This thread is simply designed to help those who are currently looking at cases and want to decide which case is best for their needs.
I guess you could say I am a "Case Expert" - I have spent a lot of time collecting and trying different types and brands of cases for not only my HTC Thunderbolt, but previous phones like my Samsung Fascinate.
Keep in mind different phones will have different cases and brands available to them, but this guide should cover the most popular brands. Enjoy!
I will divide this guide into several sections:
- Case Types
- In-Depth Look at Specific Cases
- Best Protecton
There are several different Case Types (Four Basic Types)
*** Hard Cases: Typically snap together or "slide" on using two sections
Examples: Seidio Surface Case, "Shell" Cases, Snap-On Cases
Opinion: Typically not the greatest cases as most snap on cases are a PITA to both put on and take off - also very vulnerable to dust and dirt contamination, thus scratching your phone - does more damage than protection
Exceptions: Seidio Surface Case - this case has protective material on the inside, preventing scratching, although doesn't completely protect from dirt and dust
*** Rubber/Jelly Cases- Fairly self-explanatory, very low cost - not to be confused with silicon or TPU cases
Examples: N/A
Opinion: For the cost, these aren't bad actually. However, with that being said you can find many different cases in the same low cost price range that are better. These cases take the cake when it comes to dirt, lint, and dust attraction. Simple solution: Clean them often using dish washing soap, which over time will eliminate some of the dust and dirt attraction. These cases are also the hardest to slide in and out of pockets, so if your into those skinny jeans, stay away from these :laugh:
Exceptions: N/A
***TPU/Silicone Cases - Great cases, in fact...these happen to be some of the cheapest cases and are actually some of my person favorites
Examples: TPU Cases - http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Rubberi...8594&sr=1-2&keywords=HTC+Thunderbolt+TPU+Case
| http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Rubber-...677&sr=1-19&keywords=HTC+Thunderbolt+TPU+Case
Opinion : First off, they are some of the cheapest cases available. Second, these cases attract very minimal amounts of dust, dirt, lint, etc - I would say the least amount out of all the other case types. Easiest cases to slide in and out of pockets. Finally, if you take your cases off to use accessories such as car docks, music docks, etc then these cases are great for you as they are some of the easiest to take on and off. Great protection too, both shock resistant and typically have enough of a lip to protect the screen.
Exceptions: N/A
***Premium Cases/Hybrids - These are the pricier cases, also tend to be the most protective
Examples: Seidio Cases, Otterbox, Platinum, Incipio, Casemate, Body Glove, Trident...
Opinion: For the most part these are great cases, they tend to be more expensive but if you are rough on your phone, they typically prove to be a good investment. Typically offer the most protection and use the best materials and includes several layers of protection(Hard Shell, Rubber Shell, etc).
I will go into depth on the majority of these cases in the "In Depth Look at Specific Cases" section.
Exceptions: N/A
***In Depth Look at Specific Cases - Some of these may not be so "in-depth"
Otterbox Defender - This case is probably the most protective case you can buy (Seidio Convert case is very comparable). It utilizes several layers - a snap on hard shell, an outer rubber shell, and an optional holster. The snap on inner shell comes with a rubber-like pad mounted on the inside, providing the phone with a protective surface, keeping it safe from scratches. The rubber outer shell is a thin shell that simply wraps the inner hard shell - it fits very well. It also comes with a built in screen protector - its junk, so I simply took it off. The rubber shell does attract a decent amount of dirt and lint, which can be a pain, but overall not too bad. The inner shell can also be a PITA to put on and take off, so if you need to take your case off quite a bit for connecting to accessories, this may not be the case for you
Rating: 7.5/10
Seidio Convert Combo - This cases utilizes three layers or protection, four with the holster. First is the inner hard shell - protective material layers the inside of the case, slides together. Second is the rubber shell - very similar to the Otterbox rubber shell. Third is a hard plastic skeleton - goes on top of the rubber shell, keeping it in place and adding additional protection. Fourth is the optional holster. This case is much easier to take on and off compared to the Otterbox, although it can be easy to scratch the phone when sliding the inner plastic shell on and off. If you need the ultimate in protection, but take your case off a decent amount, this may be the case for you.
Rating: 8.5/10
Casemate Pop! - This case is one layer of protection. However, it has a hard rubber/silicone inner lining, which is excellent protection for you phone. The outside of it is wrapped in a glossy, hard plastic shell. Easy to take off, however, after taking it on and off for a while, it begins to wear the hard rubber inner lining down. Also, the hard plastic shell looks old after a couple uses, as it scratches very easily - White color also begins to yellow after time.
Rating: 7/10
Trident Kraken - This case utilizes two layers of protection - First, a soft silicon inner lining. Second - a hard rubberized snap-on shell. This case is definitely a cool looking case, but a major PITA to take on and put off...one of the most poorly fitted cases out of the cases I have tried. Nonetheless it is a good looking case and offers good protection.
Rating: 6/10
Body Glove - This cases uses one layer of protection - hard snap on case with a cool rubberized wrap. This case doesn't add to much bulk, but provides great protection, however it is a tough one to get off (almost snapped the tabs off when taking off). It does not attract much dust and dirt like other cases and isn't too bad when it comes to slipping it in and out of your pocket.
Rating: 6/10
Incipio Silicrylic: One of my favorite cases as it provides great protection and is one of the easier cases to put on and take off. Does not attract much dust, lint, and dirt. Great color schemes as well!
Rating: 8.5/10
***Best Protection - Of course, this is opinion based, but very much based on observations over the years.
Best Look/Cool Factor: I am a huge fan of Ghost Armor - it is a wrap (they have several different styles including Clear, Matte, and Carbon Fiber) that protects almost every inch of your phone from scratches. They also have the best screen protector hands down (in my opinion)...I currently have my Thunderbolt wrapped in Android Green carbon fiber - very cool. I have also used white, in which I have never experienced any sort of yellowing at all, also very easy to clean! Of course, Ghost Armor does not protect your phone from drops, it simply protects it from scratches, so I top it off with a nice clear TPU case such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Thunde...095&sr=1-5&keywords=HTC+Thunderbolt+clear+TPU
This provides an amazing look and some of the best protection - also TPU cases attract little to no dust, dirt, and lint! Also, once you buy the full wrap and screen protector, you get full lifetime replacement, meaning you can get everything replaced for $10, you can even change colors! I highly recommend having a Ghost Armor employee do it if you have any stores near you...if not it doesn't seem like too hard of a task to apply yourself.
Ultimate Protection: Ghost Armored - including screen protector and topped off with the Otterbox Defender case or Seidio Convert Combo!
I spent a lot of time on this guide, so I hope this helps out when it comes to choosing a case.
If you have anything I can add to this guide or suggestions, feel free to comment!:laugh:
Related
I went a little case crazy the last couple of weeks. I have had the Seidio Dual Pro since I purchased the phone in June, but have been looking for something more substantial. I tried the Otterbox Defender and returned it a day later. The lint and hair that gathers under the plastic screen was driving me nuts. If it was not for that and the creaking of the case when held firmly, I would have kept it and my search would have been over.
The Incipio Dual Pro is still my favorite as far as comfort. It is a simple dual layer case with a very thin silicon inner layer and a nice grippy outer shell. It slips in and out of pockets easily, but provides the least amount of protection. The lip is very shallow and provides just enough clearance you will not scratch the screen face down.
The Trident Aegis is in between the Incipio and Seidio regarding protection. It also follows the traditional setup of a silicon inner layer and hard outer case. It is noticeable thicker than the Incipio. The protective silicon layer is nearly twice as thick and the corners are heavily reinforced. The lip is also a bit deeper. I liked this case, but wanted something that felt more substantial; similar to an Otterbox, but without the screen.
So today my Seidio Convert arrived, and it is perfect for my needs. First off, it comes with two cases and a holster (the holster only works with the heavy case, but you can order a thin holster separately). The first case is the Seidio Surface. It is a snug fitting plastic case that is lined with a felt type of material. This case snaps together from the top and bottom and feels very secure. The grip is excellent. I work in many different conditions and grip is very important to me. I have dropped several phones over the years when my hands get sweaty. I have no worries with this one. I feel the protection is close to that of the Incipio Dual Pro.
When you need that extra level of protection you convert the Surface Case by adding a very heavy thick rubber silicon layer over the top of the Surface Case. Then clip on the plastic outer backing that holds everything together. The three layers combine to offer a level of protection that exceeds the Otterbox Defender, in my opinion. The lip is very deep. There is no way anything can hit the screen if you drop it on a floor or sidewalk. The holster is very high quality. They redesigned it a couple of years ago and have added a lock to ensure it stays in the holster. The only thing I would change is the pin they use on the clip. I would have preferred a metal pin over the plastic one. The icing on the cake for me is the built in kick stand. I video chat with my kids every day when they get home from school and the stand works perfectly for that. The stand is built into the surface case so you can use it both ways. The other unique feature I have not seen before is the cover for the camera. A rubber flap protects the lens and then folds back and clips into the case when you want to use the camera.
The larger heavier cases take a little getting used to, but the transition was no more difficult than when we all moved from small screen phones to the Galaxy S4, and the added protection for me is worth it. I hope this mini review is helpful for someone. I will try to add pictures this weekend if I get a chance.
I received a case for review purposes from Roocase. I love it and I am using it as my daily case!
I had used an OtterBox case with my previous phone. The basic design of the Roocase is similiar; a soft inner shell and and a harder outer shell. But there are some important differences.
The Roocase has a built in screen protector, which is great. The back design includes raised surfaces at the corners to protect the camera when you lay the phone on its back. This is very well thought out and works great.
My favorite part is how the button (On/Off and volume) covers work. They are responsive enough that you don't need to really squeeze down as I had to with my OtterBox in the past, yet offer enough protection that I don't need to worry about keeping my phone in my pocket.
The case adds some size and weight to the phone, of course, yet the S6 still feels very comfortable in my hand.
A well designed and constructed case perfect for daily use.
My Amazon review is posted here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r.../ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00SIG5KFS
At least give us some real pictures.
Thanks for the review!
the built in screen protector is plastic with rainbow effect. The two part case is a pain to take apart. The hard poly-carbonate part is so hard and sharp I am afraid it will scratch my phone when I will try to take it off. The protection is good but I would rather pay more for a decent screen protector than go with this plastic rainbow laden built in screen protector. By the way I basically ruined he case while trying to take off the built in screen protector. that's my fault though.
Again very flawed design.
Hello! Poetic kindly provided me with both their Affinity and Revolution cases for review. As there are a bunch of similar threads here on XDA, I'll try to keep this post brief but informative.
General
One overarching statement I can make about these cases is that they have very distinctive designs, and probably won't appeal to those who appreciate a more minimalist aesthetic (e.g. those who use a Diztronic TPU or Spigen Slim Fit case). Style preferences, are, of course, objective, so I'll try to evaluate design based on function as much as form.
Affinity
Click here to buy it on Amazon.com
Album of pics here
Look and Feel - The case I received has an updated design (compared to the image currently on the Amazon page); the "P" logo is now between the cutouts for the microphone and fingerprint sensor, and the "Affinity" branding has been completely removed. I appreciate these changes, as it no longer obscures the phone's own "nexus" logo and overall reduces visual clutter. I've found the clear polycarbonate to be quite the fingerprint magnet; having not used any other clear cases to compare against, I'm not sure if this is a common thing or not. Hard TPU runs along the back, wraps around the corners, camera cutout, and buttons; however, the sides are a glossy plastic with raised bumps. I'm not fond of this plastic because while it does provide some extra grip, it's not quite as comfortable to hold as the rubber ridges on my Speck Candyshell Grip case. The slim profile of this case adds imperceptible bulk to the phone.
Cutouts - I've found no issues with cutouts for the ports, camera, or fingerprint sensor. Regarding the latter, the edge is pretty steeply bevelled, but doesn't feel sharp when I glide my finger over it. The thin profile of the case makes it not really an issue.
Protection - Speaking of the thin profile, the upper lip barely extends beyond the phone's screen; this is great for people who use (practically) edge-to-edge screen protectors. However, there is still enough of a lip for you to not worry about placing the phone face-down on a surface without a screen protector. Having TPU around all four corners should provide a little extra drop protection, as well. I haven't used the case long enough to see whether the TPU on the rear actually reduces scratching of the clear polycarbonate
Final Thoughts - This is a great case for someone looking for a clear back, but also wanting a bit more grip and drop protection than other clear cases on the market.
4/5 stars
Revolution
Click here to buy it on Amazon.com
Album of pics here
Look and Feel - This case is colossal with distinct, military/industrial styling. Personally, I don't really like the fake screws or seemingly-whimsical use of glossy TPU along the sides; if it provides no specific function, I don't think it needs to be a visual element (aside from some branding), in my opinion. If the hard polycarbonate back plate was really bolted onto the second TPU layer, that my opinion would've been different. The Nexus 6P is already a pretty large phone, and this case definitely makes it feel quite a bit bulkier. However, I really like the subtle texture of the TPU along the sides and button covers; it adds a nice amount of grip to an otherwise unwieldy case.
Cutouts - The headphone jack and USB-C ports are guarded by hard plastic and covered with TPU flaps; while I've found no fit issues with my headphones or stock charging cable, those with particularly bulky headphone jacks might run into issues, though the USB port opening is fairly generous. There's a much more gradual bevel towards the fingerprint sensor than with the Affinity case.
Protection - This case is obviously all about protection. The phone is first clipped into a plastic bumper with a built-in plastic screen protector before it's inserted into the TPU/plastic hybrid layer. This thing will be very resilient against drops! Having port covers is great protection against dust. Unfortunately, I found the built-in screen protector to be more of a hindrance than help, as there was a noticeable air gap between the plastic and the tempered glass protector on my phone's screen. This significantly decreased touch sensitivity, and I'd recommend just removing it in favour of a protector directly applied to your phone's screen.
Extra features - Aside from the Seidio Surface, I haven't seen any other phone cases with a built-in kickstand. This one is made of metal and feels very solid - a great addition for those who like watching media and like propping up their phone to do so. There is also a carabiner clip made of the same TPU as the rest of the case, increasing portability as this case is definitely not compatible for those who wear slim-fitting jeans.
Final thoughts - If you work in construction or any other rough/rugged environment, I'd recommend this case for the glut of protective features, short of waterproofness. However, its significant bulk and questionable styling makes me pause to recommend it to an average/casual user who doesn't need this level of protection.
3.5/4 stars
Just received the Poetic Affinity clear case with black TPU lining and I have to say it's one of the better cases I've used so far with my G5. The case is actually VERY thin, similar to a scap on polycarbonate case but there's the added benefit of the TPU accents on the insides of the case as well as the rim, top and bottom of the case. The corners - where the point of impact during a drop is most likely to occur - is reinforced with shock absorbing TPU but it's not over the top. Since it's TPU, I haven't had any issues with pocket lint. I have another case that is made of polycarbonate, and has a TPU boarder but that one lifts my screen protector, this one doesn't. That clear TPU on that other one is also turning slightly yellow. Since this one is mostly polycarbonate with a but of black TPU, I don't see that issue arising any time soon. I also like that the TPU accents on the back of the case also adds grip while the phone is on a slippery table.
I would imagine the back of case would also get less scratches over time since it's not making much contact with the surface on the table. I am pretty satisfied with this case since I was looking for a way show off the natural look of my gold G5 without sacrificing drop protection or worrying about yellowing TPU.
Positives:
> Lightweight and thin - adds very little bulk, similar to the other clear snap on cases on the market while providing more protection where it's needed
> Fits and is compatible with regular PET screen protectors - having used another clear polycarbonate case with TPU sides, this one does not cause my screen protector to bubble. It covers the trim of the phone right up to the screen protector.
> TPU lip provides enough spacing on the front so you can place it face down on a table or ground
> Raised ridges on the sides of the case which improves grip
> Cutouts on the top and bottom are precise - dead on
> Volume rocker buttons are precise and I get solid feedback when pressing them - no mushy volume buttons (something I've come across with another case already)
> Cutout for the fingerprint reader is large and not recessed - finger fits comfortably even if you have long nails
Not so good:
> Surprisingly difficult to put on and take off - The fit is much on point and that might be a good thing in terms of keeping out dust, but it was a bit tough to remove from the phone when I first got it. It gets easier once you remove it a few times but the case truly fits the G5 like a glove and a bit of force is required in order to pop the corners out. It does not scratch the phone but I have to say it is tougher to remove in comparison to other cases I've used including Spigen and UAG.
Thinking of getting this for my oneplus 3 but worried about yellow fade and scratches. How's yours going on till this day? @Kawaisa
Display + Buttons
Oblique angles
Rear, Texture, Hump, repeat Hump
Corners
Cutouts
What is aramid fiber? I don't know, please go look it up and be mindful of marketing.
Synthetic materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite, aramid, kevlar, etc are just fun names for the same concept. You take strands of something really strong in one aspect but catastrophically fails if twisted or sheared or rubbed against itself. That's why you lay out all the fibers in certain directions then glue them in place and hope the glue prevents situations where the fibers are weak.
When you see aramid, think amine-based (nitrogen). Carbon alone (like in carbon fiber) blocks radio frequencies so no-go for phones. Nitrogen helps the fiber form similarly strong chains without RF obstruction that pure carbon sheet linkages cause. From what I've read, aramid is closer to kevlar but doesn't require the same tension for strength. Being 0.7mm thick, it's definitely not protective and you should only think of this as an alternative skin. From what I've read, the shock absorption is somewhere between glass and plastic. You are def getting worse drop protection than any real case.
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Ordered 2/7, received 2/26 (19 days, if math hard). I didn't take a picture of the box, but think fauxfiber-wrapped cardboard with foam inside. Sturdier than your Amazon package, closer to particle board tbh.
I paid $26 on aliexpress and would not recommend it if you need a case. I like the slim case but need a lip. I don't lay my display face down but still ... I love the rear, the button cutout is tolerable, and the lack of lip is a dealbreaker. I don't see any suitable alternatives so it's my daily for now.
Texture: the plastic feels amazing. Soft and grippy enough. My XPS 13 9360 has 1/10th the texture and is grippier. I have no complaints about the texture or grip and would not adjust either. It can be slippery for those concerned about that. After a week, it still looks and feels new. I'm not sure how scratch-resistamt this material is, but it definitely still feels superlative.
Finish: Minor variation/bumps at the corners. In general, straight lines are cut perfectly while rounded edges have small imperfections (<0.5mm). If you're struggling to see it in the photos, trust your eyes. I chose the camera cover variant for piece of mind (also comes in no-top/-bottom or camera-cut-out or both). You can see that small space, which I really don't like. I can feel the case creak a bit in that area, and am certain that harder-than-glass particles will accumulate and scratch the lens.
Installation: it's not terribly hard to install, but removal can be scary. The small bridge of plastic over my 3.5mm port shows some visual strain. It's not quite a crack, but the aramid plastic is clearly discolored in a fracture pattern. It only appeared when I began to very gently remove it (to take inside pics for you...).
Ergonomics: I don't like the exposed buttons but feel like cutouts would have caused problems. Hard to install/remove, prone to stress fracture were avoided by just cutting that section out. This is why we see so many cheap hard cases just omit the top and bottom. You lose a little protection and also lose a little headache.
Personally: I didn't just buy a case to protect my phone. I was rocking the very protective and great-feeling case temporarily while the aramid fiber was en route. It's big and bulky, but it feels amazing in the hand and I highly recommend it if you can grab it for under $10. This aramid fiber one is basically a skin, and I like the look and feel despite the lack of protection. I'm going to keep using it while I seek an alternative or addition for some screen protection. I don't hate screen protectors, but would prefer just an ultra-minimal 3d-printed bumper or something. This is a lot of concession and effort for a case I paid $26 for. I don't think a skin would be a suitable alternative, but for anyone interested I implore you to reconsider a slim plastic that that has top/bottom coverage. How do I truly feel: god damn does this case feel good. Forget a skin, the in-hand feel during use is amazing and I recognize that my phone is basically caseless. I'll put the rugged case over this one rather than risk breaking it from frequent removal.
Things I would change: LIP, smaller button cutout . I paid $5 for a small sheet of fake carbon fiber for wrapping cars and plan on using it to pad the gap in the camera hump. It may be too thick, or just right. I might just cut a tiny ring to "seal" the camera holes. I originally intended on surrounding the buttons so it would be more flush, but think the effort is not worth the payoff.
Other: I had the Totallee leather case for the last couple months on my 3 XL (was $8 new on amazon) and the cutouts were atrocious. After several hours with an exacto knife and a small flame, I made the buttons easier to use and the USB-C port accept my big, thick plugs. I think with those mods, that was my ideal case. Very slim but stiff, ~0.3mm lip (1mm would have been nice), and the leather rear feels fantastic while the edges are more durable plastic for daily use.