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Review of Trident Aegis S4 case with lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Trident Aegis case for S4: http://www.tridentcase.com/shop-pro...i9505/aegis-case-samsung-galaxy-iv-i9505.aspx
Having tested Aegis for N2, I was a little surprised about design change for S4 where instead of a dual injected layer (two layers combined) they went back to 2 separate layers design. After testing this case with my display model of S4, I quickly realized - this is a good change! Let me start first by actually taking a note of the packaging box Aegis came in. I just think it's totally awesome how this company embraced the image of Trident and different mythological creatures for every case in their series, and how it gets reflected even in the packaging cardboard box it comes in. Of course, the display package looks cool too. In addition to the case, Trident also included a screen protector and a pocket catalog with all of their cases with installation instructions for each. Obviously I didn't install the screen protector, but it doesn't feel flimsy like some of those cheap ebay ones. Something that I found very useful, their protective layer which you peel off before installation has a guiding dotted line which makes it very helpful with alignment during the install. I think it's a nice touch to include a bonus free screen protector considering not too many case company do that anymore.
Now to the case itself. It consists of two layers, inner shock-absorbing silicone layer and outer hardened PC plastic shell. Aegis series was always considered for casual use, but this S4 version stepped it up to a very decent rugged use. According to Trident website, this case actually meets Military standards (MIL-STD-810F for vibration and drop), and it sure feels like it. Inner silicone layer has nice textured thicker back padding and also a thicker all around bumper with enhanced corner protection. The screen bumper is raised so there shouldn't be any issues placing the phone down on the screen. It also has attached port covers for micro-usb and headphone ports. I do have to mention because this is silicone material there is some pull around the edges. At the same time, I have not noticed it being lint magnet, and it felt pocket friendly. Outer PC shell wraps around the back with extra top/bottom protection and 4 side grips to keep inner shell from sliding off. Also, it has a dust cover for the speaker. Both shells interconnect with a precision and wrap around S4 to give a solid protection. In addition to covering headphone, micro-usb, and speaker ports, power/volume buttons are covered as well and have a very nice tactile feedback feel. The camera/flash is one common opening, and with border lining of inner silicone layers it makes sure your don't get flash reflection which often a problem on white cases where pictures get overexposed.
Overall its a very impressive case which should be considered for both casual and outdoor use, and will definitely give you a piece of mind if you drop the phone. Not to mention that it also comes in 5 different colors. What makes it totally insane is that on Amazon you can get it now for about $17 shipped, and that includes screen protector!!!
Here are the pictures for your enjoyment:
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+1 - great write up. This is by far my favorite line of cases and it is great on the s4.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

Nice review!. I have the Commuter but I'm considering this one because it looks more protective. Thanks

keltsi95 said:
Nice review!. I have the Commuter but I'm considering this one because it looks more protective. Thanks
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maybe i'm a little paranoid but i'm currently using this case right now with the spigen glas tr slim and it seems like the case could be popped off inadvertantly. it doesn't seem to fit that snug and i can pull back the rubber parts on the right and left easily.
edit 10-13-2013
after a month i think it's a pretty decent case. i had to buy a headphone adapter to get any headphone to fit inside the jack though.

M919
Does this case fit the M919?

Review of Spigen Slim Armor case for S4 w/pics!!!

This is a review of Spigen Slim Armor Case for Samsung Galaxy S4: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/samsung/galaxy-s4-cases/galaxy-s4-case-slim-armor.html
When it comes to slim and light weight cases, Spigen never disappoints with their unique and rich styles. But in the past they weren't exactly known for their rugged touch. With their Slim Armor case it looks like they decide to turn the table around. So let's see if they were able to add extra "armor" protection while still maintaining their typical slim design.
Slim Armor is actually consists of two layers. Inner TPU layer surrounds the phone with extra cushion to absorb shock impact and adds extra thickness at the top/bottom bumper beyond the boundaries of Outer PC layer which bounds the sides and the back of the case with hard plastic material. Still, even with two separate layer, case feels very thin. The fitment of both layers is seamless and almost feels like one piece. Every port opening is precisely cutout and perfectly aligned between inner/outer layers and with a phone. What I found especially amazing is that case is actually easier to fit in with a phone while two layers are together. This was a pleasant surprise since I know that a lot of people like to take their cases on and off and when you are dealing with two layers it becomes a hassle to constant align two together. For the purpose of pictures, I demonstrated how the phone looks with inner layer without outer shell, but in everyday use I would recommend keeping both of them together when taking phone out.
One of the details that keeps both interlocked perfectly together are the power and volume buttons. Those are part of TPU inner layer, but made to feel and to perform like hardware buttons. A separate cutout around sides of these buttons makes them very easy to push with a nice tactile feedback, and while aligned with outer PC shell cutout it keeps both layers together. There is not too much to complain about Slim Armor except for the lip around the display. Typically those are designed to keep your phone off the surface when faced down. To my personal taste I found this lip to be very shallow. Actually, it's more shallow around the side edges while a bit more thicker around top/bottom part of the case's bumper cushion. So in theory it will protect your phone screen down from touching a surface, but you will not get as much clearance thus I highly recommend having a decent screen protector when you use this case. For those familiar with Spigen, you know that quality screen protectors is one of their signature products. Another thing to mention, which was actually a pleasant surprise, is a bonus of 3 home button stickers labeled as "jelly bean" buttons. Those come in assortment of 3 colors and will help you personalize your phone even further. The case itself comes in a selection of 5 different colors for the hard outer shell. The one I got was in black, and somewhat a fingerprint magnet. For those who are bothered by this, probably a good idea to go with a lighter color PC shell
Overall, this is a very impressive and high quality case (made in Korea, which I find lately to be of a higher quality than HK built cases). You will still get a slim and light weight design while maintaining a piece of mind in case if you drop your phone. Even so I wish the lip would be thicker to offer a better "armor", bundled with a good screen protector you should be OK.
Here are the pictures of black Slim Armor case I tested with my S4 display model of the phone (thus a slight misalignment of mic port next to micro-usb connector):
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How's the case as far as drop protection go, is the lip high enough that dropping it face first won't crack the screen?

koraun said:
How's the case as far as drop protection go, is the lip high enough that dropping it face first won't crack the screen?
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Judging from the last pic posted, screen would be hit first.. ._.

SilentRazor said:
Judging from the last pic posted, screen would be hit first.. ._.
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I did feel friction when case is placed down which suggests there is some minimum clearance. Also, in theory if you drop your phone and it lands flat face down, a bigger lip will only help you on a perfectly flat surface. Any uneven surface will come in contact even with a rugged case. I'm always paranoid about this stuff and have tempered glass on my phone (N2). I would definitely suggest that a screen protector is a must for this case. For example if you place it face down and you have some crumbs or whatever on a table and slide it across - you need extra screen protection to keep display from being scratched. I can also imagine that with tempered glass you will not have any margin at all.
I do want to mention again, I have a display model of S4, not the real phone. But its 1:1 scale and I also read other online reviews suggesting lip is on a shallow side. I would appreciate if more people who have this case will chime in to offer their feedback about Slim Armor. There are a few threads about this case so we gotta have more users with a real S4 and this case. Keep in mind, Spigen is reading these reviews and any feedback will be valuable for them as well.

How about sound? Does the case muffle the speakers at all?

Does it get scratched? I want to get the white one but afraid it would get scratches and black marks/lines easily. Can you post pictures of its current status? Scratched or not and how many days used?

It looks like it might.

This is the best case I've ever had. So perfect
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Review of Ballistic Aspira, Shell Gel SG, and SG MAXX Series w/lots of pics!!!

This is a Review of Ballistic Series Lineup of new S4 cases: http://www.goballisticcase.com/collections/samsung-galaxy-s-4-cases
I just received a promo pack from Ballistic with samples of their new lineup of S4 cases. Since I'm already familiar with their Shell Gel SG for Note 2, I was expecting to see a familiar padded corner design. But as soon as I opened the package, I was in for a few surprises. I can see Ballistic raised their bar again!
First is the brand new series called Aspira. This design is the slimmest out of three from this new S4 lineup where you have a dual layer with inner rubber layer molded together with outer PC layer. No need to worry about assembly of two separate layers anymore, it's a single piece design now while still keeping the same reinforced corner protection. The inner rubber layer part wraps nicely around the screen providing a decent lip to keep the phone off the surface faced down or if you drop it on flat surface. Power/Volume buttons are covered and easy to push. All the port openings are precisely aligned. One nice detail, the combined camera/flash opening has a inner black lining to prevent pictures from being overexposed due to reflection. The rubber material is very smooth and non-sticky, the case is very pocket friendly for easy in/out. As a matter of fact, the back of the case has a high polish finish which looks nice, but actually on a slippery side. There are a lot of color variations with some sick honeycomb designs. http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-4-ballistic-aspira-series-case
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Next one is their familiar Shell Gel SG which steps up to three layers with two separate pieces of inner soft silicone (with reinforced corners) and outer hard plastic with another third layer of non-slip rubber molded on top of hard plastic one. This design offers some serious drop protection from any corner, back, and front. You get a decent lip on the front of the phone to keep the screen off the surface, and non-slip protection padding on the back to lay phone flat face up without worrying of bumping/sliding phone off the slippery surface. Power/Volume buttons are covered, and easy to push. Ports perfectly aligned with an adequate opening to fit any oversized micro-usb connector or headphone connector. Camera/flash opening is combined and has the same nice black lining detail. I also noticed two slits on the sides, the same as in MAXX series for the holster, although I found MAXX holster to be a bit bigger for Shell Gel series. I wonder if there will be another holster released for this case. One thing to keep in mind, because of oversized soft silicone inner layer, there will be some pulling around the edges where outer plastic shell is not holding it down, and it's probably going to be noticeable when you pull the case out of the pocket. This one also comes in a variety of colors. http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-4-ballistic-shell-gel-sg-series-case
Well, if you think Shell Gel SG is not enough protection for you - here you got SG MAXX. As the name suggests, this series will take your protection to the next Maximum level. The design of the case is similar to Shell Gel SG in terms of three layers with inner silicone shell and outer hard plastic shell with molded third non-slip back layer. It has the same reinforced corner protection and Power/Volume covered buttons with a nice response. And you get a great lip around the screen to lay it flat without worrying of display touching the surface. To distinguish itself, MAXX also adds micro-usb port and headphone port dust covers. These are nicely attached to the inner silicone shell and in addition to being covers also have molded plugs to go right into the port opening. MAXX also comes with its own hard plastic holster that securely holds the case in place and has a swivel clip for portrait or landscape position. Here comes a big surprise - a rigid, user replaceable screen protector that according to Ballistic provides impact protection. This is not a screen protector you apply to the screen of the phone. And its not a permanently attached to the case screen protector. This one is part of the case assembly as a separate fourth protection layer where you have a choice to either using it or not. And if you are in a situation where you drop the case on an object protruded from the ground and screen protector is damaged (while saving your phone display), you can easily replace it with another one without replacing the whole case. Very easy. Of course, don't expect a clarity of a regular PET thin film protector or tempered glass. But this relatively clear plastic protector does it's job where you can see the screen, and use your fingers for navigation. I had no problem using air view functionality. I'm not going to lie, the screen image will look a little grainy with this screen protector on. But it obviously intended not for everyday use or for those extreme situations where impact protection of your screen is more valuable than crystal clarity. But like I said, you always have a choice of using it only if you need to. It's just a matter of sticking it under the corners of inner silicone shell where it stays securely attached. http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-4-ballistic-sg-maxx-series-case
Here is a shot of all 3 cases side by side for a general comparison. Overall, very impressive collection for those who value their phone and put drop protection with a style at the top of their list. Btw, for comparison, I weighted all 3 and found Aspira to be 1.4oz (40g), Shell Gel SG to be 2.2oz (60g), and SG MAXX to be 2.6oz (74g) and together w/holster to be 4.5oz (128g).

Wow....that SG Max looks damn protective.

lzk123 said:
Wow....that SG Max looks damn protective.
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I don't have a retail package, but looking it up on Amazon it says up to 15ft drop.

Review of DBA Cases ThinGrip and Complete Ultra w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of DBA Cases line of ThinGrip and Complete Ultra for Galaxy S4: http://www.dbacases.com/galaxy-s4.html
Being familiar with their line of Complete Ultra cases for Note 2, I got an opportunity to test/review their S4 version as well as ThinGrip which was new to me. What attracted me originally to DBA cases was not just a design with one of the best color selections of interchangeable parts, but actually the science behind the material their use. PC and TPU are the most common materials used in all of the cases, but these one are made out of a special mix that keeps every case super light, flexible, and durable.
Lets first start with ThinGrip. From the first look you might think, uh seen this thin shell wrap-around design already. Well, not really because most likely what you have seen was a cheap plastic cases intended just for scratch protection of the battery phone cover. ThinGrip design wraps around all the corners and along the sides providing you not only a back protection but also a corner protection as well. The top/bottom and volume/power buttons are open. Speaker and camera/flash cutouts are precisely aligned. What sets this design apart is the material and finish of it. This is not a typical hard plastic mold but a flexible PC material that will not crack if you drop the case or flex it to take the phone out. I would not go as far as telling you it will offer a great drop protection outdoors. That's not an intention of it, but I can tell you it will provide some acceptable drop protection for indoor use and maybe even in some occasions outside. The flex nature of the material will distribute the shock and the grip of this Thin case will keep phone from falling out of the case. It will also keep the screen from touching the surface if placed face down, and will offer a nice friction with a surface both face up/down. Also, the sides of the case have a nice bumpy pattern for a comfortable hand grip. And to enhance this experience the whole case has this smooth rubbery finish inside out. This is one of the thinnest and lightweight cases you can find which also offers more than just scratch protection. Plus, you get a variety of 6 cool colors. http://www.dbacases.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-thin-grip-african-violet.html
The Complete Ultra takes it to the next level with enhanced drop protection of dual-layer design. I will talk more in details about each layer further in my review, but DBA took this dual-layer concept to a next dimension by offering a selection of 6 unique colors for its outer Ultra PC layer and 7 unique colors for its inner Ultra TPU layer where you can buy each one separately or in predefined combos as part of Complete Ultra. This way you're no longer locked into the same color combination and able to mix'n'match different PC/TPU colors to dress up your S4 for any occasion.
Now about the Complete Ultra case itself. The combo of PC/TPU is very lightweight. Inner TPU layer is thin, yet feels very durable. Typically similar dual-layer design cases have inner silicone sleeve for shock absorption which is usually too soft and pulls around the edges. This one is made out of a more rubbery flexible material and holds better around the edges, although you do get some pull next to volume buttons (due to the large cutout). All the cutouts are very precise and aligned perfectly. Power/Volume are not covered, and cutout around those areas makes it very easy to access corresponding buttons. This inner TPU layer can even be used by itself. In addition to back matte finish, the side grip and bottom parts of the case which are outside of outer layer are thicker and glossy. The sides actually offers a very nice textured design for an additional grip - a very important detail. For an enhanced protection, this Ultra Complete design adds an outer PC layer. And let me tell you, I never seen anything like this. It's not your typical Polycarbonate plastic material. First of all it has a very nice rubbery-soft coating which is anti-scratch, thanks to its triple coated process. Apparently this PC is some advanced Flex material which according to DBA used in bullet resistant glass and cockpit canopy of F-22 Raptor Jet Fighter. I know it's a mouthful, but I was able to completely bend it without snapping it in pieces and it flexed back to its original shape like brand new. I took a picture of that as well. So pretty much it's designed to flex instead of breaking if you drop the case. I also want to mention that this outer layer offers a very decent back and corner protection once assembled together with inner TPU layer. Also, captured in pictures, you get an acceptable lip around edges of the phone so you don't have to worry about putting it face down on the surface. But in general, you can put your phone down on it's face without a worry of screen touching the surface or phone sliding across the surface. The same goes for outer layer which adds some nice friction where you don't have to worry about phone sliding across the slippery surface. http://www.dbacases.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-complete-ultra.html
Overall, I was very pleased with this product and found the quality of its material to be exceptional. The capability to mix and match colors is definite a great idea where you can customize your case just by getting another PC or TPU piece.
Now, here are the pictures.
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Review of Trident Perseus, Aegis, and Cyclops S5 case w/lots of pics!!!

This is a review of Trident Perseus, Aegis, and Cyclops cases for S5. http://www.tridentcase.com/shop-products/samsung-galaxy-s-v/
In the past I have reviewed a lot of different Trident cases for smartphones and tablets, and was always pleased with their design, build quality, and very reasonable pricing (make sure to check Amazon for that). That's why I was very excited to get an opportunity to review their cases for the new Galaxy S5. Cleverly partitioned into different series, these offer various levels of protection depending on your use. Here, I'm going to look at Perseus Series (light-weight protection), Aegis Series (everyday protection), and Cyclops Series (tough protection) cases.
Starting with Perseus, I was very impressed with a packaging box which provided a full display of the case and a detailed description of features on the back. In addition to a case, Trident also included a film screen protector which is a nice bonus. The case itself is constructed of shock absorbing TPU gel material. Although rated as light-duty protection, it's actually of a better quality than typical cheap TPU cases. It has precise cutouts and alignment with all S5 ports, and power and volume buttons are covered. It should protect your phone from scratches and will provide a basic drop protection. The lip around the screen will keep it off the surface if placed face down, and it also offers anti-skid protection and no wobbling when placed face up. Also, it features a smooth surface finish so it will be easy in and out of the pocket.
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When you ready to step up to a more serious protection, Aegis Series is the way to go. It consists of two layers, inner shock-absorbing silicone layer and outer hardened PC plastic shell. In addition, it also comes with a screen protector. According to description of features on the back of the packaging box, this case actually meets or exceeds Military standards (MIL-STD-810F for vibration and drop), and it sure feels like it. Inner silicone layer has nice textured thicker back padding and also a thicker all around bumper with enhanced corner protection. The screen bumper is raised so there shouldn't be any issues placing the phone down on the screen. It also has attached port covers for micro-usb and headphone ports. I do have to mention because this is silicone material there is a little bit of pull around the edges. At the same time, I have not noticed it being lint magnet, it worked great with my tempered glass screen protector, and it felt pocket friendly. Outer PC shell wraps around the back with extra layer of protection and with side grips to keep inner shell from sliding off. Also, it has a dust cover for the speaker port. Both shells interconnect with a precision and wrap around S5 to give a solid feel. In addition to covering headphone, micro-usb, and speaker ports, power/volume buttons are covered as well and have a very nice tactile feedback response. The camera/flash is one common opening, and with border lining of inner silicone layers it makes sure your don't get flash reflection which often a problem on white cases where pictures get overexposed.
When you think about Tough Protection cases, lightweight and slim doesn't jump into your mind. Lightweight and slim doesn't go together with a case which has been build to meet or exceed MIL-STD810F standard by independent testing, including a requirement to survive 26 drops onto concrete from 4ft height. Well, I hope your phone/case will never have to experience this kind of a torture because guys at Trident already verified it for you So let's take a closer look at how this Cyclops monster looks!
Once you take it out of the box, you can't help but notice how lightweight it is. At only 62g and with a very slim profile it will not add too much bulk to your S5. But don't let the light weight and slim design fool you. The case is made out of two fused layers of TPE and PC material to provide a serious shock-absorbing impact protection. The power and volume buttons are fully covered while still having a nice tactile response. The same with headphone and micro-usb ports, covered by a flexible flap of TPE layer extension. Every other port opening has a precise cutout and perfect alignment with S5. You can also find a skid pad around the whole back perimeter to prevent case from sliding off any surface. But the best feature of the case is the removable screen protector. It's permanently attached to an outer frame piece that goes on top and interlocks with a case. Once locked, it creates a solid seal with virtually no movement of the phone inside of the case. The screen protector has a cutout for home button, top speaker, and front camera. It worked great even with my tempered glass screen protector and I didn't notice any issues with screen touch sensitivity. Obviously, its not waterproof case, but you will be able to use your phone in some mild rain and wind with this extra seal protection. There is also a loop opening in the lower corner to attach a lanyard for extra security while using your phone outdoors.

Really cool cases. I especially like the fact that some of them have the port covers for the headphone jack and the usb plug. Most for the cases being made for the S5 don't have this feature and I guess It's not the biggest deal in the world but I prefer them. I guess I'm just accustomed to having them.

I tried out the Aegis case for my S5 with the wireless charging back and can confirm that it will not fit. However, I was surprised at how bad the quality has become on Trident's cases. I've owned other Trident cases in the past and they felt pretty solid, but the newer builds have a much thinner silicone layer that provides very little protection. I would definitely spend the extra cash to go with an Otterbox.