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Case-Mate Tough Case Best Out There! Read my review!

I will start this review by saying that I have owned a variety of different phones ( i get a new phone every 5-6 months) and with each of these phones i buy an expensive case (roughly 20-30 dollars)
The Case-Mate Tough Case beats them all.
I read every review on this board and decided to go with the Blue and Black Case-Mate Tough Case and it has been great.
The included screen protector is a great touch and the hard plastic and soft silicon allows for a great feel and great protection.
The case is easy to take off and looks great (the colors really make the phone unique because you do not see a high quality case that comes in different colors for any phone, many people were impressed when i pulled out my phone asking to feel it and hold it)
Three of my buddies all have Nexus Ones and they all ordered the Tough Case in different colors, two of my buddies were using Otterbox and they both agreed that the Case-Mate was not only more ergonomic it just looked and felt better and did not add the extra bulk the Otter did. Even tho I have never used an Otter extensively I do agree with their impressions just from holding their phones and holding mine and comparing them.

i 7use the tough case too and i gotta say, its great

I'm going to agree that it is an awesome case and I'm glad I decided to purchase it, especially over the otter box. I am going to disagree with the supplied screen protector. It was crap. I love the clarivue ultra clear protector, Its reusable, washable, no adhesive (static based) and You can't even tell I have it on. Ultra smooth, ultra clear, no glue.... awesome.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I have one ordered and it should be here next week. I need a holster for mine. Do you all know of one that will fit this case? Will the Seidio holster work for it? Thanks.

I have the black/black case mate tough case. The only and i mean only problem i sometimes have is that when I put the phone back into the hard shell, sometimes its hard to get the volume down button to work. That can be fixed by doing a little adjusting. I love this case and I wouldn't own anything else...

you guys got me interested in this case. how bulky does it make the nexus looks? the black/red looks pretty hot.....

I want it, but its cheap shipping option says it will take 3-4 weeks to Canada
even the $20 shipping says 8-14 days and with fedex... I pay brokerage..... why can't they do usps expedited?

tigerin said:
you guys got me interested in this case. how bulky does it make the nexus looks? the black/red looks pretty hot.....
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It does add a little bulk, i'm not going to lie to you. However, in return your getting a sexy case plus a ****load of protection. You just simply can't go wrong with buying one of these cases. You definitely get what you pay for.

Mr.Kakarot said:
I want it, but its cheap shipping option says it will take 3-4 weeks to Canada
even the $20 shipping says 8-14 days and with fedex... I pay brokerage..... why can't they do usps expedited?
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Click to collapse
In the UK, prices were best from eBay/Amazon market place... I paid £16.90 shipped for mine.

i<3myphone said:
I have one ordered and it should be here next week. I need a holster for mine. Do you all know of one that will fit this case? Will the Seidio holster work for it? Thanks.
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i use the nite ize holster with the tough case. http://www.niteize.com/collections/rugged-phone-cases/products/clip-case-cargo-medium

I bought black/blue on Friday. Tracking says it will be here today. I was going to write a review, but you beat me to it!
I report back to say if I like it or not.

To those who ask about bulk. Its adds a little bulk, but not as much as the otter box. Not even close if you ask me. And personally I feel the phone fits better in my hand with the case on. It doesn't feel like it will slip out.
Oh and the tough case gets double props for being able to buy the colored rubber inner sleeves separately without buying a whole new outer hard case with it.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

i honestly like the otterbox a lot better. its probably type of protection but i like that the ports are covered. u never know when something might get in there

My only gripe with the Case-Mate tough case and this is extremely minor is that because the hard case does not entirely cover the soft case, any lint that you might have in your pocket is attracted to the soft case.
Whenever I put my case in my pocket, it always attracts a little dust. Not enough to warrant getting a new case, but something that you should be aware of.
I used to use the Seidio Innocase II Surface, but it would keep cutting into my invisibleshield which ended up getting scratched off on the sides.
I definitely do love the case-mate though.

android01 said:
i use the nite ize holster with the tough case. http://www.niteize.com/collections/rugged-phone-cases/products/clip-case-cargo-medium
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I took a look at the cases after your linked that and im very impressed!
being an elevator mechanic i snag my phone case on just about everything and have spent far too much money on holster. Does the medium size work well for you? i find that since the nexus one is a little longer then most bbs some cases the flap will not fold over at the top.

That case would suck for a nexus
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Did you try the tracking app from android market?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I agree tough case by case mate is the best our there.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

you guys got me sold on this case. jus ordered it on friday. i'm currently using the seidio innocase 2 w/ holster. i like the fit of it, but it really is tight on there. i literally have to use a knife to split it from the back just to take it off...

[Review] Seidio Active Combo

If you’ve ever been a customer of Seidio before, then you know and expect the quality and craftsmanship that they put into their products. It is my pleasure to write that the Active case and holster combo for the HTC Sensation 4G meets nothing less than these expectations, and offers the level of comfort, protection, and functionality that is desired. As with their past products, Seidio has continued to masterfully craft the Active case to allow for full access to all functionality ports (charging, audio, camera, speakerphone, and buttons) on your device, and have done so without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to the overall feel. Additionally, the case is comprised of Seidio’s traditional soft touch material that is held in place by a heavy duty plastic shell, which maximizes the overall protection of the device and offers an unparalleled shock resistance. The holster is also made of Seidio’s heavy duty plastic, which holds the protected device very snug and safe with the assistance of the high quality clip up top. If you’re in the market for a case that will provide maximum drop protection for your HTC Sensation 4G and feel smoother and more streamlined than anything else currently available, then you can’t go wrong with the Active case and holster combo.
All of Seidio’s products are available at http://www.seidioonline.com/
<Video review coming soon>

Looks nice! I like the look of it. Kinda reminds me of a toughbook lol. But I love the look of the combo when put together. I may get a blue one to change it up a bit .
Great review! How does it fit on your belt? I currently have a universal pouch. It works but looks too bulky IMO. Also how hard/easy is it to take off? In case of the dreaded battery pulls for us rom flasher-compulsive types . LOL

kpjimmy said:
Looks nice! I like the look of it. Kinda reminds me of a toughbook lol. But I love the look of the combo when put together. I may get a blue one to change it up a bit .
Great review! How does it fit on your belt? I currently have a universal pouch. It works but looks too bulky IMO. Also how hard/easy is it to take off? In case of the dreaded battery pulls for us rom flasher-compulsive types . LOL
Click to expand...
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It's great when applied to your belt. Very sturdy. I used a universal pouch before too, but this thing blows that out of the water. As far as taking it off, you can do so without even taking the shell off first. Just grab one corner and slide it back. Very easy, but putting it back on does require the soft touch case first then the shell. Doesn't take more than a few seconds though once you get the hang of it and the fit right.

Excellent review (pictures). Personally I love seidio and have used them on all my phones. Looking forward to getting this one.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

Thanks for the review.
I was contemplating on getting this one while waiting for Otterbox to release the Defender series on the Sensation.
Will probably get it and then the Otterbox one when it comes out to compare.

Got the same one and I love it. Good thing I have a holster cause the rubber parts is a lint magnet but wipes off easily. I love this case!

tabuburn said:
Thanks for the review.
I was contemplating on getting this one while waiting for Otterbox to release the Defender series on the Sensation.
Will probably get it and then the Otterbox one when it comes out to compare.
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Are they coming out with a defender, pare? I thought just a commuter case, I'm not sure though.

*want* *checks pockets, finds lint* *cry*

I just bought this and since theres no "plastic finger" holding the silicone down on the top by the power button you cant put it back in the holster with one hand. The silicone bunches up so you need to use one hand to hold the clip open and one to put the phone in the holster. I still think its a nice setup but wish there was an extra finger on the top.

Nice review...Seidio has always been a fav!

chadsin said:
I just bought this and since theres no "plastic finger" holding the silicone down on the top by the power button you cant put it back in the holster with one hand. The silicone bunches up so you need to use one hand to hold the clip open and one to put the phone in the holster. I still think its a nice setup but wish there was an extra finger on the top.
Click to expand...
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After using it for a day or two it gets easy to do it all with one hand. Pull the clip up with your little fingers and push the phone in with your index and middle.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

Lakeshow423 said:
Are they coming out with a defender, pare? I thought just a commuter case, I'm not sure though.
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I can't confirm that they will but the Sensation is new so I'd guess a couple more months and they will probably come out with one.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

Great review, Does it add a lot of thickness to the phone compared to a TPU case?

Ended up ordering this case from ebay because of your review. Also because my brother has had the Active X version on his iPhone 4. He has dropped it more times than he can remember. The case has chipped where it hit and the Zagg was scratched but the iPhone is in pristine condition.
I am extremely pleased with case, Feels great, Sturdy and I feel like it could actually survive a drop now. The only thing I don't like too much is the silicone jacket attracts lint and dust a bit but it doesn't stick to it and I can brush it off or blow it off quite easily. So if you're looking for a case that will protect your investment you won't go wrong here. Doesn't add much bulk to the sleek Sensation 4G.
Overall a great case, With superior protection.

I have this combo as well except in blue. It is very nice but I must agree with the post about wishing it had a hard plastic section on the top front of the case to make it easier to "pop" it into the holster. Can it still be done with one hand? Yes, but not as easily and this has already caused a couple of near drops due to it not clicking in just right.
Overall I'm very pleased but I've also ordered the Trident case to see if that one doesn't have this issue (hopefully it'll fit in my Seidio holster too).

I had one of these on my Droid X and i must say they hold up. took several skips across the concrete. no damage of any kind. think i need to order for my sensation too. cause i'm a auto tech and i always be around dangerous things. great review

madwolf27 said:
*want* *checks pockets, finds lint* *cry*
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+1
I had one of these on my old Evo.The black soft cover is a huge lint/dirt magnet.I couldn't stand it,after about a week of use i threw it away.Frankly i loved everything else about this case,but the lint thing is a deal breaker for me.

i just ordered one off ebay, hopefully i like it. wanted it real bad actually, even though i pre-ordered an otter box case as well.

Sensation Otterbox vs. Casemate Tough Case

Hi - was wondering if any one here could shed some feedback on their experience, etc., as to which case to get among these two as I think I've narrowed it down to these two.
I've bought one of those $5.95 Amazon cases which is alright, do I gain anything by buying either one of these.
Thanks

wow 5.95 can you share where to buy it a link please for 5.95

http://www.amazon.com/HTC-SENSATION...UR4W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327442969&sr=8-2
leoiden said:
wow 5.95 can you share where to buy it a link please for 5.95
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I also own this case and I will say that unless you want a little bit of extra drop protection then you have nothing to gain. The button design and cutouts on this case are perfect. The case is not bulky and gives the phone some traction so it doesn't feel like it's going to slip out of your hands.

joogle said:
Hi - was wondering if any one here could shed some feedback on their experience, etc., as to which case to get among these two as I think I've narrowed it down to these two.
I've bought one of those $5.95 Amazon cases which is alright, do I gain anything by buying either one of these.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are looking for the best case with the best look, protection, feel and all that, check out the case mate pop. Its a tight fit so taking the phone in and out take some practice. It gets easier with time though. I have the white one.
http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Sensation-Cases/Case-Mate-HTC-Sensation-Pop-Cases.asp
Sent from my NexusHD2 using xda premium

waiting for otterbox to come up with a defender case. although might be difficult with the shape of the screen

The Tough is awesome. Good protection, good grip and the fit is nice. Just don't expect it to be pretty. If anything, it reminds me of a tire because of the hard shell's texture lol.
Haven't seen the Otterbox in person, so can't comment on that.

I have the otterbox and the case mate and they are both nice but I prefer the case mate because of the textured back which adds TONS of grip to the back opposed the the slick plastic on the otterbox.

They look the same
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

CASE MATE is my favorite I have 5 cases but the Case Mate Tough Case never leaves my phone(unless i am swapping battery or memory card ). Also i have had quite a few (high) drops and it is still running perfect.

what i like about the otter over the case mate is that the ports are all coverd in the otterbox

waiting for otterbox to come up with a defender case

Me too but I don't think it will come out
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

I purchased the body glove when i bought the phone, let me say worst 20 dollars i spent ever. The thing broke from the hinge in my pocket. Either one of these to options is better then the BG

Along with amazon, I find ebay to be even cheaper.

Saw and felt the Otterbox Commuter for me its a good case. It has good all over protection of the phone, However the back side of the otterbox is kinda sleeky than the back cover of the sensation.

I personally have the the Otterbox Commuter case for the HTC Sensation, so I cannot comment on the Casemate. I like the Otterbox for the design to protect the phone between the impact case and gel case together for protection, plus the headphone and USB port covers. The hard plastic impact case is not the best for grip, and the gel part of the case is a major magnet for lint from your pocket.
Hope that helps!
Edit: OK, missed something myself. Wanted a charging dock that supports a case, so I bought one. But it won't work very well if there is a USB port cover, so just something extra to consider!

Does anyone know if they updated the Case-mate tough case design, where originally they had the mic above the camera lens covered? I could have sworn I saw a thread where Case-mate said they were going to update their case and just uncover for that one hole. Just curious if anyone has bought it lately and knows.

I got mine in January I think and it still has that hole covered up. Is that hole supposed to be the noise cancellation mic? I'd have to ask my wife if my call quality has gotten worse since getting this case, but knowing her she wouldn't notice anyway lol.
If anything, it's probably not hard to just drill a tiny hole into the casing.

I have the otterbox commutor, and its sad to say. It is the first Otterbox ive owned that im disappointed in. Due to the top and bottom being rounded. After alot of use in your pocket the rubber on top and bottom loosens and sags. I bought the Otterbox the day it came out and overnighted it. I have yet to find a decent replacement.
In no way would i bash Otterbox on this one product. I have owned other cases for Iphone 3gs, Mytouch 4g and Nook Color. ALL cases were some of the best i have seen. Quality if usually above the rest. I think it is the design due to the large about of exposed rubber on top and bottom.

Seidio Active Case with Holster Pictures

I hope these help in making a purchase decision.

Yep, is a very nice protective case. I switch between it and the TPU case. I like the holster too, I just wish I could find a side carrying case that is big enough to fit the skyrocket into while it has the active shell on it while I was at work. If I could find one, I'd probably just keep the active on it all of the time.

Appreciate the variety of pictures you posted. I've been debating the active case, but there are no local places that sell it, which makes it hard to drop that much cash on a case I've never actually seen. It definitely helps to have good pictures to reference.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

I thought the seidio case was much better on my atrix than the Otterbox. Do you know if it's as bulky as the Defender case? I have the Defender but I'm a fan of seidio since the Atrix.

I have never owned an Otter Box case but looking at the their website I would probably compare it to the Commuter series.
I choose this one because of the kickstand.

I just got the active case on Monday. It is well built and fits the phone very nicely. My coworker has an Otterbox defender on his iPhone and it is bulkier than the active. The one thing I have found is that while it goes in and out of your pocket easily it always holds on to some lint. I got mine from eBay with free shipping for $23.
Great pictures to help others decide btw.

kbr90210 said:
I have never owned an Otter Box case but looking at the their website I would probably compare it to the Commuter series.
I choose this one because of the kickstand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both and like them both. The active isn't as bulky bit still good protection
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

I just got this in the mail the other day. I had one for my captivate and loved it! I was stupid enough to be suckered into paying way too much for a case at AT&T... But I went ahead and bought this one online anyways, and its sexy! I have a white skyrocket, so I got the white case, and it's kind of pearly and still has the black kickstand and rubber, it looks awesome! I'd recommend this to anyone

I got this case yesterday love it. Protects the phone, it's thin all that nice stuff.
My parents want this as an iPhone equivalent now.
Eighteen bucks from Amazon.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Got mine the other day too. I didn't even consider any other case company besides seidio. I love their cases that much. Never had a complaint about a case from them in the past and I dont forsee having one anytime soon.
Sent from low Earth orbit with my SkyRocket.

I too got the Seidio Active + Holster. Very happy with it. Slim profile, and doesn't add much volume or weight. My only complaint is that the texture (which is quite pleasing to feel) is just a little too slick for my taste. However, I imagine that any "stickier" and it wouldn't slide in/out of a pocket easily. Very pleased over all. The holster is handy, especially since this phone is so much bigger than my old iPhone 3GS, and it doesnt fit into the shirt pocket of my scrubs easily. If i get a chance I'll post some pictures as well...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

I have this combo as well. I started with the Pop! case that I got from AT&T. It was the best case IMO, but the rubber started to fray in less than a month. Then I tried the Seidio Surface combo. While this case was thin, it was too slick. The Active is a nice compromise between the other two cases. My only complaints about the active case are that the rubber is too grippy (it snags my jeans pockets and attracts lint like crazy) and the super soft rubber absorbs the vibration function of the phone and renders it almost useless.

I'm curious where everyone is buying this. Amazon have it for > $30.

lyndone58 said:
I'm curious where everyone is buying this. Amazon have it for > $30.
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I got mine off of Amazon for $31.99, free shipping. The link is: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NYOX3C/ref=ox_ya_os_product
Looks like they increased the price 65 cents. But this combo on the Seidio web site is $55, so not a bad deal...

I just got my seidio active from amazon. I like it so far except for the fact that it is a lint magnet and it is somewhat hard to take out of my pocket.

scott14719 said:
Yep, is a very nice protective case. I switch between it and the TPU case. I like the holster too, I just wish I could find a side carrying case that is big enough to fit the skyrocket into while it has the active shell on it while I was at work. If I could find one, I'd probably just keep the active on it all of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a case i found that fits with the otterbox case on it. here is a link to the thread w/pictures.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1426637

lyndone58 said:
I'm curious where everyone is buying this. Amazon have it for > $30.
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Click to collapse
I just bought mine from seidios website. Although you might be able to get amazon prime and free 2 day shipping... But their website has a good selection of colors

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...
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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.
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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
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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...
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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.