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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

Case-mate barely there case

Just got mine today, came with a screen protector.
fits great, has soft feel and is not slippery in the hand at all.
Its my second case-mate I've owned and I'm definitely satisfied. If you want the right case the first time and not to deal with the riff raff, this Is for you.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

Link please?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

link pleeeeease.

http://tinyurl.com/3otufnm

http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Desire-Z-Cases/HTC-Desire-Z-Cases.asp
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

just ordered , will post info when i get it

just got in the mail couple of minutes ok. Great purchase, very light and tight on the phone , like OP said comes with a screen protector (which am not using) and a cloth to wipe your screen down , which leave it like new too

It acually comes off without a struggle too, which it seems a lot of these style cases lack. Cheers
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

Just ordered as well. I've been using OtterBox for my T-Mobile G2, but the tab attaching the front piece to the phone on OtterBox case is broken. We'll see how well case-mate case holds up.

Still a little pricey for me, the rubber ones one ebay have the same rubbery feel and also look and protect the same for less then $5. Just my opinion though

how rubbery is it? The original case I bought from Tmobile would get stuck in my pocket when I would try and pull it out. Now I am rocking a clear case but one of the tabs recently broke so I am looking for another

Its not rubbery to the point that its hard to take out of pocket, just feels nice in the hand, and not as slippery as a gloss finish.
Spending $20 bucks to adequately protect a device that costs $500 out of contract is well worth it imo.
Like I said, I reccomend it to the people not interested in wading through the waves of ebay garbage for $1.99
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA Premium App

Can anyone upload some pics of the case?

Case-mate.com ................
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA Premium App

99formulam6 said:
how rubbery is it? The original case I bought from Tmobile would get stuck in my pocket when I would try and pull it out. Now I am rocking a clear case but one of the tabs recently broke so I am looking for another
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not rubbery at all
Tommebaas said:
Can anyone upload some pics of the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pic of case + case out of box
http://i51.tinypic.com/2uyjea1.jpg
front pic
http://i54.tinypic.com/99q83s.jpg
back pic
http://i55.tinypic.com/htwbcj.jpg
keyboard open pic
http://i53.tinypic.com/24b4y6s.jpg
like the name says this case is really light, but protects your phone well

I've got my DZ with the Barely There case for about a month now, and I'm very happy with it. You don't even notice the screen protector, and the case itself doesn't make your phone look like a new refridgerator, but it does make your phone feel like it's sturdy enough to survive an accidental drop on the ground.
I recommend the CM BT case to every DZ user

Can this be store bought? I've been looking for a Screen protector that includes a case!

I was actually not aware of this brand (Case-Mate) before, and was therefor very surprised to see that the case i bought for 5$ in a little Chinese shop in manhattan looks 99% the same (only difference i could see is the hole on top right corner of the back, as i've seen in several other cases, but not mine.)
i think for 1/4 of the price, its well worth it

Thanks for the pics bro
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

mputtr said:
http://tinyurl.com/3otufnm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really now?

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
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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.

Casemate Pop

Just got it today. I was reluctant because the holes in the back cover are all covered, but its awesome. No ill effects that I can tell. Believe it or not my network signal is better in my house using this case. Makes little sense to me.
I got the white version. Fits perfect. Super protection. It's a little hard to remove, but after a few tries I figured out that you just peel it off from the bottom.
Slides in and out of the pocket easily.
I recommend.
Have there ever been any real complaints about cases that don't have all of the cutouts for all of the holes in the back , having issues? The only exposed hole in the back is the mic hole next to the speaker with this case.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

With the holes covered or not on the back, my signal hasn't changed one bit.
Cases used:
Otterbox Commuter
Seidio Active
NGP Incipio
I'm digging the white/gray combo. So digging it that I'm ordering one.
Btw, here's a 20% off coupon code to use on case-mate.com. Enter it when checking out. Here's the link to the POP case.
Code:
CM06-DG20

GideonX said:
With the holes covered or not on the back, my signal hasn't changed one bit.
Cases used:
Otterbox Commuter
Seidio Active
NGP Incipio
I'm digging the white/gray combo. So digging it that I'm ordering one.
Btw, here's a 20% off coupon code to use on case-mate.com. Enter it when checking out. Here's the link to the POP case.
Code:
CM06-DG20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2
Using the Seidio Active with kickstand and the only hole on the back (other than the speaker and camera cut outs is the one above the camera. I actually have the mic next to the speaker grill covered in my Active case. But no one has said anything about call quality or/and volume in my case.

Couple questions about this case.
1: Is the inner lining on this like soft sillicone?
(I'm not liking the harder material that TPU is on my phone. I can tell its wearing on the front corners of the housing and making the matte finish to be shiny.)
2: The only hole that im worried about is the one above the camera and it seems to be covered. Is this hole actually anything to worry about?
(They are all just mounting points for antenna contacts, but the one above the camera is the only one that leads to a hole in the phone housing.)

Constrabus said:
Couple questions about this case.
1: Is the inner lining on this like soft sillicone?
(I'm not liking the harder material that TPU is on my phone. I can tell its wearing on the front corners of the housing and making the matte finish to be shiny.)
2: The only hole that im worried about is the one above the camera and it seems to be covered. Is this hole actually anything to worry about?
(They are all just mounting points for antenna contacts, but the one above the camera is the only one that leads to a hole in the phone housing.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The inner lining is soft silicon. This case is kinda difficult to take on and off. As far as the holes being covered. I have no issues at all. Everything seems normal.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

Got it yesterday.
Not that hard to put on really.
Power button is a lil tight, hopefully it loosens up over time.
Holes are mostly covered on the back, zero problems in two days.
I find the back pretty easy to scuff up. I guess better the case than the phone right?
Sent from my Dell Streak 7

I have a shiny Case Mate Barely There on my Sensation that I love, more so as it protected a 2 day old replacement I dropped from about 5 feet whilst taking a photo at a pro boxing bout. It fell in slow motion and smacked the deck hard, was gutted but got away with a scratched case and few barely noticeable paint chips on the front. landed on the back and flipped 180 onto the front from the impact. Case Mate took it all, wouldn't be without it now!

GideonX said:
Got it yesterday.
Not that hard to put on really.
Power button is a lil tight, hopefully it loosens up over time.
Holes are mostly covered on the back, zero problems in two days.
I find the back pretty easy to scuff up. I guess better the case than the phone right?
Sent from my Dell Streak 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its not bad. But if **** is anything but simple people like to trip so I thought Id mention. I have no issues getting it on and off. Love this case.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

crisisinthecity said:
Just got it today. I was reluctant because the holes in the back cover are all covered, but its awesome. No ill effects that I can tell. Believe it or not my network signal is better in my house using this case. Makes little sense to me.
I got the white version. Fits perfect. Super protection. It's a little hard to remove, but after a few tries I figured out that you just peel it off from the bottom.
Slides in and out of the pocket easily.
I recommend.
Have there ever been any real complaints about cases that don't have all of the cutouts for all of the holes in the back , having issues? The only exposed hole in the back is the mic hole next to the speaker with this case.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man,
How does the power button respond, with it being covered by the Pop case?
and do the side grips attract a lot of lint and dust?

i like this the white one a lot. unfortunately, i'm a broke college student. so, sensation is probably gonna be bare ass naked for the foreseeable future

zuperxero said:
i like this the white one a lot. unfortunately, i'm a broke college student. so, sensation is probably gonna be bare ass naked for the foreseeable future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't go naked. Get this one for less than 7 bucks. . Its also awesome. Not a tank like the casemate pop but fits awesome and good protection. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005A2UR4W
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

LPChris47 said:
Hey man,
How does the power button respond, with it being covered by the Pop case?
and do the side grips attract a lot of lint and dust?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power button is fine. Little stiff at first but after a few weeks of use its perfect. Sides do not really attract lint.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

Hey thanks! Ordering it right now
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

Is the white part a slippery plastic material?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

ikrispyyy said:
Is the white part a slippery plastic material?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, kind of glossy.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G

Anybody else using one of the HTC blue or orange plastic cases?

One of the cases as shown here: www.theunwired.net/?item=photoview-hands-on-with-htc-s-design-cases-for-the-htc-one-x
Anybody else using one? I dropped by an AT&T store today and picked one up. First of all, $30 is utterly ridiculous for a thin, flimsy piece of plastic. It is indeed a perfect fit, and it adds almost no bulk. I have two concerns though:
1) It is so thin that it does not protrude past the camera bulge, so even with this case on, the camera bulge will be touching whatever surface the camera is lying on.
2) Other concern, also related to its thinness, is whether this thing provides any benefit whatsoever. It's so ridiculously thin that it just doesn't seem to offer any protection. I guess it protects the matte back surface of the phone itself from fingerprints/smudges/etc. But it would seem to provide little to zero impact protection.
On the whole, I'm not sure what I think about it. Looks decent, fits perfectly, but doesn't protect the camera and might not provide any protection whatsoever for anything because it's so thin. If it were $10 or $15, tha'd be one thing -- but for $30, I'm leaning towards thinking this thing isn't worth it.
It seems to be a good choice for those people that really hate cases because of the added bulk, but nevertheless need the mental satisfaction that they are at least doing something to protect the phone.
Other thoughts?
Edit: I will also add that, as compared to the naked phone, the case blocks access to the power button ever so slightly. Still pretty easy to push, though, so not a major negative.

IMO those cheap orange/blue cases are just for a splash of color. They add no additional protection to the phone, screen or camera lens.
I havent found which case Im going with, but it wont be one of those cheap thin neon ones.

It's basically a vanity cover LOL. I have one for two reasons only; to make it less slippery in the hand and to protect the back side from scratches.
I didn't like the case selection in the AT&T store at the time I picked up the phone so I went with the blue HTC thin case just to have something on there. The camera bulge not being protected is a concern, it would have been nice if they could have somehow addressed that with this thin case. The glass protecting the lens is recessed a little such that it will not contact flat surfaces when the phone is placed backside down but eventually I'm sure the plastic silver ring will show signs of wear (wouldn't be surprised if it's painted and the paint wears through).
I'm waiting to see what other cases Otterbox comes up with. I may go with a Defender series but would like to see it in other colors.

I doubt it'll protect the back from scratches. The bands will probably catch dirt between them and the body.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA

We have 2 threads in this forum with pics of the blue case. I have one and really like it. It doesn't offer much in the way of drop protection, but doesn't add any extra bulk to the phone either. As far as dust getting under the bands, I doubt that will be a problem. The case fits extremely tight.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

I'm going caseless until I find one I like. The first drop will devistate me mentally.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Picked one up today. It's exactly what I was looking for. I think this will keep the corners from denting if dropped, and it will certainly protect the back from damage.
There's little-to-no shock absorption, but I think it will offer protection against minor drops, much like Incipio's famous feather.

jklitten said:
Picked one up today. It's exactly what I was looking for. I think this will keep the corners from denting if dropped, and it will certainly protect the back from damage.
There's little-to-no shock absorption, but I think it will offer protection against minor drops, much like Incipio's famous feather.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well which one is it and where did you get it???

I can't believe AT&T and HTC are charging $30 for that scrap of plastic.

The blue one? From the att store.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Picked up the blue one today. Yea its hard to justify it.. I paid $20 for it since I'm on premier, but it's still too much. Really only worth $5... but you pay for the name and design/quality.
I do see use to it, however I might return it because sometimes I feel like I need stronger protection.
Pros:
The case is so thin that its negligible
Protects the corners and edges during a drop
Protects the back from being worn and losing the matte finish from your hands or sliding on a desk
Cons:
Doesnt protect screen from impact
Doesnt protect from getting scratched in a pocket
Expensive
As far as protecting the camera, it would take a fairly thick case to do that.

05GT said:
I can't believe AT&T and HTC are charging $30 for that scrap of plastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

I picked up the orange one. I like the gray and orange contrast with a gray and orange wallpaper. It simpley for cosemetic looks than protection. I saw on AT&T website they have a red gel case I'm interested but might look on Amazon. I had the candy case they had but they so hard to snap on / off, I'm concerned I'll break the phone taking it off.

I have the orange, it's ok. It makes the back of the phone very slippery, it's hard to hold with hand.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

roltzje said:
Picked up the blue one today. Yea its hard to justify it.. I paid $20 for it since I'm on premier, but it's still too much. Really only worth $5... but you pay for the name and design/quality.
I do see use to it, however I might return it because sometimes I feel like I need stronger protection.
Pros:
The case is so thin that its negligible
Protects the corners and edges during a drop
Protects the back from being worn and losing the matte finish from your hands or sliding on a desk
Cons:
Doesnt protect screen from impact
Doesnt protect from getting scratched in a pocket
Expensive
As far as protecting the camera, it would take a fairly thick case to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's a premier account. Will a fan discount get me the case for $20?

Go to the At&t store and get the Zagg for the whole phone. You can protect the back with that so you don't have the worry about the spaces in the case. Then get an egrips for the back and you have it covered for grip. The crystal clear egrip looks really good on the back.

Had to return it cause its so thin and delicate it started cracking.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

My blue case still looks brand new!
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Aldiggi said:
Had to return it cause its so thin and delicate it started cracking.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine also cracked when I took it off to return the phone, despite the fact that I thought I was being super careful.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

I'm using the blue one currently. I like how minimalistic it is. Even through Barely There cases was a bit bulky on the One X
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA