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I REMOVED LINKS TO PHOTOBUCKETS BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT LET ME POST, MODS PLEASE VERIFY ME SO I CAN FIX THIS.
sinse I could not post pics from photobuckets your gonna have to go loot at the attached pics (some are missing) someone please help me get verify
I will be comparing the seidio innocase to 2 cheap cases i got from ebay.
There are enough seidio innocase reviews out there so I am not going to waste my time with that. What I want people to get out of this is that some cases they sell on ebay are actually good in build quality and even can go head to head with some of the more expensive cases out there.
Here is the picture of all three cases
To eliminate confusion I will name the two other cases. The case with a bar the runs across the phone over the samsung logo will be call "Bar" case and the one with the triangle cutout for the camera will be call (you guess it) "triangle" case.
My first impression of all 3 cases is that they cover the phone very well from all angles
Left side
Bar
pic
Triangle
Pic
Seidio
Pic
Top Side
Bar
Triangle
Seidio
As you can tell the lever of detail is better on the seidio innocase but considering price ($20-$30 for seidio vs $5-$7 for the ebay ones) and the fact that all of them protect the phone well I wouldn't mind sacrificing the detail for the price.
Probably the most important question is whether the case affects the sliding mechanism or not. I can say that the Seidio and the Triangle cases do not in any way affect the sliding mech of the phone, however I can not say the same for the bar case.
Lets talk about each case individually
First the Bar case
Overall feels very solid on the hand yet very soft and smooth (rubberize), I would even say that if feels stronger than saidio but I think that is due to the fact that its a little thicker than the saidio case, whether that is a good thing its up to you to decide. I like the cutouts at the top of the phone, somehow it makes the phone look better, I can not say the same for the bar at the bottom, as you can see it gets in the way of your thumb when truing to press the captive buttons. On the back of the phone it has the cutout for the speaker the camera and the flash, the important feature about the back is that it protects the camera by leaving a gap between the lens and the top of the back cover so that when you set down your phone on any surface it wont actually make contact with the lens. The seidio case does a better job at this as you can see in the following pictures. Sorry for the blurry pic but I had to use some dumb phone I had laying around.
In every other feutere I would say the saidio and the bar cases are the same.
The Triangle Case
First I would like to point out that I bought the glossy case and later found out that they also had the rubberize version of it, I would chose the rubberize version and so should you because the glossy one feels like it would slip off your hand easily.
Overall the case feel strong, I would say it feel just as strong as the seidio but not as strong as the bar case. The case also seems to be thinner than the seidio (on the back piece) case but not by much. I like the fact that the top part of the case does not cover anything but the small bezel of the front of the phone just like the seidio
Triangle
Seidio
On the bottom piece you have a cut out for the speaker and one big triangle cutout for the flash and camera, Again it covers all sides very well just as the other do, the only downfall of this case is that it does not protect the camera as you can see on this picture
My recommendations would be if your on a budget or have multiple epics in you family and want a quality case at a good price buy the triangle case, if you have the money to spare and want a little more detail buy the seidio, but what ever you do stay away from the bar case unless you don't mind the intrusive bar and the faulty sliding.
I was on Amazon picking up a couple of other accessories for the Epic the other day and decided to snag a cheapo case just to try it as well. I actually ordered the one you referred to as the 'Bar' case. But in reality I was actually shipped the 'Triangle' case (and I'm glad that's what I ended up with as I didn't even notice the bar across the front when I ordered it.) I used the link below:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003I8H0B8/ref=oss_product
Considering I only paid $3 for it (including shipping) I'm surprised at how nice it is, at least initially. It has the soft touch rubber feel which I love and didn't add a lot of bulk which I was worried about coming from the TP2. Another benefit is that it helps make it a lot less likely I'll accidentally bump the volume/camera buttons (like I'd already done several times.)
My favorite aspect of it though is that it gives the phone a good bit more rigidity. While the Epic never felt cheap or flimsy, I was a little unaccustomed to having a phone feel that 'loose' after coming from the rock solid tank that was the TP2. Having the case on eliminates virtually all the slight wiggles/flex I was experiencing previously and also make the slider mechanism flow more smoothly and not 'pop' quite as harshly.
The only drawback I'm seeing thus far though is that it won't work with the Samsung desktop dock. I'd gotten spoiled to coming home and having a dock to rest my phone in. But given Samsung's odd decision to put the charging port on the top it looks like I may have to either just go back to a regular charging cable or wait it out for some 3rd party dock options anyway.
do you have a link to a triangle case on ebay? all i see are bar cases
weef said:
do you have a link to a triangle case on ebay? all i see are bar cases
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XDA's not allowing me to post a link but search ebay for item number 160493347179. I'm pretty sure it's that. Check that seller's store for multiple colors and also matte (look for "rubber" in the title) finishes. Just ordered a black rubber one myself.
I think I have the bar case. I got it as part of a 6 item package from Ebay for $7.99. It seems pretty good, except I would rather have a case that does not cover the front surface at all (like the Seidio cases). The cut-outs are right except that they missed the LED light on the front. No issues with the slider either. I think I'll be pretty happy with it until I find a nice case, maybe the Seidio Active X.
As for the other stuff I got from ebay, the USB computer cable seems fine, but the wall charger makes my touchscreen go crazy. I haven't tried the car charger, but I don't have high expectations for it. The screen protectors I'm not using since the Epic has Gorilla Glass - hope it's as scratch resistant as I think.
No separate thread on this case so I figured i'd make one, as IMHO it's the best out there for our device, and also the best solution to the slippery battery door issue. Here's my mini review:
The Kickstand case, I got from eBay, for $11 shipped w/ tax (just search for "fascinate kickstand"), which is half off the in store price you'll find. The case has a slight rubberized / soft touch finish, and has a grip pattern in it, which makes it much easier to hold onto. It's quite thin, except for a bump caused by the kickstand, which is leveled so the phone lays flat, by some "feet" on the back. That slight bump I actually like, because I can easily tell which way the phone is oriented in my hand without looking at it. It provides nice protection to the sides and corners and back, so I think it will provide added drop protection. It fits very tight, I wouldn't expect it to come off ever. What I really like, is that it barely protrudes above the front of the phone at all, it adds a very slight lip at the sides, and that's it. This keeps the phone quite flat/thin still and doesn't change how you'd interact with the screen at all. The slight lip should help protect the screen too. All the cutouts are excellent in positioning, and provide nice "cover" for the side buttons against accidental actuation.
Probably the nicest thing of all which I didn't expect, is that the Kickstand works in both Portrait with the phone vertical, and horizontal in landscape, due to the way they positioned the kickstand on the back. It works great - this takes care of one of the things I missed from my Touch Pro2 (the tilting screen). It also has a tensioner, which allows you to tweak the angle in horizontal/landscape a bit because it's "stiff". For the $11 I paid for it, it's worth every penny and seems quite solid/well engineered for the price.
Only downside I see is that it's a bit tougher to take the battery out of course.
Highly recommended!
Also, I missed the idea of using this with a holster, but found a decent universal horizontal belt pouch case that fits nice with even this kickstand case on. This auction is just one seller, there are many instances of this exact same case on ebay listed under multiple names:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270648647873
Just look for "carbon droid x pouch" or "carbon galaxy pouch" etc etc, to find one. The brand name is "Luxmo" on the package, the model is "LPHTCHD2CF1HBK". It says it's a "Leather Pouch for Google Nexus 1 / HTC HD2".
They're all the same case/pouch. What I like about this is you can use it with the belt hook for easy removal, OR use the belt loops for a more permanent one - it has magnetic closure, fits the kickstand case well, sits nicely on my belt, has good cushioning. It's easy to remove the phone using the hole in the bottom, just push up on it and the phone pops out. I also like the "carbon fiber look" it has, looks just like my holster belt I wear this on. There are plain leather versions just like this as well, that I'm sure are made the same way / fit the same.
I use this case as well. Being an employee ive tried every case we sell and this is by far the best looking one and adds very minimal bulk to the phone. I love it!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
I also have this case and it is by far the best one I've tried on. The kickstand is really nice.
The OEM kickstand case seems to have a bad design IMO. The reason I say this is when you watch a movie the volume rocker is at the bottom and not easily accessible. Watching video is the point of the kickstand so why hide the volume controls at the bottom? This was the first thing I noticed when I saw the case at Verizon.
Yossarian09 said:
The OEM kickstand case seems to have a bad design IMO. The reason I say this is when you watch a movie the volume rocker is at the bottom and not easily accessible. Watching video is the point of the kickstand so why hide the volume controls at the bottom? This was the first thing I noticed when I saw the case at Verizon.
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Um, that's more a fault of the design of the phone itself. I sorta agree, except Samsung shoulda put the volume should on the right side of the phone, and the power at the top. The normal rotation for landscape is counter clockwise, so the speaker is at the left, and the soft buttons on the right. This is because most are right handed so they're likely to want to use the soft buttons with their right thumb.
So it's no fault of the case that when the phone is rotated normally, the volume rocker is at the bottom. Not like that's a big deal ... just pick it up and change the volume lol.
Also this kickstand works when the phone is vertical/portrait, so it's one of the best kickstand designs I've seen for any phone, as many phone's built in kickstands or kickstand cases, only work in landscape/horizontal.
I third the rec for this case. Its much better than the hard silicone version I tried first, and it allows me to use the phone as a much more useful media screen when on my nighstand or plugged in on my desk at work.
Just ordered the Verizon one yesterday (thank you, 35% accessory discount) and should have it tomorrow or Wednesday. By the looks of it, I'm going to like it.
link to the actual case?
I've had this case since day 1, yeah it sucks about the volume being covered in horizontal but it's an awesome case, and I don't want to change it at all (I've changed cases roughly every month with my other phones)
illtema said:
link to the actual case?
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Just search eBay as I mentioned for "fascinate kickstand" - there is only one case like this, you'll find it right away, sellers are selling it new for $11 shipped.
Got my case yesterday. Love it.
I really like it too, been through 3 or 4 others, this is the best.
I can vouch for the kickstand case too. Without the case, my phone felt flimsy and I was afraid I'll drop it any moment. Now it feels much more solid and comfortable.
On an aside note, do NOT get the screen protectors from Verizon. They suck.
I have the kick stand case too and i love it. i use the kick stand all the time.
nice
got this case based on your guys' recommendations and it's pretty sweet. It's not that grippy silicone that sticks in your pocket. It's got like a nice matte finish and feels pretty solid. Also, the edges don't rise up too high like other cases do so it doesn't get in the way when you're using the touchscreen.
Yeah. VZW(or whoever they get it from) really got this one right. Not to big, but it does add some substance. Good grip, but not sticky. Protects the phone, but doesn't hide the lines.
A+
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I notice that it has pretty substantial cut outs at the top of the phone, any idea if this case is car or desk dock friendly by chance?
I picked one of these up based on this thread and I am happy I did. Very nice fit. Feels good and grippy in the hand - kickstand is a bonus. Great on my desk and nightstand.
Wouldn't change a thing.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I'm asking for this for the holidays. I've heard nothing but great things about it. I currently have the OEM silicone case, and it's nothing special.
what is the best epic 4g case? post yours...
I bought the Black Samsung one from the Sprint store for $19.99. It works great and does what I want.
Yeah, I know. I'm boring
TheCraigJ said:
I bought the Black Samsung one from the Sprint store for $19.99. It works great and does what I want.
Yeah, I know. I'm boring
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haha the sprint cases are fin & your not boring..
I'm using the Seidio Innocase Surface case/holster combo. Nice tactile feel on the case, and the secure spring-clip holster does really well, especially with my clumsy arse...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Definition of the "best" case would be different for every person because it depends on personal preferences, how you use your phone, and how you carry it. Personally, I like the feeling of a naked phone and with my Touch Pro 2 I mostly used Forte leather case (although I tried Seidio Surface for a short period). The advantage of a leather pouch is that you don't have any permanent thickness added to your phone, but disadvantages are that you need to take the phone out of the case to see the screen and you can still drop the phone while out of the case - which is exactly what happened to me a few times. Now when I got Epic, it is thinner then TP2 so I wanted to get a snap-on case for it. Here is my mini-review of a few cases I tried:
1) Seidio Active - it is the case that (among other snap on cases) would definitely provide the best protection if the phone is dropped, it looks good, and made well. The soft gel provides a nice cushion and the plastic skeleton strategically positions hard coverage over areas that could be most impacted during the fall. It seems that the recently found Fishbone case on Amazon is very similar in the design so I would expect it to provide the same protection. Unfortunately, Seidio Active was a bit too thick to my liking and since I usualy take good care of my phones, I didn't feel that the extra protection would justify the added thickness for my needs.
2) Seidio Surface - this is probably the thinnest snap on case you can get. I really like the fact that it adds very little to the overall size of the phone and I thought that it would be the perfect case for me when I bought it and put it on. However, maybe the fact that it is so thin contributed to the fact that it feels a bit flimsy when on the phone. There is a tiny bit of play on both the top and bottom parts (when you squeeze them with your fingers on the sides) and sometimes when you push power button the phone tends to slide open a bit based on how I hold it in my hand. The case seems to fit like a glove but it is not as tight as I would like it to be and it is VERY easy to remove the top part with almost no effort whatsoever. Some may consider it a plus, but I consider it a minus because I am pretty sure that if the phone is dropped, the top part will most likely fall off after the first bump leaving the top unprotected (this actually did happen when I used Seidio Surface case on my Touch Pro 2 and dropped from about 3 feet onto hardwood floor).
3) Sprint Case with rubber back - to me this turned out to be the "best" case, at least for now. In terms of added thickness it is somewhere in between Seidio Active and Surface cases. It fits very snug and tight. I like the rubber backing a lot, it is not slippery, feels very nice in hand, and looks good (at least in black). Some people mentioned that the rubber has a tendency to peel off - I've had this case for a month now and it looks like new and I have no peeling issues; but even if I do, I am sure that a carefully placed drop of crazy glue will take care of this issue permanently. I have removed the case several times and I don't see any scratches left on the phone as was posted in one thread. The only drawback may be that the case is a bit harder to remove then Seidio, but to me it is not an issue and means that it will stay on during the fall. I rarely remove the top part, but I am a heavy phone user so I swap extra battery often and don't have any issues removing the bottom part after getting used to it. There were some reports of snaps breaking off - I have not experience that at all and I hope I won't since this is a perfect case for me at this point.
In terms of price - all three cases are around $20 bucks so price is not a factor. All three cases do not interfere with the sliding mechanism and make the phone feel a bit tighter with less screen play and no more squeaking from the battery door. I also tried one of those invisible shield things which is basically a screen protector over the entire phone. Two issues I found with those: a) no matter what brand you get, they will eventually start peeling and will attract dirt on the edges looking like crap after a while; b) although they provide scratch protection, they won't do much if the phone is dropped.
Hope you'll find your best case.
Cheers.
My sprint case has all the tab breaking off after about a month and a half of use. YMMV.
Geekybiker said:
My sprint case has all the tab breaking off after about a month and a half of use. YMMV.
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I wonder if this has to do with how different people remove/put it on. I usualy pick the two corner clips on the charger side with my nail and it removes pretty easily after that (just slide it off). When I put it back I do it in reverse order - I slide the bottom two clips on first and then snap the top ones on. So far it's been working well for me.
I'm using a black Seidio Innocase (regular not active) with the spring clip holster and I love it. I originally had the body glove case and it was just too big.. felt like I was carrying a brick in my pocket. The Innocase doesn't add much bulk and gives a bit of protection from random bumps and scratches. Has a pleasant lip around the screen too so laying the epic flat on its face keeps the screen from contacting a surface.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
My experience with case durability is completely different from gorby911's, so it's all YMMV. My Sprint case completely fell apart in 1.5 months of use, what with the clips breaking off, and 2 corners of the rubber backing peeling away. Even after Gorilla-gluing one of the corners, it peeled off again within a week! Just got a Seidio Surface and it fits very snugly and no play.
The downside of the Surface is that its rubberized texture is actually quite slippery, vs. the grippy texture on the Sprint case (especially with its rubber backing). It slightly twists and slips around in my hand that supports it while I'm swiping around with my other hand. But it's got a much thinner profile with what I feel appears to be the same amount of protection.
I hope it lasts more than 1.5 months long.
So the sedio active is the slimmest case? May have to check that out, thanks for the info.
ranchosteve said:
So the sedio active is the slimmest case? May have to check that out, thanks for the info.
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Seidio innocase should be the thinnest.
I've been using the BodyGlove that has a the smoked chrome. Stylish and strong. Dropped it a few times and everything's still fine. Sprint Direct/Indirect stores have them available.
gorby911 said:
I wonder if this has to do with how different people remove/put it on. I usualy pick the two corner clips on the charger side with my nail and it removes pretty easily after that (just slide it off). When I put it back I do it in reverse order - I slide the bottom two clips on first and then snap the top ones on. So far it's been working well for me.
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I have both the Innocase Surface and the black Sprint case and I too have had no problems with my Sprint case - I take off the back of the case exactly as you have described. Not a single scratch on my phone yet (knock on wood). I prefer the Sprint case over the Innocase as it seems to offer better protection.
For those who are curious, the black Sprint case fits in the Seidio Innocase Holster (the one designed for the Innocase Surface at least). I bought the $40 Innocase/holster combo at Best Buy, but am using the holster with my Sprint case.
I'm using this one. Got it off fleabay for $8.99. Really nice OEM leather case that fits great. I can't stand a phone in my pocket so I have mine on my belt.
I finally got my Otterbox Defender through work for my i727r (Rogers version)
It's kind of a funny thing. As we know Otterbox adds a lot of protection at the cost of sleek looks and a thing phone.
The Otterbox Defender is a monster in this case. They seem to have fixed the tabs that hold the case to the belt clip. They are no longer flimsy little tabs that can break off but looks to be more of a solid moulded piece of plastic.
They have also seemed to use a much more ridged rubber and seems a bit higher quality then the Iphone 4s, HTC series Otter Boxes.
As usual we find a screen guard on the front and the usb port and headphone jack are both covered.The belt clip is massive and solid as always, also the belt clip is also a stand which is always a fun feature.
My personal opinion is it does bulk up the phone a lot and you loose the really nice design aspects of the phone. That said you know you are protected! The place this really helped me most is actually texting it keeps my palm away from the number and symbol sign when I am texting. I use to get numbers and symbols randomly showing up in my texts but not any more.
Over all it's a great case if you don't mind loosing the sleek lines of the Sky Rocket i727
would you mind snapping a pic of your skyrocket in the case? i'm debating between the defender and the commuter
I've got the same dillemma too. I'd like the Commuter case more for less bulkiness, but I also would like the holster that the Defender case has.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
I also got a defender for my skyrocket. I also had one for the iPhone 3GS. I am impressed with the quality of the rubber, as the op said. The various cameras (front and back) do not have the plastic shielding, which I was disappointed about as dust as already accumulated over those areas and I could generally clean my 3GS with a bit of alcohol. I am also concerned about the phone overheating - I noticed that it got quite hot when I first placed it in the case.
As the op said, it's a bulky, but your phone won't get damaged.
I actually really like the Otterbox Commuter. I don't need all the protection that the Defender offers, sooooo i turned to the Commuter. It doesn't really add that much bulk, and i think it looks great on the phone. Only con I have is that you have to push a little harder on the volume rocker and lock button at first. It has softened up over time though.
I have the commuter. I got it for free as part of a bundle deal after I complained to the AT&T store that I wanted a discount on the phone (which they didn't give me, but I figured getting the overpriced protective case, screen guard and car charger was as good as it was going to get.)
Overall I have to say it's good. It does make you forget how svelte and light the Skyrocket is, but overall I have a lot more faith that this will survive a fall down the stairs than my old N1 did which basically just had a standard glove case on it. Still it isn't without it's flaws. I often find myself pushing harder than I'd like on the side buttons in order to get them to register. Also, as I mentioned before it feels like it doubles the weight and bulk of the phone. Still, for me it's basically a necessity after what happened to my N1.
It gets my recommendation.
Wish there were a way to purchase the Commuter case locally (though AT&T does have the Defender in store)...seems like the only places selling are online. I know it'd make me much more likely to buy if I can put it on the phone and actually feel what its like...guess pictures will have to do for now...
I got my commuter from Amazon and I've had it for a few days.
Pushing the buttons is a bit of a pain but I found that if you push with your nail, rather than the pad of your finger, its a little easier.
Every once in a while I get a bit of a bulge by the charging port.
I miss the slim ness of the phone but I know it'll handle drops a lot better, so its worth it.
Plus it doesn't look too bad.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
It seems when you use a case like this, the button pushes will become easier as time goes by.
The defender case is an awesome case for protection. It covers the micro usb and headphone jack just in case you might get caught in the rain or splashed unexpectedly. The only issues I have with the case are:
1- Trying to drop down the notification area. You need to get your finger right up at the top of the screen. Not a big deal, but just an observation.
2- Basically like my first complaint but when trying to move icons/widgets from one page to another it is a little bit of a pain to get the icon/widget to the edge of the screen but if you use motion control it makes it much easier.
3- (My last one) I've had otterbox defender cases since the OG iPhone so I know this from experience....dust and small debris DO make it under the built in screen protector so you must take the case apart and clean underneath it. Even though the phone has gorilla glass, it will get scuffed up, like little nicks in the glass. My dad had his iphone 4 in his otterbox the day he bought it and when we took it out to get a pic of it for ebay, his glass was chipped up. Solution --> Put a screen protector on the screen and then put the otterbox case on. I personally take out the otterbox screen protector just for that reason.
Quick question about the Defender case: is the screen protector built into the case itself, or is it separately applied? I have a screen protector on mine currently, and wouldn't see the purpose of adding another on top of that. Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Yes, the defender case has a built in screen protector. I just bought one last week and have been using it.
Sorry don't have a camera at home to snap a pic. I will do it tomorrow at work though. The reason there is no screen protector over the camera is it would cause a softer image from the camera.
With the built in screen guard I clean inside once a month usually with most otterboxes. The bonus on this one is they changed the design of the inner plastic making it nice and easy to take it off
Kind of surprised that no one has mentioned the Impact case from Otterbox.
I picked it up along with the Defender case for my dad when it was buy one get a second case 50% off. If anyone is looking at the Defender I personally recommend straying away. At $20 I am suuuure you could find a $10 case just as good.
I have both the Commuter and Defender for my Skyrocket and they both are high quality and protect the phone well, although do add a fair amount of bulk.
Has anyone noticed a considerable decrease in battery performance with their defender case? I'm wondering if my phone can't "breathe" properly and is utilizing more battery than if it was not in a case at all. It's a suspicion I've got at this point, but I'm not able to last more than 6 hours of moderate use before having to charge, which is unacceptable in my opinion.
I have not done any testing with the phone outside of the case yet, I'm just curious if other people have seen similar issues.
And for the interest of full disclosure, yes I have been putting custom ROMs on my phone, and that could very well be attributing to the battery problems -- but I'm running a ROM right now that other people agree gives them excellent battery whereas mine is completely sucky.
Nope no more battery drain then normal, I am still getting 2 days easily with the LTE radio turned off. I also run a heavier launcher and animated lock screens and I am still good
I love mine, but i have to be honest, i did remove the screen and wash the glue off due to some lag on the touchscreen
Great Case
I use my SGH I727 in an industrial setting, the Defender series works great. I've dropped the phone several times and it dampens the fall perfectly. It is bulky, but I have massive hands and these days I can't physically hold a smartphone without a bulky case on it. Also I found the screens are really sensitive, and the Defender screen cover balanced out the sensitivity perfectly (it's sensitive enough to function properly, but not to touch things by accident.)
It does not interfere with the radios at all that I can notice. My big worry was that it would prevent cooling, but I've never noticed the phone get hot with it on.
Highly recommended if you need size and protection. I also like the commuter case if you don't need all the bulk.
Took the screen protector off. Way better now
Saw this case on honorbuy and it seems rather nice. Adds only 1mm to the thinckness, but the metal+leather look would upgrade the device quite a bit.
Does anyone have this one and could maybe share their experience? Handling, build quality, etc.
Thanks in advance.
The same, but $5 only. You can read more here. Use google translate, it`s in Russian.
Thanks for the tip, I'm not saving much though, planning to order that one + the note 2 itself, and both will come from EU.
Translating in case someone else is interested:
"Using this for 2 days now, like it very much. The cover has good quality, leather is glued on well, don't think it will come off. Fits nicely, doesn't rattle or squeak, no gaps. All holes for all connectors are on their places, charging cable/headphones can be inserted normally. The thickness increases by 1mm and the power/volume buttons are not inset as on the original cover. The chrome frame is not painted but double plastic, so it shouldn't peel off. The cover doesn't affect speaker volume or photo quality, no glare/reflections and the camera+flash is laid deeper so it won't get scratches even though it doesn't have that sticking out thing as on the original near the speaker. Recommending to buy."
The back cover fits very well (hard to remove). The leather makes great grip - hard to drop the phone. The weak part is the frame - made from very soft plastic, very easy to scratch with keys or coins. It's better to wear in empty pockets or in bag. Mine is scratches from the keys so will replace it with hard case + the original back cover.
I got one from Aliexpress, fit and finish is very good for the price, buttons feel snappy. All the holes are in the right places. Makes the phone feel more premium in hand. At first it was hard to remove, but after removing a few times it become very easy to remove just like the original cover.
My main problem with this cover is that the "PU leather" feels like those cheap plastic foam sheets manufacturers put between the keyboard and the screen on some laptops. I had my share of PU leather products and it's certainly not how this "PU leather" feels. The phone also doesn't fit that well into my hand with it on, mainly because while the edges that go towards the display are rounded, the ones that go towards your hand are rather sharp, compared to the original cover. It is hard to remove, and after the second time the thin plastic part around the USB port snapped. Wasn't really worth it, tbh.
I bought this case from another place on aliexpress and I'm really happy with it.
https://youtu.be/hrqSruzN-kk
@Leader2light: does yours actually feel anything like PU leather? Mine doesn't.