Hi there,
some time ago I compared some cases for the Desire HD and focused on the GPS signal. I uploaded a video to youtube.
Just search for 'HTC Desire HD case GPS test ' on youtube.
Comments are welcome!
Nice video,
Keep in mind the Case-mate Barely There Mirrored Silver case blocks the signal. This video and other people have noticed GPS does indeed work with the black case, but the silver case is bad news.
I've contacted case-mate about the mirrored silver model, and I'm hoping they send me a matte black version to compare. If they do, I'll be sure to post my findings!
interesting... I have a CaseMate Tough (silicone plus hard matt plastic)
I was sat in the attic of my house, underneath a skylight winidow.
I did get more satellites visible and locked without the case. I got 8 on average (max 10), whilst without the case I got mostly 4 (max 6).
The silicone skin did not make any difference.
Still acceptable, in an area of good-poor visibility of the satellites.
But should this really be a surprise since the GPS signal is very weak anyway, and it has difficulty passing though material?
The strange thing for me is the fact, that some cases do not block the signal, but others do. There are reports that not all silicone cases block.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
GerdJ said:
The strange thing for me is the fact, that some cases do not block the signal, but others do. There are reports that not all silicone cases block.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot I had a Barely There which I don't use (since as cases go, it doesn't offer much protection )
Took the CaseMate Tough off, the signal went from 6 to 9 satellites locked.
Put on the Barely There - the signal dropped to JUST ONE in view/use (average 2).
So, this Barely There case doesn't offer protection, and stops the GPS function!
Sorry, black or silver bt?
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
good point - silver for the barely there case
paul c said:
good point - silver for the barely there case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for grabbing the old case and testing it. I hope we can get some more input from people with the other color variations to see if it's something to do with the paint/material/finish...
Good idea. I will get some other cases for testing maybe. If so I will post the results.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
A quick update with another case...
This case purchased off ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260746755524
It does block GPS, not as much as the case-mate mirrored silver, but enough that I won't be using it whenever I try to use GPS function.
paul c said:
interesting... I have a CaseMate Tough (silicone plus hard matt plastic)
I was sat in the attic of my house, underneath a skylight winidow.
I did get more satellites visible and locked without the case. I got 8 on average (max 10), whilst without the case I got mostly 4 (max 6).
The silicone skin did not make any difference.
Still acceptable, in an area of good-poor visibility of the satellites.
But should this really be a surprise since the GPS signal is very weak anyway, and it has difficulty passing though material?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting. I also have the Case-Mate Tough and it seems to block a great amount of signal. While having it on and sitting inside a tram I can't get a fix at all. After taking it off and waiting a minute I do a decent signal. Same happens while using it inside a car. Sometimes I do get a signal with the case on, but very slowly and the signal is much weaker than with the case off. What ROM are you using?
very nice video
White Barely There Case
Hello,
Does anybody know if the white Barely there case causes the same reception problems as the silver one? I was just going to buy it when I've stumbled on this topic.
very nice vid i like it
internet4o said:
Hello,
Does anybody know if the white Barely there case causes the same reception problems as the silver one? I was just going to buy it when I've stumbled on this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, case-mate doesn't even officially offer the mirrored silver anymore, so that might suggest the white one is ok.
**** i have the silver one XD
totaly agree, had a white rubbery silicone case and GPS was virtually disabled.
SensationStyler said:
**** i have the silver one XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind, you can visit case-mate's website and contact them. They allowed me to RMA my mirrored silver case, and promptly shipped me a matte black case as replacement.
Case-Mate Pop case
Hello,
my black Pop case reduces the GPS signal of my Desire HD: the Error in the "Gps Status" app come from 3m (DHD naked) to 41m (DHD with Pop case) ..
I've also found this video, that exactly prove my test:
search for "Case-Mate Pop significantly degrades HTC Desire HD GPS performance"
Incredible!!!
Related
I got the case-mate from Amazon and its an awesome case. I have had some.touchscreen issues but for some reason since I've put this case on, I haven't had them anymore. I dunno if its some sort of placebo effect or its the way the case grips the phone, either way I'm satisfied
http://www.amazon.com/Case-Mate-Sensation-Tough-Cases-color/dp/B0054NUFPS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1308401637&sr=8-1
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk
I ordered Barely there & Tough to my Sensation, arrived yesterday.
Both fit perfectly and the quality is awesome. some thoughts after a days use & tryouts:
Barely there
+ small, doesnt add bulk
+ nice material, adds a bit more grip
+ cutouts are lined perfectly
- doesnt protect from drops, only from scratches
- upper & bottom are pretty much uncovered on the front side
Tough
+ nice protection
+ perfect fit (from the front as well, buttons still very well accessible)
+ like the styling, cant even notice that there are 2 different materials sometimes
+ I like the thickness, adds bulk but in a good way to my liking
- adds bulk, some might find it too much
- cost, 35€ is a bit too much for it
- not many colours out there yet
So all in all, very nice pair from case-mate.
And the best of all, my phones "deathgrip" issue vanished after putting on a case,
had a severe problem with the WiFi cnnection before, now nothing.
Absolutely amazing & a must buy for all Sensation owners IMHO....
FoCsU said:
I ordered Barely there & Tough to my Sensation, arrived yesterday.
Both fit perfectly and the quality is awesome. some thoughts after a days use & tryouts:
Barely there
+ small, doesnt add bulk
+ nice material, adds a bit more grip
+ cutouts are lined perfectly
- doesnt protect from drops, only from scratches
- upper & bottom are pretty much uncovered on the front side
Tough
+ nice protection
+ perfect fit (from the front as well, buttons still very well accessible)
+ like the styling, cant even notice that there are 2 different materials sometimes
+ I like the thickness, adds bulk but in a good way to my liking
- adds bulk, some might find it too much
- cost, 35€ is a bit too much for it
- not many colours out there yet
So all in all, very nice pair from case-mate.
And the best of all, my phones "deathgrip" issue vanished after putting on a case,
had a severe problem with the WiFi cnnection before, now nothing.
Absolutely amazing & a must buy for all Sensation owners IMHO....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we get some pics with the cases on. I'm more interested in the barely there case. Thanks
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
I'll take some pictures of mine when I get home today. I noticed my WiFi death issue is gone also. I don't know if mine is the barely there case or what but it has 2 layers, first layer is like soft rubber and outside is hard. They work well together
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk
brian6685 said:
I'll take some pictures of mine when I get home today. I noticed my WiFi death issue is gone also. I don't know if mine is the barely there case or what but it has 2 layers, first layer is like soft rubber and outside is hard. They work well together
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the Tough case then. The barely there is only thin hard backcover.
You take pics of the Tough, I'll get the BT photos
FoCsU said:
You have the Tough case then. The barely there is only thin hard backcover.
You take pics of the Tough, I'll get the BT photos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay :/
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk
Here's the pics of my CM "Barely There" case....
Sorry about the focus but it was a bit too hard to get enough light to get a decent shot without flash...
Comments & questions are welcome.
FoCsU said:
Here's the pics of my CM "Barely There" case....
Sorry about the focus but it was a bit too hard to get enough light to get a decent shot without flash...
Comments & questions are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about GPS? I have Tough on Desire HD and it cuts receptions of GPS a lot.
I'm interested in the Tough case, but I'm concerned that the microphone holes on the back are covered. Have you tried recording audio with and without the case on to see if there is a difference?
On my hd2 I had full body ghost armor and a green barely there case. Max protection with minimum changes to original dimensions. I'll probably go the same route with the sensation.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
ujkadusko said:
What about GPS? I have Tough on Desire HD and it cuts receptions of GPS a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems in any of the services anymore. The covered pinholes dont seem to matter either.
Made the phone 1000x better
(HTC should include a barely there case with each phone )
jggonzalez said:
I'm interested in the Tough case, but I'm concerned that the microphone holes on the back are covered. Have you tried recording audio with and without the case on to see if there is a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, havent recorded audio at all. Reception in phone calls to a friend are the same than without the case.
BT keeps the phone close to original, but the Tough isnt far off. It does bulk it up, but I kinda like it with the tough
FoCsU said:
No problems in any of the services anymore. The covered pinholes dont seem to matter either.
Made the phone 1000x better
(HTC should include a barely there case with each phone )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how does this case make your service better???
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
I just got one two days ago. Like a few things about it and dislike few things about it..
I like that it makes the phone thicker and slightly bigger. Easier to hold for people with bigger hands. I like that it makes pressing the power and volume buttons extremely easy. Like the protection from the case too.
Dislike - the silicone case does attract some lint and dust. Need to clean now and then. For people who can't stand this, don't get this. Next... er.. can't quite think of anymore.
crisisinthecity said:
So how does this case make your service better???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Leaves the deathgrip out.
Also 3G connection was suffering from small deathgrip issue before (dropped 1-2 beams when squeezing the bottom of the phone), with the case that was gone too.
Sian said:
Dislike - the silicone case does attract some lint and dust. Need to clean now and then. For people who can't stand this, don't get this. Next... er.. can't quite think of anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is more due to the fact where you keep your phone, not the case itself.
My shorts pockets attract a lot of lint & dust to the phone, with or without the case.
Ofcourse its easier to spot from that black silicone but I havent noticed any big changes after putting the case on...
FoCsU said:
Here's the pics of my CM "Barely There" case....
Sorry about the focus but it was a bit too hard to get enough light to get a decent shot without flash...
Comments & questions are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask where you got this case?
The Case Mate web site doesn't show it.
http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Sensation-Cases/HTC-Sensation-Cases.asp
samnada said:
Can I ask where you got this case?
The Case Mate web site doesn't show it.
http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Sensation-Cases/HTC-Sensation-Cases.asp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's from http://www.case-mate.eu.com/ not US.
Body Glove
The Body Glove that you can get at the T-Mobile stores is the only good case that i have seen so far, except the fact they all come in Black and everyone is getting them. It's a heck of a way to protect your phone while options start coming out anytime soon
samnada said:
Can I ask where you got this case?
The Case Mate web site doesn't show it.
http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Sensation-Cases/HTC-Sensation-Cases.asp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a local phone store has picked up CM accessories nicely, they just got barely there, tough and gelli cases in stock so I picked them up locally
The desire s is one robust device. I've dropped it from 7ft onto concrete and dropped it on marble flooring from 30ft with no case and it only scratched the top a little. The screen was perfect and everything works fine. Just letting you guys know of my experience. When I dropped it I was in shock but when picking it up I was pleasantly surprised LOL..................... i guess i was pretty lucky............
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
good for u man
No phone can beat the old nokia bricks for robustness
Sent from my Desire S using Tapatalk
Nothing can beat Nokia for durability and toughness.
At least we know that Desire S can withstand some impact.
(I dropped it once already without casing and still naked.)
Ah, the old Nokia 5100 phone.
Water resistant, shock resistant, dust resistant, all achieved by a chunky sealed rubber shell.
I used to call it my "pub proof phone"
http://www.refurb-phone.com/phones/nokia_5100.shtml
THIRTY feet onto MARBLE?
I also droped it by accident, actually it vibrated it self off the shelf and droped around 1,5m on to tiles. It did scratch a bit on the top left corner. But everything else is working fine (except vibrations, feels like it got loose abit and makes wierd sound)
i dropped mine on to concrete and it has left scratches everywhere! i need to find a case to hide them now. They're not massive, but it's just the fact i know they are there.
I've got a full body screen protector and a casing. Don't even want to try dropping it. Lol.
I tried using a case once. I was using the casemate barely there. But didnt bother anymore cause it decreases wifi speed
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
I hate cases. They ruin the look and feel of sexy devices. I just hope to not drop it!
Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk
I'm currently also not using a case because wifi slows down and I can't get a gps signal with the case on.
amonrei said:
Nothing can beat Nokia for durability and toughness.
At least we know that Desire S can withstand some impact.
(I dropped it once already without casing and still naked.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. Thanks for that. You can put some clothes on now. LOL
I dropped mine 2ft and the aluminum black paint came of to reval the sliver, a bit disapointed mine but o well.
I dropped mine right on the marble stairs from second flour. At first i was shocked, but then i hopefully realized that my Desire S have only few scratches. So yes, my hopes about aluminium unibody approves. I wonder in what condition after such a huge drop would be Incredible S?
dloulou said:
I'm currently also not using a case because wifi slows down and I can't get a gps signal with the case on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not experienced wifi slowdown with the case mate barely there case.
However... the GPS problem was present. And I solved it by using AGPS Injector.
It downloads the GPS satellite data when starting any GPS software. Now I get GPS fixes in 10-20 seconds (with the case on).
Rueben_ said:
I dropped mine 2ft and the aluminum black paint came of to reval the sliver, a bit disapointed mine but o well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least a black case can be touched up. Scratches on the old Desire were impossible to colour match
sayeed91 said:
The desire s is one robust device. I've dropped it from 7ft onto concrete and dropped it on marble flooring from 30ft with no case and it only scratched the top a little. The screen was perfect and everything works fine. Just letting you guys know of my experience. When I dropped it I was in shock but when picking it up I was pleasantly surprised LOL.....................
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
30ft? Are you focking kidding me?
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
i use silicone casing just to protect my unit from my hand's sweat. Lol
Yea, it definitely looks better without a case but I still use a case mate barely just to be safe... it does block my wifi connection a little bit but it is still smooth while using the internet and my GPS is working just fine as well.
Hi guys,
I usually post on the Galaxy S2 forums but I've since been able to get my hands on a Sensation frequently so I'll be posting videos on cases here as well! Just wanted to show you a quick first looks at the Tough case from Case-Mate, a 2 piece hybrid case which will provide good protection for your device. Full video below:
looks lame to me, honestly, as well as bulkier than it needs to be. Too much dust/lint. That's an obvious problem just from the outset of the video itself.
I use gadget shieldz on the screen and body, and extra measure of protection, I have a TPU cover over the body. doesn't add any bulk and the phone is WELL protected.
Some of us need heavy duty protection due to the environment we are in on a daily basis. This is the kind of case I need. I have the Seidio Active Case and the Trident case. I am awaiting this case to do a three way video comparison. Hopefully mine will arrive in a couple of days. The winner will be my daily use case and the others will be sold off here.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
jlczl said:
Some of us need heavy duty protection due to the environment we are in on a daily basis. This is the kind of case I need. I have the Seidio Active Case and the Trident case. I am awaiting this case to do a three way video comparison. Hopefully mine will arrive in a couple of days. The winner will be my daily use case and the others will be sold off here.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I agree! Not everyone handles their phone the same way.
I'll be taking requests for case/accessories people would like to see on video if anyone is interested, on my main channel I post Galaxy S2 videos so I'm using my secondary for Sensation. Feel free to ask for anything and I'll try my best to get my hands on it
Most of the photos I've seen of this case make the hard shell look more grey than black. Is it actually a nice dark black or is it more grey?
etawful said:
Most of the photos I've seen of this case make the hard shell look more grey than black. Is it actually a nice dark black or is it more grey?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a deep black, closer to a dark grey.
Ploone said:
It's not a deep black, closer to a dark grey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I guess I'll probably skip this one then.
Ploone said:
It's not a deep black, closer to a dark grey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the Case-mate and the black is the same black as the Seidio and the Trident. I'll be posting a video tonight.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
quite average unless Parkinsons and dust mites are issues.
evereste said:
quite average unless Parkinsons and dust mites are issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahah, I agree!
I got this Case and I love it, doesnt add that much bulk. Of course my case for the hd2 was an Otter Box defender series. Over all I LOVE this case, I love the way it feels in my hand, and it seems to be fairly durable. Id recommend it.
TheGeorgiaSwagger said:
I got this Case and I love it, doesnt add that much bulk. Of course my case for the hd2 was an Otter Box defender series. Over all I LOVE this case, I love the way it feels in my hand, and it seems to be fairly durable. Id recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I like the case a lot too, I'm excited to get the Otterbox Commuter and see how it compares.
Sensation has got a couple of sensors built around the camera etc.
2 around the camera, 1 just beside speaker(?)
2 more close to the USB jack and lastly 1 more close to the back housing catch
My question, after putting case mate, does it effect any of the cam functions
And Especially the reception since the antenna is behind the sensation.
awesam said:
Sensation has got a couple of sensors built around the camera etc.
2 around the camera, 1 just beside speaker(?)
2 more close to the USB jack and lastly 1 more close to the back housing catch
My question, after putting case mate, does it effect any of the cam functions
And Especially the reception since the antenna is behind the sensation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's time to put an end to this theory. No, covering these holes DOES NOT affect reception or usability.
Are you sure?
I'm after a case that will not interfere with GPS activity. I'm currently using 'case-mate pop' and after some tests it severely hinders GPS signal. I've read that 'barely there' case in silver has a lot of problems but what about in different colours?
I was also interested in the 'case-mate tough' but it looks like that has the same issues as the pop case blocking the signal.
I had a pop and now a tough. Have you got a rooted DHD? try the app called Fasterfix and set it to your location pool. You shouldn't have any problems then.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
ToneyEricsson said:
I had a pop and now a tough. Have you got a rooted DHD? try the app called Fasterfix and set it to your location pool. You shouldn't have any problems then.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you notice any difference with GPS from pop to tough?
The Specimen said:
Did you notice any difference with GPS from pop to tough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would like to know that too
follow this guide and you will get improved gps even with a case. i did this and get a fix in 2 seconds in the car using co pilot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1266525
I have a CaseMate Pop (silver) & Tough:
Pop - beautiful, but indeed blocks the GPS signal badly. DON'T buy one, other colours appear OK, tbh.
Tough - excellent case, been on the phone a year now, looks like day 1. Would recommend this.
HOWEVER, there is also a bit of a loss of signal. I did a test in the top floor of my house, and the Pop blocked almost all of the signal, and the Tough blocked just a little bit, compared to the naked phone.
I don't consider it to be a significant loss with the Tough case, I have the case on all the time, stick it in my bag & go mountainbiking for hours, and the track is always well recorded. Equally in the car, the satnav works perfectly.
breakbystealth said:
follow this guide and you will get improved gps even with a case. i did this and get a fix in 2 seconds in the car using co pilot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1266525
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works, thanks m8
I have an Otter Box Commuter case for my Desire HD, and it doesn't appear to block any kind of GPS signal that I can speak of. I am rooted and am running the latest Android Revolution HD as my current software on the phone, so I can't speak about stock GPS connectivity.
I too have an Otterbox Commuter case and it doesn't block the GPS signal at all.
Matt
Don't use a case when using GPS, the phones in the cradle on the HTC car kit, can't imagine using GPS elsewhere tbh
Otterbox commuter user here
The Specimen said:
Did you notice any difference with GPS from pop to tough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In honesty I haven't noticed any difference with GPS with any of them cases GPS works the same.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
I have beautiful silver Case-Mate Pop and I can say that it kills GPS on my DHD.
Bought this case, didn't notice any GPS troubles.
I bought this the other day, arrived today and thankfully no GPS problem.
I have just bought a case-mate barely there (black). No problem with GPS.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using XDA App
A thin layer of plastic/rubber does not degrade signal enough to have any noticeable impact (not even half full db).
Shiny cases that sparkle have a very slight impact due to metal flake in the silicone/plastic/paint that makes it its sparkly/metalic color.
- The Fight Against Mis-information
The GPS from DHD is generally not so good. I'm geocacher and had many trouble with it. I recommend you an external bluetooth gps receiver, that's a very good, precise and powerfull solution, which also at very bad conditions works.
komigo said:
I have just bought a case-mate barely there (black). No problem with GPS.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that GPS works fine with this case.
I've use google maps navigation for the last two days.
Normally gps and even the normal location thing (i guess that's agps?) are turned off.
When i turn on both and then start a navigation in google maps i get a gps lock within 5 seconds.
I did install some "gps fix" from this subforum (don't remember which one) but i haven't modified the hardware for the 5 second lock!
/edit:
okay so i forgot to mention: i'm using the otterbox commuter.....no problem with gps at all!
well, I use silicon case on my Inspire 4G and I suspected it is the reason for poor GPS performances. but then, i followed all possible threads from this forum related to Inspire 4G GPS issues and got my GPS to work. so I recommend silicon case, best choice there is for phone case
I just ordered these 2 battery covers and a Bumper from ebay. Shipping from china so... maybe a month? haha
W ill update when they arrive.
View attachment 1976167
That's awesome. I would love to see some pictures of the Silver back civet
Sent from my SGH-M919
Nice! Please get some before/after signal strength screenshots...like cellular strength, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth distance, NFC reliability. I want to get one of these too but I'm concerned about all the wireless signals being inhibited by the aluminum.
Sent from my Galaxy S4.
Got the battery covers..lost 1 bar as I stated in another thread. Also got a silver aluminum bumper today in the mail. I didn't see any drop in signal out of the ordinary. For me it looks and feels great. But as with the battery covers I cant use it. It doesn't play nicely with my MIME glass protector.
NogaroS4 said:
Got the battery covers..lost 1 bar as I stated in another thread. Also got a silver aluminum bumper today in the mail. I didn't see any drop in signal out of the ordinary. For me it looks and feels great. But as with the battery covers I cant use it. It doesn't play nicely with my MIME glass protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw that you mentioned the signal loss. Im hoping that mine isnt bad. there is a good chance ill be switching things around often to keep it fresh. Im also kicking around the idea of the wireless charger and im sure that will play a role in interference.
Looked amazing but got the same glass
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda app-developers app