Spigen Ultra Hybrid & CaseMate Case Reviews + MacGyver Necessity - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Accessories

Received my Spigen Hybrid case today. Hated it at first, but after some modifications I think it's a keeper.
My issue with the case was twofold:
1. It wouldn't stay on securely, even with the adhesive tabs Spigen put here and there around the inner frames.
2. The lefthand plastic border on front screen moves around, as it is not attached in any manner.
So, I got creative...
I used some clear window insulator tape (Scotch brand) and cut it in strips to add along the inner frame of both front and back of case. Also added one long strip to the front case left edge to keep it from moving around.
It's nice and snug now. You can notice the tape underneath the front frame border...I think I may try putting my dbrand skin over it, or perhaps I'll finagle something else along those lines so it can't be seen. (updated: yes vinyl worked to hide it)
The case is pretty light, definitely durable. Makes the phone chunkier for sure. I can live with it though.
**I also received my CaseMate (the T-Mobile one) today. Hated it. First of all, that rubber hinge cover drove me nuts! All floppy and bunched up while Fold is open. The screen protector on front case had paint overlap from the bezel that I needed to literally scrape off. I did MacGyver that one too...cut the hinge cover right the eff off. It's mediocre at best regardless.
***Added Pics of modified CaseMate Case - removed hinge cover, removed cheapo included screen protector, added same adhesive tape to make it snug and secure. I may actually prefer the feel of this case over the Spigen Hybrid!
****OK, added some vinyl to the Spigen. It covers up the tape perfectly...also covered the metal plate on back that I use for magnetic mounts at home and in car.

Related

rooCASE 3-in-1 Bubble Sleeve Case and more

I ordered this primarily for the case. But the rooCASE bubble sleeve case also came with a stylus and an anti-glare screen protector. All for $28.98, which after seeing how the nice the case, screen protector and stylus were.....It's is a steal!!
The case has foam bubbles on the inside to protect your Xoom from any shock, like drops. All 4 edges have foam as well. There is an outside pocket to hold things like your charger. I believe that the dimensions of the case were primarily meant for the iPad, but since the Xoom is so close to the iPad footprint they are marketing this to both. I thinks its a great fit.
The anti-glare screen protector is perfectly precut for the Xoom's screen and was easy to install. The stylus has a soft vinyl covered foam tip and works great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/rooCASE-3-i...ccessories&hash=item2eb748b26b#ht_3144wt_1270
I just got my roocase, I really like it. much better then the last one. (the leather was always bubble up around the edges)
I took small sharp scissors and cut a nice slot to plug it in with the cover closed.

Dust around case lip

Apologies if this has been covered - didn't find anything in search ...
Most of the cases for GS3 - especially the gel TPU cases that I like for grip - have a molded "racetrack" edge that runs around the perimeter of the phone. Problem I've noticed is that dust gets collected in the corners because it has nowhere to slide off.
I found some cases that only wrap along the sides on the face of the phone. That is, the upper & lower edges of the phone are exposed. Bad for drop protection but I like that the dust can just be wiped off (and often does just pulling it out of my pocket). Problem is, these types of cases are usually hard plastic and just as slippery as the plastic on the phone itself. I just received one that was sold as TPU but it's only slightly more grippy - nothing even close to the gel TPU cases.
Is there a TPU gel case that leave top or top & bottom open? Or is there a way to keep dust from collecting in the corners without constantly peeling off the edge & wiping away? I took an Xacto knife and sliced away the upper edge of the gel TPU case and that works but looks kinda crappy.
Dont think such case exsist imo. The closest to what u need it the rearth ringke slimelite. But like u mentioned the top and bottom are uncovered. But the edges and corners are covered for some slight drop protection. Also has lay on table feature
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi
Thanks. Yeah, that slim lite is very similar to the one I have which is open top & bottom. It is "soft feeling" but doesn't give nearly the grip of TPU gel cases.
Oh the ringke has great grip. Love the grip it has. I have never dropped it once with that case on, and i have butter fingers lol. Btw i currently have the zoogue and don't get any dust underneath at all. I work in the oilfield so i should know. I take it off couple times a week to wipe it down and havent seen any dust particles on the edge nor the backside.
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi
Interesting. I wonder if mine being a cheaper version has a harder TPU that is not as grippy as the ringke. Gonna look into that. Not sure why I'm getting so much dust in the wrap-around lip cases. Maybe overly linty pockets!
What case are u having issues with? Is it a generic tpu case
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi
Yeah, generic TPU case that has the standard lip that wraps around the perimeter of the screen. Seems like dust gets attracted to the screen and then scoots its way to the corners since the lip prevents it from sliding off.
MobileNick said:
Yeah, generic TPU case that has the standard lip that wraps around the perimeter of the screen. Seems like dust gets attracted to the screen and then scoots its way to the corners since the lip prevents it from sliding off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah most likely it doesn't make a good seal lol
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi

Otterbox Defender Series Case for Galaxy Note - Review

When you have one of the smartest smartphones at your disposal, you obviously want to make sure that you have the smartest protection out there. The rugged OtterBox Defender Case safeguards the thin and light body of your Samsung GALAXY Note from damages under virtually , any circumstances for the ultimate protection solution!
DESIGN AND FEEL:
Full access to all the Samsung Galaxy Note’s buttons and features through the case, including camera, flash and stylus opening.
Silicone plugs provide full coverage of volume controls, headphone jack, micro USB opening, power button and charging port.
Two-layers of protection include a sturdy polycarbonate inner layer and rugged silicone outer layer.
Inner polycarbonate layer includes a built-in screen protector and inner foam liner.
Outer silicone layer features a grooved texture on the side for enhanced grip.
BUILD QUALITY AND LAYERS OF PROTECTION
Screen Protection: Built-in screen protector prevents scratches, scuffs and smudges while retaining the sensitivity of the Note’s touchscreen.
Inner Layer: Two-piece polycarbonate snaps together around the Galaxy Note creating a solid shelter. The
inside of the polycarbonate includes a foam inner liner to cushion the Note against oopsies such as bumps,shocks and drops.
Outer Layer: Rugged silicone wraps around the inner polycarbonate layer. The sides of the silicone outer layer feature a grooved texture for enhanced grip.
Holster: Rotating belt clip securely fastens to almost anything and also doubles as a media viewing stand when locked into place. You can face the touchscreen out for use or face it in for maximum protection.
ACCESSIBILITY AND STYLE :
The case is classic black in color, which some people may find boring, where as I just love the simple bold look, it looks very sturdy and strong. It does add some bulk to the phone but for me it wasn’t a deal breaker.The Earpiece,Sensors and front facing Camera are protected with hard plastic edges which are very classy and look stunning.The Volume keys are also fully protected ,as is the Power key on the right side..
At the top , the noise cancelling mic is open and the Headphone jack covered by a small pull-able cover, what is great about this is there is a very hard plastic edge around the Jack port.As with the Top the Bottom is also well protected namely the Micro USB Charging port. The S-Pen is fully open giving great ease of use when pulling out the S-Pen. There is separate openings for Microphone and rear speaker.
One word to describe this case would be: DEFENDER!
"Conclusion"
My overall experience with Otterbox Defender series has been great. This is the Best Protective Case for Galaxy Note as no other case provides this Premium look, Awesome feel, and the Amazing protection that Otterbox provides.
Price :
It is priced at $59.99 on www.otterbox.com
For Images and More info , Visit : www.theandroidcop.com/review-otterbox-defender-case-for-samsung-galaxy-note/
I was fortunate enough to find this case lying around the workplace.
The boss-man said I could have it!
Saved myself $60!
Ouch... feels like having 2 notes inside my pocket, lack of close-up pictures in details
Too bulky for a already large phone... and too expensive.. there is better protection for less out there... IMHO
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app
Yes its big, but I'd worked out what size it would be before buying the phone or case. Get a ruler, make a cardboard mock up.
I actually had the case before the phone and it went straight into it on arrival. Working outdoors a lot and having had old candy bar type phones often take a tumble to the ground, I wanted my new phone properly protected.
Having used the phone and case for 6 months, its only tumbled out of pocket once, when not actually clipped in. I typically use the hard beltclip cover, in top pocket of work shirt, with the clip opened over the shirt button. This prevents it riding deeper in the pocket, but the button provides something for the clip to grab, so if during contortions outside, the phone flips out of pocket, it remains clipped to the pocket. Additionally when using the belt clip cover, the silicon shell faces the body, so it seems very unlikely perspiration would find its way into the phone, which seems to be an issue with some phones and their usb/headphone ports (covered with defender)
It seems it would also be quite secure if deeper in the pocket without the belt clip cover, the silicon case grabs the pocket well, although in this position the button is exposed to body moisture (if theres no stock seal around that)
What I did NOT like about the case was the built in screen protector, like all matte finish protectors I have seen, it blurs the pixels giving a fuzzy effect to the display.
I carefully removed the built in protector, pushing around with thumb in warm weather worked, and replaced it with a Spigen glas.t, tempered glass protector. The glas.t is about 0.5mm thick, there is room for it within the defender case. I suspect the tempered glass/silicon adhesive would do a good job of spreading the energy from a sharp impact, performing much like a laminated car windscreen which tend to keep most impact chips in the outer glass layer.
I have the full protection of the defender case, and full visual clarity of the screen. Win/Win
I also do not have to worry about the possibility of dust, grit etc working its way into the case and being held against the screen. This may not happen, I didn't leave it original long enough, but certainly seemed it would be likely in the environments I work in.
Hope this helps someone
Its big, bulky, but is worth it! Own one myself. Its worth the tradeoff for protection of an expensive toy
Well i have this case for over 2 months and i can say that its trully worth the money! The extra protection is awesome as well is the design and grip! However it has 2 downsides IMHO.
1st you have to open it and clean it once per 15 days and believe me at first it's a pain in the ass to open it and you re gonna break some nails .
2nd some areas far on the top on the screen need to be pressed harder i.e. it takes some time to get used to taking down the Notification Center the first days.
Hope this helps!

Best Case for Z3c with Magnetic Port Cutout

Hi, few days ago I was happy Z3c owner. Phone is great but it's one of the most fragile phones on market so I'm looking for a case.
I bough Ringke Fusion but seems also not so protective comparing to cases I had before for older phones like Ballistic or Trident.
So, if You would like to help me choose right. Except one I have (Ringke) I found Cruzerlite - looks nice cause on left side only magnetic port is opened so not so many weak spots but it also like Ringke seems like tuned regular TPU for 2$.
Case Mate from Z1c after adding few cutouts looks promising and people are saying it's best protection case. I also found Incipio Dual Layer case but I heard that rubber part is stretching and I hate it when it does.
There are many other cases on eBay for 2-10$ but I would like not to buy another case like this Ringke which is not best choice for me for it's price.
Cruzerlite Bugdroid.
Bought 14 months ago. Great cover
I use the Case-Mate Barely There clear plastic case (edit: for the z3c, not the modified z1c in the poll). It's hard plastic, not TPU, but I like it because it has a very slim profile.
Thank You, but unlike all I prefer something more "bulky". I used that my phone can hit on the street when I'm running and get out of this without a scratch. Pity that there is no such case for Z3c.
Hama Crystal Case for Z3C, fits perfect(without plastic adapters)
This thread should include the Devilcase. It can take hits to concrete, leaves the USB flap and magnetic port exposed, and adds minimal bulk.
I never saw any crash tests with Devilcase but I don't think those tiny parts of foam or sponge between phone and bumper can absorb damage.
I know it looks great but without it phone also looks great and I think with and without this case screen is as well exposed as without it. If I depend only on scratch protection I would take any 0.3mm transparent case.
Anyway thank You for mention.
The sides of the bumper come up about 2mm,so that with a glass screen protector (that you should get no matter which case you buy) there is still about 1mm separating the protector from the offending surface.
And like I said, I've dropped it multiple times onto concrete to absolutely 0 ill effect. It's not like other slim cases, aluminum behaves much differently than silicone.
I'm working in a repair service center and I saw many iPhones after they hit the ground in a alu bumper and they looks same as phones without any protection. Thats why I conclude that all hard cases and bumpers acts the same in contact with the floor.
Of course I'm using tempered glass but it can help in case of direct impact on the screen but it wont help with pressure formed from the side impact.
Still I'd go for something more flexible cause I'd rather not to test aluminum shock absorption.
I think if I wont find anything decent I will order Cruzerlite and after comparing it with Ringke I'll stay with better one.
It sad there is no really rugged case for Z3c.
You can laugh but after reading some reviews I ordered Devilcase.
I didn't want to argue with you, as we had contradictory personal experience. I won't laugh, you made a good choice.
I once had the original Sony case.
Plus: The magnet that opens the screen when opening the case
Minus: The window that is positioned in a different place than the clock widget. One cannot change the position of this clock widget on the lock screen.
Minus: The book-wise opening which makes the front flap being a hindrance for easy handling
Now I bought a cheap one, opening from the top side:
Plus: Easy handling
Plus: Self installed magnet in the flap for automagic opening of the screen when opening the flap.
Plus: Good protection
I have some pictures.
The Sony Cover pictures are taken with original locked phone.
The other pictures with unlocked Marshmallow and destroyed DRM keyes.
It's easy to see the bad picture quality after unlocking. :crying: :crying:
The best by far is the Case-Mate Tough for the Z3 Compact.
It's dual layered with an inner rubber layer and a solid plastic outer layer.
It has cut outs so you can use it with the official Dock DK48 and leaves the usb and sd card flap accessible.
http://www.case-mate.com/products/black-sony-xperia-z3-compact-tough-case
Do You have or tested one??
I have one and it's awesome. Good grip too.
I skipped this one cause most reviews I found was negative. Mostly because like half of the phone is unprotected.
Only a portion of one side is uncovered, all the corners are protected and even if you dropped it sideways the case sticks out.so the phone isn't touched. Try it out you will see how tough it feels.
Make no mistake, the phone is very safe.
devilcase all the way
I dropped my Z3c several times already, sometimes on a pavement. not even a scratch on the phone itself, Barely There protects it really well.

A case Mod

I was in search of the best case for the fold 2 but like you all know, the form factor is very limiting when it comes to finding a good and functional case. I finally bought the spigen slim Armor case. It's a bit bulky for sure but the protection is really good. But there were 2 issues for me, one: the material is just a soft touch plastic, which I felt didn't do justice to the premium feel of the phone. Second: when closed, the hinge protection piece is tensioned by a spring mechanism, so it covers the hinge when closed (you could search the case in youtube to see how it works). But it's not very strong and is very easy to lift it up. Few days back I was in a hurry, I tried to lift the phone off of a table (in closed position), my fingers accidently pushed on the hinge flap and it opened, I couldn't grab the phone and it slid off of my hand onto the floor (well that's how I knew it provided good protection any ways).
So I set to solve these 2 issues and here is what I came up with.
I cut a thin sheet of leather to the diamentions of the back of the case and extended it all the way over the hinge flap. So luxury material is "Done" and because the leather covers the separation (back and front pieces into one) there is no gap when closed. When opened the leather just rolls under the flap. You would think it must have become too thick to hold, well I chose the thinnest leather so it doesn't really add that much bulk, but the feel in hand is amazing and its really grippy. Also its a MUST for the leather to be thin enough for it to roll under the flap as there isn't much room under there when the phone is opened.
I really don't know if I explained it well. Take a look at the pics attached and Let me know if you have questions.

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