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Samsung Note 8 BookCover vs MiniSuit Case Review (with Photos)

I had the chance to try out 2 different "Folio" type cases this week, and decided to do a review comparing them. Here are the competitors:
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 BookCover - $49.99
MiniSuit Classic Standing Case with HandStrap - $14.95
Both cases are generally good, but with weaknesses that would have been easily fixed with more forethought. To start off I will show a few pics comparing the general size and thickness of the two cases.
~

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 BookCover
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 BookCover
Samsung BookCover is the thinner of the two but also offers less protection. It was only available in white when I purchased is, but there should be other colors available shortly. The BookCover is easily removable, and cutouts allow for access to all ports, buttons, sensors, etc except for the MicroSD slot. There is what I assume to be a magnetic sensor towards the left side bezel of the device, because there is a “Sleep / Wake” feature with the BookCover which seems to work well to lock and unlock the device. Unfortunately there are no magnets that hold the cover closed against the front of the screen, or when flipped to the back to the device. Cover flap is a soft material that will do well protecting the screen, but will also most likely get dirty over time as I have seen with other covers of this type.
The smaller of the two angled views (around 30 degrees) works very well, and stays in place while navigating and typing on the device.
The more upright angled view is a pain to deal with. If you don’t have a perfectly flat surface, forget about using this one. Even when on a flat surface, the back kept wanting to kick out, as it seems the tablet isn’t heavy enough to hold it in place. They really should have developed a method for this view what would attach the folding flap to the body of the case, using a slot or magnets, because the current method does not work well at all.
Pros:
Light and Thin
Sleep / Wake function built in
Access to all ports and buttons
Easy to hold, comfortable feel
Cons:
Little protection from drops / spills
Angled views are difficult to maintain in active environment
No magnets or strap to keep flap closed over front of screen
No S Pen holder

MiniSuit Classic Stand Case with Handstrap for Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
MiniSuit Classic Stand Case with Handstrap for Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
I actually purchased the MiniSuite before the Note 8 was even available in the US, and it was at my door the day before the Note 8’s release (thank you Amazon Prime). I purchased the Navy Blue, but there are many other colors currently available. Overall it has been a good case, and has done an excellent job of protecting the device in a household that has 3 children under the age of 5. There are magnets to keep the flap closed on the front of the case, but there is no Sleep / Wake functionality with this case. I also like that they included an elastic band to hold the S-Pen. I personally like using the larger Samsung S-Pen that has the eraser function on the back, and it fits perfectly in the elastic loop. There is another elastic loop on the cover flap that allows you to insert your and when flipped around to the back, and hold the device more secure one-handed. I personally haven’t used this much, but I can definitely imagine some scenarios where this could come in handy. It is thicker than the Samsung option, but the added bulk doesn't make the device any more difficult to hold. The fake leather isn’t slippery and is somewhat soft to the touch.
The smaller of the two angled views isn’t as stable as the Samsung cover, but the more upright view is much better and stable. This is largely due to the fact that the cover slides into a slot that keeps it from moving. I have not had any issues with the device falling over while in this position, even when sitting on my bed with kids jumping around me.
Pros:
Magnets to keep flap closed over front of screen
Built in S-Pen holder
Access to all ports and buttons
Easy to hold, comfortable feel
Will hold up to drops / spills fairly well
Angled views are difficult to maintain in active environment
Cons:
Does add considerable bulk to the device
No Sleep / Wake function built in
Of the two cases, the MiniSuit will be staying on my device, and the Samsung BookCover is going back to Best Buy. I could have overlooked not having magnets to keep it closes, and no S-Pen holder, but not being able to watch movies while propped up unless sitting absolutely still killed any chance of me wanting to keep this accessory. The MiniSuit has been great up to this point, and I have found an application that mimics the “Sleep / Wake” function when the cover is used, so my main gripe has been satisfied. Plus the fact that this case is $35 less than the Samsung option, makes the decision a lot easier.
Feel free to ask any questions that I may not have covered above. Thanks.

Mr_Armageddon said:
MiniSuit Classic Stand Case with Handstrap for Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
I have found an application that mimics the “Sleep / Wake” function when the cover is used, so my main gripe has been satisfied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Name of app?

elmwood said:
Name of app?
Click to expand...
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CaseSensor for Tablets
So far its working very well with the Note 8, as long as its calibrated correctly.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

So being that not having a magnet to deliver the Sleep / Wake function is my biggest gripe against the MiniSuit, I am looking at a way to fix it.
After a bit of experimentation, I found the location that activates sleep / wake. I had originally assumed it was along the bezel, but turns out its behind the screen edge. The location is shown in the attached screen shot. Going to adhere a tiny magnet to the cover and see how it responds. Its below the level of the bezel covet, so shouldn't scratch the sceen at all (although I do use a screen protector just in case).
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

The magnet install works great, and the Sleep / Wake function is dead on. Took about 5min to install the magnet, and the backing so the magnetic field didn't effect the device when the cover is folded around to the back. Also has no effect on the S-Pen, which is good to see.
Now the main negative of this case is no longer an issue.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 with Tapatalk HD

Thanks so much for this. I'll be getting my Miniskirt tomorrow. Where did you get that magnet?

watzone69 said:
Thanks so much for this. I'll be getting my Miniskirt tomorrow. Where did you get that magnet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At a local fabric / craft store for ¢79. :laugh:

Be careful ordering from this supplier (linked in above post)! Shipping takes forever even with their "airmail". I placed an order on the 18th, and just got shipping notification yesterday (11 days later), with a shipping number, but no way to track it (Hong Kong air mail tracking doesn't seem to recognize it). So I still have no clue to when it will arrive, or even if this is a legitimate business. I am willing to give them 10 more days before I raise the issue with my credit card company since shipping from China does have a tendency to take a couple of weeks or even more, so it's probably nothing to be concerned about, just slow mail.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app

I have the original Samsung BookCover (green). Keeping it standing is difficult but you can have this http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Design...=1367327608&sr=8-1&keywords=targus+ipad+stand
Or if you have Note 2 (or S3 or S4) with extra battery charger, you can use the stand to hold it.

Thanks for the comparison. I want the Samsung model, but it seemed overpriced and I went with the MiniSuit. Its been pretty good, with three minor complaints.
Like you, I was disappointed it didn't do automatic turn-on/lock functions when the cover was opened or closed. Your magnet mod looks pretty simple, so I'm gonna give that a shot.
When folding the front cover to use it as a stand, the device is pretty unstable in either position. When vertical, a stiff breeze would knock this thing over face first.
The other thing that really chaps my hide is the orientation. When its laying prone but propped up, the home button is on the left side of the case. Its really a "me issue", but the tablet I've been using for the last few years was the opposite, and I find myself constantly reaching for the home button and only hitting the Samsung logo on top. A little annoying, but really no problem.
Not the last case I'll ever buy for this thing, but for $15 its great. I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you're waiting on an Otterbox or Trident solution. This'll keep your Note intact till the real protection comes out.

kisrita said:
Be careful ordering from this supplier (linked in above post)! Shipping takes forever even with their "airmail". I placed an order on the 18th, and just got shipping notification yesterday (11 days later), with a shipping number, but no way to track it (Hong Kong air mail tracking doesn't seem to recognize it). So I still have no clue to when it will arrive, or even if this is a legitimate business. I am willing to give them 10 more days before I raise the issue with my credit card company since shipping from China does have a tendency to take a couple of weeks or even more, so it's probably nothing to be concerned about, just slow mail.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
normally Hong Kong post is like that, I order from ebay on another item and seller use Hong Kong Post also, so tracking number is like invalid too.
my last order from another seller who use hong kong post took like 4 weeks for the item to arrive lol and i am in asia, wonder why it took them so long

I'm in for 1
Just got it for 6.95 instead of 14.95 :good: :good:

Thai Damen said:
normally Hong Kong post is like that, I order from ebay on another item and seller use Hong Kong Post also, so tracking number is like invalid too.
my last order from another seller who use hong kong post took like 4 weeks for the item to arrive lol and i am in asia, wonder why it took them so long
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh 4 weeks! Thats even worse than I thought. But thanks for the heads up!
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app

Worth the wait!
I just had a chance to get online again after a couple of months. I have been extremely busy.
Anyhow, I logged on to xda as I am looking for reviews about minisuit's cases. I have been an online shopper since 2009 and I am totally used to shipping delays lol. For me its no big deal. What really made me purchase items from minisuit was the fact that this company offer great discounts on almost all of their items and even if you are a new customer you can still avail big discounts when you purchase more items online.
Just last week I purchased 5 pieces of different gadget cases from minisuit. Apart from offering low prices to customers this company also sell durable and lasting cases.
Thanks and Best wishes everyone!

I also have this case I got from Amazon It's the MiniSuit 8.0 case right? It's really lovely

Mr_Armageddon said:
The magnet install works great, and the Sleep / Wake function is dead on. Took about 5min to install the magnet, and the backing so the magnetic field didn't effect the device when the cover is folded around to the back. Also has no effect on the S-Pen, which is good to see.
Now the main negative of this case is no longer an issue.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 with Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use a magnetic tape instead of a magnet ?
I guess these too are easily available in a hobby shop and are a bit softer compared to a magnet..

ghatothkach said:
Can you use a magnetic tape instead of a magnet ?
I guess these too are easily available in a hobby shop and are a bit softer compared to a magnet..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have wondered about that too.

I also have high strength rare-earth magnets, (real tiny ones), I guess I can stick these to the case with some gaffers tape, but do we need a faint magnet or a strong magnet.
My note is in shipping, should get it next week... I gave up on waiting for the 32GB version.
G

OEM S-View Cover for 9.50$ !

There has been drastic drop in the price for almost 84%, lol. How come the initial price was 60$, that's a fortune for such case.. My job here is done.:angel:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galax...&qid=1370119183&sr=8-1&keywords=galaxy+s-view

Looks really shady...

Wonder if this would work with a glass screen protector?

I don't think those $10 ones are real.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Probably fake. They're still $60 on samsung.com.
http://m.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/EF-CI950BBESTA

Yes, most likely fake, its sold by "TopEDepot" not even Samsung

JaeKay said:
Yes, most likely fake, its sold by "TopEDepot" not even Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Galaxy S4 S-View Flip Cover Folio Case (Black)
by Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Product Description
Color: black
From the Manufacturer
Samsung Galaxy S4 S-View Flip Cover Folio Case (Black)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW0XZN6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Only Accept Genuine Samsung Products
Beware of Imitations! All authentic Samsung products will have a holographic sticker visible on the product packaging signifying that you have purchased genuine Samsung product. If you receive a product and the sticker is non-existent, has been removed or the packaging appears to have been tampered with, please report this to Amazon immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if it's not, Amazon is allowing a significant ammount of false advertising!!

FYI,
just did some research on this seller and found out that the same seller was selling fake griffin iphone cases. And I'd say this s view cover is also fake.
No harm taking chances though, as amazon has great buyer protection.
Cheers.

Rakcoon said:
FYI,
just did some research on this seller and found out that the same seller was selling fake griffin iphone cases. And I'd say this s view cover is also fake.
No harm taking chances though, as amazon has great buyer protection.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct about the complaints regarding the Griffin, however, there are as many postings that indicate the case is original and one alleging to be by persons who worked for Griffin, and apparently believe they are real. WHO KNOWS, and what in the world is Amazon still selling them as advertised when supposedly fake cases are being supplied.??

Someone just posted a video in this section which shows his "OEM" cover puts the phone in S-View mode when the cover is folded back against the phone. Also, his cover has "Samsung" printed on the front top. Neither mine nor the pictures on Amazon have this. Pretty sure the $9.00 are knock-offs (with a magnet problem).
Rich

Eh, I ordered two of them, one to keep brand new for resale with the device in a year and the other to swap between it with the aftermarket wireless receiver in it and the upcoming OEM wireless charging cover.... if it sucks, I'll take it up with Amazon, but I've always wanted one just not the price tag associated with it! I only paid a couple $20's more than the MSRP of the S View cover for the phone itself!
I'll gladly report back with my findings - I'll even bring it in to the local BBY and fit both to compare
EDIT - just received the cases, and they are, in fact, FAKE AS FUUUUUUUUUUU

If you look at amazon now, the s-view case and the flip case are under $10 plus free shipping. And they are Samsung OEM. Shows original price as $59.95.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

I wouldn't pay $10 for an authentic one, lol.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4

so cheap... confirm is oem.. china sites alot.

elflip88 said:
I wouldn't pay $10 for an authentic one, lol.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you're in the wrong thread and posting unnecessarily - but thanks for your OPINION! We were all very interested in reading it!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S 4 using the XDA app

gonna be as fake as dolly parton's boobies, lol.
10 bucks for oem when retail is 59.99, even if it cost 10 bucks to make there is no way the wholesale of that is gonna be that cheap that is unless the guy is in the business of losing money lmao.
either way I'm curious to see what they look like when they come in haha.

galaxy808 said:
gonna be as fake as dolly parton's boobies, lol.
10 bucks for oem when retail is 59.99, even if it cost 10 bucks to make there is no way the wholesale of that is gonna be that cheap that is unless the guy is in the business of losing money lmao.
either way I'm curious to see what they look like when they come in haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will look just like the $59 ones because they are being sold by Samsung... Manufacturer is Samsung.. They are the same thing.
That's like saying the s4 sold on the same site by Samsung is somehow a cheap knockoff. Do an amazon search of galaxy s4 s-view.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

wotandsdwys said:
They will look just like the $59 ones because they are being sold by Samsung... Manufacturer is Samsung.. They are the same thing.
That's like saying the s4 sold on the same site by Samsung is somehow a cheap knockoff. Do an amazon search of galaxy s4 s-view.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wellllllllllllll....... let me correct some things you just said - this is NOT being sold by Samsung, it's being sold by "TopEDepot," whoever the F that is, it's a vendor on Amazon, read: NOT Samsung. The seller is claiming it is made by Samsung, but we'll all soon find out how true that is, I guess!
EDIT - just received the cases, and they are, in fact, FAKE AS FUUUUUUUUUUU
No OEM Samsung product ever says "Galaxy S IV" on it, not to mention how poorly made the back cover is and the SAMSUNG logo on the back looks like a crappy screen print on the junk cover.... Starting a claim with Amazon to get my money back, oh well, it was worth a shot! I'm loving my S Charging wireless charging battery cover anyways, so it's no big deal, most likely wasn't going to use the S View cover much if at all!

samsung s view and external batteries for travel

hi everyone ,i was looking for some opinions about the officil samsung cover s view,and how about an external portable battery for long travel,if anyone would have any suggestion or advices about,wait for you

I bought my GS4 last friday, I already ordered both the S view cover and a spare battery and charger both oem from samsung... Should receive everything friday... Look on youtube for S view cover review you will get a ton of different opinions. ..
Sent from my Ssamsung Galaxy s4

I bought an s cover view OEM (without the latch) from best buy for 12.99 because of their amazon matching. I got it in blue and have absolutely nothing bad to say. I have a ghost armored screen protector and the sliding to answer / end call works flawlessly still. Also case sort of keeps shut by itself. Where previous ones used to get worn out n move around or stay open, this is not the case anymore for this product.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

how about an usb power bank?
I've got this one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet®-Ex...id=1377034166&sr=1-1&keywords=tecknet+7000mah
charges the phone 2.5x times

[Q]Where can I order the official flip case? (NL)

Hi guys,
bought my note edge today in the Netherlands, only t-mobile sells it and they have limited stock. as far as I can see they do not sell any case for the note edge outside of the US or korea etc. Does anyone know where I can order it online? Searched for it with no success...
Thanks in advance!

There are many on eBay. Lots from Korea which are little expensive but there are Chinese knock off too.

JoganJani said:
There are many on eBay. Lots from Korea which are little expensive but there are Chinese knock off too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello.
I live in the netherlands to and ordered it from Ebay austria. Even cheaper then here in NL.
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/Samsung-Flip..._PDA_Taschen_Schutzhüllen&hash=item3a9da6fc77

htcmaster said:
Hello.
I live in the netherlands to and ordered it from Ebay austria. Even cheaper then here in NL.
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/Samsung-Flip..._PDA_Taschen_Schutzhüllen&hash=item3a9da6fc77
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! will try it out
I have the grey one though, wonder how it will look like, doesn't matter too much really, as long as it keeps my edge protected

I got my Flip case, its really nice with the edge screen, but I don't like the front cover that you constantly have to fold backwards in order to call/put it in a holder etc. I have a tripo holder that is unusable with this case, because folded you cover the lens, unfolded you cover the screen.
How do other users handle this?

htcmaster said:
I got my Flip case, its really nice with the edge screen, but I don't like the front cover that you constantly have to fold backwards in order to call/put it in a holder etc. I have a tripo holder that is unusable with this case, because folded you cover the lens, unfolded you cover the screen.
How do other users handle this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know yet, but I guess they just leave it hanging instead of folding it

Removed the flip wallet and replaced it with a silocon ebay cover. I liked the edge visibility when you close the wallet, but I dropped my Edge on the floor and the corner is damaged. The wallet is a lousy protection. It fell of when the phone hit the ground.
Another problem with the wallet is that of you want to use the phone, you fold the flip part to the back. If you want to close the wallet again is stays open for a few degrees. Only thing to fix it is to lay the phone down on the screenside, but then you cant read the edge screen.
Come one Samsung. You can do better!
Sent from my SM-N915FY using XDA Free mobile app

S-View Case

The new Samsung S-View case is coming now
Look like they have made the display bigger than on older S view case, a lot more useful I think. the preview is much larger for missed notifications and events (calendar, etc).
Only seem to be available in Black and White, but i think i remember there was a teal color coming.
I will try to get a review posted when i receive it.
link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U7Y8FME/

What do you think of the clearview case?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

S-View Flip Cover, 20% off at AndroidCentral with code BUNNY15
AndroidCentral is having an Easter sale, 20% off all Android accessories with code BUNNY15 until midnight, April 5. See http://www.androidcentral.com/shopandroid-easter-sale-20-off-android-accessories for details. The S-View Flip Cover is currently $46.95 before the promo code - http://www.shopandroid.com/samsung-s-view-flip-cover/4AA20531.htm

Hawke84 said:
What do you think of the clearview case?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im thinking of the clear view its between that and the rock smart ui case
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rock-Smar...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item3f46109fba

short/y said:
AndroidCentral is having an Easter sale, 20% off all Android accessories with code BUNNY15 until midnight, April 5. See http://www.androidcentral.com/shopandroid-easter-sale-20-off-android-accessories for details. The S-View Flip Cover is currently $46.95 before the promo code - http://www.shopandroid.com/samsung-s-view-flip-cover/4AA20531.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
plus shipping...

I'm liking my sview cover case so far (had it a few weeks). A few comments:
Pros:
+Protects the gorgeos screen
+ It doesn't add much bulk at all
+ The clear clip corner holder should be good
+ I think the cover makes it easier to grip the otherwise slippery smooth S6
+ You can quickly glance and see the weather (sometimes, see con comment below)
Cons:
- The clear window is an oil/fingerprint magnet
- As soon as you have a notification, any custom Owner Information (Please return for reward and/or ICE contacts) and the current weather goes away (this is especially painful as I use Llama and Keepass2Android which have standing notifications). You can get around this by hiding all notifications on the lockscreen but then it hides missed calls/texts/calendar reminders which I'd like to see.
From a phone protection standpoint it's great, there are some functional things I'd like to see changed (maybe a custom rom or mod will fix it).

I bought an sview case with my phone at att and absolutely love it. mikepfly2 is on the money with the short review.

I was looking to buy a fabric white s view case but they don't do one ended up buying a white faux leather "genuine" Samsung s view off ebay and I'm loving it all the features work and it feels great, having had a slim armor view on my s4 I need a case with auto sleep.

There are many s view case on amazon and ebay ,they are almost the same

tomatoguy said:
There are many s view case on amazon and ebay ,they are almost the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought one which showed the retail packaging and the user had good feedback, I, it turns out correctly, thought those two factors increased my chances of getting a real genuine Samsung case.
For my previous s4 I bought a genuine Spigen Slim Armor View, big mistake as spigen hadn't used a genuine rfid chip so after a Samsung update I lost the functionality some of which came back but not all so I was keen to get Samsung this time having spent nearly £40 on the spigen.