So, as I have done with my last few phones I have obtained many of the most well-reviewed cases (and some not so) to see what I like best. I thought I would share my thoughts so that others might get some better insight into what's out there. I realize that cases are very subjective based on your specific goals for a case and your general tastes. With that in mind I’m just going to start by mentioning a bit about my own habits/likes so you can get an idea of what might influence me.
Like many (I think) I like to have a case that is as minimal as possible which still offering a level of protection against drops and bumps. I am definitely not an “otter-box” type guy who likes huge rugged cases with built-in screen protectors. Especially as phones are getting larger and larger I can barely fit them in my pocket even with minimal cases. To that same point, I tend to like very “sticky”/"grippy" or tactile cases as these large phones are also hard enough to hold as-is. I suppose if you have really large hands this might not be as much of an issue, but for me it tends to rule out a lot of cases that look great but feel “slippery.”
I tend to do a "stick test" where I lay the phone in the case flat on the palm of my open hand and then slowly rotate the phone to a vertical position The longer it takes for the phone to not slide off my hand, the better. Some cases will allow me to stand the phone basically straight up gripping my hand without me using fingers at all. Results are not totally scientific as the temperature/sweat on my hands can influence the outcome to some degree but overall I get a better than/worse than result.
As a real-life example of what I prefer, refer to my last 2 phone case choices:
HTC M8 - SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Premium Hybrid. I loved everything about this case for the M8. It looked awesome, had just the right amount of protection while still being a slim case. The material isn’t the stickiest but based on the curve of the M8’s back, which this case follows, it creates a great curve in your hand for a fantastic fit/group.
LG V20 - Ringke Fusion Smoke/Clear Case - Unfortunately they didn’t make the same SUPCASE for my V20, so I went with this one. It also is a hard polycarbonate back (but not too hard/thick) with a more flexible TPU bumper. It has a great amount of tactile stickiness and the phone never slips from my hand.
As evident, I’ve tended to gravitate towards relatively clear cases on my last phones because the phones themselves have been great looking phones (brushed metal all around, etc). I purchased the Pixel 3 XL black, which while a nice looking phone really isn’t anything spectacular and I think the right case may even improve the looks (something I didn’t think was true on my above 2 phones).
Taking the above into account, below are my reviews/thoughts on the cases I’ve tried for the 3 XL. I’ve divided them into several categories for easier comparison which you will find below:
Full TPU Cases
I don’t normally like full TPU cases because they don’t offer much protection and tend to feel “squishy” due to being made totally of flexible material. Still, they are light-weight and the clear ones offer a good view of the phone, so I decided to try a few out.
Cimo Slim Grip ($8) - Like all the clear TPU cases I reviewed, they still have a yellowish tinge right out of the box. It’s hard to know if the cases will yellow more over time, but you can definitely see the yellow in the thicker parts (and around the cut-outs). Once the phone is in the case it is harder to see this, and since all the clear TPU cases suffer from it I supposed I can’t dock too many points.
As a TPU case it is super flexible and super tactile/grippy. Unfortunately the inside of the case is as well which makes getting it into the case evenly is difficult. There is barely any lip to the front of the case, so not much distance between the screen and a flat surface. Additionally the lip seems uneven, and not sure if this is manufacturing or simply because it is difficult to line the phone up perfectly because of the grip of the TPU. Buttons (volume/power) have good feedback, overall what I would expect for an $8 TPU case that offers mostly scratch protection.
Totallee transparent case ($28) - Almost identical to the Cimo in all regards that a clear TPU case can have. It does perhaps a slightly better fit and quality (though still yellow tinge). It is incredibly flexible, more-so than the other TPU cases. The largest downside (for my needs) is it has virtually no lip. If you place the phone face down on a flat surface I’m sure that the screen will make contact in many situations. Overall is is a nice “barely there” case that doesn’t add bulk or size, but for $29 it is really hard to recommend over the Cimo.
Spigen Liquid Crystal ($11) - A combination of the Cimo and Totallee cases. It has a better lip than the Cimo and a better fit and overall quality. If you want a low-profile clear TPU case I think this is the one to beat.
Dretal Carbon Fiber Shock Resistant Brushed Texture Soft TPU ($8) - Unlike the other pure TPU cases this one is a brushed metal/carbon fiber black instead of clear. The case design is nice, but doesn’t seem the best quality, with minor imperfections in the melding of the parts. Also the carbon fiber pads on mine looked scratched/hazy out of the box on parts of them, something I’m sure will happen over time making this case not look as sharp. Apart from look, unremarkable in any other way (good or bad). While this is a very flexible TPU case (making the phone super easy to put in/get out), it isn’t a very grippy case and I found it slipping out of my hands more than the others. This would appear to be a “knock-off” of the Spigen Rugged Armor - a case not available when I was ordering my lot. For the small difference in price if you can get your hands on one I’m not sure why you wouldn’t opt for the Spigen.
Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Hybrid Cases - Light-weight
These are the types cases I usually prefer (along with the mid-weight ones below). Their harder back brings some rigidity and strength to the case and the rubberized bumpers provide some additional protection. Overall I find these superior to pure TPU cases while in some cases adding very little additional bulk.
MoKo ($7) - This is like the PC/TPU version of the Cimo from above. Decently grippy, though not as much as some of the other cases in this category. It is stiffer with the PC back and the rubberized edges are also pretty hard. The buttons are responsive but like a lot of cases in this and the TPU category they volume button is not split (up/down). This can make it difficult to tell which direction volume you are pressing. Lip is pretty good - possibly the highest in this category. There are little nubbins on the back corners that raise the case slightly from the ground. While these might help protect the camera by raising it a bit more, I wonder if they act as a buttress to strengthen the corners, they seem largely unnecessary though a few models incorporate similar designs.
VRS Crystal Chrome ($12) - While more expensive I found this to be mostly the same as the MoKo, but lesser quality. The lip is also the lowest out of the cases in this category, though to be fair the case may be the thinnest (though not by much). Nothing really here that can make me recommend it over the MoKo, especially at this price.
Ringke Fusion ($9) - Very similar to the MoKo in all respects. Might be a little better quality, but I could just be influenced by the brand. Volume control is also one button, but buttons seem a bit friendlier to use. Like the MoKo it has little nubbins on the bottom corners (more stylized). Also has a place for a lanyard (if that interests you). I think this would be my pick in this category if only for the reason that you can get it in a “smoke” color. Even with a black phone I feel the smoke adds a bit of “texture” to the look and prevents yellowing better. I don’t think the Pixel is pretty enough that it needs a completely transparent case anyway.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid S ($14) - Basically identical to the Spigen Liquid Crystal but with a stiff PC backing. It has slightly larger buttons and a kickstand. Personally, I don’t like the way the kickstand offset feels in my hand and I don’t think I’d get much use out of it. I don’t have much experience with the kickstands and they seem a bit flimsy to me. I’d be worried about it breaking off and then just having a busted case. Volume button is also two-parts, which makes feeling for them a bit easier. Once or twice I felt this case was a bit “squishier” in my hands, but the phone might not have been seated well. If you want a clear case with a kickstand, this is probably a good bet.
Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Hybrid Cases - Mid-weight
Along with the light-weights, I prefer these cases. It is often a fine distinction, but I tend to feel these cases have a bit more “padding” offering some more protection with a very minimal change in footprint. But, this designation is a bit subjective so you could group these with the lightweight above - the main difference being these aren’t all transparent all around.
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle ($13) - I really wanted to love this case as it is what I had on my HTC M8. Unfortunately, while the back is highly tactile, the rubberized side bumpers are pretty slippery. The bumpers give a good lip, but they also extend around the back of the case a bit, creating what amounts to a small rear lip. This causes the back not to rest as snug in your hand causing the whole case less grippy. Additionally the power and volume buttons are basically flush with the case making it a bit difficult to find them easily (and also promoting a smoother/more slippery surface on the sides!). The buttons are responsive though and the case is really easy to swap on/off. It has a nice clean look and I think would offer a good amount of protection, but I don't think it is the winner for me this time around.
Ringke Fusion-X ($13) - Built like the Fusion but with some more meat on the edges, an overall stiffer case. A tad bigger all around than the Unicorn, and seemingly certified Mil grade tested. The design is more stylized - a “rugged” looking case while not being overly bulky. The texture of the design gives it some grip, which is good because otherwise it wouldn’t be very tactile. More defined volume buttons. Might be a competitor to Unicorn, except the sides are pretty slippery. It also has a lanyard hole.
This is probably a good choice for a more rugged look coupled with slightly more protection (at the expense of some added bulk). For me though the slipperiness of the case offsets the additional protection it might offer. I’d rather not drop it in the first place then have it be more protected when I do! But as a secondary “rugged” case for someone that doesn’t like overly bulky cases it might be a good fit.
UAG Plyo ($40) - A really interesting case. At first I thought it was the biggest in this category but it actually seems to be the same size as the Fusion-X (perhaps a hair smaller!). It is virtually the same size as the Unicorn Beetle and even the lightweight Ringke Fusion. Unlike these phones however it has straight, not beveled edges so it initially gives the appearance of it being longer, but it really isn’t (it might be a hair thicker, but when put side by side it is virtually unnoticeable). Seriously, I almost dismissed this case out of hand as being too large, but when I compare it again to other cases I was highly considering I see that it is similar in size.
It is Mil-spec tested and unlike the Fusion-X it is very grippy. Perhaps not as grippy as the Fusion, but a close second. As you also might expect with a thicker case the buttons and side “squeeze”seem a bit harder to press, but not unworkable (and Active Edge sensitivity can be adjusted). It has a smoky tinge to the color and a honeycomb pattern at the bumpers give it a cool look. The sides and back have a slight inward curve which is visually different and I think actually helps with the grip. While I haven’t tested any of these cases with wireless charging, UAG states that this is compatible - which would have been one of my only concerns for a "rugged" case. At $40 the price is relatively very high and this may be the only reason can’t recommend the case, or at the very least choose it for myself.
Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Dual Layer Cases
I don’t prefer these types of cases, I find them to usually be bulkier and not usually provide more protection above the mid-weight single layer cases. They are almost never clear/clear-ish cases either though their dual layers can offer some interesting visual designs. My wife happens to be a fan of these, which is why I ordered a couple to check out.
Spigen Tough Armor ($17) - Honestly, I didn’t even realize this was a dual-layer case until I was reading some more about it for writing this review. I had it placed with the mid-weight cases above. Functionally I find it very similar to the Unicorn Beetle, despite it’s dual layers. It is basically the same size although with beveled instead of rounded edges. It was easy to put on/take off with both layers attached (part of the reason I didn’t realize it was dual layer).
The outer layer wraps around the middle and sides, but does not offer more protection around the corners. As the name implies, this is supposed to be “tough” and has some level of Mil-grade testing. I’m not sure I feel it would withstand that much more punishment than others in the mid-weight category though. It has the same flat buttons that the Unicorn does but the materials are not as grippy and can at times be quite slippery. Aesthetically, a very nice looking case but the all plastic kickstand mechanism seems flimsy. The kickstand does removes easily and they probably should have provided at least 2 spares with the case (which would have cost them pennies to do).
Spigen Neo Hybrid ($14) - Overall a really nice looking case - almost identical in size to the Tough Armor (perhaps a hair smaller all around). The outer layer wraps around the edges/corners of the phone than the middle like the Tough Armor. Unlike the Tough Armor, the edges are rounded as opposed to beveled. Volume/power buttons are easy to feel with good tactile feedback. I don’t think the thin outer shell is offering much more protection than the rubberized bumpers on the mid-weights above. It is however more grippy than the Tough Armor and also apparently has a Mil-spec rating. Unfortunately after several tries I still couldn’t get the outer shell to sit flush with the camera outline (it was raised around the camera's lower edge). Apart from that last issue, if you like dual layer cases and like the look of this one, I can recommend it.
Tudia Merge ($9.5) - Like the Spigen Tough Armor, the outer shell wraps around the middle and sides. It seems mostly aesthetic, but the metal look is very appealing and surprisingly not as slippery as the plastic on the Tough Armor. Buttons are a little stiff but overall feel good and the lip is sufficient. You can get it on and off easy without removing the back. This ended up being my wife’s pick.
BentoBen Slim Glitter Bling ($10) - This is mostly a “glamour case”, albeit a decently put together one. Quality is good although the paint on the edges will wear over time. On average the same length and width as many of the lightweight/midweight cases but a little thicker. Unfortunately this thickness doesn’t give it a superior lip (though it is sufficient). The buttons are a bit too recessed for my liking, but not stiff. The outer shell is actually pretty grippy due to the texture. We ordered this one only because my wife had the same one for her V20 and still she is opting for the Tudai this time around.
Miscellaneous Cases
Only one case doesn’t fit into the above categories. I ordered only to complete all the Spigen cases available for my phone to try it out.
Spigen Thin Fit ($10) - Basically a “non-case.” A small black clip-on that seems designed simply so you can use a magnetic holder without having to attach the magnet sticker to your phone directly. It adds virtually no bulk, but is slippery and would offer very little protection except from back scratches. Unremarkable for what it is and if you want something to prevent your keys from scratching the back of the phone it will work and probably slide in and out of your pocket easier than a TPU case. As for me, I’ll pass.
Well, that's all the ones I've tried out. Other well reviewed cases that I couldn't find on Amazon which I wanted to try:
Caseology Legion Series
Spigen Rugged Armor
Incipio DualPro Pixel 3 XL
Tech21 Pure Clear
Speck Presidio Stay Clear
For now, I think my choice is the Ringke Fusion, just like I had on my V20. Perhaps if the UAG drops in price I will move over to it.
If I check out any more or have any updated thoughts I'll update the thread.
I'll probably be hanging onto these cases for about a week before return, so please feel free to ask any specifics and I will try to get an answer.
So you buy these, review them, then return them?
airmaxx23 said:
So you buy these, review them, then return them?
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Yes.
Most of these aren't available anywhere except online so there is no way to find if you will like a case without actually trying it.
The $10 I will pay to ship them all back to Amazon is worth it to find a case I like.
Don't forget Spigen Slim Armor and Google fabric cases
airmaxx23 said:
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he's not, otherwise there wouldn't be a return policy. or, they would be sold in b&m stores where they could be tried on first, which would likely Jack up then price 2-3x. these cases cost pennies to make, maybe the best ones break into the very low dollars. returns are the cost of doing business.
Thread cleaned. Please keep comments on-topic. Disrespectful opinions about how the OP goes about acquiring the cases for reviews aren't needed.
Had @kellybrf not commented, I would have said the same. He's not taking advantage of any system. Amazon's return policy is interesting in how it's handled. If he's paying a return price, that means he's selecting the option that doesn't include the words "defective" or "not as ordered", etc. He's being honest with them about why he's returning them, otherwise he wouldn't be paying for return shipping.
The rugged armor is on amazon, did you not see it? would be curious how it compares as i use on all my phones
Thank you for the well-written review. It is very appreciated. My Pixel 3 XL is due to arrive on Monday the 17th. So I am in search of the required accessories. I require excellent protection as I drop things quite often ?
I have the Incipio DualPro. Love this case. Fits perfect, and has a perfect rubbery/grippy feel.
https://incipio.com/cases/more-devices/google-smartphone-cases/dualpro-google-pixel-3-xl-case.html
I've tried a few cases and, not speaking about phone protection, but I have found that none of the ones I've tried (all three were Spigen) are compatible with the Pixel Stand. The cases make the phone too thick to remain vertical on the stand.
I bought a otter box defender case the same time I got my class....I dropped the phone twice since and I have zero damage. Worth the money....not that bulky...
Uag plyo It is a very nice case with great protection. Wireless charging works perfectly. great case.
oneandroidnut said:
The rugged armor is on amazon, did you not see it? would be curious how it compares as i use on all my phones
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Long time replying, just wanted to state that the case was not available on Amazon when I was ordering cases. It may very well have gotten back into stock afterwards.
I am still using my Ringke Fusion case and I don't have any major complaints. The tactile/sticky nature of the case has been in line with my previous cases which I purchased for similar reasons.
I would still like to get the UAG Pylo, but not until I can find it for ~$15 (which may never happen). As I have never dropped the phone so far, I'm not sure the slightly extra protection of the UAG would even be necessary, but it is a distinctive looking case.
Related
Hey guys, I didn't see any Adreama case reviews for our galaxy nexus around, so I thought I’d start this thread and do a little review for you guys. Since Adreama is a Canadian based company, im not sure as to the availability of its cases outside of Canada, but I do know that their cases are available at Futureshop within Canadian Borders.
Look:
The case that I got was the Adreama Snugfit case, and to stress on this, IT IS THIN. I put it on my gn, and it felt no bulkier than running my nexus naked. There aren't any choices that I know of, so all that you’ll get is a very SLEEK and LOW PROFILE case. Measurements of the case came in at 1mm thick, which tops the chart of thinness for all the cases that I have tried out.
Fit/Feel:
The galaxy nexus measures in at 8.8mm thick, though not the thinnest in the market today (Cough RAZR Cough), it is still considered to be on the sleek side. To me personally, the slippery back added with the thinness is just too much. Considering the fact that I dropped my phone the first day I got it, my choice of cases are 100% circled around those with a good grip. Now, onto the Adreama. It fits the phone perfectly, and requires a little push to snap it into place, which I deem to be just perfect, as it suits the “Snugfit” name. Loose cases rarely provide the proper feel, but that is not the case for the Adreama. With its snap-on design and also its rubbery matte back, it is a perfect match for any that are looking for a thin case with a good grip.
Little Comparison/Surprises
I compared this case with my Diztronic Rev 3 Matte Black case for the galaxy nexus and noticed a great difference. First of all, the feel of the case is much more premium compared with the polycarbonate of the DR3. Though a hard case, the insides of it are very polished so there should be no worries of it ever scratching the phone. Thickness is also a winner for the Adreama, as it really is raze thin. The DR3 placed beside it feels much bigger. There are many places where the DR3 wins, especially in the protection area. As I’ve said, the Adreama is simply a snap on case, thus don't expect any lip protection on the front. Also, the Adreama does not go 100% around the phone, covering only 80% of the sides and the back.
One little surprise I found with this case was that it had two holes on the bottom for any girls (or guys) that enjoy hanging little decorations from their device. It is a minor detail, but nonetheless very welcome.
WARNING!!
I just had to say this once more. This case provides MINOR PROTECTION, ADDS GRIP, and RESERVES THINESS. Really, it does the good stuff, but DON'T EXPECT ANY OTTERBOX PROTECTION FROM THIS CASE!!!.
That said, it is a well rounded case for the 14 that I paid for it.
First Review, MORE COMING~
Which one to choose? which one to get? which one is better? Well i get messages all day everyday in regards of this. So I said..ima make a comparison video
Here u ll see the things I like from each case and the fitment as well
enjoy
http://youtu.be/EFGpC0KBjN4
I ordered myself the matte black tpu from Diztronic.
kch ugh
Nice quick review!
I gave both of these cases a fair go. Both of them I ran with for a week. I've decided to stick with my Diztronic TPU. Honestly. both cases are great.
Both cases are easy the slip in and out of pocket. Although slightly thicker, the Cruzerlite is still very slim. Does feel like it would offer a bit more protection in a fall. Since I have never dropped a phone my deciding factor, which might seem stupid to some people, is that the clear Cruzerlite case would get dust buildup from pocket lint and you'd visually be able to see it at the edges of the case. That can easily be fixed by purchasing a non-transparent Cruzerlite case.
The Diztronic case, my only problem with is most of the case fairly slick. What gives me a good grip on the phone is the rim of the case where you put the phone through. It's a different plastic finish from the rest of the case which is much easier to grip with your fingers. I kind of prefer it that way.
Just my opinion on these two.
DarkManX4lf said:
I ordered myself the matte black tpu from Diztronic.
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thats my favorite diztronic color
SmokeRob said:
Nice quick review!
I gave both of these cases a fair go. Both of them I ran with for a week. I've decided to stick with my Diztronic TPU. Honestly. both cases are great.
Both cases are easy the slip in and out of pocket. Although slightly thicker, the Cruzerlite is still very slim. Does feel like it would offer a bit more protection in a fall. Since I have never dropped a phone my deciding factor, which might seem stupid to some people, is that the clear Cruzerlite case would get dust buildup from pocket lint and you'd visually be able to see it at the edges of the case. That can easily be fixed by purchasing a non-transparent Cruzerlite case.
The Diztronic case, my only problem with is most of the case fairly slick. What gives me a good grip on the phone is the rim of the case where you put the phone through. It's a different plastic finish from the rest of the case which is much easier to grip with your fingers. I kind of prefer it that way.
Just my opinion on these two.
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Agreed. I think this cases are so similar but so different at the same time. Best part is that buying one of each won't hurt your pocket at all
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I'll add my 2 cents even though I can't do an apples to apples comparison. I was never a fan of protective cases, I never used them with my Samsung Fascinate in the 2 years that it was my primary device. That was until the screen broke on my 3 month old SGS3.
While Samsung was repairing my phone, I did some research and decided on a Diztronic matte dark blue case. It's a great quality product. The TPU material is thin but pretty stiff and the fit on the phone is tight, removing the case causes the battery cover to get unsnapped 90% of the time. The cutouts are perfectly positioned (although I would actually prefer covered lock/power and volume buttons, read on). The matte finish actually makes the cover a little more slippery both in hand and when sitting on other surfaces, but I perfer the way the case looks. Also the case has a solid company behind it, when my case arrived, I noticed it the color was actually back and not dark blue. I emailed customer service at Diztronic and they let me know that their latest batch of dark blue covers were in fact darker than earlier batches. They sent me one from an earlier batch at no cost.
In the meantime, I acquired a CruzerLite gloss black case for my Fascinate. The TPU material is a little bit thicker and more flexible than the Diztronic. The case also fit looser than the Diztronic although there is no risk that the cover will fall off when being removed from a pocket like silicon cases. The lock/power and volume buttons are covered (raised and appears to be the same thickness as the rest of the case), but I had no issue using them. The cutouts are in the right places, but there is an extra cutout on the case on the side that does seem to have any reason for being there (maybe another phone shaped like the Fascinate has a use for it). The gloss finish is pretty sticky, especially when the phone is sitting on something smooth. I had no concerns leaving the phone sitting on the leather passenger seat in my car when driving. I would rate this case one step below Diztronic in terms of overall quailty, but will keep on using it as my Fascinate is now being used as a game system for my kids.
I also wound up buying a no-name TPU case (from Amazon) for a Pantech Burst I recently bought (from eBay). While the overall quality of the case leaves something to be desired compared to either the Diztronic or CruzerLite, it does have one feature I wish both the Diztronic and CruzerLite cases had. The lock/power and volume button on the case is covered, but the material in those locations is both raised and significantly thinner than the rest of the cover. IMHO this is the way to go for these buttons.
Hope this helps folks figure out which case to get.
I just got the Diztronic yesterday and I am quite pleased. Nice fit, nice feel, nice look. I even used the screen protector that came with it and it's not half bad.
Just dropping my 2 cents. The diztronic for the matte/clear model.. it gets rather dirty easily so if you happen to get your hands dirty regularly and need to use the phone. Just know the clear will start to change color.
arctic84 said:
Just dropping my 2 cents. The diztronic for the matte/clear model.. it gets rather dirty easily so if you happen to get your hands dirty regularly and need to use the phone. Just know the clear will start to change color.
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Agree with this 100%. I used the case for 3 months then threw it away cause it got so dirty and ugly.
An acquaintance of mine asked me to do this before returning a case or two. I decided to also post it here because I see a lot of "searching" for that ideal slim case for the Moto X, and also because I'm giving you guys another chance to make fun of me
I compared three cases and mentioned several others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxY62jGsxDc
For those who don't want to suffer through my Grammy award performance on Youtube, here's the key parts.
Cases Compared:
Power Support Air Jacket Grip - Looks beautiful in online redners, not so much in person. Has a harsh transition from the clear and rounded plastic to the cheap-feeling matte TPU on the sides and front. Poor build quality as it was coming apart at two seams upon purchase. Top mic cutout is off and obscures the phone's mic. Buttons are mushy, and there's an apparent unintentional lip by the power button which is annoying for both looks and functionality. On the plus side, it shows off your phone's back, comes in a variety of bumper colors, and allows access to the Motorola dimple. I recommend that users avoid this unless they REALLY want something designed for Motomaker variants.
Supcase by Brillotech - The only real downside is that sharp edging due to the way it was machine cut. It makes the grip uncomfortable. It has a very UAG-type look to it at a fraction of the price. The buttons are perfect and the cutouts are fantastic. Round out those edges and it would be perfect.
Verizon High Gloss Silicone (TPU) Case - Great feel in the hands due to rounded corners and consistent material. Downsides are the loss of the dimple and issues with the button response while breaking in the case for the first few hours. A solid purchase, but don't be fooled by the Verizon renders at the above link. The Moto logo and Verizon logo are showing through the case from the phone. There are no logos on the case and it looks far better in person than in this photo (the opposite of the Air Jacket Grip).
Cases Mentioned:
Diztronic TPU Cases - These are examples of affordable TPU cases for the Moto X. Seems that the black is matte, while the clear, clear glitter, and pink are high gloss. Wish they'd make a black high gloss
Grip Shell for Moto G - Provided as an example of the type of cases I'm into these days, consisting of a rubberized TPU bumper with a plastic back.
Samsung Protective Cover Plus for Galaxy S 4 - Another example, same as the Moto G case above.
SGP Ultra Capsule - SGP stopped making these, but this was my favorite all-TPU case for any device. Used it for nearly 2 years on my S2.
Verizon High Gloss Silicone Case for HTC Droid Incredible - Another example of an all-TPU case. Verizon sells these for many devices. They'll work fine for many non-Verizon devices as well.
Just wanted to provide some follow-up (don't worry, no more poorly shot, stuttering voice-over video!).
Air Jacket - I returned this the day after the video. absolute garbage.
Supcase - I used this for a couple of months. I simply could never get past the sharp edges, but otherwise loved the case.
Verizon HG Silicone - Absolute garbage. The buttons got even worse over time. I literally threw it in the trash as I couldn't return it for a refund at that point.
In the end, I purchased the Hyperion (I went with black, no longer available) and Diztronic cases (Amazon links provided are not referral links). I've been using the Diztronic ever since and love it. Now I want to buy 1-2 more before they're forever gone as eventual backups.
So I just thought I'd share my experience trying out 4 different cases and finally settling on one...
ALL of the cases I tried are good. I'd recommend all of them. They will simply appeal to different people for different reasons.
That said, the first case was the Caseology Vault Series - https://www.amazon.com/Caseology-Pro.../dp/B075RVL499
This was a great case but was way thicker than I was looking for. This one though would offer the most protection for the phone of the 4. I'm just willing to take a greater damage risk to have a slimmer phone so this one had to go back.
The next case was the MNML - https://mnmlcase.com/products/google-pixel-2-xl
This case was the polar opposite of the Caseology one. It was so thin I wasn't quite sure what the point was. I mean it literally is basically just a "skin" that one would use to colorize the phone. I suppose it offers some scratch protection for the back and sides but it certainly would do absolutely nothing should you accidentally drop your device. This one had to go back as well.
The next case was the Spigen Thin Fit - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_s...hin+fit+spigen
This is a great case!! I really liked it. It's thin enough to not add any real bulk to the phone but seemed to be just thick enough to offer some minimal damage protection. The design is great too. There were 2 "issues" with this one though. First is that it's quite difficult to remove your phone from this case. This isn't a big deal really since generally one isn't taking their phone out of it's case frequently... but still, I was actually worried I was going to damage my device when I was trying to remove it from the case. Second, it has an open top and bottom design. I didn't feel this was a major issue, but I (personally) just didn't like the aesthetics of it. That said, others have mentioned that this type of design has lead to some damage since the entire phone isn't protected. In the end, while I did like this case a lot, it had to go back.
The final case (and winner) was the Maxboost mSnap - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074BGXB69
This case was nearly identical to the Spigen case except that it offered full coverage of the phone. If anything I'd say this one was just the tiniest bit thinner than the Spigen but if it was at all, it'd hardly noticeable. This one also goes on and off of the phone a bit easier. For me (so far) this is the best case in terms of thinness and device protection.
Anyway, fwiw, that's my mini case review.
I have the MNML and mSnap ordered (prior to your post) waiting for delivery. I'll choose if I want front protection or not.
I have the preferred care so for me minimal protection is not really an issue. I want spanning caseless but the photo hump will get damaged if I don't put some kind of case... I also need something to hold my metal plate for magnet car mount.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
theBeachBoy said:
I have the MNML and mSnap ordered (prior to your post) waiting for delivery. I'll choose if I want front protection or not.
I have the preferred care so for me minimal protection is not really an issue. I want spanning caseless but the photo hump will get damaged if I don't put some kind of case... I also need something to hold my metal plate for magnet car mount.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
i can't comment on the mnml case bump... i didn't even look. just knew within seconds of taking the case out of the box that it was thinner than i was looking for (i mean seriously... it's basically just like a skin... which is way cool if that's what you're looking for).
as to the metal plate, the spigen case had a recess specifically for that but to be honest, i've not had any issues with my metal plate in any of the cases i've tried (though, again, i didn't get that far with the mnml case). i just use a piece of masking tape to secure the plate on the inside of the case and then put it on the phone. hasn't ever not worked for me this way... though the thicker the case the less effective the magnetic mounts are. on all of the cases i mentioned, the thickness isn't an issue. even on the thickets one (caseology) the magnetic mount held the phone just fine.
byproxy said:
i can't comment on the mnml case bump... i didn't even look. just knew within seconds of taking the case out of the box that it was thinner than i was looking for (i mean seriously... it's basically just like a skin... which is way cool if that's what you're looking for).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only difference is that the MNML does protect the bump because of the raised fingerprints not cutout that pushes just enough to protect the lens. A skin is thin everywhere so lens is exposed.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
How do you find the material on the maxboost case compared to the Spigen thin fit? I tried the maxboost case on one of my last phones and hated how slippery it was. I didn't believe the reviews that a case could be that slippery, but it really was.
Thanks
Nice review! I have or have had 3 of the cases above (Spigen, Maxboost and MNML). I currently only have the Spigen and MNML and use the MNML as my everyday case. I liked the feel of the Maxboost but returned it due to how hard it was to get my phone out of that thing, so we didnt have the same experience with that. I change cases and with the Maxboost really felt like I was going to scratch or damage my phone pulling it out of that case. Anyway, I'd highly recommend the maxboost if you are using one case and that is it. Just my two cents.
I tried both Spigen thin and rugged. Went with Rugged and like it a bit more.
Raistlin1 said:
How do you find the material on the maxboost case compared to the Spigen thin fit? I tried the maxboost case on one of my last phones and hated how slippery it was. I didn't believe the reviews that a case could be that slippery, but it really was.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my opinion, the feel of the material itself is identical in every way between the spigen and maxboost. as i mentioned before, the maxboost might be the tiniest bit thinner, but it definitely feels the same.
I have the vault
i have a Spigen Thin Fit on my 6P and love it so much, except for the slick back, so i decided to buy the same for the Pixel. the new is a little more grippy, which is good, and it has the cutout for the metal plate, which is great. now i just need Google to ship my damn phone
I have the MNML on my Pixel 2 (waiting my 2XL still), and I don't like MNML because it is too slippery.
And I have Spigen Thin fit on few old Nexuses, which after few years, it has chipped (broken) here and there, not good.
Recently, thinking to get mSnap, but still not convinced with the grip. Probably I will take the bite and order it.
To OP, could you please attach some photos of your phone with mSnap? Does it has bump to protect the camera lens? Good button cutout?
Thanks.
Oh well, I read lots of review from mSnap Amazon page for Pixel 2, lots of mentioned it is too slippery as well
I picked up this case after reading this review. My main case is a Spigen neo hybrid. I like the extra protection for my work week. I use it with a wireless charging adapter as well, so my USB port is always plugged by that.
I switch to the msnap on the weekends while at home and such. Wireless charging adapter is not used with this case. I typically need frequent access to the USB port for flashing and what not. I try not to mess with flashing or modding the phone much during the work week.
The texture feels matte and very nice to hold. It is a little slippery, but not overly so. Definitely not as grippy as the Spigen. It is very thin and almost feels as good as holding the device without a case. Almost! We will see if it gets a little grippier over time with more use.
I can't seem to find the image again, but I saw one showing measurements of the phone with and without the case. It was showing that it does hold the screen and the camera lens a couple hundredths of a millimeter off the table or other flat surface. You can barely tell by looking at the back, it is just a hair thicker than the camera bump. Laying it on a table seems fine in general. Dropping it on uneven surface like pavement or dirt, good luck!
Thanks for the recommendation OP, I do love this case.
Just wanted to share my impressions of several cases I just tried for my V20.
I'm sure there are still new owners like myself coming on board as well as others who want a new case.
Some of the older reviews on the web mentioned some cases that didn't appear to be manufactured anymore but all these are still readily available as of May 2018.
I'm not going to post pics or videos as there is plenty of that out there, I'm just going to focus on some observations I had that might help someone decide. Let me start by saying I am coming from an HTC M8, and my preferred case for that was a SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle as shown here. I liked this case for a couple reasons:
It was clear an showed the beautiful finish of the M8. The V20 is similar in it has a great metal look and it is a shame to hide it.
Lightweight. While there is always a trade-off between weight and protection I am generally careful with my phone. I would say I've had the following types of drops:
From my lap in the car to the pavement when I stood up not remembering it was in my lap
From my hand to carpeted floor at home
From a foot or two above a desk onto the desk
Cover didn't block the IR port...which many M8 cases did. Luckily most, if not all of the V20 cases I have seen have cutouts for the IR port so that's a non-issue.
Even with a slim-line case like the Beetle I have never had any real damage to my phone. I did have my camera focus go bad on my M8 but I don't believe it was associated with any particular drop and the M8 was known to have that issue on some devices. Point being if you are relatively careful with your devices and like slim-line cases you will probably be more in line with my preferences....I'm definitely not an Otterbox type of guy.
Also, I haven't used clip holsters since Windows Mobile Phones were in fashion, so don't look here for advice on that .
Anyway, onto the reviewed cases...
I tried out the following cases for my wife and I:
ZIZO ION
UAG Plasma (Ash)
Spigen Rugged Armor
Ringke Onyx
Caseology Parallax Series (Coral)
Ringke Fusion (Clear/Smoke Black)
Overall I was impressed in one way or another with all the cases. I think if a particular style of case is what you are looking for then each one seems pretty solid in their category. Of course each has pros and cons, but I could easily see how someone could decide on any of them.
All the cases, with the exception of the ZIZO were very easy to put on and take off. This isn't a primary concern, but I do like the idea that I can get to the battery and microSD card without feeling like I'm going to break the case or the phone.
I'll start comments on each one in the same order:
I ordered the ZIZO as well as the UAG because I wanted to try something "tough" that was maybe MIL Spec rated but not quite as bulky as an Otterbox. The ZIZO case is actually 3 parts and comes with a separate tempered glass screen protector of your standard variety. It is an interesting case and I think out of all of them it felt it might offer the best protection. Of course it is probably the bulkiest of the bunch. Hardest to put on and take off for sure. The volume buttons also gave a lot of resistance.
The UAG is just to cool looking not to consider, despite the UAG branding splayed across the back. In all honesty it was hard for me to say no to this case because I felt it would offer good protection along with the wow factor. It also isn't exceptionally heavy although it is pretty large almost doubling the thickness of the phone. Despite that it still feels good in your hand. It is a tad slippery, but I think it has to do with the added weight pulling it down more than the material. If you don't mind a little extra bulk and like the way the UAG looks you will not be disappointed when you get it in your hands.
Spigen Rugged Armor (see Ringke Onyx below)
Ringke Onyx. I'm gong to talk about the Rugged Armor and Onyx together because the two cases are so similar to each other. Despite the fact that they hide the beautiful metal phone and only come in black they are both sharp cases. The Onyx is a bit more rigid on the back, while still having some bend. This harder plastic allows them to have that "brushed metal" look which is honestly cooler than the more rubberized look of the Spigen. However, apart from the Onyx having a cooler look, the Spigen I think has all the advantages. Likely because it is slightly less rigid, the Spigen feels a bit better in your hand. The edges aren't quite as sharp as the Onyx. The volume buttons on the Spigen also have less resistance. The Onyx buttons definitely aren't hard to use, but not as effortless as the Spigen. Apart from this the cases are so close you probably can't tell from 2 feet away (apart from the shinier plastic on the Onyx).
All this being said I couldn't in good conscience accept either of these cases because they are both so damn slippery. The Spigen here is not quite as bad as the Onyx, but they are both pretty loose in the hand. The way I test this (unscientifically) is I simply hold the phone loosely in my hand and jiggle it. I also lay it down on my open palm and slowly move my hand to a vertical position and see how vertical I can get my hand before the phone just slides out. Using these informal tests, as well as just "gut feeling" these two cases are definitely the most slippery of the lot.
The Parallax was purchased for my wife. Though it's cool geometric back pattern made me think I might want one too if I like hers. Surprisingly the pattern on the back doesn't help the grip on the phone, this phone was almost as slippery as the Ringke/Spigen discussed above. It is a two piece case, softer TPU inside with a poly-carbonate rim shell. Despite this you don't need to disconnect the pieces to either put the phone in or remove it. I like the idea of this case and apart from the slipperiness it feels good in the hand. While a different design and not tested to any MIL spec, I think this would probably offer close to the same protection as the Ringke/Spigen combo. If this case was a bit more grippy I might have considered it for my main choice (although the same could be said about the Ringlke/Spigen combo).
The Fusion is another Ringke case and it isn't just another color from the Onyx reviewed above. It is more rigid than the Onyx with a poly-carbonate backing and TPU bumpers that run the edges of the phone. Before I ordered this case I thought it might be my favorite solely because it is the closest I found to the SUPCASE I have on my M8. It doesn't quite have the same style as the SUPCASE (beveled edges, rounded back, cool camera cutouts), it is actually pretty plain/boring apart from it's clear back. The back allows the V20 to show in all its glory and if you have a titanium model like me the smoke edges are very similar to the phone. Quite simply with this case on it is also like there is no case on. This is true not just in looks but also in size - this is probably about the slimmest you can get. While it has enough extra case to raise the screen on the front and the camera on the back high enough so its not scratching on a table surface, I'm not sure how well this case would do in an extreme drop. I suspect it will perform on par with how my SUPCASE protected my M8 which was always good enough for me. Even though this case's protection is on the low side of the bunch, it has one more thing going for it: grip. Even though this case is smooth without any ridges or grabby parts it actually felt the most secure in my hand. This is probably a combination of both it being small, but also the materials it is made with. It has a slightly tacky feel despite not being sticky at all. I will say that one negative to the case is because it is clear (and maybe because of it's tacky feel) it will attract fingerprints. I've been told that these clear cases yellow over time, though reports say that this Ringke may not be too affected by that. My SUPCASE was a bit frosted and it held up fine in that regard.
In the end, with a phone as big as the V20, I felt that I had to go with a slim line case for my comfort level. I think it was really down to this and the (vastly different/larger) UAG for me out of the bunch and I opted to go with a slimmer profile over the protection of a bulky case (again compared to this one the UAG was almost twice as thick).
Well - there you have it. My opinionated and wholly unscientific review. Hope it helps someone make up their mind if they are considering for or against one of these. I'll likely have all the cases for a week or so and am happy to answer any specifics. After that I'm still happy to answer based on memory!
Wanted to add one (negative) update to the Parallax case we just noticed.
While trying to take a screen shot (hold power + volume down) it wasn't always working and instead was just turning the volume down.
When we took the phone out of the case it was easy to perform the operation.
I have a feeling that when pressing on the volume down it might also somehow be depressing the volume up slightly? And this unexpected touch in the combo isn't triggering the screen shot. I'm not exactly sure except that my wife failed to do it 4 times and I succeed 2 out of 4 until we took the case off and did it 3 times in a row (each) no issues.
Nice review, thanks for sharing. Couldn't agree more with your review on Spigen Rugged Armor and Ringke Onyx (I own both of them). Yes they are both slippery and the Ringke is bulkier than the Spigen. That's why I'm thinking about buying Ringke Fusion (in smoke black color) because it's slim and non-slippery.
Just want to share about level of protection of my Spigen Rugged Armor. Last month my phone (while protected by that case) was accidentally thrown hard to the hard floor. Turned out, my LCD and wide-angle camera didn't survive the accident (despite having the Spigen case + tempered glass on). But for regular drops, I think both Spigen and Ringke are OK (at least, I didn't see any scratch on my V20's edges).
komedol said:
Nice review, thanks for sharing. Couldn't agree more with your review on Spigen Rugged Armor and Ringke Onyx (I own both of them). Yes they are both slippery and the Ringke is bulkier than the Spigen. That's why I'm thinking about buying Ringke Fusion (in smoke black color) because it's slim and non-slippery.
Just want to share about level of protection of my Spigen Rugged Armor. Last month my phone (while protected by that case) was accidentally thrown hard to the hard floor. Turned out, my LCD and wide-angle camera didn't survive the accident (despite having the Spigen case + tempered glass on). But for regular drops, I think both Spigen and Ringke are OK (at least, I didn't see any scratch on my V20's edges).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Accidentally thrown hard to the floor."
Must have been an interesting scenario
Yeah I doubt that most cases will definitively protect anything that is thrown. The amount of force added even from a light throw is significantly higher than just a drop, even from a foot or two. I don't think much but an otterbox type case would survive that type of impact. I've never used full protection cases. I've used slim cases for the past few years and before that I used harder shell outer cases like the SEIDO (with holsters) or some cheap equivalent of those.
I have *never* in over 10 years (first smartphone was HTC TyTN II ... not counting Blackberrys) damaged a phone by dropping it (or any other means). I'm not talking a little scuff on the body if, as often happens the case itself splits in two. But I have never broken a screen, camera, etc.
Now I've broken a few cases (especially the cheap hard 2 pieces that click on) and one time my holster phone actually got pushed out of the clip while lifting luggage out of a trunk at an airport (never saw that phone again)...but never damaged a phone.
I know some people are more accident prone and honestly those people should have warranties on their phones
I'm getting a few more cases today for my wife because she doesn't like the Parallax. I'll throw up another review (and link here) once we've tested them.
TraderJack said:
Just wanted to share my impressions of several cases I just tried for my V20.
I'm sure there are still new owners like myself coming on board as well as others who want a new case.
Some of the older reviews on the web mentioned some cases that didn't appear to be manufactured anymore but all these are still readily available as of May 2018.
I'm not going to post pics or videos as there is plenty of that out there, I'm just going to focus on some observations I had that might help someone decide. Let me start by saying I am coming from an HTC M8, and my preferred case for that was a SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle as shown here. I liked this case for a couple reasons:
It was clear an showed the beautiful finish of the M8. The V20 is similar in it has a great metal look and it is a shame to hide it.
Lightweight. While there is always a trade-off between weight and protection I am generally careful with my phone. I would say I've had the following types of drops:
From my lap in the car to the pavement when I stood up not remembering it was in my lap
From my hand to carpeted floor at home
From a foot or two above a desk onto the desk
Cover didn't block the IR port...which many M8 cases did. Luckily most, if not all of the V20 cases I have seen have cutouts for the IR port so that's a non-issue.
Even with a slim-line case like the Beetle I have never had any real damage to my phone. I did have my camera focus go bad on my M8 but I don't believe it was associated with any particular drop and the M8 was known to have that issue on some devices. Point being if you are relatively careful with your devices and like slim-line cases you will probably be more in line with my preferences....I'm definitely not an Otterbox type of guy.
Also, I haven't used clip holsters since Windows Mobile Phones were in fashion, so don't look here for advice on that .
Anyway, onto the reviewed cases...
I tried out the following cases for my wife and I:
ZIZO ION
UAG Plasma (Ash)
Spigen Rugged Armor
Ringke Onyx
Caseology Parallax Series (Coral)
Ringke Fusion (Clear/Smoke Black)
Overall I was impressed in one way or another with all the cases. I think if a particular style of case is what you are looking for then each one seems pretty solid in their category. Of course each has pros and cons, but I could easily see how someone could decide on any of them.
All the cases, with the exception of the ZIZO were very easy to put on and take off. This isn't a primary concern, but I do like the idea that I can get to the battery and microSD card without feeling like I'm going to break the case or the phone.
I'll start comments on each one in the same order:
I ordered the ZIZO as well as the UAG because I wanted to try something "tough" that was maybe MIL Spec rated but not quite as bulky as an Otterbox. The ZIZO case is actually 3 parts and comes with a separate tempered glass screen protector of your standard variety. It is an interesting case and I think out of all of them it felt it might offer the best protection. Of course it is probably the bulkiest of the bunch. Hardest to put on and take off for sure. The volume buttons also gave a lot of resistance.
The UAG is just to cool looking not to consider, despite the UAG branding splayed across the back. In all honesty it was hard for me to say no to this case because I felt it would offer good protection along with the wow factor. It also isn't exceptionally heavy although it is pretty large almost doubling the thickness of the phone. Despite that it still feels good in your hand. It is a tad slippery, but I think it has to do with the added weight pulling it down more than the material. If you don't mind a little extra bulk and like the way the UAG looks you will not be disappointed when you get it in your hands.
Spigen Rugged Armor (see Ringke Onyx below)
Ringke Onyx. I'm gong to talk about the Rugged Armor and Onyx together because the two cases are so similar to each other. Despite the fact that they hide the beautiful metal phone and only come in black they are both sharp cases. The Onyx is a bit more rigid on the back, while still having some bend. This harder plastic allows them to have that "brushed metal" look which is honestly cooler than the more rubberized look of the Spigen. However, apart from the Onyx having a cooler look, the Spigen I think has all the advantages. Likely because it is slightly less rigid, the Spigen feels a bit better in your hand. The edges aren't quite as sharp as the Onyx. The volume buttons on the Spigen also have less resistance. The Onyx buttons definitely aren't hard to use, but not as effortless as the Spigen. Apart from this the cases are so close you probably can't tell from 2 feet away (apart from the shinier plastic on the Onyx).
All this being said I couldn't in good conscience accept either of these cases because they are both so damn slippery. The Spigen here is not quite as bad as the Onyx, but they are both pretty loose in the hand. The way I test this (unscientifically) is I simply hold the phone loosely in my hand and jiggle it. I also lay it down on my open palm and slowly move my hand to a vertical position and see how vertical I can get my hand before the phone just slides out. Using these informal tests, as well as just "gut feeling" these two cases are definitely the most slippery of the lot.
The Parallax was purchased for my wife. Though it's cool geometric back pattern made me think I might want one too if I like hers. Surprisingly the pattern on the back doesn't help the grip on the phone, this phone was almost as slippery as the Ringke/Spigen discussed above. It is a two piece case, softer TPU inside with a poly-carbonate rim shell. Despite this you don't need to disconnect the pieces to either put the phone in or remove it. I like the idea of this case and apart from the slipperiness it feels good in the hand. While a different design and not tested to any MIL spec, I think this would probably offer close to the same protection as the Ringke/Spigen combo. If this case was a bit more grippy I might have considered it for my main choice (although the same could be said about the Ringlke/Spigen combo).
The Fusion is another Ringke case and it isn't just another color from the Onyx reviewed above. It is more rigid than the Onyx with a poly-carbonate backing and TPU bumpers that run the edges of the phone. Before I ordered this case I thought it might be my favorite solely because it is the closest I found to the SUPCASE I have on my M8. It doesn't quite have the same style as the SUPCASE (beveled edges, rounded back, cool camera cutouts), it is actually pretty plain/boring apart from it's clear back. The back allows the V20 to show in all its glory and if you have a titanium model like me the smoke edges are very similar to the phone. Quite simply with this case on it is also like there is no case on. This is true not just in looks but also in size - this is probably about the slimmest you can get. While it has enough extra case to raise the screen on the front and the camera on the back high enough so its not scratching on a table surface, I'm not sure how well this case would do in an extreme drop. I suspect it will perform on par with how my SUPCASE protected my M8 which was always good enough for me. Even though this case's protection is on the low side of the bunch, it has one more thing going for it: grip. Even though this case is smooth without any ridges or grabby parts it actually felt the most secure in my hand. This is probably a combination of both it being small, but also the materials it is made with. It has a slightly tacky feel despite not being sticky at all. I will say that one negative to the case is because it is clear (and maybe because of it's tacky feel) it will attract fingerprints. I've been told that these clear cases yellow over time, though reports say that this Ringke may not be too affected by that. My SUPCASE was a bit frosted and it held up fine in that regard.
In the end, with a phone as big as the V20, I felt that I had to go with a slim line case for my comfort level. I think it was really down to this and the (vastly different/larger) UAG for me out of the bunch and I opted to go with a slimmer profile over the protection of a bulky case (again compared to this one the UAG was almost twice as thick).
Well - there you have it. My opinionated and wholly unscientific review. Hope it helps someone make up their mind if they are considering for or against one of these. I'll likely have all the cases for a week or so and am happy to answer any specifics. After that I'm still happy to answer based on memory!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's funny i've often thought the V20 reminded of the HTC ones. I have a silver one instead of the all too common titan Because i wanted to show it off. Turns out its so slippery that i would have to get a case.
Quicker & easier to get was the spigen rugged armor. This offers adequate protection from regular drops but its slippery and i didn't like it. The ringke onyx was on order and would take a few weeks to arrive. So i lived with the Spigen until then
The ringke though slippery on the back has ridges on the side which help with grip. So you could say its an improvement of sorts. I've knocked the phone off a table numerous times onto a hard tile floor and the onyx protected well.
But i've got these black cases that hide everything. So much for showing anything off.
After six months i got the RIngke fusion. For the first time i got to appreciate the design of the phone. The Fusion is drop safe up to 4 ft also. This is my favourite case. The grip as you mentioned is better than the previous two. To the point where i never get the feeling i'm going to drop the phone this to me is a minimum test a case must pass. I find interesting your idea of slowly raising your hand towards the vertical to test grip-ability
Next to arrive is an incipio NSG, again all black but hopefully better feel than the other two black cases. never tried an incipio before.
I can't tell whether the fusion will yellow at all, how well has yours held up ? i have the clear case, not sure if you got clear or smoked. The latter won't yellow. As for clear half the reviews on amazon said they had a problem and the remainder said otherwise.
There is a case by Speck called Presidio that is clear, well it isn't as clear as the Fusion, but slightly frosted and looks like its a hard case unlike the fusion.