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Just a very quick review of my Easecase E5 which arrived about a week ago.
You can see pictures of it by search eBay for "Easecase E5 galaxy note" (without quotes), there's one here : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E5-EASECA..._MobilePhonesCasesPouches&hash=item5ae4059699
(I did get a bit of a shock when I saw that - that is my actual one - with my name on it, I was just searching for one at random)
Delivery time:
As mentioned in other parts of this forum, delivery times for Easecase are pretty woeful. I ordered on the 25th of November and, it arrived here a few days over a month later in Sweden. The problem seems to be largely that they ship via China Post which is quit slow - they dispatched it (with trackable* shipping) within about a week. I bought it through eBay, so I am not sure if they have another outlet, and, they make it very clear on their eBay items that they will take a looong time to ship, so, I can't take any points off them there.
Build quality:
It is beautifully put together. There's a slot running down the inner spine for the stylus, and my name is embossed on the front. I would characterise it as high quality.
Outside:
I opted for the magnetic clasp. It isn't a very strong magnet, but does the job.
Apart from the clasp, there's just the embossing on the outside, and, a neat seam around the edge.
Inside:
There are 2 bill pockets inside, both of which are *very* deep. They're about as deep as the note is high.
When it is fully opened, there are 5 credit card pockets on the left. Note that these seem to be individual pockets, separated from each other internally. Cards fit vertically into these pockets. The front of the pockets stretches a bit over 2 thirds of the way from the far left of the case to the spine. Behind the pockets is a sleeve about 1/3 wider than the short side of a credit card where you could fold bank notes* (remember this, I'll come back to it.
As I said, along the inner spine is slot for the stylus.
On the right is where the not goes. It slots in (quite snugly) from the top. The top is open, so you can get to the headphone port. There's a hole in the left for the volume control, a hole in the right for the power button, and, a hole in the bottom for access to the USB port.
Looking at the front, the home and hardware buttons are all accessible as part of the screen area. They've also neatly cut out around the top speaker and, the front camera.
Protection:
Very good. If the magnetic clasp doesn't come undone during a fall, then, it'd be very hard to break the screen. It is nice thick leather, and you might even be able to drop a brick on it when closed without breaking the screen.
It still won't help you if you drop it in the toilet as some poor chap here has apparently done.
Usage:
It is very bulky. Like one of those filofax jobs people used to (still?) have.
I'm used to big gadgets, so I cope, but you wouldn't get it into tight jeans pockets. I do squeeze it, with some discomfort into my front trousers pocket.
You don't want to talk on the phone with the cover on for more than brief calls, you look like an idiot. Most of the time I pull it out of the cover for calls, or, use a bluetooth headset.
Using the rear camera requires removing from the cover.
General browsing/emailing etc is fine with the cover on.
Fortunately removing the phone is a fairly quick procedure, as is putting it back it. I imagine it'll get easier still as the leather stretches a touch.
One annoyance is, as the leather reaches right to the top of the touch screen, if the phone slips up slightly, it can be difficult or impossible to pull down the notifications bar. When in landscape, this isn't an issue as the phone can't move left/right in the case.
Summary/thoughts:
I wish I'd bought the one without the bank note pockets. That'd reduce the bulk considerably and you could still stick notes behind your cards (see * above). You can also use the rear facing camera with the non-bank note version (E4).
On balance, I am pleased I bought it though, it is of high quality and, it is great having your phone and wallet all in the one thing - it also means you can ring your wallet to find it when you are in a hurry to head to work
If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
My recommendation for anyone thinking of getting one of these is to get the E4 and not this.
They don't seem to have any E4's on eBay at the moment for the note, but I am sure I have seen one there. Here's one for the Desire HD - I am sure it gets the point across.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E4-EASECA...sesPouches&hash=item5647be7cbf#ht_5657wt_1016
Cheers,
Kent
kentmartin said:
You don't want to talk on the phone with the cover on for more than brief calls, you look like an idiot. Most of the time I pull it out of the cover for calls, or, use a bluetooth headset.
One annoyance is, as the leather reaches right to the top of the touch screen, if the phone slips up slightly, it can be difficult or impossible to pull down the notifications bar. When in landscape, this isn't an issue as the phone can't move left/right in the case.
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Two quick thoughts:
1) When calling, can't you fold the case cover back 180 degrees?
2) Some launchers (adwlauncher does this) allow to swipe down anywhere to lower the notification bar, so you don't need to touch the very top.
- Frank
ChodTheWacko said:
Two quick thoughts:
1) When calling, can't you fold the case cover back 180 degrees?
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No, the banknotes pockets kind of open so it gets more bulky and wants to spring back to about 180 degrees (where 0 is closed, 180 is wide open and 360 is the position you suggest), but I suspect you could with the E4 model.
2) Some launchers (adwlauncher does this) allow to swipe down anywhere to lower the notification bar, so you don't need to touch the very top.
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Yes - I read about that setting a while back, but have never used it, thanks for reminding me - it is now enabled for the swipe down gesture (hide dock was annoying me anyway).
Hi, thanks for the review, i've been stuck deciding between the E5 and the E4, due to the E5 having the bill slot, which i would think is really good compared to folding the bills under the cards.
Can you take a picture of the case when it's fully loaded, both open and closed?
e.g. all card slots used, and the bills folded and slotted under the cards
That would probably help sway my decision, if that slot + cards do not bulk up the entire wallet.
More info // pics in my thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1419678
I love those case, but it's sucks when they cost so much!
It's should be 10$ max.
peanuts and monkeys
i hope to order this case by the end of this month, i've emailed them some questions on customisation, hopefully it's permitted, then can go forward with this.
the E5 with wallet style slot is definitely too bulky. I bought one for my Desire HD with modified size to fit the DHD with Otterbox. After receiving it, tested once with DHD and sit in my drawer collecting dust ever since.
EvoFighter said:
the E5 with wallet style slot is definitely too bulky. I bought one for my Desire HD with modified size to fit the DHD with Otterbox. After receiving it, tested once with DHD and sit in my drawer collecting dust ever since.
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Ya know I thought the same thing at first, but I just got a pack of 3 extra batteries and I find I can put two of em in the wallet and also a cleaning cloth and everything fits great.
In terms of customizations I wonder if a small bit for some change could be added.
Its beautiful.
Easecase E5 looks good.
This is a genuine leather case, and very good quality construction. They also responded well to my customization request (I wanted a 65mm horizontal belt loop added to mine).
Only $10 max is out of the question. Worth 3 to 4 times that much. It includes branding of your own name as well. It's a very classy leather case/wallet.
Could you please share a photo were the Note is next to the case just to compare the size of the case?
Hey great review. I really love the customization of these cases and I recently bought a galaxy note us version from ATT so ive been doing some research for a quality wallet type case for my note (will arrive monday) I was just wondering, would this case or the E4 case which is what ill probably get be fine for the american ATT version. Im pretty sure the dimensions are about the same but im not so sure about the button placements or the charger placements.
The only thing I dont like is the shipping time but not much I can do about it but this case seems to be the best so far that ive found besides the vintage leather case but those dont come in black and have magnetic strips.
Any reply would be appreciated.
So just to recap - will my US ATT galaxy Note i717 be a good match with this case?
dreamstealer2045 said:
Hey great review. I really love the customization of these cases and I recently bought a galaxy note us version from ATT so ive been doing some research for a quality wallet type case for my note (will arrive monday) I was just wondering, would this case or the E4 case which is what ill probably get be fine for the american ATT version. Im pretty sure the dimensions are about the same but im not so sure about the button placements or the charger placements.
The only thing I dont like is the shipping time but not much I can do about it but this case seems to be the best so far that ive found besides the vintage leather case but those dont come in black and have magnetic strips.
Any reply would be appreciated.
So just to recap - will my US ATT galaxy Note i717 be a good match with this case?
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When I dealt with them, I found them quite responsive, I suggest asking them if it'll fit the i717 - odds on if it doesn't they'll have one that does even if they haven't advertised it yet.
Although I haven't seen it, I'd definitely recommend the E4 over the E5 - I find I don't really need the slots for notes (you can slip folded notes in the bit behind where credit cards go anyway) and, it the banknote pockets block the camera (by necessity) which drives me a bit mad.
Hi all,
just e tip: a dedicated carholder for this phone is ahrd to find and a little expensive if i'm honest.
if you search for a dedicated carholder form LG G2 on Ebay or such, this will do just aswell. mind you, with a little creative puzzling.
the size between these phones is comparable....not EXACTLY the same.
i've taken a light and heated the corners and the 'clipping and unclipping thingy' without the phone in it one by one.
After heating, fitted the phone in and pressen on the each corner-part and pushed the holder around it.
It fits pretty good and will not snap out easliy.
be careful after applying a heat source......ths plastic can be VERY HOT. insert phone and press it onto a surface.
no promises on the result ofocurse.....just thought i'd share it........
I just wanted to add that I went a different direction with this, and it works great.
I bought a http://www.amazon.com/SUPCASE-Samsung-Galaxy-Active-Unicorn/dp/B00DY2SEFE
Then I bought the quadlock mounts
The adapter for the phone
http://www.quadlockcase.com/products/universal-adapter
then bought the bike mount
http://www.quadlockcase.com/products/quad-lock-bar-mount-pro
and car mount
http://www.quadlockcase.com/products/quad-lock-car-mount
I attached the universal adapter to the back of my phone (easy easy compared to the otterbox stuff out there, since unicorn beatle case is uniformly flat already, it is why i chose it)
Now i attach it to my bike/car when I need to, and it doesnt make it too much bulkier. I actually have 2 cases, one with and one without the adapter, and I switch them out if I am going to go biking, or on a long trip where I might use the GPS.
there are really stable BikeMounts from Upmove:
http://www.upmove.eu/samsung-galaxy-s4-active-fahrradhalterungen/705j43k34u55.html
Amazon has a really great price on the unlocked US version and comes with the Buds as well for $1500! I currently have the S21 Ultra. The Ultra has bigger battery, better camera, and dust resistant.
If I were to buy the Fold I would keep my Ultra.
So is it worth switching? I'm a huge Note fan as well. Would it be wise to maybe wait until Feb and see if the s22 Ultra is basically the Note with built in Spen?
I was also toying with the idea of scoring a deal on a Tab S7 since I need a new tablet. Would it maybe just be best to stick with the S21 Ultra, buy my tablet and then get the S22 Ultra in Feb?
I'm also worried about the Fold 3 and screen cracking in the middle I'm seeing a lot on Reddit.
Just go for it. The fold 3 is better than any tablet. And the advantage of having the phone and the tablet with you really makes a difference.
I came from an S21 Ultra, and switched to Fold 3, I'm very pleased with the change, at the start, I did miss the S21 camera, but the Fold 3 camera is still fine for me.
The rest of the Fold 3 is fantastic, the for media consumption, is just brilliant using that center screen.
This is with me all the time, which a tablet wouldnt be.
Reliability wise, it feels very well built, and the screen doesn't feel fragile at all (I had the fold 2 before this, and never had any problems with the screen through my ownership)
Hold your horses if you want to root - its far better on the S21 for that right now - i can guarantee that lol
Ive seen enough videos side by side with the camera and IMO they look very similar, I'm sure the s21 zoom is amazing but for normal shots side by side its pretty hard to tell the difference.
You basically get a folding tablet in your pocket vs a typical phone thats what you get. Is it worth it? I think hell yes
I love the folds. this is my second after Fold 2 (for a year). Fold 3 hasnt been as reliable as fold 2 for me. Screen is already having issues after having sand in the hinge. I see so many screen failures in reddit group and samsung refuses to cover those under warranty even if it was not fault of your own. so be mindful of that.
taranfx said:
I love the folds. this is my second after Fold 2 (for a year). Fold 3 hasnt been as reliable as fold 2 for me. Screen is already having issues after having sand in the hinge. I see so many screen failures in reddit group and samsung refuses to cover those under warranty even if it was not fault of your own. so be mindful of that.
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Do you think it's better I buy the Tab s7+ and stick with the S21U and get the S22U instead?
Blues fan said:
Do you think it's better I buy the Tab s7+ and stick with the S21U and get the S22U instead?
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this is very personal. I cant live without a large screen in pocket. So personally I'll chose fold everytime.
S22 isnt going to be radically differnt from s21U. Minor improvements everywhere wont make it a replacement for fold 3.
I personally hate having to do anything productive or even researching a product on normal phones, Fold solves that problem very well. I've tab s7+ too which I use only for media consumption.
taranfx said:
this is very personal. I cant live without a large screen in pocket. So personally I'll chose fold everytime.
S22 isnt going to be radically differnt from s21U. Minor improvements everywhere wont make it a replacement for fold 3.
I personally hate having to do anything productive or even researching a product on normal phones, Fold solves that problem very well. I've tab s7+ too which I use only for media consumption.
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What about the camera downgrade and the fragile screen? A lot of people are having the Fold's main screen break, even after just a few days.
So, the main takeaway is will most be happy or disappointed switching from the S21U to the Fold?
Keep the s21. I think if you want a foldable the flip is the better buy. But it depends.
I got the fold 3 for about 1100 on swappa as soon as it was released in august. The device feels great. The hinge is satisfying the 120 hz on both screens are nice (albeit marginal improvements). Generally the ability to see more detailed content is wonderful.
But
The cell signal is bad, the battery is bad, the display is fragile (inner display), the outer display you can do very little on, and the list goes on (including the camera experience just not being comparable to the s21). I like the fold 3 as an experiment and it is a jack of all trades master of none in my eyes. Lots of work needs to be done.
If you want to beta test it be my guest. But there’s a ton of issues I have. And I’ll probably always reach for my iPhone first
You just simply have to ask yourself: what do you actually need?
In my case, I am not a photography enthusiast, but I had to carry my cellphone and my tablet every time I go.
Phone for communication (of course), and tablet to carry all my (more than 100GB) documents everywhere (to work on my papers, read some textbooks, ...)
I found it is much more convenient now to carry only one gadget that can serve as a phone and as a tablet at once.
It's rather bulky and heavy, I admit, as a phone. That is the price I have to pay, I guess.
I went from Fold2 to S21U ... after 3 months I went back to fold 2, now I have the Fold3
I understand what I need
Once you've used the Fold, it's hard to go back
Honestly, I am not a fan of these "help me decide" posts. If you need all of us to convince you that you want/need this phone, then you probably are not going to be convinced. There is only ONE person that can "convince" you and that is you.
Look at reviews, look at tests, look at everything and then decide. If you need to HOLD one, then ping a friend with one or go to a store and hold it. No amount of words are going to convince you if you are not already convinced.
Good luck on your search and hope you settle on something that makes you happy!
i just switched my s21u to fold. so far it's been a great experience. i traded and got the fold 3 for $516 including tax and got a free buds2.
zyxel04 said:
i just switched my s21u to fold. so far it's been a great experience. i traded and got the fold 3 for $516 including tax and got a free buds2.
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I got mine about 2 weeks ago but good thing is to keep it clean that will fix any issues from the folding screen even tho it's the 3rd gen it's still fragile I like it bc I had the z flip I loved it but I did miss the bigger screen of a tablet so I waited and got my z fold for 189 just 2 weeks ago but yeah just use air duster to keep the dust out don't take to really dusty places and make sure you don't put anything else in your pocket with the z fold 3 no debit cards no nothing and get you a rugged case with hinge protection there's like 3 or 4 cases that are not to bulky and when you clean the screens use lens cleaner
I have a question that I can’t find an answer to! I’m considering upgrading from an iPhone XS Max to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. I make videos for a hobby. So my question is, can I open the Z Fold 3 and use the front camera (technically BACK, the 3 lens one) and front screen to record videos? Specifically IN the TikTok app? Or YouTube?
I just want to make sure I’m buying a really good phone that will suit my needs for what I want. I’m hoping to make better quality videos. I am picking out a phone as a gift. (My fiancé has been saving up for a long time to replace my malfunctioning phone.) I’m just terminally ill and if I pick out a phone that won’t work for me I can’t replace it because I live on fixed income and I don’t want to bother my fiancé for something else. I’m really leaning towards the Z Fold 3 for many reasons but a large reason is because of the massive inside screen as well because my eyes aren’t great after treatment so the larger screen would help a lot. Otherwise I’m open to suggestions! Also suggestions for cases and screen protectors too if you are suggesting the Z Fold 3 for me! I need to take extra care of it! Or video making apps suggestions!
Thanks in advance!
oahenkepi said:
I have a question that I can’t find an answer to! I’m considering upgrading from an iPhone XS Max to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. I make videos for a hobby. So my question is, can I open the Z Fold 3 and use the front camera (technically BACK, the 3 lens one) and front screen to record videos? Specifically IN the TikTok app? Or YouTube?
I just want to make sure I’m buying a really good phone that will suit my needs for what I want. I’m hoping to make better quality videos. I am picking out a phone as a gift. (My fiancé has been saving up for a long time to replace my malfunctioning phone.) I’m just terminally ill and if I pick out a phone that won’t work for me I can’t replace it because I live on fixed income and I don’t want to bother my fiancé for something else. I’m really leaning towards the Z Fold 3 for many reasons but a large reason is because of the massive inside screen as well because my eyes aren’t great after treatment so the larger screen would help a lot. Otherwise I’m open to suggestions! Also suggestions for cases and screen protectors too if you are suggesting the Z Fold 3 for me! I need to take extra care of it! Or video making apps suggestions!
Thanks in advance!
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Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed with the fold. Yes you can use the front cameras while it's open. As for cases. Depends on the protection level you want. If want a badass case with hinge protection, front screen protector,kickstand,spen holder, and still have wireless charging then the supcase unicorn beetle is the one for you. It's on Amazon for about 90$. If you want a basic case with flip cover samsung offers one with spen for about 50$. As for screen protectors trust me when I say just run the stock ones until you can't anymore. Then replace with Whitestone dome front and inner protector.
Tinythejuggalo said:
Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed with the fold. Yes you can use the front cameras while it's open. As for cases. Depends on the protection level you want. If want a badass case with hinge protection, front screen protector,kickstand,spen holder, and still have wireless charging then the supcase unicorn beetle is the one for you. It's on Amazon for about 90$. If you want a basic case with flip cover samsung offers one with spen for about 50$. As for screen protectors trust me when I say just run the stock ones until you can't anymore. Then replace with Whitestone dome front and inner protector.
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I agree. The cameras on the Z Fold 3 are pretty good, while they may not be as good as those found on the SGS22 series. They are still very good quality and even the under-display camera is quite good quality.
Hi, it should be a little strange but I would like to have a back rigid cover for Z Fold 4 unfolded, I mean a cover as it would be a tablet, covering all back side (external display included) because when unfolded the external display is disabled.
A rigid plastic cover without adhesive to easily put and remove it, I'd like to use it when I'm at home and I keep it always unfolded.
Anyone know if there is a cover like that?
I haven't found anything like that. But I had the same idea the other day. A case for Z Fold 4 in tablet configuration.
Then you might as well just get a tablet! I can see the appeal in some but then it would just be smaller tablet that can't fold or unfold... my opinion guys
Probably going to be something to get 3d printed..
Sonin66 said:
Then you might as well just get a tablet! I can see the appeal in some but then it would just be smaller tablet that can't fold or unfold... my opinion guys
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I agree but my idea is to put that cover only when I'm at home and when I go out I remove it and I put the Fold in my pocket
cd85233 said:
Probably going to be something to get 3d printed..
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I still hope someone will product it because I don't have a 3d printer...
I would take one if someone made it. I use my S22U as my main phone and the Fold 4 as a tablet or secondary phone at home.