As a bonus with Neo Hybrid, jelly bean home button stickers are included to customize your phone. But if you want something more solid with bold colors and a premium feel - Spigen offers aluminum home button replacements that come in a pack of three colors: black, silver, and red. These look very slick and definitely going to offer a premium touch to your phone with it's laser cut design. These will look especially awesome with GlasTr tempered glass since it has home button cutout.
And speaking of tempered glass, I was surprised that GlasTr was included with my review package from Spigen since I'm using a display model of S4. But nevertheless, I would like to review this product and offer to you as many pictures as I can to give you an idea of its quality. Spigen offers two versions of GlasT tempered glass screen protectors, one is the original one with super thin 0.23mm thickness and another is a thicker 0.4mm version called GlasTr. Both of these screen protectors offer real glass material, whole transparency, signature oleophobic coating (anti-fingerprint coated layer), anti-shatter film, 8-9H surface hardness, and a special silicone adhesion. The "R" version, due to being thicker, also offers rounded borders, tapered home button cutout, and special anti-chip ultra protection. In addition to screen protection, package also comes with a unique anti-scratch battery cover protection film just in case if you decide to carry your phone without a case. You do get a jelly bean button cover, but I would recommend going with their aluminum replacement home button. Keep in mind, "R" glass is twice thicker than an original GlasT. So when you are choosing one versus the other, check with your case and thickness of the lip.
Overall, Spigen is known for a high quality products and they always deliver it! Design is always a matter of preference. So if your preference to outfit S4 with a slimmest case that will also give you a piece of mind if you drop your phone - this is definitely "something you want"! Also, keep in mind, every Spigen product comes with a unique serial number to id it and to validate the warranty and provide you with a support. There is a number of fake Spigen knock-off available elsewhere, but these are just that - a low quality knock off that will not offer the same level of quality you get from buying the original one. So please be aware!
Here are the pictures!!!
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What is the point of the aluminum button and how is it attached?

Great review
Thanks for this review. I have been looking to return my Samsung Flip Cover case and was considering buying this case. Your review just sealed the deal for me!

The glass screen protector adds some thickness so the home button is lower than the screen. Do when you put on the button it makes it a bit higher. They just stick on like a sticker on top of the original button.

v3rn said:
The glass screen protector adds some thickness so the home button is lower than the screen. Do when you put on the button it makes it a bit higher. They just stick on like a sticker on top of the original button.
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Exactly. Tempered glass adds thickness to the screen and makes home button to be recessed. Adding such aluminum stick on button (it's not your typical sticker, this one has strong self-adhesive side) will bring it back up to the level of the glass. Plus, it has a nice aluminum feel to it with a laser cut etching. I know some people use it even without tempered glass just to personalize your phone.

vectron said:
Exactly. Tempered glass adds thickness to the screen and makes home button to be recessed. Adding such aluminum stick on button (it's not your typical sticker, this one has strong self-adhesive side) will bring it back up to the level of the glass. Plus, it has a nice aluminum feel to it with a laser cut etching. I know some people use it even without tempered glass just to personalize your phone.
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I have the Aluminum Home button without the glass i feel like the s4 home button is to recessed

I wonder if the latest version from the website comes with a back protector. It doesn't mention one and the packaging looks different that yours.

Thanks for the close-up pics.
I ordered the Yellow One and was looking around for some detailed reviews! :good:

irishrally said:
I wonder if the latest version from the website comes with a back protector. It doesn't mention one and the packaging looks different that yours.
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You are probably looking at GlasT version, not GlasTr version. GlasT package looks a bit different (color) and the glass is thinner, 0.23mm instead of 0.4mm. Look at my pictures, 6th one from the bottom. The back of the package has a comparison between both versions.

I have the neo hybrid case. It's fantastic. Hands down best case I've ever had.

vectron said:
You are probably looking at GlasT version, not GlasTr version. GlasT package looks a bit different (color) and the glass is thinner, 0.23mm instead of 0.4mm. Look at my pictures, 6th one from the bottom. The back of the package has a comparison between both versions.
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I was looking at the r versoin here: http://www.spigen.com/galaxy-s4-screen-protector-glas-tr-slim-premium-tempered-glass.html
The packaging is different in the picture up top ... but I think that picture isn't the actual packaging, I watched the videos and the packaging looks like yours so must come with a back protector too.

Glas.tr and Aluminum Home Button
Since I've installed Glas.tr, I wonder does aluminum home button will be a little thicker than the glass or it's the same thickness.
But what I see in that close-up it's a bit lower than a glass.

thanks for posting the pictures really "zoomed" it for me, i just ordered a silver neo hybrid off of ebay last week still waiting :good:

Related

Review: Incipio NGP (TPU) case

Incipio NGP case for the Moto G
Cost: $19.95 ($16.95 with a coupon for me) free shipping from the Incipio website.
Description: Incipio's version of TPU, it's a case that covers the sides & back of the Moto G along with a small lip on the front of the phone to elevate the screen if faced downward. A nice feature of this particular TPU case is that the buttons (power & volume keys) are also covered with minimal interference from the TPU material.
My thoughts: For a $20 case, which is approaching the price of the likes of more robust hybrid (polycarbonate/silicone or PC/TPU) cases like the Otterbox, as well as equaling the cost of Moto's own Grip Shell accessory, I was expecting a lot out of this case.
I got the black color TPU case for two reasons: I prefer neutral colors for my cases, and secondly, TPU has a notorious reputation for yellowing as it ages. I'm hoping that this case, which is still slightly translucent, will conceal the yellowing process more since it's a dark neutral color. We'll see how it holds up -- normally when I have a TPU case, I don't mind replacing it every 5-6 months or so since they're usually so cheap ($5-10) but this one is at a higher price point than other TPU cases so I want it to hold up longer.
In terms of fit, there's nothing to complain about. The TPU is very flexible (a little less stiff than I'd like to see, but doesn't have the "rubbery" feel of cheaper TPU or silicone cases) and everything aligns perfectly with no gaps. The "NGP" material itself which Incipio claims is better than your average TPU has a very nice texture and premium feel. It's a very subtle "grainy" feel when you run your fingers over the surface --- smooth and hard but not slippery as you'd think of a TPU case because of the subtle grain. I don't know if the sparkly mica-like particles in the NGP material are what gives it that texture, but it definitely gives the case a more solid grip than what I'm used to in other TPU cases.
Neither the headphone port nor the microUSB port are covered --- the cutaways in the case do not interfere with cables. There is a decent distance in case thickness for the back camera/speaker/flash to be protected from any table debris, and similarly the lip of the front of the case gives the screen clearance. The case lip fits snugly around the front of the case without any gapping.
Now, normally with a cheap TPU case I would not complain about manufacturing quality beyond any fit issues. However, for a premium TPU case, I'm disappointed to find very obvious seam lines all around the case. You will notice them in the closeup photos below of the ports (lines in the center part of the case as well as some flash (leftover seams/bits from manufacturing process)) around the ports. That's a bit sloppy for a case that is marketed as a step up from your normal ebay TPU case from overseas. It's more of an aesthetic issue than anything else, but like I said my expectation of this case is higher due to its bigger price.
The thickness of the TPU seems adequate for decent protection, i.e. dropping short distances on softer surfaces like carpet, etc. If you want maximum drop protection for your case, you would probably want to look at a Trident or Otterbox especially since they really aren't that much more expensive.
Conclusion:
I would say that it's a OK purchase but I'm not super thrilled about it --- I think the Fosmon Hybo Snap was a better deal at less than half the cost and you'd probably be just as happy with a Cruzerlite TPU case ($10-12) as this one, unless you dislike the smoother feel of those cases. Unless, of course, you must have button covers in which case this is one of the few TPU cases where the covered buttons are actually the same or slightly less sensitive than without the cover --- it's my favorite feature of the case.
I do like the feel of the NGP material and so far it seems to collect less dust than most TPU or silicone cases, I'm just not sure it's worth the extra cost.
If you want a case with minimal bulk but still protect the corners of the case, this will do for you. However, you may want to consider other similar TPU cases that are half or less of the cost of this one.
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^ That's not dust, that's the sparkly bits in the NGP material. It looks pretty nice in the light, sort of like the mica/metallic paint jobs some cars have.
^ Note the presence of very obvious seam lines (that you can also feel when touching it) :|
How's the Fosmon one? Does it come with a built in Screen protector and is it TPU on the bottom? Thinking of getting it.
angomy said:
If you want a case with minimal bulk but still protect the corners of the case, this will do for you. However, you may want to consider other similar TPU cases that are half or less of the cost of this one.
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I agree. I'd rather get one of the Cruzerlite cases for less money. But then again, I'm a fan of 2 piece cases that offer more protection. Btw, great review.
thebestiam said:
How's the Fosmon one? Does it come with a built in Screen protector and is it TPU on the bottom? Thinking of getting it.
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I like the Fosmon case especially at the price point (under $10). It's the case I use most frequently when I go out. It does come with a built-in protector that was OK --- I already have a screen protector on my phone which I didn't want to remove since I swap out cases so often, so some of the edge sensitivity issues I was seeing may not be an issue for you. I felt that the built-in protector was a bit cheap.. it's thick but I could see faint scratches in it from being cleaned (when tilted in the light, not obvious whilst using the phone). I'm used to the more responsive wet-apply / static-apply on-screen protectors, but if you prefer built-in protectors you may be satisfied with this one's responsiveness.
It's an inner ring of TPU (sort of like the Moto Grip Shell "rubber ring", except thicker & imho more protection) that snaps onto a polycarbonate back similar to the original Moto back. The corners (so top, sides, bottom of phone) are half thick TPU and half thinner TPU covered by the polycarbonate back. The back of the phone case is only polycarbonate.
The Incipio I'm using mostly at home since I still want drop protection / be able to have it sitting on surfaces without getting the camera or screen scratched --- since I use wired headphones for calls at home it's the more convenient case for this situation over the Fosmon since I don't have to flip back a headphone cover to use it.
I did a review on the Fosmon case here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2643755
angomy said:
I like the Fosmon case especially at the price point (under $10). It's the case I use most frequently when I go out. It does come with a built-in protector that was OK --- I already have a screen protector on my phone which I didn't want to remove since I swap out cases so often, so some of the edge sensitivity issues I was seeing may not be an issue for you. I felt that the built-in protector was a bit cheap.. it's thick but I could see faint scratches in it from being cleaned (when tilted in the light, not obvious whilst using the phone). I'm used to the more responsive wet-apply / static-apply on-screen protectors, but if you prefer built-in protectors you may be satisfied with this one's responsiveness.
It's an inner ring of TPU (sort of like the Moto Grip Shell "rubber ring", except thicker & imho more protection) that snaps onto a polycarbonate back similar to the original Moto back. The corners (so top, sides, bottom of phone) are half thick TPU and half thinner TPU covered by the polycarbonate back. The back of the phone case is only polycarbonate.
The Incipio I'm using mostly at home since I still want drop protection / be able to have it sitting on surfaces without getting the camera or screen scratched --- since I use wired headphones for calls at home it's the more convenient case for this situation over the Fosmon since I don't have to flip back a headphone cover to use it.
I did a review on the Fosmon case here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2643755
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Eh, it looks pretty good, but i went ahead with the Fosmon DURA-FROST Series Flexible TPU. Would have been better if the back was TPU instead of the back. btw Nice review

Review of Case-Mate Refined, Sports, and Studio S5 Collections w/TON of pictures!!!

This is a Review of Case-Mate Refined, Sports, and Studio Collections of S5 cases. http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S5-Cases/Samsung-Galaxy-S5-Cases.asp
I have been a fan of Case-Mate Tough case, used it on my Note 2, and reviewed it in the past to share my experience about it. One of the selling points of Tough case for me was it's very slim profile while still offering a decent drop protection. Once I got S5 for my wife and knowing she might not be a fan of bulky cases, I decided to get a review sample to see how it will look with S5. But here is a twist. Since this is technically not my phone, I figured it would be nice to look at some cases with a more flashy appeal for the ladies in our community who consider a smartphone as an accessory thus dressing it up accordingly. Since I got a lot of review samples and have a ton of pictures to share with you, I will try to be brief with my write up and let the pictures do the talking, but will offer my comments as well.
Let's start first with a Refined Collection samples. Just like the name states, it's more "refined" with a flashier look and more expensive material used to make each one stand out in it's own way. They each have a similar 2 piece design with a backplate piece which has a layer of thin shock absorption material and raised edges where you place your phone, and a frame piece you apply from the top which latches securely to backplate and holds S5 in place. Each design has it's unique back finish where Caliber (more appropriate for guys) uses some fancy material made out of GIO Ballistic Composite, Glam has a shiny sparkly finish under laminating anti-scratch cover, and Brilliance uses genuine crystal pieces (very securely glued to a surface) and leather. The rest of the material is plastic. They all have identical precise cutouts for all the ports, where Brilliance and Glam also offer metallic looking physical buttons for power and volume while Caliber has it in matching case color. I also have to note that a design gives S5 a squared off look in iPhone style. In my opinion it offers a level of protection for your phone to survive a drop, but with an exception of Caliber, it's hard to tell how much of a damage it will cause to a fancy backs of Brilliance and Glam. Furthermore, I noticed the case design wasn't too friendly with my tempered glass screen protector, where the edge of it was lifted off, but it shouldn't be a problem with a regular PET film screen protector. Obviously, the intention of these cases is to make a bold statement rather than being used while you are hiking outdoors or working on a construction. In addition, although Case-Mate is very well known for their super-coupons where you can save a lot of money, I would always start by looking on Amazon where you can find a better pricing for these.
Here are the pictures.
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Caliber
Glam
Brilliance
Next, let's take a look at Sports Collection which consist of Tough and Pop! Stand cases.
As I mentioned before, I'm quite familiar with Tough case for Note 2, so was expecting a similar one for S5. I found the case to be redesigned and now offering a better protection while still remaining relatively slim. The case offers dual layer protection with inner layer being a typical TPU shell for shock absorption. It has a nice snug fit, precise cutouts and alignments with all the port openings, metallic power and volume buttons - a nice touch you won't find with your typical TPU case, and a small lip to be able to place your phone case down without worrying about glass screen touching the surface. I found no issues with my tempered glass screen protector since softer TPU material wrapped around it rather than pushing on the sides. As a bonus, there is a second shell PC layer for impact resistance. It wraps around the TPU shell and securely latches to it. Another very important feature of this second layer is textured surface which offers an excellent grip for your hand, anti-skid protection when phone placed down on the flat surface, and still smooth enough to go easily in and out of your pocket without grabbing it.
If you are ready for a tougher protection, Pop! Stand will be your next choice. It's equally slim in comparison to Tough, but in my opinion it's fused dual layer design can take a bit more abuse. With inner TPU layer offering shock absorption and outer PC shell for impact resistance, it wraps your S5 very secure. Though the outer layer doesn't have the same textured finish, the side TPU grips compensate for that very nicely. Just like with Tough, Pop! has all the precisely aligned cutouts, but the power and volume buttons are part of TPU layer and sealed. They are made out of more flexible material to offer a tactile response of buttons. The bonus of this case is the kickstand which allows S5 to be placed in panoramic view for watching movies, etc. In comparison to Note 2 Pop! case which I also reviewed in the past, the rubber tip of this extended kickstand is better fused with the rest of it (in comparison to Note 2 Pop! design where it got separated after a short while). It also offers a small protection lip around the face of the phone and will secure a phone from sliding placed either on the back or the face down.
From the Studio collection, I received Naked Tough and Slim Tough cases.
As the name suggests, Naked Tough will make your phone look "naked" while still offering a level of Tough protection. This design consist of two pieces with an inner slim TPU bumper which also has metallic power and volume buttons, and an outer transparent PC back shell to go on top of it. It's very similar to Tough design with an exception of inner TPU shell being replaced with a bumper to keep back transparency. Obviously, it will not offer the same level of protection as a regular Tough case because you no longer have additional shock absorption layer on the back, but it has a very slim form factor, offers a bumper protection, as well as scratch protection of your battery cover. It will definitely help you if you drop your phone in it, but don't expect a high level of protection. This is more for a minimum protection while keeping it slim, easy in and out of the pocket, and no additional color beside your original S5 skin.
Slim Tough has a very similar 2-piece design as Refined collection without any fancy finish. It actually has an inner TPU shell which wraps around the phone, and a plastic frame piece that adds a nice bi-color detail including metallic buttons for power and volume. Slim Tough does a good job to square off the outline of S5 to make it look very iPhonish. As with other cases, all the ports have a precise cutout and nice alignment. In theory this case should be more durable than Refined collection since inner TPU shell fully wraps around the phone, but the protection level is still not exactly heavy duty.
vectron said:
From the Studio collection, I received Naked Tough and Slim Tough cases.
As the name suggests, Naked Tough will make your phone look "naked" while still offering a level of Tough protection. This design consist of two pieces with an inner slim TPU bumper which also has metallic power and volume buttons, and an outer transparent PC back shell to go on top of it. It's very similar to Tough design with an exception of inner TPU shell being replaced with a bumper to keep back transparency. Obviously, it will not offer the same level of protection as a regular Tough case because you no longer have additional shock absorption layer on the back, but it has a very slim form factor, offers a bumper protection, as well as scratch protection of your battery cover. It will definitely help you if you drop your phone in it, but don't expect a high level of protection. This is more for a minimum protection while keeping it slim, easy in and out of the pocket, and no additional color beside your original S5 skin.
Slim Tough has a very similar 2-piece design as Refined collection without any fancy finish. It actually has an inner TPU shell which wraps around the phone, and a plastic frame piece that adds a nice bi-color detail including metallic buttons for power and volume. Slim Tough does a good job to square off the outline of S5 to make it look very iPhonish. As with other cases, all the ports have a precise cutout and nice alignment. In theory this case should be more durable than Refined collection since inner TPU shell fully wraps around the phone, but the protection level is still not exactly heavy duty.
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Thanks for all the information! Why don't any of the cases cover the silver bezel!
Good question. Probably to keep it as slim as possible?
vectron said:
Good question. Probably to keep it as slim as possible?
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BTW and completely OT, the granite countertop in your kitchen looks great.
Hi, could you please measure the dimensions (outside) of Sport Tough and Studio Slim Tough?

Review of Otterbox Commuter and Defender series cases for Galaxy S6 w/lots if pics!!!

This is a review of Otterbox cases for Galaxy S6, Commuter Series: http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/samsung-galaxy-s6/commuter-series-case/sam4-galaxy-s6-byo.html#start=1 (available on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-COMMUTER-Samsung-Galaxy-Packaging/dp/B00TYTDN6Q/) and Defender Series: http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/samsung-galaxy-s6/defender-series-case/sam2-galaxy-s6-byo.html#start=1 (available on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-DEFENDER-Samsung-Galaxy-Packaging/dp/B00TYTBGOC/)
There is no denial, Otterbox is probably considered to be among the most popular brand names when it comes to smartphone cases. As a matter of fact “Defender” became part of our vocabulary referring to cases with tough multi-layer protection. And even in todays highly competitive and over-saturated market of smartphone accessories, a lot of the people still put safety of their phones in hands of Otterbox. Here I got a chance to test their latest versions of Commuter and Defender series for Galaxy S6.
Typically, Otterbox retail packaging has a nice presentation inside of a plastic clear box. I’m sure most of you are familiar with it or have seen it at Best Buy or your local carrier store. Since I received my review samples directly from Otterbox, they came inside of separately labeled small plastic bags. But regardless of packaging you receive these in, I would recommend saving it along with your purchase receipt. Otterbox warranty process is very thorough, and though it states “one year”, I know of situations when people submitted a claim with a picture of a damaged case and proof of purchase after warranty expired and were able to receive their replacement. True, you are paying premium, but you are also getting a reasonable support in return. More about the actual cases next.
Starting with Commuter Series, you get a dual layer protection with an inner silicone shock absorption layer and an outer PC impact resistant layer. In addition, Commuter case also comes with a film screen protector, to protect your display from scratches. The inner silicone layer has sealed power and volume buttons to keep dirt and dust away, while still having a nice tactile response. Micro usb charging and headphone opening both have port covers to protect from external elements, though it also adds some pressure on the connectors when you have charging cable or headphone jack plugged in. From my personal experience, if this bothers you – you can always cut them off. Other port openings at the top, bottom, and back of the case have precise cutouts and perfect alignment with S6.
The assembly of the case is straight forward where you start with an inner sleeve, making sure phone is fully inserted, edges are covered, and power and volume buttons are alignment, and then apply the outer shell. Once assembled, the case adds some bulk but at the expense of an additional protection. The inner silicone shell provides a decent front screen bumper allowing you to put phone face down. Also, you get a decent grip since outer plastic layer doesn’t fully cover silicone shell sides. Unfortunately, the outer PC shell is a bit slippery in your hands and could become a problem when placing your phone face up where it can slide off smooth surface if bumped. At the same time, smooth back cover means an easy way in and out of the pocket. Another observation, this case works well with most of the film protectors and some thin tempered glass protectors where silicone bumper of the inner layers shouldn’t lift the edges off.
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While Commuter series is considered to be their “slimmer” version, Defender series adds some noticeable bulk with a full wrap around protection, but it’s too bad. Either way, it’s a price to pay for an ultimate protection – and that’s exactly what you are going to get! Starting with an inner interlocking PC shell you have a built-in screen protector and also another thin layer of shock absorbent material inside of that shell. A built-in screen protector is film based and has a cutout for home button. The assembly of inner plastic case was a huge improvement over the previous Defender cases where tabs are a lot easier now to interlock and pull apart. On top of that, you have another silicone shock absorption layer placed over the PC shell. That piece adds another layer of shock protection and also significantly improves a grip. Also, you don’t have to worry anymore about your phone sliding off the surface when placed face up. Of course, facing down you also have a considerable amount of front lip to keep it off the surface. Just keep in mind this is just a film screen protector where any direct impact will not protect your display. For that you will need a tempered glass protector, but with Defender you can only use a thin tempered glass to fit inside of the inner shell.
Just like with a Commuter, Defender has micro usb and headphone ports covered and protected from any dirt and dust. Also, volume and power buttons are covered and have a nice tactile response when pressed. The rest of the ports have precise cutouts and perfect alignment. The only issue which still remains is micro-usb port opening being limited by plastic guards of the inner shell that allow only use of an average or narrow charging connectors. It’s probably not going to be an issue for majority, but I do have to acknowledge that some micro-usb cables with a larger connector might not fit.
Last but not least, Otterbox also comes with a belt-clip holster which allows you to carry your Defender case attached to the belt. Belt-clip holster will come especially handy when you spend a lot of time outdoors. The Defender case fits inside of the holster both face in and face out. Typically for extra protection you would want to keep it face in, but there is also an advantage to place it face out since a belt clip locks in open position and doubles as a kickstand to place your S6 in landscape orientation to watch a movie or to play a video, etc.
Overall, lately I noticed that people prefer to minimize and to slim down their cases. Even a slim case can enhance a phone grip and provide a very minimum drop protection. But it’s not enough if you are camping or hiking or work outdoors where your Galaxy S6 is going to be exposed to a rough handling. The choice between Commuter or Defender will give you some room to decide how much protection you need depending on your everyday activities, but regardless of your choice – both of the cases will give you a piece of mind with a decent drop protection. I know a number of people who got both of these cases with Commuter for everyday use and Defender for when they’re going on biking or camping. Of course, everything is up to a personal preference, but if you require a maximum level of protection – Otterbox cases should be on your list to consider.
Very Nice Review, Thank You.
Does the phone slide around inside of the plastic shell after you snap it together but before you install the outer silicone?
felloffthetruck said:
Very Nice Review, Thank You.
Does the phone slide around inside of the plastic shell after you snap it together but before you install the outer silicone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it wedged in there pretty tight! Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of "defender"
vectron said:
No, it wedged in there pretty tight! Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of "defender"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I have the Defender for the S6 and the it was pretty loose inside of the plastic shell. Otterbox is sending me a new shell.
felloffthetruck said:
Yea, I have the Defender for the S6 and the it was pretty loose inside of the plastic shell. Otterbox is sending me a new shell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you keeping the old one as well? Would be interesting to a/b to see what they have changed or if your original one was defective? Actually if you think about, being loose inside might be to your advantage since you can probably get away with tempered glass screen protector if there is any extra room
Do either of these cases work with wireless charging? That's what I'm curious about. Is the flash hampered by the cases in any way?
Sent from my SM-G920W8 using XDA Free mobile app

[REVIEW] Spigen Neo Hybrid Case + Spigen screen protector crystal

Disclaimer: I DID NOT received this product for free or was given any discount nor the seller/manufacturer knows about this review before posting. I bought it with my own money.
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Since I upgraded my phone to HTC10, it was time to buy some new gadgets and the case and screen protector were on top of my list.
I bought Spigen NeoHybrid (SatinSilver) case about 3 weeks ago along with the 3pack of Spigen Crystal screen protector.
HTC 10 Screen Protector Crystal by Spigen
Lets start with the screen protector first.
It comes in a nice package with anti dust stickers, Zeiss wet screen wiper and also positioning stickers. In the package you will find 3 pieces of the film. I payed about 10USD for it.
My first aplication was unsuccessful but I gained some experience, leveled up, changed armor and sword and oh wait...
And second try was a lot better. Positioning stickers help a lot since the screen protector is perfectly cut for the front but to align it perfectly it should almost touch the upper edge of the fingerprint reader which I did not like and I left a little margin which you will see on the photos. The film does not cover entire screen leaving little margin around screen for the curved edge of the glass. I think it could be a bit wider but I do not know if it would affect aplication by the end user. I think I would be very fine with it being a little taller and wider.
The screen is very clear and very hard to see once aplied. It is unfortunately very soft and thin - using your fingers and nails leave little "rivers" or traces which are visible only on very steep angle to the light. They are not visible from the front, you need to angle the screen to see them properly. Also you can permanently mark the film with your nail, often where the buttons are.(like GooglePlay store top left menu for example).
At first I was very concerned and a bit mad just knowing it is there but after one day when you do not see it and that it is only 10USB/3pcs film I stopped bothering. I looked at my previous phone which has a quite hard film and it look like scratched with a chainsaw so no point in whining really.
Overall I am satisfied but nothing fancy and If I had an opportunity to try other 3pack of film I would do it just for comparison.
HTC 10 Case Neo Hybrid (SatinSilver)
I bought for ~20USD the first version of the case which had cutouts on the top for scrapped IR blaster which was considered by the HTC and did not make it to the final design. Last week I contacted Spigen about updated case and they told me they will send me new one for free. Shipping was also very fast from USA to Europe. I was very glad and happy about, the support was very proffessional and they care about their customers base. Very good job Spigen. Kep it up!
You will find photos of both cases and the end of the review.
Neo Hybrid is my second case from Spigen overall. I have also NeoHybrid Gunmetal (or blue as I call it) for Iphone6+ which is quite more slimmer than case for HTC10.
HTC10 version has bigger and more edged frame and it feels more sturdy. At first I was sceptic for the chosen color - Satin Silver was really bright and eye catching which I wanted to avoid but after spending weeks with it I think it is the best color option for black HTC10. The silver frame looks gorgeous and adds a character to the entire design. Gunmetal or Black frame would be very stealth, way too much for me. Silver frame really follows the chamfered edge design of the phone making it more uniqe and eye catching.
Case front edges stick out a bit protecting the screen, maybe a bit too much for me but nothing really to whine about. It could affect you fingerprint scans though if you slightly put your finger on the case front edge. Rear is very well protected and the lens glass and LEDs are protected well enough. Also no problem with taking pictures but I do not personaly take any photos other that work stuff and "memos" so I can not say if the flash is affected. In the field or on a trip I am using my DSLR for photos, not a fan of taking pictures with my phone.
Case quality is very good. The design quality and frame fitting to the inner TPU/rubber case is nearly perfect. On the photos you will see the the top left corner on the rear does not completely flush with each other. It is present on the both cases off and on the phone.
Rubberised inne case is very nice to touch and the texture add to the grip. What I did not like very much is the lack of textured Power button. In my opinion it is a must to follow the original design of the HTC10 and for some people it might be a little confusing since all buttons are the same size and have almost same spacing between them. They do not stick out very much from the case.
As for the plastic frame grip, it could be a little slippy. I would like to see it textured just on the side edge around the case. Something like on the back would be very nice for grip and would feel the phone much more secure in my hands.
But overall design and looks are one of my favorites and Neo Hybrid for HTC10 nails the design very well. Same model for Iphone does not come even close. Over all I am very happy about it. Even more happy with Spigen support who sent me updated version of the case.
If anybody is looking for a nice looking case which is well built I could definitely recommend Neo Hybrid from Spigen.
What I liked:
- nice design, high quality case
- protects front and the rear glass on flat surfaces
- good price for such a product, Spigen customer support
What I disliked:
- lack of textured Power button, SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED!
- plastic frame could be slippy
- front case edges a little to tall for my preference, could be a bit slimmer
Nice review thnx
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I can also vouch for the screen protector and agree with your comments. Hard to beat a 3 pack for 10 bucks. I also got the spigen "Rugged" one piece slip on style case and I am loving it. It looks just barely thinner than this case. One thing I'm slightly conscious of is scratching the sides of the metal body. My note 4 has a nice metal frame which is unfortunately scratched to hell from a similar style case.
guys, anyone has this case?
can i only use the tpu piece? or it will fall off?\
thanks
cobrax2 said:
guys, anyone has this case?
can i only use the tpu piece? or it will fall off?\
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only using the TPU piece will cause it to feel flimsy and not secure.
hmm, yeah i was afraid of that

Let's See Your Case! - Xperia 5 ii 'Showcase'

Hey All,
Initially this post was to show off one of my cases, but since I'm a bit of a case fiend, I'll be posting all of 'em here.
Feel free to post yours and share any thoughts.
Several of mine are coming from overseas so I'll be posting them as they arrive.
X-Level Guardian case
Was my favorite case for the Pixel 2XL.
Feels a bit smoother and not as grippy but it may just need to be broken in a bit.
Cutouts are precise and buttons are okay. Not as tactile as I'd like but satisfactory.
I don’t like bulky cases and this keeps the phone slim.
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J&D Clear case
Way grippier in hand than the X-level.
Shows off the phone's design/color a lot better.
Shutter button is a bit on the mushy side.
Dust and smudge magnet. However, fairly resistant to regular finger prints.

			
				
Wood Pattern cases
Wood pattern looks good. No texture, just a smooth back
Makes the phone even less grippy (if that's even possible)
Buttons are hard to press and hard to feel because of minimal feedback
Cases are more for looks than anything else
hzj19960112 said:
View attachment 5150661View attachment 5150663
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Nice! Please share a link. Are they grippy?
jdilla1987 said:
Nice! Please share a link. Are they grippy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe u can't buy it ... It's sell on taobao.com
jdilla1987 said:
Nice! Please share a link. Are they grippy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check pm,send link to u.
hzj19960112 said:
check pm,send link to u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the link! Yeah I don't know if that Taobao seller ships to the US. I tried to checkout but it doesn't seem to let me. It's unfortunate because I see several cases on Taobao that I don't see anywhere else. Hopefully they reach other sites soon.
I got the official Sony case with kickstand. It's made of a hard textured material with plenty of grip. The fit is nice - tight but also easy to remove. It also does not add much bulk - only a bit at the corners and top & bottom. I am pleased with it.
hzj19960112 said:
View attachment 5150661View attachment 5150663View attachment 5150665View attachment 5150667
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Where did you buy this one? I like the black one
Never mind, just ordered the X-Level via Amazon.de
olafd72 said:
Where did you buy this one? I like the black one
Never mind, just ordered the X-Level via Amazon.de
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
taobao.com maybe can't send to outside China
Mercury Goospery Soft case (Midnight Blue)
Same mold/design as the X-Level case
Material is softer to the touch. Slightly grippier and feels better in hand
Wish the buttons were more tactile but are satisfactory
Susceptible to finger grease but wipes off easily enough
Love the midnight blue color
Devil Case Lite
High quality case, made in Taiwan
Milspec drop resistance (MIL-STD-810G-516.6)
Constructed with clear plexi rear panel and textured side bumper.
Alloy buttons for volume rocker, Google Assistant key, and Shutter release. Google Assistant Key is removeable*
Alloy buttons can be purchased separately in different colors and have best feel of any of the cases and is similar bare/naked buttons
Alloy shutter release button has the best "feel" for using the shutter button. Easy and smooth 2-stage travel.
Sides are gently rounded and thicker than most cases and spreads against your palm adding comfort. Very fine texturing adds to grip even in wet/slippery conditions
Clear back panel picks up fingerprints very easily. Due to the construction of the cutouts, dust/lint can enter and is drawn to the clear back plate via static. The case looks superb when clean and dust free but this may be very short-lived. Not recommended for those with OCD
Exepnsive and may not be available in your region
I have the blue and the black (pictured) version
All cutouts are perfect
Lanyard holes are included
Spigen Rugged Armor
High quality case, slim case
Rounded edges with diagonal channels for added grip
Constructed from TPU. Rear has finely textured surface with immunity to fingerprints
All cutouts are perfect
Shutter button is a touch stiff and may add vibration when using it to take photos
Lightweight
Only comes in black
Lanyard holes are included
Case fits very snuggly will dislodge case friendly screen protectors unless applied precisely
Excellent case for the money
TJ446 said:
Alloy shutter release button has the best "feel" for using the shutter button. Easy and smooth 2-stage travel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have sold me on that alone.
TJ446 said:
Rounded edges with diagonal channels for added grip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish more case makers would adopt this method. The rounded edges of this phone make it nice to hold, but also cause it to be a bit slippery in hand.
A Nillkin case for my 6p had a textured grip on it's edges and it worked really well.
I am a case junky myself. It's the small details that intrigue me. However. I've grown to find out that there is no such thing as an endgame case.
I believe that's why the new iPhones have brought back the squared off sides in their design. Logic would suggest that a flat surface won't grip as well, but the edge does help vs a rounded one.
It is important that the shutter button have a precise feel especially if you are using the pro camera and video apps. I've been a photo buff since ages ago dating back to film.
I wish this phone had more high quality cases available for it but in the meantime I will enjoy the hunt.
TJ446 said:
Spigen Rugged Armor
High quality case, slim case
Rounded edges with diagonal channels for added grip
Constructed from TPU. Rear has finely textured surface with immunity to fingerprints
All cutouts are perfect
Shutter button is a touch stiff and may add vibration when using it to take photos
Lightweight
Only comes in black
Lanyard holes are included
Case fits very snuggly will dislodge case friendly screen protectors unless applied precisely
Excellent case for the money
View attachment 5165121View attachment 5165107View attachment 5165119View attachment 5165115View attachment 5165111View attachment 5165113View attachment 5165109View attachment 5165117
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Hi,
can you tell me the brand of the screen protector in these pictures?
I have one from Spigen, but I lost sensibility in the corners. The good thing is that it covers the whole screen.
Thanks
Giorgio
Hi. The screen protector I am using is from Devil Case Taiwan.
I was planning to do a review on it after having it for a longer period of time.
It is the 4th tempered glass protector I have used on the Xperia 5 II.
- Well made, with all edges rounded. Case friendly
- Cutout for front camera and proximity sensor. Notches for top and bottom speaker
- No black borders
- This version has a matte, anti glare finish. The difference is similar to viewing a TFT monitor vs an IPS monitor. Overall brightness is down around 10% and fine clarity is down around 5%. Some vividness is reduced, perhaps 2%
- Anti glare properties work well in bright sunlight
- Does not have adverse effects using polarized sunglasses except reduced brightness
- Surface coating is extremely smooth virtually as good as no screen protector. Fingerprints are reduced greatly and cleaning is very easy
- No issues with using Side Sense gestures
- Only one screen protector is included in the package. No mounting bracket included but accessories like alcohol wipe and microfiber cloth are included and high quality
- Touch sensitivity is quite good overall but a very slight reduction is notable in the corners. Compared to other glass screenn protectors I have tested, this reduction is very minor. This could change after a period of time, but long term data not available. I waited a full 12 hours after applying before using the phone to ensure that the screen protector adhered properly
- Relatively expensive and may not be available in your region
I hope this helps you. I believe a clear version of this screen protector exists but was sold out at the time. If it is constructed like this one, it may be the one to consider if a matte finish is not preferable.
baronebirra said:
Hi,
can you tell me the brand of the screen protector in these pictures?
I have one from Spigen, but I lost sensibility in the corners. The good thing is that it covers the whole screen.
Thanks
Giorgio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ordered this, hopefully not too bad.
Amazon.com: Anccer Compatible with Sony Xperia 5 II Case [Colorful Series] [Ultra Thin] Hard Slim Cover for Xperia 5 II (Black)
Buy Anccer Compatible with Sony Xperia 5 II Case [Colorful Series] [Ultra Thin] Hard Slim Cover for Xperia 5 II (Black): Basic Cases - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Would get smth like this if wait wasn't over a month.
YTF-carbon Carbon Fiber Phone Case for Sony Xperia 5 II case,Aramid Fiber Lightweight Slim Thin Shockproof Cover Shell, Ultra-Thin Business Mobile for Xperia 5 II 5G Phone case(2020)- Matte Black : Cell Phones & Accessories
Buy YTF-carbon Carbon Fiber Phone Case for Sony Xperia 5 II case,Aramid Fiber Lightweight Slim Thin Shockproof Cover Shell, Ultra-Thin Business Mobile for Xperia 5 II 5G Phone case(2020)- Matte Black: Basic Cases - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: BiubiuCase Carbon Fiber Phone Case for Sony Xperia 5 II 5G, Ultra-Thin Aramid Fiber Hard Back Cover for Xperia 5 ii 5G : Cell Phones & Accessories
Amazon.com: BiubiuCase Carbon Fiber Phone Case for Sony Xperia 5 II 5G, Ultra-Thin Aramid Fiber Hard Back Cover for Xperia 5 ii 5G : Cell Phones & Accessories
www.amazon.com
YTF Carbon Fiber Case
Incredibly light and very rigid. Feels like no case is on the device. Weight with tempered glass screen protector, phone, and case is less than 183g!
Carbon pattern is uniform and consistent through the case. The pattern is diagnonal and it appears as though a single piece was used to make the case
Soft touch and warm to the touch even when cold
Very low glare and very fingerprint resistant
Friction fit. Easy to attach but a bit more difficult to remove
There are 4 vertical slits, 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom of the case to allow some "give" when inserting the phone into the case. Dust or sand could enter through these cutouts but appears to be a neccessity as to this particular design
Very little lip on topmost (screen) portion. With a tempered glass screen protector, the screen protector protrudes above the case. This may prevent one from resting the phone on the screen side
No lanyard holes are included
Lip around camera lens cutout protrudes above the lense and therefore adds in protecting the lens
All buttons feel like OEM as none are replaced by case buttons
Cutout for flash about 1 mm off in alignment. It's still acceptable
Some edges were sharp and were rounded down with 2000 grit wetsandpaper. This was very minor but should be mentioned
No problems noted with WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular transmission
Generally with open style cases, some dust or sand may intrude via the sides or openings. However, this case fits very tightly so this may prevent debris from entering. Caution must be taken if removing the case after a trip to the beach or dusty environment
Unique and high quality design. The carbon fiber pattern is attractive and very high tech looking
All cutouts besides the aforementioned flash area are perfectly aligned
Since no reviews were found on this case, some risk to first adopters. I personally think this case has gone through a few iterations to perfect the cutout alignment
Unknown shock resistance or long term durability
Purchased from AliExpress. Surprisingly quick shipment from China to Canada (around 2 weeks), especially during the Christmas season
Reasonably priced for what the case is, ~ $32 CAD including shipping.
If you a fan of sleek minimalism, this is definitely recommended

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