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[Q] 'Bumper' style case?

My most hated thing about my Galaxy S is the bezel. Was wondering if anyone's come across a case similar to Apple's bumpers, as this would hide the bezel in a more elegant way. I've already tried the DIY method of using a wristband, but the phones is too big and so it just snapped when I was trying to put it on.
Any suggestions are welcome

Dont forget the home button really gets easily scratched even by our bare skin!

Soft rubber cases wraps around the bezel.

lots of pictures in the CASE topic
i'm using the Korean jelly type, very good for both looks and protection
the Euro ToughCase is also very good, for protection
but the one i like best is the Korean Mesh type is super elegant, make the phone looks really sharp and cool
pictures also on the CASE topic (page 3 as i recall)

I bought the case-mate case, it's a 2 parter, rubber and partial hardcase also extra screen protector is thrown into the package too.

Never liked mesh case. They look weird to me
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

As nice as all those cases are I love the look of the device how it is, hence my attempt to hide the only bit of it I don't like.

Maybe you could just cut the jellycases back open and there is your bumber...

Good point....

I have a couple of cheap silicone cases on order and might try cutting one into a bumper.

MomijiTMO said:
I have a couple of cheap silicone cases on order and might try cutting one into a bumper.
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Thanks for biting the apple, I'd be most greatful if you let us know how you get on if you do choose to do it.

versp said:
Thanks for biting the apple, I'd be most greatful if you let us know how you get on if you do choose to do it.
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I did that already and its not good if you cut the whole backside off. Sides come too loose in my opinion.
Maybe if you don't cut the whole back off and leave some backside to keep the case in shape and give some friction it would be ok.

Starting to sound like a shill, but the Phantomskinz Chromatic "carbon fiber" appliqué that I'm using does a great job of hiding MOST of the iChrome look of the bezel. It totally covers the sides and leaves just a small ~1mm bit of chrome exposed on the top of the device, which is much more tasteful.

[Q] Metal Backing?

I really, REALLY love this phone. It's insanely fast, even without root and just a launcher. Currently I am running JT's Super Clean with Voodoo.
The only downside to this phone, I think, is the plastic battery cover. I feels extremely flimsy and I like my phone to feel rugged and solid in my hand. I use a silicone cover atm, but if I found a metal backing like the Droid X has, I wouldn't use any cover and my phone would be complete.
Have any of you found such a thing or something similar?

I think you'd have signal issues with a metal back.

It would only be good if you could make it out of aluminum or titanium, something really light, otherwise it would add to much weight to the phone, at least for my liking. In the end, it would end up costing way to much to make a few battery covers for the people that would actually buy them.

I'm just wondering if one of these accessory distributors makes them. It would really make me love my phone. You know, kinda like the desire or the droid x has a hard back.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Why don't you start contacting random accessory manufacturers and find out what kind f commitment it would take to get them to make a run. They could set up a kickstarter account for this product and we could troll all of the cell boards for people to sign up. I would pay something for this.

Get the kickstand case I posted in this forum.... best replacement for the shoddy back this phone has IMHO, and the best case too. The kickstand just sweetens the deal. I agree that having something less flimsy would be nice, but, I'd rather have a kickstand.

Wouldn't using actual metal interfere with the signal (cell, wi-fi, or bluetooth)? The other main concern would be Samsung's copyright on the back cover. Considerable legal difference between making an add-on accessory and making a replacement part.
Here's a thought: replacement backs from Samsung are $5.
Sand to prep, rubberized undercoating? (or mettalic spraypaint & hard shell clearcoat?) I stood in a store looking at spray paints considering this as a business opportunity. But I doubt people would pay $20 for a coated back cover and these paints are not cheap. Also, the back cover is flexible when removed, so I doubt the coating would last if you remove the cover much. Using bumper paints would help some... Another issue; The only rubberized coatings I've found are for spraying on bare metal, not plastic.

Where do you order replacement backs from? I'll betcha you could use a replacement back, sanded down, plus some spray on 'hammered finish' rustoleum would give you a pretty nice effect. I have an xbox 360 controller I did this with and it stood up just fine, until I hulked out one day and squeezed it too much.
[edit]
Nevermind, I found them on the verizon site for about $4. I think I may order one and try it.

Q. Metal or glass battery door?

I want to add some weight and more protection for the battery door, and I would like to have metal or hard glass/acryl-like battery door. Is there such replacements available?

You could opt for the extended battery that verizon sells.
running on premium!

bwheelies said:
You could opt for the extended battery that verizon sells.
running on premium!
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That thing looks like a gigantic tumor! I want to keep my fascinate a virgin but heavier

minho422 said:
I want to add some weight and more protection for the battery door, and I would like to have metal or hard glass/acryl-like battery door. Is there such replacements available?
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Highly reccomend the Verizon OEM kickstand case, adds "just enough" bulk to the phone to protect it, fit finish is excellent, and it provides a very functional kickstand! And at less than <$10 on eBay it's a no brainer to me.

Protonus said:
Highly reccomend the Verizon OEM kickstand case, adds "just enough" bulk to the phone to protect it, fit finish is excellent, and it provides a very functional kickstand! And at less than <$10 on eBay it's a no brainer to me.
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this?
it sure looks sexy with the carbon print...but it's a case not a battery door, so I'll consider that one if I can't find any replacement battery door.
where did you get it for less than $10? the cheapest one I found was that link

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SAMSUNG-FAS...ccessories&hash=item45f94e129d#ht_3634wt_1026
This is what he was talking about.

TheSonicEmerald said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SAMSUNG-FAS...ccessories&hash=item45f94e129d#ht_3634wt_1026
This is what he was talking about.
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Ah...I like the one that I mistakenly found, but that thing is only $5 so I guess ill skip a big mac and buy that one to see how it holds up.
But is there a replacement battery door? Not for extended battery but regular size...in metal or graphite or some sort

Manufacturers don't really make battery covers for the regular battery, but Aaron636r (his thread should be in this subforum) is selling stickers for the battery cover and also a carbon-vinyl covered battery cover as well. Might want to check that out. His thread his named 'made my own vinyl cover'
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App

TheSonicEmerald said:
Manufacturers don't really make battery covers for the regular battery, but Aaron636r (his thread should be in this subforum) is selling stickers for the battery cover and also a carbon-vinyl covered battery cover as well. Might want to check that out. His thread his named 'made my own vinyl cover'
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
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I checked out his sticker and it looks very good, but the main purpose for me was to add weight without modifying or putting a case...but I guess that's unavailable. Ill just go ahead and buy the OEM carbon print Kickstand case for the design and some extra weight. Thanks for the help!

TheSonicEmerald said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SAMSUNG-FAS...ccessories&hash=item45f94e129d#ht_3634wt_1026
This is what he was talking about.
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I have that case and I love it cause it's pimp!

I would love to get a titanium replacement battery cover for my Fascinate. Gorilla Glass up front, Ti on the rear (instead of cheap plastic).
That would be awesome.

The kickstand case that was first posted is wayy better looking than the OEM one imo

Would also like to replace the chromed plastic trim ring around the front with a titanium part, though it would probably be less shock absorbing. I dropped my fascinate on a concrete sidewalk once and now it's dinged on the corner. No other apparent damage, thank goodness!

would love to have those covers with kick stand unfortunately it wont fit on the car cradle

that ****ty silver metal looking paint...i actually carefully chipped it off well at least the cover coat and used nail polish remover with q tips and a towel and got all of it off leaving this shiny black plastic. looks fantastic.
i think there is a thread about doing it but id didnt want to use sandpaper and brush away the shine of the plastic underneath. i noticed that with places that the cover coating of the silver paint got chipped off (around the mini usb, headphone jack, and a spot where it dot nicked off) it chips off fairly easy. try at your own risk though

ive tried so many cases and havnt found one i liked yet. none of them fit in my pocket
id like to see a battery cover replacement specially glass that would be bada$$

[Discussion] A full case really necessary? Bumper good enough?

This is the first phone I've owned where I ordered a case. My old phones (6800, Touch pro, touch pro 2, epic 4g... ) never really needed it as they had enough "plastic protection" (bulk) that dropping them didn't really cause much damage.
The more I think about it, the less it seems that a full case would really be necessary or beneficial. So my question, Is a case covering the back of the phone really necessary?
My thoughts on why its NOT:
Most (I would guess 99%) of drops end up hiting corners, not the front or back. Watch as many drop test videos as you want... how many of them drop flat on there back.... and out of those that drop flat on their back... how many land on a rock or something that pushes up past the rim (find one... I couldn't).
There isn't much need to protect on the back of the phone. If I were to drop my phone from head height and it landed flat on its back... on a rock... I would probably only crack the back cover.. which only costs like 3 bucks.
Protection from dirt... not. People like to say that a full back case would protect the phone from dirt. What they forget is that dirt will work its way into the case and small movements between the case and the phone will cause the phone to scratch on that dirt.
Doesn't really protect the camera. The only thing protecting the camera in the rim... which a bumper case has.
Also, I think a lot of the cases out there (the slim tpu cases, excluding the tech21 d30 case) probably don't provide much protection against screen cracking. Screen cracking seems to happen when you have a decent point load on the phone. More solid cases like aluminum bumpers, hard chell cases help distribute the point load to a larger surface area on the phone... causing less damage. Its like getting punched in the gut vs getting punched in the gut covered but a wood board. Either way your body still feels the full force of the blow, just one way the force is distributed over a larger area of your body.
Thoughts?

I had the same thought about the bumper and posted a thread asking for bumper recommendations here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2334648
What I got in response was mostly people ignoring my post and recommending different types of full case. I get the impression that most forum posters don't actually read posts before they reply but merely react to the title.
I agree with you about the bumper providing almost as much protection as a case but I think to keep the screen from cracking you need a soft bumper like TPU at least as an inner layer. If the phone lands on a corner with a hard bumper it will still have a lot of force concentrated in a small area will have no cushioning to dampen the impact.

It's not necessary, but it's still possible of something hitting the back case or the back case dropping onto something. You just need to outweigh the pros and cons yourself, then decide what to go with. If I was only worried about my phone being dropped, then I would get the bumper since I'm usually never in a environment with debris all over the ground. But I've had couple instances where things were dropped onto my phone. So I just buy a full case myself.

The necessity of having any case at all is dictated by your aversion to any inconvenience caused by a momentary ooops moment leading to a cracked screen or dented phone. Repair? Replace? I'd rather prevent my phone getting damaged in the first place.
Tapatalked via Galaxy S4 on Smart LTE

I think bumper/tpu cases in general are more for cosmetics and minor protection. And because of the chincy bezel on the s4, for example, ppl at work who like to put their phones glass side down. As well as protecting the camera and having a more flat back when using it on a desk/table. I myself own the neo hybrid and I don't think they offer any "REALLY GREAT" protection. Something in the middle would be the uag, which I think I will be ordering soon. It has the best of both worlds, IMO. And if you think ur gonna drop ur phone a lot for whatever reasons(clumsiness,blue collar work, or "you just never know"), I would go with a heavy duty full case for maximum protection from spiegen or otterbox.

reaeg said:
I had the same thought about the bumper and posted a thread asking for bumper recommendations here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2334648
What I got in response was mostly people ignoring my post and recommending different types of full case. I get the impression that most forum posters don't actually read posts before they reply but merely react to the title.
I agree with you about the bumper providing almost as much protection as a case but I think to keep the screen from cracking you need a soft bumper like TPU at least as an inner layer. If the phone lands on a corner with a hard bumper it will still have a lot of force concentrated in a small area will have no cushioning to dampen the impact.
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I ordered a couple (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42676653&postcount=22) bumpers and should get them soon. I think bumpers aren't the "popular" thing so thats why you didn't get a very good bumper response.
As for tpu for inner layer, most of the aluminum bumpers provide a small tpu layer (very small)... but I don't think its really necessary. A rigid bumper like the aluminum ones will still distribute the force through the 2 sides of the phone if hit in the corner. Its just like my board on the stomach analogy in the OP. There is no soft layer between the wood board and your gut,,, but it doesn't hurt as bad because the load is spread out over a larger space.
The softer inner layer just help absorb the impact... to help not jar internals.
DKYang said:
It's not necessary, but it's still possible of something hitting the back case or the back case dropping onto something. You just need to outweigh the pros and cons yourself, then decide what to go with. If I was only worried about my phone being dropped, then I would get the bumper since I'm usually never in a environment with debris all over the ground. But I've had couple instances where things were dropped onto my phone. So I just buy a full case myself.
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I didn't think about dropping something on my phone, ha. I've never done that. I guess that is a use case...
Every time I've ever dropped my phone, the corners get dinged... even my old old phones that took years of dropping, the front and backs look perfect... the corners look messed up.

The back is more prone to scratching than the front tbh, and I'd assume that having a rounded off flat back would cause less drops than a bumper with a lip on both sides
The poetic atmosphere case is pretty good, let's you see the back of the phone
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

PoRco1x said:
The back is more prone to scratching than the front tbh,
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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That could be... but does it matter... a new back cover is only a couple bucks, way cheaper than a pricey case . That said... I might bet an imitation neo hybrid... cause they make the phone look sweet.
My point of this thread is kinda questioning the untested idea that the whole case provides more protection than the open back.... from falls. You could probably argue that it doesn't based on the low probability of a back hit.

icevapor said:
A rigid bumper like the aluminum ones will still distribute the force through the 2 sides of the phone if hit in the corner.
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That's a very good point.
Personally, I'd change the board analogy slightly. A dropped phone is more like strapping a board to yourself and running into something. In that case, having a layer of something soft between yourself and the board would be a nice bonus. I've always thought the ideal protection would be a rigid outer layer with a soft inner layer for exactly that reason; the outer layer distributes the impact over a large area and the inner layer absorbs that distributed impact.
Another concern I had with the aluminum bumpers was that you have metal directly against the screen which isn't ideal but I saw another user mention adding a layer of neoprene tape in between which could actually give that rigid outer layer, soft inner layer in a bumper that I've been after.
Please post your impressions when you get the bumpers. I'd be especially interested in hearing about the impact on signal performance. I've heard half say they decrease signal strength and half say there's no effect.
---------- Post added at 12:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:12 AM ----------
norml said:
I think bumper/tpu cases in general are more for cosmetics and minor protection. And because of the chincy bezel on the s4, for example, ppl at work who like to put their phones glass side down. As well as protecting the camera and having a more flat back when using it on a desk/table. I myself own the neo hybrid and I don't think they offer any "REALLY GREAT" protection. Something in the middle would be the uag, which I think I will be ordering soon. It has the best of both worlds, IMO. And if you think ur gonna drop ur phone a lot for whatever reasons(clumsiness,blue collar work, or "you just never know"), I would go with a heavy duty full case for maximum protection from spiegen or otterbox.
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I think a bumper could offer great drop protection if designed well. The heavy duty cases protect the screen with nothing more than a lip. The screen is the most breakable part of the phone so there's not much point in protecting the back more than the screen. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

There isn't really any point to make this thread. Its all personal opinions and choice if you want a bumper or full case.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 2

reaeg said:
That's a very good point.
Personally, I'd change the board analogy slightly. A dropped phone is more like strapping a board to yourself and running into something. In that case, having a layer of something soft between yourself and the board would be a nice bonus. I've always thought the ideal protection would be a rigid outer layer with a soft inner layer for exactly that reason; the outer layer distributes the impact over a large area and the inner layer absorbs that distributed impact.
Another concern I had with the aluminum bumpers was that you have metal directly against the screen which isn't ideal but I saw another user mention adding a layer of neoprene tape in between which could actually give that rigid outer layer, soft inner layer in a bumper that I've been after.
Please post your impressions when you get the bumpers. I'd be especially interested in hearing about the impact on signal performance. I've heard half say they decrease signal strength and half say there's no effect.
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The 2 bumpers I ordered look like they have a rubber/plastic barrier in between the aluminum and the phone. Some online show it, some don't.
I'll post infor when I get them.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

icevapor said:
So my question, Is a case covering the back of the phone really necessary?
Thoughts?
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i had the same thought process as you. the back cover getting scratched is no big deal, because i can always get a replacement back cover for relatively cheap. the front isn't a concern due to a screen protector. what my biggest worry was the sides getting dinged or scratched. so after using slim cases, i figured i'd get a bumper case and see if liked it better. i bought the roocase from amazon and i liked it a lot (i got the white for my white S4). it looked SO much better in person, too. however, i wound up returning it because it made swiping annoying, because the lip was a little higher and it covered the screen just a little bit more than my slim cases. if that doesn't bother you, i would definitely check out the roocase (it's really cheap and it's free 2-day shipping with amazon prime). as for me, i'm going to maybe check out an aluminum bumper and see if that feels better.

icevapor said:
The 2 bumpers I ordered look like they have a rubber/plastic barrier in between the aluminum and the phone. Some online show it, some don't.
I'll post infor when I get them.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
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Alternative option of aluminum bumper for GS4 fabricated by DevilCase.
There is a video on their FB fan page. It seems like they just released bumpers for GS4 in few days ago, but can't find it at Amazon's marketplace yet.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Devilcase-Aluminum-Alloy-Bumper-Series/448520031891616
Some people discussed their bumpers for HTC One and had some reviews on its product. What do you guys think?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2316315&highlight=devilcase

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Looks like a decent alternative to Element Cases. Strong product line for the S4 listed at their site.

That looks really ugly in my honest opinion. It takes away from the s4 completely.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Looks nice
So im guessing the back part behind the carbon fiber is allumium instead of plastic, which could explain the signal loss. By any chance you think the samsung wireless back cover can fit?

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Yeap, this case is an acquired taste.
Not many people will like it. I find it hideous as well. But to each his own...

wttisme said:
Behind the carbon fiber is TPU, but it's fairly thick. If I remember correctly, the cellular antenna is around the perimeter of the phone, so it's probably partially blocked by the aluminum bumper. In town and most other places I didn't notice any signal loss/deprivation of LTE speeds. As far as the wireless cover, it would depend on how much thicker it is than the stock battery cover. If not, the wireless receiver by Qi would fit. I'm sure charging would be slower though due to the thickness of the TPU.
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Can you check something out for me, can you place two quarters/similar sized coins, on the back of your phone witht he case on and see if it could fit. Also try two methods one witht he coins side by side with top to bottom around the battery area and the other stack on top of each other and place it right where the battery is on the phone. If the case can take that much space i would buy it.

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wttisme said:
Side by side it's a snug fit but I wouldn't recommend trying to screw the case together with something as thick as 2 coins against the phone. A single quarter's width still fits though.
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OK sounds good, so your saying its fit well with one coin, but with two coins side by side its too much? Also does itskins accept Paypal or you had to pay with credit card.

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Any chance of more pics? Really liking the look of this case

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I just bought this case and find it the most attractive, stylish and best made case I have ever used on my S4. For me, It totally transforms an ok looking plastic phone to one that goes beyond an HTC One or iPhone. I have always liked the unconventional designs of designer cell phones and this case makes a conventional and somewhat boring phone far out. The fit and finish of the aluminum is incredible. It is very solid with no flex or creaking. The feeling of it in the hand is luxurious. This is what I expect from a $100 case.
I recently bought an Element Eclipse S4 but was not totally happy with it. The Eclipse case is pretty nice but the TPU/plastic lower case and the aluminum bezel do not line up flush with each other. I would expect it to be near perfect on an $80 case.
I have used a number of TPU and plastic cases. that take away from the look of the phone. To me, the phone looks better naked instead of in a plastic case, but I wasn't going to use it without one.
I have noticed some signal loss, but it has 4G where I really need it so its been ok so far.
There are some other impressive aluminum cases, like the ones at casefanatic, but I'll probably use this one for a long while.
So that's my mini review and thoughts on this case. I hope it helps anyone interested in buying one.