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[Q] Case Mate Tough VS Otterbox Commuter vs Cheapo Amazon Cases

So this week i'll be purchasing about three or four cheapo silicone/rubberized cases from amazon for the inspire 4G.
I will also purchase either a commuter or a case mate tough.
I'll be sure to post a comprehensive review and pictures comparing all the cases.
I need some help deciding which of the two to get though.
Commuter vs Case Mate Tough.
Opinions?
Do they both protect the camera when the phone is layed flat on a surface?
Thanks guys.

I have the case-mate tough. It protects the screen and camera when laid down flat. I like it a lot. It is very simple and the hard outer piece is nice for sliding in and out of pockets. Have not seen the commuter in person so no opinion on it.

From watching the various desire hd YouTube videos it seems they're pretty much the same except that the otterbox has the little covers for the mini USB and audio jack. I just ordered me up the case mate off at&T's website using the 25% off accessories code. Hoping for the best.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app

1meanrex said:
From watching the various desire hd YouTube videos it seems they're pretty much the same except that the otterbox has the little covers for the mini USB and audio jack. I just ordered me up the case mate off at&T's website using the 25% off accessories code. Hoping for the best.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm. How do I obtain this 25% off accessories code?
I just purchased it form ATT

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...otion/accessories.jsp?source=EC0A0011600jtl10
Don't know how long its good for but worked for me today.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app

As personal preference, go with the Otterbox commuter. Its not bulky whatsoever. I'm positive you won't be disappointed.

My Commuter is the best phone case I've ever had. I'm sure the Casemate is pretty nice too.. vote with your wallet

I have both and I prefer the Otterbox because the Casemate back is more slippery. The Casemate does feel a little thinner to me. I currently don't have either on because I just love the way the phone feels =)... I'm sure I'll pay for it though.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

I picked up the casemate tough this afternoon and an invisible shield screen protector (which I hate n sucks to install) and I love this case. I couldn't even find anywhere to order the otter that wasn't sold out or over $40
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

ordered case mate tough for 27$ shipped off att with the link
1meanrex said:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...otion/accessories.jsp?source=EC0A0011600jtl10
Don't know how long its good for but worked for me today.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I have tried all of them...Otterbox is the best IMO. On any phone...

I'll go with the casemate tough.
I don't like the "Otter" logo on the back of the otter case and the fact that the buttons are covered.
Other than that I don't think I would have a preference.
Will post review as soon as i receive it.

what about the Seido cases?
Anyone know about or prefer the Innocase II/ [email protected]??

wrenhal said:
Anyone know about or prefer the Innocase II/ [email protected]??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought the platinum series today from best buy for 35.00. I like it so far. It came with the holster and it doesn't put a lot of bulk on the phone.
UPDATE
Case holds up great. Just slipped in ice and landed on the phone. The phone did not come out the holster at all. No physical damage to the phone, but the ice did break and the phone got water damaged. I was able to exchange it at Walmart though. Seems like a good case besides no water protection lol.

Jumped the gun on the Otterbox Commuter and I have to say I really like it. It came in 2 parts, the rubber and the hard case which goes together. The volume buttom and the power button has a nice feel to them, doesnt make pushing them any harder. The screen protector that it came with was a bit smaller than the Inspire screen because the box actually says it is for Desire HD.

Going to visit mobilecity in China town today for cases, do you think Case-Mate in blue is manly? Can't post link yet.

just got my case mate tough and i love it ... the only problem i have is the volume buttons are a little harder to push but power/lock is unaffected. however that doesnt really cause a major problem for me because i use the audio manager widget most of the time

rajmahal772 said:
just got my case mate tough and i love it ... the only problem i have is the volume buttons are a little harder to push but power/lock is unaffected. however that doesnt really cause a major problem for me because i use the audio manager widget most of the time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you make sure that the volume rocker was all the way thru the slot on the side of the hard plastic? i had this issue too, and thats what fixed it.

Does the rubber part of the case collect alot of pocket lint?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Got the casemate tough from eBay for 18 bucks. Happy so far. Makes the phone thicker though.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App

Another TPU case worth considering . . .

I just ordered last week (and received yesterday) one of these cases for my Sensation: http://www.ebay.com/itm/110724543299?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Not too shabby. It fits nice and snug, holes seem to line up well (there are few minor misalignments, but nothing too horrendous). One thing I like quite a bit is that the buttons are much easier to press on this than the other TPU cases I've tried, they made the material pretty thin in those spots and the buttons react like there's nothing in the way at all.
Looks decent and a good price.
I think I still like the Incipio NGP better, but this is a good fit, looks good and the price is right.
So I can comfortably recommend it.
Edit: Just to follow-up with a couple of other little things I'm noticing. There are a few slightly sharp edges from the molding that might annoy some people, but they aren't too bad.
Also - the back of the case is a matte black finish and the edge that wraps around the front is glossy. I'd prefer it all be the same color, but I can live with it like this.

Noticed you mentioned the incipio ngp. I just received the case yesterday because a few people on this board mentioned how good it is.
Well the incipio is a very nice case. Probably the best tpu case you can get for the sensation. Only problem it has is that the volume and power buttons are difficult to press. People have mentioned that after a period of time it becomes easier.
But overall it is a very nice case you'll enjoy it when you get yours.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

ayvecs said:
Noticed you mentioned the incipio ngp. I just received the case yesterday because a few people on this board mentioned how good it is.
Well the incipio is a very nice case. Probably the best tpu case you can get for the sensation. Only problem it has is that the volume and power buttons are difficult to press. People have mentioned that after a period of time it becomes easier.
But overall it is a very nice case you'll enjoy it when you get yours.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already have the Incipio, and I agree on all points. It's about the best I've had. I just picked this one up out of curiosity.
Aside from the button difficulty, my only complaint about the Incipio (and this case too for that matter) is that the cutout for the USB is a little too small so come cables don't seat very easily.

OK didn't realize you had the ngp case already. It is a good case only wish it had a holster of some sort, I hate putting my phone in my pocket.
For now I'm using the seidio surface combo which gets the job done, but the case developed a crack by the power button.
Decided I will give the seidio active combo a try. I know people have mentioned it collecting lint and sometimes difficulty clipping in the holster, but I am a person who has to see for himself.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005A2UR4W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A39OPNPYJWZFY1
I LOVE this one! Seems perfect. Everything lines up, it's snug and buttons are easy. And I LOVE the design. Oh, AND it qualifies for the free shipping if you spend $25+

I saw all these cases and I'm considering one but I had a couple questions first. Do they all slide together to close or snap on? Also the grey and black body glove one I've heard stories were it scratches the phone up is that true?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

john21511 said:
I saw all these cases and I'm considering one but I had a couple questions first. Do they all slide together to close or snap on? Also the grey and black body glove one I've heard stories were it scratches the phone up is that true?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TPU Cases are like silicon covers, but more rigid. They stretch slightly to fit snuggly and are one piece.

Case Mate vs Otterbox

There are probably threads out there like this one that compare the two cases.
However, as I have now cracked the casing on my second Otterbox Commuter I decided to try something different.
Enter the Case Mate "Tough".
Apprently this is the revised version according to Amazon (UK) where I got it from, I cant say what the differences are between this and the earlier model as I havent had one so its possible that depending on which revision you get, some of you might get different results to me.
I'll be comparing this to my Otterbox Commuter, the reason I used one of the Otterbox units is I have one for my Xoom, I had one for my HD2 and in general I like the look and protection that they offer. However as I have now cracked the plastic in the same two places on two different units its safe to say that they dont fit my needs.
*
To be fair theres not a huge amount of difference from the front, the Otterbox appears to have slightly more coverage on the front of the phone as its rubber is more closely molded to the speaker area.
The Otterbox also lets the power and volume rockers protrude from the hard shell, this at least for the volume isnt an issue, however where the power button is the hard shell is only a few mm wide at the top front edge, this is where I have managed to crack both of the Otterboxes I have had, I've also noticed when my other half has the phone she struggles to turn the phone on/off.
At the bottom where the USB and audio sockets are the Otterboxes hard shell goes around this area and has a rubber flap that pops in and out of place to with show or hide the ports, on the Case Mate no such flap exists so if you work in dust environments then that could be a minus for the Case Mate.
Hard shells, after breaking two, I'd say the Otterbox either needs a redesign or material change, the Case Mate's hard shell doesnt cover as much as the Otterbox one but in not covering as much of the phone it doesnt have the same weaknesses as the Otterbox.
As it stands now the Otterbox seems to offer a touch more protection at the expense of life expectancy, both of the unit's I've had have lasted 6/8 months.
The Case Mate seems more rugged due to its hard shell being matte and textured vs the Otterboxes smooth shinier finish.
At this point neither case stands out as a clear favorite, however having broken two of the Otterboxes the Case Mate certainly seems hardier out of the box.
Will report back in a while after I've used the Case Mate a bit more.

Incipio/Trident ftw.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus running AOKP+Franco on Tapatalk 2

Just received my Casemate Barley There today and it seems like it's pretty solid. It protects the camera pretty well it covers the outer rim of the lense , most cases I've seen have a square opening from the flash to the camera.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

I've had a case mate tough on my DHD for 18 months now. The case is still fine, despite numerous drops and bumps, etc.
Underneath, the phone is absolutely pristine. Still looks as good as the day I got it. I've never seen or used an otterbox case, but the case mate has been absolutely top notch as far as I'm concerned.

I'm selling a case mate for the HTC Desire HD if anyone is interested?
Used once, so in perfect condition
Sent from my HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio X315e using XDA

I've had a Casemate Tough for my DHD for a year and a half now. Its certainly served me well, I drop my phone all the time, and its still working perfectly.

Otterbox rules for me - AWESOME!
Matt

i also have the pink/black casemate tough for my inspire. I've had it on my phone for over a year, numerous, and i mean NUMEROUS, drops on various surfaces. underneath it, my Inspire is literally flawless.
the casemate tough definitely provides the same, if not better, drop protection than my pink/black Otterbox Defender case i had for my iPhone3g.
[Sent from my HTC Inspire via Tapatalk using Swiftkey 3 Beta. Pardon errors.]

chrisund123 said:
I've had a case mate tough on my DHD for 18 months now. The case is still fine, despite numerous drops and bumps, etc.
Underneath, the phone is absolutely pristine. Still looks as good as the day I got it. I've never seen or used an otterbox case, but the case mate has been absolutely top notch as far as I'm concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I.
"still fine"

Has anyone GPS problems with the Case Mate Tough?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA

I had the case mate tough case and although it served its purpose for a while it was a pain to tale on and off. It eventually cracked in half. Does anyone know if they offer a lifetime warranty like I believe otter box does?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

Black Forest said:
Has anyone GPS problems with the Case Mate Tough?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA
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Click to collapse
Nope, if you do though use the agps configuration zip to recalibrate the gps.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

Black Forest said:
Has anyone GPS problems with the Case Mate Tough?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using the Case Mate Tough for over a year now, dropping it occasionally still looks brand new. The phone is held in really well and the corners are strong (ie, unbroken, look new still).
Re GPS coverage, I used GPS Test to see how many satellites the phone could see with and without the case - from the attic of my house. There is a small window above me, the rest being roof. I saw that the phone would pick up 8-9 with the Case Mate instead of 10-12.
In practice, this is no problem whatsoever. I drop the phone, with the case on, in a backpack and go mountain-biking. The app I use, tracks automatically as soon as there is a signal. If I look at the tracks, it picks up a signal within the first 10-20 seconds.
So in short, protects very well, has more than acceptable coverage and gets a quick fix

Well after a few weeks the Case Mate is still my favorite over the two..

Black Forest said:
Has anyone GPS problems with the Case Mate Tough?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I get GPS just fine.

Managed to drop my phone today from about 5ft high directly onto solid concrete driveway and the phone kinda did a weird slide/roll, under my van.
I was 100% convinced there would be at LEAST a small crack on the screen...NOPE.
My Otterbox Commuter and screen cover saved it...not a mark!
OTTERBOX RULES!!
:good:

Yeah dropped mine a few times, the case does the job its just a few places where its thin and cracks..
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

I like my Speck Candy Shell case. Dark Grey in color. Rubber inside, hard outside, protects edges, all one piece.

I had a case-mate and loved it, though I gave it to my daughter when she got an Inspire, I have a Seidio active case now. I love this case, the buttons are a lot easier to use (power and volume), and have dropped it a couple of times and the case protected it well.

The otterbox is definitely a weak non-durable case. It may protect the phone but in the end it will mostly likely break if you drop your phone a lot. A lot of customers at my job have otterboxes for their iPhones and they are always chipped or cracked. It's a shame :laugh:

Cases with good lip around the front

Hi I've been a lurker for a while pyt this is my first post and I was wondering if anyone had good recommendations for cases with a frontlip for the one x. I switch from the iPhone 3gs and was using the incase slider that a had a really nice design and saved my phone many times. I was the wondering if anyone knows of a similar case that won't scratch my phone like the incase did.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Loving my Case-mate "Smooth" purchased from expansys. Semi-rigid with a great hand feel. Recommended. No cutout for the contacts on the back though.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA Premium HD. In between FCs.

I did see that case I how big is the lip on the front. And does it feel cheap at all or does it collect a lot of lint because those are my only problems with some gel and tpu cases.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Feels very well made, fits tightly. You might have a tiny struggle getting it on at first, but you'll manage. The lip over the sides comes just far up enough to cover the seams on the glass. And because of its rigidity, it doesn't buckle to reveal the seams. I'm very satisfied with it.
One flaw I found - and it's been on both units I purchased - was a little unfinished cutting on the bottom edge of the camera lens cutout. Probably something in manufacturing where they cut it from the mold or whatever. It bothered me enough to get a return authorization, but it dawned on me (again) that life's too short to give a crap about ridiculous things like this so I never returned it. In fact, I bought the second unit for a buddy of mine instead.
-V

irvgotti said:
Hi I've been a lurker for a while pyt this is my first post and I was wondering if anyone had good recommendations for cases with a frontlip for the one x. I switch from the iPhone 3gs and was using the incase slider that a had a really nice design and saved my phone many times. I was the wondering if anyone knows of a similar case that won't scratch my phone like the incase did.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the Incipio Feather and NGP. The feather is going back the NGP is staying. This is a somewhat overpriced but well made and well fitting TPU case (semi-soft). Feels much more secure in my hand and less likely to slip than the Feather, though admittedly not as sleek. the Speck cases on the iPhone seem to offer good protection, but the only ones I saw in the AT&T store were ugly red and bright blue, I am not a teenager, no way I am putting one of these on my phone.

The official purple TPU case is pretty good for that but I'm not sure if I'm a huge fan of its appearance.

Cimo TPU case from Amazon is pretty good. Nice lip and good grip on the edges. Plus it was only $8 when I bought mine
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Tired of Commuter, Any suggestions?

Ok so ive had the blue/black Otterbox commuter now for a few weeks and I did like it at first but now im just sick of it, makes the phone a little to thick for how often i use it and just has gotten on my nerves, anyone able to recommend something with about the same protection maybe a little bit more thin?
also, ill probably ship this one off to someone when i get a replacment

Felt the same way with my commuter. From what I've red its the thinnest one of that type of case. The tridents look cooler, but myself I just got an incipio feather shine and I love it. Provides more drop protection than you would think, but looks way cool

Same protection? Get the Incipio Silicrylic case, looks tons better than the Otter box.
If you want a sleeker case overall, get the Seidio Surface case, with kickstand.
Sent from my sexy white HTC One X on T-Mobile

yeah i been eyeballing the seido....hows the grip on it?, if the commuter had grip i could deal with the thickness

Pretty good, not a glossy finish and the kickstand doesn't add a weird bump like with the Seidio Active. Lmk if you want pics comparing the normal Surface with the Surface kickstand.
Sent from my sexy white HTC One X on T-Mobile

sure

Had a Best Buy gift card so I grabbed that platinum series case/holster combo and I like it. Pretty protective and slimmer than the Commuter for sure.

I used to use the Commuter on all my iPhones, but the one for the One X is just too hard to get on and off for me. I wanted a slimmer case that didn't leave the camera lens hanging out the back (and I didn't want to break the bank either). I found this one on eBay and it's fantastic. And only $7.95, too. The seller ships super fast, too (from California to Kentucky in 2 days).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180894387775?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Incipio NGP here. I like the softer feel and the decent protection around the edges. The included screen protector is rather lousy, but you can use the coupon to get XtremeGuard for next to nothing. You will have to cut it down a bit to work well with the ngp and not lift at the edges.

i havent gotten mine yet for the One X but i ordered the Barely There case by Case Logic, i had it for my Inspire 4g and another for my Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, cant wait to get mine for this phone, they are thing light and stay on, they arent going to protect from drops like the commuter but they will keep it from getting scratched to hell on the back.

theking_13 said:
Same protection? Get the Incipio Silicrylic case, looks tons better than the Otter box.
If you want a sleeker case overall, get the Seidio Surface case, with kickstand.
Sent from my sexy white HTC One X on T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you noticed the the silicone on the silicryilc to be loose at all? The top and and bottom worry me because they lack the plastic coverage.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

as the guy above definatly wanna see something thats not loose
think ima go with the seido but not 100% yet

blessedswine said:
i havent gotten mine yet for the One X but i ordered the Barely There case by Case Logic, i had it for my Inspire 4g and another for my Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, cant wait to get mine for this phone, they are thing light and stay on, they arent going to protect from drops like the commuter but they will keep it from getting scratched to hell on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will not protect the lens cover at all. If you are worried about "scratching like hell" you might want something more substantial.

really cause the other two i have had were fine even the Inspire which had the lens that flared out like the HOX kinda sucks now ill look into another case maybe the incipio feather? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZT4UWI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 or this as from the pictures it looks like it helps with the lens.

blessedswine said:
really cause the other two i have had were fine even the Inspire which had the lens that flared out like the HOX kinda sucks now ill look into another case maybe the incipio feather? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZT4UWI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 or this as from the pictures it looks like it helps with the lens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered both the feather and the ngp from Incipio. Sent the feather back to because the protection was too minimal. Love the ngp so far. Not too bulky not too flimsy. The provided screen protector sucks big time tho. Incipio has versions for both hox models make sure you get the right one. Order from Incipio direct, indirect same price

msfguard said:
Ok so ive had the blue/black Otterbox commuter now for a few weeks and I did like it at first but now im just sick of it, makes the phone a little to thick for how often i use it and just has gotten on my nerves, anyone able to recommend something with about the same protection maybe a little bit more thin?
also, ill probably ship this one off to someone when i get a replacment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.incipio.com/HTC-One-X-Wo...ualPro-Hard-Shell-Case-with-Silicone-Core.asp
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

ealvinito said:
http://www.incipio.com/HTC-One-X-Wo...ualPro-Hard-Shell-Case-with-Silicone-Core.asp
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Graced with a sleek painted aluminum finish on a durable hard shell exterior and fitting both World and AT&T versions of the phone.....
I wonder how that works or fits?????
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

1meanrex said:
Have you noticed the the silicone on the silicryilc to be loose at all? The top and and bottom worry me because they lack the plastic coverage.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am more worried about the side of the case being so flexible. Compared to my old HTC Sensation's otterbox case which was more rigid.
Apart from that, i like the case.

I dropped mine and cracked the screen, it was seriously the smallest drop ever for a phone and still broke. Most fragile phone I've ever had given how many other of my HTC's have been used like a football.
So once its fixed/replaced, I wont be taking a 2nd chance despite hating cases.
Thought about the Incipio feather Ultralight but based on the comments, sounds like it won't offer any decent protection. Might order the NGP Semi-Rigid Soft Shell Case instead. But from the photos, does the case sit over the buttons or are there cut outs?
What are the other options as far as minimal size but decent protection? I'll take my chances breaking it again before using some bulky ugly case!

HTC - NGP
Pretty sure there is only a single NGP that fits the international and AT&T version. The case covers the buttons but all are functional. I purchased the Nillkin Scub first which is very sleek but didn't offer a substantial lip around the screen. The NGP offers good protection without being bulky. Because it's designed for the international version the cutouts don't line up perfectly (microphone and speaker) but all the buttons and ports work fine. Had to make a small cut to get one of my power cords to fit.