Database Info

screen and case recommendations

Just bought an N4. There are a lot of comments here about various screen and body protectors. I prefer the Otterbox Commuter for my phones, but they don't make one for the N4. I'm considering the Rearth Ringke SLIM case and the Halo HD or Spigen SGP Ultra Crystal. Does this case look good on the N4? Does it offer good protection?
http://www.amazon.com/LF-White-Prem...e=UTF8&qid=1367761966&sr=8-8&keywords=nexus+4
http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Screen-P...e=UTF8&qid=1367761966&sr=8-6&keywords=nexus+4
http://www.amazon.com/SPIGEN-SGP-SG...id=1367763690&sr=1-11&keywords=nexus+4+screen

The SLIM cases will offer some minimal protection against bumps and dings on the back, sides and corners but the top and botton on the phone are left exposed. These cases are made for those who want minimal bulk not maximum protection. I have the black and white and they look good on the Nexus 4.
I don't use screen protectors as I never get a clean install and my OCD gets the better of me but when I did Spigen and BSE were my choices.

Because the N4 is glass all around, isn't more protection better? What's the equivalent of the Commuter series? Have you had any problems with scratches and dings with your SLIM case?

dhawk312 said:
Because the N4 is glass all around, isn't more protection better? What's the equivalent of the Commuter series? Have you had any problems with scratches and dings with your SLIM case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case offers more protection than a bare phone and being my phone is just a week old and I am careful with it so far so good. I also have a couple of cruzerlite TPU cases if I want a little more protection.

Get a bumper. The back is too sexy to be hidden under a case. Bumpers provide sufficient protection to prevent the back from cracking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

zephiK said:
Get a bumper. The back is too sexy to be hidden under a case. Bumpers provide sufficient protection to prevent the back from cracking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which bumper do you recommend then?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

dhawk312 said:
Which bumper do you recommend then?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm there are only two choices to choose from.
1) Official LG Bumper: https://play.google.com/store/devic...ExMSwiZGV2aWNlLW5leHVzXzRfYnVtcGVyX2JsYWNrIl0.
I personally have this. It has its pros and cons.
Some of its pros are that... the buttons are AMAZING to use. It will make your normal buttons feel so much better because it has a "click" to it where other cases do not. Some of the cons are that it does slightly make your phone bulkier, and that there is a possible design flaw where the usb cracks. Google does refunds if this happens.
Alternatively, if its too pricey. You can give a try for one of the replicas which are of the same quality (XDA accessories has a whole thread on this).
http://www.amazon.com/Google-Bumper...Sleeve/dp/B00C7RTSQ6/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_DQZC multiple colors.
2) Poetic Bumper http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Border...qid=1367771724&sr=1-1&keywords=poetic+nexus+4
Pros: Not as bulky as LG bumper
Cons: might not be as pretty as the official one, no click on buttons.
Both are great at great prices (especially the replica for the lg bumper). Its hard to decipher accessories because you never get an opportunity to try them out in person before buying. You can check out videos on YouTube, I'm sure there are a bunch of reviews out there.

The mercury TPU case.
-Sent from Marino's Maxx-

Opinions on TPU cases

Hey guys,
I'm considering buying a TPU case for my N4. Which ones do you recommend and why? I'm also especially interested in how much width they add. The OEM bumper case makes the phone too big for my hands.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

jordonwii said:
Hey guys,
I'm considering buying a TPU case for my N4. Which ones do you recommend and why? I'm also especially interested in how much width they add. The OEM bumper case makes the phone too big for my hands.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said that too when I first got my bumper and then tried it a second time and resold it again. Won a white OEM one and hasn't come off yet.
I suggest the Ringke Fusion, but you may not like fingerprints on the back of that. Also cruzerlite has some nice cases as well. Also Diztronic tpu cases are nice if you are looking for a plain jane tpu.

The Diztronic case is great. It barely adds any thickness to the phone. While not TPU, I'm also digging the Body Glove case. Laterally, it doesn't add much thickness, but it's a little beefier on the back which might be a good thing with the glass and all. Both cases have raised edges which allows you to put the phone face-down if that's ever a concern.

I have the Diztronic TPU on mine and my girls. She has dropped it numerous times and not a scratch on it.

Mercury 6$ case, it's nice as I have one for a note 2. The note 2 is more snug versus this one however, this one has lips on the sides to protect the screen.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I must be the only one who thinks the diztronics tpu case is a pile if crap. Cutouts don't like up on either of the two I've had. Went in the garbage
I use the.bumper, and the body glove case when I am doing something where I need more protection
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I have the this one: Ringke Fusion. It adds very little to the bulk of the phone, whilst protecting the back.

I also like the Mercury case ..the look and feel is great.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

funky_snowman said:
I must be the only one who thinks the diztronics tpu case is a pile if crap. Cutouts don't like up on either of the two I've had. Went in the garbage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must've had bad luck with it then.. the cutouts on mine are perfect. What I do dislike though are the buttons, which are a bit hard to press and feel mushy.
I still haven't seen a case that I like 100%. Every single one makes it either look a lot cheaper, adds too much bulk or doesn't offer enough protection. But.. well, nothing you can really do, I guess

I have the official bumper, rinke fusion, poetic borderline. I can say using Ringke fusion brings the feeling of a solid phone. Using the official bumper adds a width for the phone. In the poetic borderline i didn't feel any bulk at all. That's my experience about those cases. I consider the back design in choosing a case cause i wanna let others can see the beauty of N4.

dijonemon said:
I have the this one: Ringke Fusion. It adds very little to the bulk of the phone, whilst protecting the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine arrived this afternoon and I love it. Can't wait for my skin for the back to arrive so it can feel safe and look sexy.

Official Bumper, Diztronic, a two part mesh case, etc and my FAVORITE is the Cruzerlite Bugdroid case in Smoke. You can see Nexus through the back of the case, not much width added at all and with the Bugdroid pattern carved into the back it offers much needed slip out of the hand protection. Cut outs are perfect also.

I've only tried the diztronic and I highly recommend it. Doesn't look like anything special or nice but in terms of protection it works. I've dropped my phone many times with it on and no scratches or dents or anything. Also the cutouts on mine are perfect.. There is a whole thread on it here I believe. I do wish the beautiful back wasn't covered though.. ringke fusion might be better in that sense.

I've gone through a few cases and settled on this one. My fave case so far, offers great protection and fits over the iloome tempered glass screen protector, unlike the Ringke Fusion.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A06Z41E/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good protective case with a lip

Want a good protective case with a lip that covers the phone if I drop it face down, and also one that protects the camera as well, and doesn't add to much bulk. Recently bought this Spigen Case but it seems like it won't do crap if I dropped my phone!

Joe0113 said:
Want a good protective case with a lip that covers the phone if I drop it face down, and also one that protects the camera as well, and doesn't add to much bulk. Recently bought this Spigen Case but it seems like it won't do crap if I dropped my phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks like a strong case. I use a spigen slim fit case with the same air cushioning technology and it protects my phone well.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

If you like the Spigen brand, take a look at their Tough Armor case. I can't say enough good things about this case.

I'm slightly disappointed in the Spigen case I purchased. I picked up one of the Galaxy S5 Case Ultra Hybrid cases. My main requirement for a case was that it would cover the silver bezel on the S5 and the Spigen case appeared to according to the pictures. Sadly this is not the case. The silver bezel is small, but it's definitely still there which is really deceiving given the photos on there website.

undergrad said:
I'm slightly disappointed in the Spigen case I purchased. I picked up one of the Galaxy S5 Case Ultra Hybrid cases. My main requirement for a case was that it would cover the silver bezel on the S5 and the Spigen case appeared to according to the pictures. Sadly this is not the case. The silver bezel is small, but it's definitely still there which is really deceiving given the photos on there website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly..

brazcub said:
That looks like a strong case. I use a spigen slim fit case with the same air cushioning technology and it protects my phone well.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the S5? And also, have you dropped it yet w/the case on?

I picked up the Speck Candyshell case in the store while I wait to see what else comes out. They have always been great protection.

undergrad said:
I'm slightly disappointed in the Spigen case I purchased. I picked up one of the Galaxy S5 Case Ultra Hybrid cases. My main requirement for a case was that it would cover the silver bezel on the S5 and the Spigen case appeared to according to the pictures. Sadly this is not the case. The silver bezel is small, but it's definitely still there which is really deceiving given the photos on there website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same thing on my case I got the neo hybrid and the silver showing drives me crazy if they had made the lip on the front slightly wider , this would be a keeper , im just waiting and hoping ottterbox comes out with a case in this same blue color and I will order there commuter case

I have a Slim Armor for when I go out to run, walk or hike. I use a Ultra Fit for work and just normal use. I used a Slim Armor on my S4 and dropped it from a bar height table flat on the face and didn't leave a mark on it. Dropped it on the corners a few times as well and it still looks like new out of the case. I have been really impressed with the quality of build and protection of the Spigen over the last year. Not sure I would use anything else with the exception of OtterBox.

I just posted a review of the Poetic Atmosphere, which could fit your needs. I mention the lip protection, which you can see in the picture.

Case vs Skin - what do you use?

Hey,
I'm curious what is your prefered protection. I'm currently using a case but I'm thinking about switching to a skin, maybe dbrand or a real wood one.
What do you use?

flopower1996 said:
Hey,
I'm curious what is your prefered protection. I'm currently using a case but I'm thinking about switching to a skin, maybe dbrand or a real wood one.
What do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thisphone is hard to hold naked so I run a case, ringke is my current daily. I'd love to run a skin but they simply aren't attractive with seems, plus I like being able to toss my phone around.

Have you seen the cruzerlite bugdroid cases? I have a red and a black one. However, due to the nature of the material in the semi opaque red one, it is more flexible and does not fit as well as the black one. So the black one stays on permanently.

zakiwashi said:
Have you seen the cruzerlite bugdroid cases? I have a red and a black one. However, due to the nature of the material in the semi opaque red one, it is more flexible and does not fit as well as the black one. So the black one stays on permanently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've seen them. They look not bad.

Currently using a silicon case, but planning on using skin sometime soon. Really want to feel the Z5C touch without any hindrance. Love the frosted glass finish on the back.

I wish there was a Diztronic TPU case for it. I've been using their brand for my previous Moto X, Nexus 6 and 5x and they're the best I've had so far. Minimalistic, durable and protective. Anyways for now I'm using a Orzly Semi transparent TPU case bought from Amazon, it's fairly decent compared to what's available, i wouldn't consider a skin on this device.
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

I've been using the DevilCase aluminum bumper with a tempered glass protector. So far it's held up to all the drops and smacks I've given it. The bumper is visible worn and scratched but the phone itself still looks new.

I use a generic transparent silicone case that covers and provide a front raise.d protection the phone is slippery as hell without a case. I've dropped it several times getting inside and outside of the car during the first 2 months. It got some heavy scratches on the corners and also on the back from slipping it in and out of my front jean pockets. It loses some of it's appeal with the case but then again; I got a much better grip now and I can just drop it instead of 'gently' placing it on the table; and I do this like 100x a day.

pavlpavel said:
I've been using the DevilCase aluminum bumper with a tempered glass protector. So far it's held up to all the drops and smacks I've given it. The bumper is visible worn and scratched but the phone itself still looks new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a really expencive case right?

flopower1996 said:
This is a really expencive case right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's around $50, not the most expensive of cases but more than the standard TPU and silicone ones.
I've used them on my last three phones and have always been happy with them. Their customer service is also tremendous.

Using a Ringke case for now. It came with a screen protector, but i'm not using it.

pavlpavel said:
It's around $50, not the most expensive of cases but more than the standard TPU and silicone ones.
I've used them on my last three phones and have always been happy with them. Their customer service is also tremendous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, I'm rocking an orzly case. Not bad either....

I always use TPU cases with my phones. I wish I didn't have to use a case, but your phone WILL eventually fall and hit the ground at some point, so you need protection. I prefer TPU because it's the perfect balance between polycarbonate and silicone. It is hard enough to feel robust and not stick to your pockets (pulling everything up along with your phone), and feels soft enough to absorb impacts. NEVER had a phone crack or dent with one of these. And they fall from hip height from time to time when I get out of the car. I dunno, some part of this is luck, but I trust these cases. They're simple, dirt cheap and efficient.

In addition to a glass scree protector on the front, I use a dbrand sticker on the back to increase grip and protect the glass from breaking or getting scratched.

Ringke Fusion for all my devices. Best protection, small footprint. Never looked back.

MatMew said:
Ringke Fusion for all my devices. Best protection, small footprint. Never looked back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ringke Fusion seems quite popular
interesting

Redneck Tetron. Dual layer protection and stand. I'm very satisfied.

I'm simply using a TPU cover bought for 5 euro and saved my phone already 3 times. It's perfectly fitting the size and doesn't add extra weight or size to the phone itself.
I'm using it combined with a tempered glass.
FYI something like this: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9CSjnj2gSms/maxresdefault.jpg

Only orzly
ALL users of z5 tried few china tpu cases, but that one is awesome, I recommend 100%, phone looks elegant and like without case ( with dark version). Moreover, it's matt and really nice in touch :good::good::good: youtube.com/ watch?v=GtxgfKDej-E im not a producer, just happy user

I agree, I'd use the phone naked but its too slippary. All I really want is a bumper but no one has any.
Therefore, I just got a black TPU case and cut out the back to make it into a bumper. The cut could have been cleaner but its been working for me.

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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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