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Best protection for least bulk

I'm looking for a good bumper, not a full case, just a bumper. I think that's the best balance of drop protection for added bulk.
My reasoning is that if I drop my phone, the most likely thing to break (and most expensive to fix) will be the screen. Even in high-performance cases like the Otterbox Commuter, the only thing protecting the screen is the lip. I don't care about all that protection on the back of the phone; I can easily replace the battery cover if it gets damaged and if a lip is good enough to protect the screen, it should be good enough to protect the back.
This leads me to think that the most important part of drop-protection is the lip and a high-quality bumper with a good, thick, shock-absorbent lip will have the best drop-protection/bulk ratio. I think it would give much better protection than the thin cases with minimal lips like the SGP Slim Armor.
Are there any bumpers like that out there? What does everyone recommend? Right now I'm leaning toward getting the Roocase Bumper and adding a high-quality battery cover like oddspec did here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42813168#post42813168
I've seen a lot of posts about aluminum bumpers but it seems to me that they wouldn't add any screen protection. If your phone falls face-down, the screen will just slam against the hard aluminum which isn't an improvement. Can someone with one comment?
I'm interested in any comments on my thinking as well as bumper recommendations. I used an Otterbox Commuter on my last phone and it works very well but after staring at it, I can't help thinking that there's a more efficient way to get the actual level of protection I need.
Thanks, everyone.

I always recommend the UAG case, it's not bulky and it is great for protection. I've dropped my S4 so many times and not a scratch on it.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4

I dropped my phone from 1meter on concrete, and is fine.. I use aluminium bumper only. The bumper is scratch, but not deformed. Look my treed

UAG case

Also recommend UAG case. By far the best combination of thin/protective/attractive.

valentinrascu said:
I dropped my phone from 1meter on concrete, and is fine.. I use aluminium bumper only. The bumper is scratch, but not deformed. Look my treed
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I saw your review, thanks for the reply. Is there any kind of soft buffer material between the aluminum part of the bumper and the screen?
I see in the pictures that there's a rubber looking material inside the bulk of the bumper but it looks like the glass rests directly against aluminum.

elflip88 said:
I always recommend the UAG case, it's not bulky and it is great for protection. I've dropped my S4 so many times and not a scratch on it.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
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I appreciate the response but I'm looking for just a bumper unless someone can give a strong argument that a full case will protect the *screen* better.

uAg
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

UAG all day. Bumpers imo make the phone feel way too wide. They also tend to tear at the charging ports when there is less material. So that leaves aluminum bumpers only. Curious about how much weight a metal bumper would add.... Uag is feather light.

fritobandito86 said:
UAG all day. Bumpers imo make the phone feel way too wide. They also tend to tear at the charging ports when there is less material. So that leaves aluminum bumpers only. Curious about how much weight a metal bumper would add.... Uag is feather light.
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It depends on which bumper you get.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Might want to look at Tech21's D30 mesh case. They've some quite impressive videos on YouTube.

Shug69 said:
Might want to look at Tech21's D30 mesh case. They've some quite impressive videos on YouTube.
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Thats what I'm using for the time being although it makes the phone a little wider, it fits very well and feels good in the hand.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk 4 Beta

fritobandito86 said:
UAG all day. Bumpers imo make the phone feel way too wide. They also tend to tear at the charging ports when there is less material. So that leaves aluminum bumpers only. Curious about how much weight a metal bumper would add.... Uag is feather light.
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What bumpers have used that are wider than a full on case?

Another vote for UAG case. I have had a number of them and they are excellent. I have the white one on my S4 now. I also have a glas.t screen protector on so short of falling in water it is very rugged but still slim.

sn707 said:
Another vote for UAG case. I have had a number of them and they are excellent. I have the white one on my S4 now. I also have a glas.t screen protector on so short of falling in water it is very rugged but still slim.
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How much impact protection do the glass screen protectors give?

reaeg said:
How much impact protection do the glass screen protectors give?
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Well the UAG case has a lip to protect the screen so that helps. I think the Glas.t would crack but save the screen. I have the Glas.t slim and it is a real joy to use.

Diztronic case. No bulk and great feel
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:37 PM ----------
sn707 said:
Well the UAG case has a lip to protect the screen so that helps. I think the Glas.t would crack but save the screen. I have the Glas.t slim and it is a real joy to use.
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I've been using their new nano glass protector and its awesome
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

Tech21 d30 case FTW!!!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

reaeg said:
How much impact protection do the glass screen protectors give?
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I would a little bit, but not a lot. Think about the karate guy that breaks boards... He hits hard, they all break. He hits not quite as hard... and breaks only 3 of the 5 boards.... you get the idea. The difference is the screen cover "board" is very thin.

reaeg said:
I saw your review, thanks for the reply. Is there any kind of soft buffer material between the aluminum part of the bumper and the screen?
I see in the pictures that there's a rubber looking material inside the bulk of the bumper but it looks like the glass rests directly against aluminum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the glass touch the aluminum bumper. I isolated with neoprene tape.

Ringke Fusion ($13.99) vs Official Bumper ($12.95)

I was wondering which case is better than the other?
I'm looking to keep the nexus 4 slim, sexy, and functional.
I narrowed it down to these two cases because of the clicky tactile feels (on the fusion revision) and the original bumper while maintaining slimness.

I got the bumper a week after I received my phone. Well, not the official one, but a replica of the LG one that's sold in the Play Store. The one I received off Amazon seemed fine, but after about a week of normal use, 2 cracks appeared - one on the bottom where the USB is, and the other on the power button.
I think that they appeared because of plugging in the phone and clicking the power button turning it on and off. The material (metal-looking plastic) that surrounds the bumper is flimsy on it's own, and with a certain amount of pressure and heat from the phone, it's prone to cracking.
If you Google around you'll find that a lot of people have had the same problem with the official one. I bought the same bumper for my friend too, but his is holding up well so far, so I'm not sure. The bumper seemed to have a tighter fit on his N4 whereas mine felt a little loose. He has been using it for a couple months as his was the first wave of N4 that were shipped out. I just got mine a little less than a month ago.
Switched over to the Ringke Fusion based on the number of excellent reviews it got both on XDA and Amazon. Took about a week to get here and because it is the revision, the buttons are clicky and give a good feedback. The case also doesn't add much bulk at all. While I do like the heft of carrying around the phone naked, the glass panels scare me. I never used cases on my old phones, but then again, they were plastic and metal. They sure could take a hit!
The Fusion makes the N4 feel more solid as it is, and it works well with wireless chargers. The only complaint I have about it is the back clear plastic tends to dirty quite easily, with scuffs, fingerprints. But then again, who takes time out of their day to gander at the back of the phone. Sure it's pretty but you'll be spending more of your time messing around with the front.

Where'd you find the official bumper for 13?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Ace42 said:
Where'd you find the official bumper for 13?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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It's a replica of the real bumper. It's on ebay and amazon.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

On amazon it says official bumer by Google 12.95 I'm in the US
zephiK said:
It's a replica of the real bumper.
It's on ebay and amazon.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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Ace42 said:
Where'd you find the official bumper for 13?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I remember when i bought my N4, I kept buying different bumpers because either they were too tight [messed up my screen protector], too bulky or did not protect my phone good enough. In January, I bought Ringke Fusion; been using it since then . Its not one of those cheap bumpers, you will definitely feel the quality. Its fits the phone very well and you wont feel the size of it in your hand or in your pocket.

mc704 said:
On amazon it says official bumer by Google 12.95 I'm in the US
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It's a replica. The real ones are sold on the play store. If it says official elsewhere and is less than the price you would normally pay, chances are it's not official. Anyone can say it's official but it isn't.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I got both . Currently sporting the white OEM bumper. Before that I sported the Ringke Fusion. I will continue using the Fusion when I travel to like Disney lol.

kpjimmy said:
I got both . Currently sporting the white OEM bumper. Before that I sported the Ringke Fusion. I will continue using the Fusion when I travel to like Disney lol.
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Same. I got the fusion and the white OEM bumper.
To the OP: if you haven't seen it yet, the poetic bumpers are pretty good.
Stopped using my white OEM one cause it turned yellow on the sides and can't clean it no matter what I try.
Sent from my awesome Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Nexus⁴ via Tapatalk

Kendaihou said:
Same. I got the fusion and the white OEM bumper.
To the OP: if you haven't seen it yet, the poetic bumpers are pretty good.
Stopped using my white OEM one cause it turned yellow on the sides and can't clean it no matter what I try.
Sent from my awesome Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Nexus⁴ via Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I'm gonna use the hella out of the OEM white bumper because I got it for free .

The bumper makes the phone really wide
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I got ringke fusion, official bumper, the white look alike of fusion and poetic. I wanna use my fusion but my tempered glass doesn't fit well with it. I'll rather go with the fusion because of its solid feeling but the bumper is good.
SENT FROM MY RAGING NEXUS⁴ ?

I got the Ringke Fusion. IT shows fingerprints REALLY bad - much worse than the back glass - and the fingerprints aren't easy to clean off unless you use water. I ended up taking it off and using the bumper I got free before finding another case.

scottharris4 said:
I got the Ringke Fusion. IT shows fingerprints REALLY bad - much worse than the back glass - and the fingerprints aren't easy to clean off unless you use water. I ended up taking it off and using the bumper I got free before finding another case.
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Fingerprints to me don't show as bad when I put my dbrand skin on. I hardly notice any unless I view the back at an angle.

scottharris4 said:
I got the Ringke Fusion. IT shows fingerprints REALLY bad - much worse than the back glass - and the fingerprints aren't easy to clean off unless you use water. I ended up taking it off and using the bumper I got free before finding another case.
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We talking about regular prints..? Cuz my hands are always clean, and while it definitely attract prints, a quick swipe from my t-shirt takes them right off.
Sent from my Nexus 4

So the Google bumper on amazon is fake and the fusion case attracts a butt load of finger prints
I see that most people tell me that they are using bumper instead... What bumper? Poetic?

mc704 said:
So the Google bumper on amazon is fake and the fusion case attracts a butt load of finger prints
I see that most people tell me that they are using bumper instead... What bumper? Poetic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL I would personally get the Fusion, and yes, most bumpers online are replicas even if they are in LG packaging. The normal bumpers cost about 20bux (USD) so that's a good gauge in authentic or not.
There's a thread somewhere comparing the packaging but basically, if there's a holo sticker on the back, mine is square that reads "Original accessories by LG".
GL

Bumper
Wider
Looks better
Less protection
Ringke
Better protection
Lets you create custom designs to insert behind the plastic
horrible protruding creases on the back of the case. - rough to the touch
picks up fingerprints and dust way too easily.
I use bumper for everyday use and if i'm going to be somewhere outside for a long while where i won't have a place to put my phone safely away i use the ringke.

kpjimmy said:
Fingerprints to me don't show as bad when I put my dbrand skin on. I hardly notice any unless I view the back at an angle.
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Does the Ringke Fusion case fit properly with a dbrand skin on? Was looking on getting the case but was not sure if it would fit on, as I have a dbrand carbon skin on the back.

Androidttraction said:
Does the Ringke Fusion case fit properly with a dbrand skin on? Was looking on getting the case but was not sure if it would fit on, as I have a dbrand carbon skin on the back.
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Yes it fits fine. I have a custom and that's technically two skins of thickness in my areas and fits fine.

Recommendation for the thinnest case

Hi everybody,
Soon Ill get my Nexus 4 and I'm looking for the thinnest rubber case available.
Can I get some recommendations please?
Im also looking for headset with controller to skip tracks, any suggestions?
Thanks,
Daniel.

NILLKIN super frosted shield case.
It rocks. amazing thin and really good quality .
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/NILLKIN-super-frosted-shield-case-for-LG-E960-Nexus-4-with-screen-protector-retailed-package-free/1243098324.html

If you mean TPU case (you said rubber case) I reccomend you this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diztronic-Matte-Back-Black-Purple-or-Pink-Glitter-TPU-Case-Cover-for-LG-Nexus-4-/261137354079
I have matte black and its very good. Not too thick and very good buttons feedback (volume +/- and on/off).

I have this TPU case from ebay. No complaints and its thin.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181049607053

The Zero Lemon case
I Sent from my M-BBQ'd Anarchist N⁴

May not be what you wanted but Ringke Hybrid Fusion Case https://www.rearthusa.com/google-nex...id-fusion-case
I don't even notice mine except that I am no longer afraid of the phone slipping out of my hand. Dropped the phone once and it still works.

ahunter said:
May not be what you wanted butRingke Hybrid Fusion Case https://www.rearthusa.com/google-nex...id-fusion-case
I don't even notice mine except that I am no longer afraid of the phone slipping out of my hand. Dropped the phone once and it still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can attest to it's durability. I've probably dropped the phone ten times at least and nothing has happened. Either I'm lucky or this case is amazing.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Ive been thinking about this case. So the clear back is hard plastic and the black edges is TPU? How thick is the clear back? The computer renderings on their website makes the back appear too thick.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Can anybody share the thickness in comparison between a diztronic tpu, ringke slim and ringke fusion?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Cases and skins

Post your reviews of cases or skins. I will update the op with links as new items become available. I currently have a tudia gel case and have ordered a few more. One skin that looks promising I will be ordering this week. I think the glow in the dark skin will look nice with a clear case or a frosted clear hard case. The tudia case is nice , does not stick in my pocket and provides protection around the edge of the screen.
http://www.amazon.com/TUDIA-Ultra-B...8&qid=1431332665&sr=8-1&keywords=g+flex+tudia
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-G-Flex-2...013?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4a8cd05d
https://www.goballisticcase.com/shop/lg/lg-g-flex-2/
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/lg-g-...flex2.html?dwvar_lg2-g-flex2_color=20#start=1
http://www.att.com/cases/sonix-clear-coat-case-lg-g-flex2.html#sku=sku7530278
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ringke-SLIM...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item5d56718922

I bought this case. It is rigid and fits perfectly in the Flex 2.
I also bought this tempered glass and I'm very happy.
All Nillkin

grauone said:
I bought this case. It is rigid and fits perfectly in the Flex 2.
I also bought this tempered glass and I'm very happy.
All Nillkin
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Is the nillkin glass real glass. I bought the bodyguardz pure crystal but it is a flexible piece of plastic and not glass.
Sent from my LG-H950 using XDA Premium HD app

Intub8 said:
Is the nillkin glass real glass. I bought the bodyguardz pure crystal but it is a flexible piece of plastic and not glass.
Sent from my LG-H950 using XDA Premium HD app
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Yes, it is a real glass.
I had problems while installing, I clean it with a glass cleaner wipe and put him again. Perfect.

I am using this and it is just perfect for G Flex 2
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Flex-Case-Protection-Absorption/dp/B00SVYTR7E
and this cover looks very interesting too
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-Case-Revolution-Protection-Manufacturer/dp/B00SNWD0IQ

spiderx_mm said:
I am using this and it is just perfect for G Flex 2
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Flex-Case-Protection-Absorption/dp/B00SVYTR7E
and this cover looks very interesting too
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-Case-Revolution-Protection-Manufacturer/dp/B00SNWD0IQ
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Click to collapse
Does the back (being clear) get a lot of noticeable scratches.
Sent from my LG-H950 using XDA Premium HD app

Intub8 said:
Does the back (being clear) get a lot of noticeable scratches.
Sent from my LG-H950 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is not a bumper case. it is a soft silicone case so the back is well protected. it won't get scratched.

case
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-Line-Soft...=LH_DefaultDomain_15&var=&hash=item5d536370c4
thats look nice

The new body glove case is now my favorite. It is more like a composite you case that feels harder than the tudia. It slides in and out of my pocket much easier and with a lot less lint.
http://r.ebay.com/o8V5qa
Sent from my LG-H950 using XDA Premium HD app

I got the Ringke Fusion as my girlfriend has one for her Z3C and it's really nice, also the G-Flex2 one has dustcaps for the 3.5mm and USB port. Which I really need as my old G2 died from dust ingress.
I also got a Circle Case though from here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360885691754
It's by ARASO Design from Korea, it's really nice, very sturdy and nice finish.

I have the quick circle case from LG, it's expensive but I got it bundled with my phone. It's a back cover replacement but add little more plastic on the corner for protection and the quick circle work beautifully.
Now I wonder if I will find a back cover replacement but with a matte finish. But if LG don't do it, no one will.

Someone recommended this Rugged Hybrid Armor case to me. It works great.

My Husband using this Amazon Armor Belt Clip Case . It's perfect andworks great so far.

spiderx_mm said:
I am using this and it is just perfect for G Flex 2
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Flex-Case-Protection-Absorption/dp/B00SVYTR7E
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the case i use. Its solid af for a plastic/rubber case.
This is my glass screen protector.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WUDMQWK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Only complaint with this glass is that randomly sometimes (like 7.5% of my usage time) i find it to lack lubrication.

Otterbox is on clearance for $12 at Bbuy right now.
Not sure I like the bulk, but plenty swear by theirs.

Just avoid any case that has a painted surface, I had a bad experience with sun screen and my www.mercurymart.com Goospery red painted jelly case just dissolved when getting in contact with the sun screen. The case underneath is a white TPU one and it looked so horrible I had to immediately change it.

Im using Ringke Slim Case + Nillkin Amazing H+ Tempered Glass, both fit each other perfectly i'll probably never change it.
It keeps the original curved style of Flex 2 and doesnt add any bulk since it's super slim, also the tempered glass is thin enough to not protrude over the case which means u can put the phone screen down safely.
Obviously it's also super conveniant in case you drop the phone since the case will absorb the hit instead of tempered glass, which is generally much safer.

RingKe Fusion is awesome. Not bulky, has great drop protection and had dust caps for the micro USB and headphone jack https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S...lex+2+case&dpPl=1&dpID=51RPdP+pSQL&ref=plSrch

need some info
are all carrier flex 2 same in shape and design.
i have a sprint flex 2 and has just bought a circle flip cover for 3k (which is too much for me)
and the case says its for flex 2 haven't found a sprint or other carrier specific flex 2 case.
so does that mean all flex 2's are the same?

yes @Alecia1212

case from heaven needed

Does anyone know if there is a case on the market that will allow wireless charging, magnetic holder and a kickstand?

Samsung rugged cover maybe? Or Spigen tough armor?

@rbiter said:
Samsung rugged cover maybe? Or Spigen tough armor?
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Click to collapse
Samsung rugged is pretty sweet. It is my favorite so far . I picked up the grey one to go with the Ocean Blue . It even has a little kickstand that works good.
some pics

pitaka aramid case, only thing dont have is the kickstand, not sure when they will release it

nuclearrage said:
Samsung rugged is pretty sweet. It is my favorite so far . I picked up the grey one to go with the Ocean Blue . It even has a little kickstand that works good.
some pics
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Looks good, I think I'm gonna order this. What are the exterior sides like on the case? Is it smooth and grippy? I ask since I don't like sharp edges on cases.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

It's kinda weird, the sides and back are smooth for sure. The sides are grippy,kinda a soft rubber feel. The back has ridges that are plenty grippy in the hand, but slides a little bit on a hard flat surface.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

Limeybastard said:
Looks good, I think I'm gonna order this. What are the exterior sides like on the case? Is it smooth and grippy? I ask since I don't like sharp edges on cases.
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The back has ripples so grippy in hand but not grippy on uneven flat surfaces. The sides are smooth but grippy. It conforms to the curvy screen and adds a comfortable amount of width to the phone making it better to hold.

@rbiter said:
The back has ripples so grippy in hand but not grippy on uneven flat surfaces. The sides are smooth but grippy. It conforms to the curvy screen and adds a comfortable amount of width to the phone making it better to hold.
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Click to collapse
Looked on ebay, and saw one for 14$ probably fake.
I ordered a legit one. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk