Just got the bFree waterproof case for the S4. It seems pretty legit for around $50, feels similar in durability to an Otterbox. I ran the case under a water faucet for a few minutes and the inside was completely dry. There was an issue with the inside of the built in screen protector having oil marks when pressed against the screen, but a small amount of baby powder fixed the issue. Overall It seems like a good buy for a reasonable price. I got mine from GoWireless (where I work), which is the only place that I could find them in stock. It looks like they have them to order on the website gowireless.com or in store. I didn't see the black one on the website, but it looks like almost all of our stores have the black ones in stock.
Some pictures:
But the speakers and earpiece still show? how is that water proof
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
It looks like the iPhone's lifeproof case, actually, the design looks exactly the same. Although i never heard of them i really wouldn't trust my phone in the case in the pool or something until i see more people using it.
Yeah there's some sort of mesh on the inside that is apparently waterproof. The sound isn't too bad though considering. But I've run water over the case and left it submerged with tissues inside of it to test the seal and it was all good. But it really seems like a rip off of lifeproof.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Not bad. I suggest padding the inside of the case with tissue and submerging the case or a week.
Remove after a week, dry off the exterior extensively.
Open the case, inspect tissue padding to determine if any water seeped in.
The Amazon page for this case says it's ip67, not 68.
The case itself isn't meant for prolonged submersions, just accidental submersions.
For all intents and purposes, I think it would be fine to take to the beach, water park, splash mountain, big foot rapids, with the idea that it is going to only get splashed on and that's about it.
It's drop tested at 3.9 feet also I think, most of us are above 5 feet tall, and potentially the drop occurs near the ear, so I'd look for a better drop rating also.
The Otterbox Armor:
The Armor Series is waterproof for 30 minutes in 6.6 ft., survives 10 ft. drops, allows for zero entry of dust and debris and can withstand two tons of crushing force. We know how heavy the burden of a damaged device can be, which is why we don’t take protection lightly. The Armor Series outperforms what was ever thought possible for a smartphone case. It’s the toughest case ever built.
Lifeproof:
Drop tested at 2 meters (6 or so feet).
Obex:
Drop Protection
- Meets the MIL-STD-810F test, which evaluates the case from 6 feet drops at multiple angles
Phatdawg said:
The Amazon page for this case says it's ip67, not 68.
The case itself isn't meant for prolonged submersions, just accidental submersions.
For all intents and purposes, I think it would be fine to take to the beach, water park, splash mountain, big foot rapids, with the idea that it is going to only get splashed on and that's about it.
It's drop tested at 3.9 feet also I think, most of us are above 5 feet tall, and potentially the drop occurs near the ear, so I'd look for a better drop rating also.
The Otterbox Armor:
The Armor Series is waterproof for 30 minutes in 6.6 ft., survives 10 ft. drops, allows for zero entry of dust and debris and can withstand two tons of crushing force. We know how heavy the burden of a damaged device can be, which is why we don’t take protection lightly. The Armor Series outperforms what was ever thought possible for a smartphone case. It’s the toughest case ever built.
Lifeproof:
Drop tested at 2 meters (6 or so feet).
Obex:
Drop Protection
- Meets the MIL-STD-810F test, which evaluates the case from 6 feet drops at multiple angles
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad none of the above actually have cases for the s4 yet. It's starting to piss me off.....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
now this one looks like a Life Proof Rip off for Gs4. hmm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shockproof-...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item46118c1142
My wife just got the S4 and wants a good waterproof case, or at least very water resistant because t-mobile doesn't offer the GS4 Active yet.
She does drop her phone from time to time and also takes it outside in the rain and she takes walks and rides her bike a lot and is terrified of using it around a sink, tub, or toilet.
This case looks like one of the best options for the GS4 because of it's durability, water resist, function of the phone and it's looks.
None of the popular companies like Life Proof make a case for the GS4 yet either.
I did see one case that looked like the bulky plastic security cases for DVDs, but you couldn't actually use your phone while it was in there...
The waterproof "Skins" that are available are a great idea, but they lack convenience to just take your phone out easily, you also can't charge your phone in them which makes them not a permanent option and you still need another case for droppage.
I have a question, is the bFree case solid hard plastic or rubbery?
It's hard plastic. The exterior is kind of a matte finish that gives it a sort of rubbery look. But the plastic does have some give to it for shock absorbance.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Related
I plan to do alot of Snowboarding this year, I need a case that will protect my phone hardcore, maybe just a solid case, doesnt even have to be functional.
Yes, sometimes I need my phone on the mountain cause I lose track of friends and need to call them.
Maybe get a normal case and put it in a waterproof pouch? I haven't seen many seriously protective cases for the sgs yet...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I use my Burton Esquire jacket ... all the protection I ever need.
I have also a great jacket (a nitro 20.000 waterproof ans 20.000 value as Breathable) but with low temperature the battery drains very fast (because I'll use the galaxy s as a camera @720p)... so i'll buy the Galaxy S Power Pack EBB-U10 that give me 3000mAh and a great extra protection for low temperature for the battery.....
Im not so much worried about water leaking in as I am about cracking the screen.
also, batteries will actually last longer in the cold. Its heat you have to worry about.
I do a lot of rock climbing and about to post asking for bluetooth headset advise!
Put the phone in a case-mate tough case which done a grand job even after a back fall from a boulder wall. Totally forgot I had the phone on me also know it was a lucky fall to not bend (break the screen) the phone.
http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Ga...ung-Galaxy-S-T-Mobile-Vibrant-Tough-Cases.asp
The case comes in two parts
a rubber inside sleeve that I would imagine protects from shock. Outer skin is a hard plastic design for direct impact protection.
Case has a solid feel back and side edges but the weak points would be top/bottom edges that are only protected by the softer inside rubber.
£17.99 UK took f..king weeks to arrive but happy with price and product
http://www.play.com/Mobiles/Mobile/...-Galaxy-S-Tough-Case-Black-Black/Product.html
I am awaiting my order for the SGP Hybrid-Neo and I'll see how it performs when I receive it.
While waiting for the Spigen case to arrive, I've been looking around for other protective cases with a minimum of material, meaning I'd like the lowest profile protection possible, which Protects the S4. Not a minimalistic case which offers the minimalist of protection, because that defeats the reason I'm getting the case in the first place.
I came across this site which has, in their opinion, the top 15 cases:
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/ph...sung-galaxy-s4-case-15-to-choose-from-1149624
The WorkMate Evolution case peaked my interest, so I took a look at their site over here:
http://www.cygnett.com/smartphone/smartphone-samsung/samsung-galaxy-s4.html?___store=world
I watched their video, and it looked fine, but I'm not impressed by demonstration videos in general, especially ones demonstrated by the designer r/manufacturer of the item I'm purchasing, as there is a possibility of bias
It is 'Real World Usage' that counts, whether the video is accurate or not. I gotta check out the item for myself.
With the above being said, the description of the product and the concept appears that the end result would be a well made case of minimalistic construction with adequate protection.
I did some research and have found complaints about:
- the usb port fitment, the hole not being large enough. I watched the video and in the comment section it has been said that this issue has been resolved by the manufacturer with the updated cases, so I'm not too concerned about this issue as it appears to have been resolved.
- stiffness of power/volume buttons
I have sent an email to Cygnett, and I look forward to receiving their response.
I'll be ordering this case from Newegg, as they have very good shipping times and Return/Refund Policies with No return fees, including 45 days to return the item.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875983832
The case is available from Amazon, but they only Fulfill the orders, and one of the Sellers is in China/Hong Kong with delivery times up to 26 days or so. The other Seller has a 15% fee for Returns.
The case is also available form Cygnett, but the standard shipping times are up to 10 days.
Amazon Update:
The Cygnett WorkMate Evolution case now Ships from and is Sold by Amazon::good:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygnett-CY1194CXWOR-WorkMate-Case-Galaxy/dp/B00BXL7VKM
I'l let you know what I think of the Cygnett when I receive and use the case, including the response from Cygnett.
I just picked up my Cygnett WorkMate in Bright Blue color.
These are my first impressions, as I've only been using it for 2 hours:
1) nicely packaged in a clamshell as other cases are coming in these days.
2) after removing the WorkMate from its packaging, I was impressed with the build quality, and I really liked the color scheme.
3) the 2 part case came assembled, and the S4 'snapped in' quickly and snugly.
4) once the S4 was wearing it's new protection, I was like, 'this is some nice protection' and that I was confident, if dropped, my S4 had a good chance of surviving unscathed.
5) I felt that the WorkMate offers some real nice protection in a very minimalist format.
6) the protective lip surrounding the screen rises nicely above it and appears that it will offer nice protection with lip height to spare for a glass protector.
6) the power and volume buttons do have a stiff feeling to them, but once you get used to it in a short bit, it's not a problem at all. I would say that with use, the buttons will most likely give a little.
7) the usb port was a hair too small lengthwise for the head of the stock usb cable to fit into. After 40s of the minimalist of quick scraping of the 2 sides, the usb head fit perfectly. Can't tell any mod was even done.
I'll see how it goes using this case, as I just received it. I must say that I am impressed with its style, construction and perceived protection and durability in a minimalist form factor.
I say perceived because I just received the case
I have the same case in black. I like it a lot apart from the problem you mentioned with the usb cutout ... just got around to scraping the sides with a blade for a minute or so and now it's a perfect fit.
In terms of protection, I think the YouTube video pretty much speaks volumes about the effectiveness of these cases ... the phone survives a ten foot drop. I've dropped mine once from about four foot and there was no issue whatsoever.
Sent from my GT-I9505
This case is definitely a keeper. I've never used a case prior to this and the SPG Neo Hybrid. The reason being I didn't like weighing down and bulking up what is an otherwise light, thin, flat phone such as the S4, the S3, the S2 or whichever other device that slides into my pocket.
But when I dropped my S3 from about a foot onto concrete a couple of months ago, and the screen fractured, I was like, this is bs. But then the time wasted on trying to get a replacement from Asurion, who sent me a defective outta the box refurbished S3, I started looking for cases for the S4. The SGP is going back due to sagging of the neoprene after 3 days, in addition to it offering very little protection, but my S4 will be sporting the WorkMate.
I haven't applied my SGP Glas.tR Slim as of yet, and I'm thinking about whether I'm going to or not. It would add additional weight, and unless I drop my S4 and it hits the corner of something, I feel the WorkMate will protect the screen from most drops without having to add the glass screen protector. Plus I do have insurance. I gotta give it a little more thought.
Biker1 said:
This case is definitely a keeper. I've never used a case prior to this and the SPG Neo Hybrid. The reason being I didn't like weighing down and bulking up what is an otherwise light, thin, flat phone such as the S4, the S3, the S2 or whichever other device that slides into my pocket.
But when I dropped my S3 from about a foot onto concrete a couple of months ago, and the screen fractured, I was like, this is bs. But then the time wasted on trying to get a replacement from Asurion, who sent me a defective outta the box refurbished S3, I started looking for cases for the S4. The SGP is going back due to sagging of the neoprene after 3 days, in addition to it offering very little protection, but my S4 will be sporting the WorkMate.
I haven't applied my SGP Glas.tR Slim as of yet, and I'm thinking about whether I'm going to or not. It would add additional weight, and unless I drop my S4 and it hits the corner of something, I feel the WorkMate will protect the screen from most drops without having to add the glass screen protector. Plus I do have insurance. I gotta give it a little more thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wearing a screen protector to guard against scratches. The workmate will protect against most face down drops onto a flat surface. It's rocks and stones which are the only thing you need to fear with this case and I doubt any screen protector and few if any cases can protect you if you drop your phone onto a sharp, pointy rock.
Sent from my GT-I9505
dr.m0x said:
I'm wearing a screen protector to guard against scratches. The workmate will protect against most face down drops onto a flat surface. It's rocks and stones which are the only thing you need to fear with this case and I doubt any screen protector and few if any cases can protect you if you drop your phone onto a sharp, pointy rock.
Sent from my GT-I9505
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully I won't drop my S4 into a rock or edge of something that will bypass the protection of the WorkMate and damage the screen, if I choose not to install the glass protector. But Murphys Law will probably apply
I figure the WorkMate will protect the S4 under most circumstances, and in those instances where it may not, I have the insurance.
Sorry to keep posting repeatedly but I'm so stoked about this case. Overjoyed in fact. Most cases add to much bulk or provide too little protection. This bad boy provides excellent protection without adding significant bulk and as a bonus the textured back makes the phone much easier to hold on to.
I'm usually a bit of a case whore and change often but this time I'm staying put. The only other case that's really caught my eye is the Griffon Survivor. I'll probably end up getting that once is available just for those occasions where I really need the maximum protection. The rest of the time I'll be rocking my Cygnet Workmate. :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505
Post away, like I seem to be doing
It seems that the Cygnett doesn't get a lot of publicity, at least in the USA.
I'm sure that is not the case in New Zealand, as the company a in Australia.
In addition to the possible lacking of advertisement, getting the case can be an issue for some.
Amazon has a couple of sellers, but it is not Sold and/or Shipped directly from Amazon. One seller appear to be overseas and can take over 20 days to receive, and the other Seller has a 15% penalty for Returns. Amazon only shows a few reviews for the case which means sales are low. The aforementioned may be some of the reasons for the lack of sales via Amazon. I purchased the WorkMate from Newegg, which is where I suggest others, at least in the USA to purchase from. Even Newegg has no reviews.
As mentioned, I wasn't a case guy, but this case changed my mind about cases.
It just screams out Protection in a very minimalist format. Hey, they have it in Blue which I couldn't resist
Update:
Is this the other case you mentioned?
http://store.griffintechnology.com/survivor-skin-for-samsung-galaxy-s4
The case has a nice look to it, and although it seems to offer more coverage to the top and bottom of the S4 screen, I don't know if it offers better protection than the WorkMate overall. The price of $18 is cheap enough, but I don't know the quality of the case. Once in hand, a better determination can be made.
Biker1 said:
Post away, like I seem to be doing
It seems that the Cygnett doesn't get a lot of publicity, at least in the USA.
I'm sure that is not the case in New Zealand, as the company a in Australia.
In addition to the possible lacking of advertisement, getting the case can be an issue for some.
Amazon has a couple of sellers, but it is not Sold and/or Shipped directly from Amazon. One seller appear to be overseas and can take over 20 days to receive, and the other Seller has a 15% penalty for Returns. Amazon only shows a few reviews for the case which means sales are low. The aforementioned may be some of the reasons for the lack of sales via Amazon. I purchased the WorkMate from Newegg, which is where I suggest others, at least in the USA to purchase from. Even Newegg has no reviews.
As mentioned, I wasn't a case guy, but this case changed my mind about cases.
It just screams out Protection in a very minimalist format. Hey, they have it in Blue which I couldn't resist
Update:
Is this the other case you mentioned?
http://store.griffintechnology.com/survivor-skin-for-samsung-galaxy-s4
The case has a nice look to it, and although it seems to offer more coverage to the top and bottom of the S4 screen, I don't know if it offers better protection than the WorkMate overall. The price of $18 is cheap enough, but I don't know the quality of the case. Once in hand, a better determination can be made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just walk into your local chain store and pick up the cygnet cases here. Surprised me ... they don't normally have the best cases. The salesman preached the virtues of the case, I believed him and luckily he was calling it straight.
You've linked the survivor skin, I'm waiting for the survivor.
http://store.griffintechnology.com/survivor-with-belt-clip-for-samsung-galaxy-s4
The skin is to the survivor what the Otterbox commuter is to the Defender. Basically the survivor is the Defender done right. I've heard that the Defender has clips on the phone case which mate to the belt holster and that these clips can smash off in a fall. No such design flaw on the survivor and it has padded flaps to cover all the ports and the camera. Had one on my s3, it added a lot of size to the phone but man that thing felt indestructible.
I don't need that kind of protection every day but there are still occasions where I really want that assurance that my phone has the utmost protection.
Sent from my GT-I9505
Thanks. I'll take a good look at it later, as I gotta get some shut eye
I read the description and it definitely looks like an anti-destrutive case with those listed specs.
Much easier for sure to get the Cygnett where you are. They definitely have a larger customer base there.
LOL, I was stupid to purchase a case at tmobile store cost me 30 buck. Question, I have a white S4 they don't have survivor in white?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
epsix said:
LOL, I was stupid to purchase a case at tmobile store cost me 30 buck. Question, I have a white S4 they don't have survivor in white?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found this for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcv9mCVIB-c&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Btw, I'm extremely satisfied with my WorkMate, even though I haven't dropped my S4 as of yet
But as I mentioned previously, this case is very well built, and I feel confident it'll protect my S4 in case of any unfortunate drops
Btw, you mentioned the Survivor.
If you're referring to the Cygnett, it's the Evolution.
If your referencing the T-Mobile case, I'm not familiar with it.
4 week follow up
Well, it's been about 4 weeks since I took possession of the Cygnett WorkMate Evolution case in Bright Blue and:
- the case looks as good as it did the first day I received it* (see below)
- the case fits as well as the first day. There is nothing that will stretchout, etc.
- *the light Grey back, when you hold it at an angle to the light, you can see certain areas where there is a slight lightness to the Grey, but only at certain angles. The cause is most likely from natural oils in the skin, as the slight blemish ocurrs where you hold the phone the most.
- I have not dropped the phone as of today, and don't expect to, but if I do, I'm confident that the phone will be very much protected
- although the case adds slight bulk to the S4, as the S4 is so very slim and light without the case, it fits comfortably in my front pocket, and my pants are not of the baggy variety
And there you have it.
My overall rating of this case is 9.8/10 (due to the very hard to notice blemish)
I highly recommend it to those who are looking for excellent protection for their S4, in a minimalist form factor.
This is a case that when you see it, hold it and put your S4 in it, you will be confident that your S4 will be very well protected.
I've updated the op to reflect the fact that the Cygnett case is now Sold by and Ships from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygnett-CY1194CXWOR-WorkMate-Case-Galaxy/dp/B00BXL7VKM
Here is an update regarding the discoloration of the Grey back of the case:
I've just taken a couple of pics tonight of the discoloration that the medium grey material has sustained. While it doesn't affect the protectiveness of the case, it does affect the aesthetics.
The discoloration of the case has occurred where my hand/fingers grip the back of the case the most.
When the Cygnett was my edc, the discoloration gradually occurred over the course of approx. 6 weeks. It looked great when it was new, but not that great after only a month and a half.
I just sent an email to Cygnett 's US office regarding this issue. I'm hoping this issue is just an exception, but if it's a material flaw, hopefully it has been resolved.
http://us.cygnett.com/contacts
Update:
I didn't receive a response to my email so I called the phone number for Cygnett's US office.
Spoke with a very nice rep, and explained my issue.
She is sending out a replacement shell, and gave me her personal email address.
I sent her my shipping info, and she responded that she just shipped out the replacement.
Excellent customer service:good:
Biker1 said:
I've updated the op to reflect the fact that the Cygnett case is now Sold by and Ships from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygnett-CY1194CXWOR-WorkMate-Case-Galaxy/dp/B00BXL7VKM
Here is an update regarding the discoloration of the Grey back of the case:
I've just taken a couple of pics tonight of the discoloration that the medium grey material has sustained. While it doesn't affect the protectiveness of the case, it does affect the aesthetics.
The discoloration of the case has occurred where my hand/fingers grip the back of the case the most.
When the Cygnett was my edc, the discoloration gradually occurred over the course of approx. 6 weeks. It looked great when it was new, but not that great after only a month and a half.
I just sent an email to Cygnett 's US office regarding this issue. I'm hoping this issue is just an exception, but if it's a material flaw, hopefully it has been resolved.
http://us.cygnett.com/contacts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had mine for about 2 month and the colors are still fine.
keltsi95 said:
I've had mine for about 2 month and the colors are still fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The gray backing has a wear patten on mine.
I took a closer look and in between the tiny raised bumps, the material is worn, which creates the 'discolored' look pattern which is more perceptible at certain angles.
Still a case which appears to offer excellent protection, although I haven't dropped mine yet .
There are a lot of threads talking about our favorite cases, but I don't see a lot of talk about how well your case of choice performed when the phone was dropped.
I've dropped my phone once, my case of choice at the time was the UAG Aero. I was at the mall, pulled the phone out of my pocket, and there it went. It reached a height of about 5 feet, hit the floor, bounced several times, and came to rest about 10 feet away. The UAG couldn't have performed any better, there was absolutely no damage to my phone or case.
So, what case were you sporting when you dropped your phone, and how did things go?
Otterbox. Freaking great
BAD ASS NOTE 4
I wish i had a case when this happend.
Ximonus said:
I wish i had a case when this happend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a case could prevent that I would buy it
I have the Unicorn Beetle Pro Rugged case and it cracked in 2 corners after a couple solid drops. I guess it saved the phone, but shame the case didn't last longer. Also broke the holster after applying too much pressure on one side.
Verus Thor case on mine. Dropped it twice at work: once from about two feet up onto a steel car wash track, and then later on from about five feet and through the air onto concrete (it was in my coat pocket, and it flew out as I swung the coat around to put it on). Aside from a small scuff on one corner of the case, it looks pristine. I was pretty surprised at how well it held up considering it's not a beast like the Otterbox.
Official Samsing protective cover - dropped the phone down a flight of steps - performed like a boss
Not a mark on the phone or case
(perhaps a few lucky bounces)
Samsung S-View case: Dropped about 3 feet onto sandy beach. Phone survived, but cover unsnapped from phone leaving the phone, case, and battery as separate pieces lying on the beach. Seemed like extremely poor protection IMHO, so I switched to Samsung protective case with glass screen protector. I really like the Samsung protective case. It seems like this case will provide much better protection. I haven't dropped it yet, so only time will tell.
Otterbox Defender dropped about 1&1/2 feet face down on a tile floor, no damage to phone or case.
Ringke slim. Dropped it once from the little well on the car door. Hit asphalt parking lot on the corner. A little scuffed up. Sanded it down and it's good to go.
Ximonus said:
I wish i had a case when this happend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's painful to look at. Can you tell us what kind of fall your phone took?
JOSHSKORN said:
That's painful to look at. Can you tell us what kind of fall your phone took?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tryed to jump over a litlle wall and BOOM!! smack on my face.
Broke 2 ribs in the progress.
Had it in my pocket and fell on it with full body weight(100kg)
Ximonus said:
I tryed to jump over a litlle wall and BOOM!! smack on my face.
Broke 2 ribs in the progress.
Had it in my pocket and fell on it with full body weight(100kg)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How far did it fall?
I once dropped a Galaxy Note 2 about 1 foot right on it's face and shattered the screen. Since then I've always had an Otterbox Defender on my phone. There have been numerous drops from up to about 4 feet and they always come out perfect.
JOSHSKORN said:
How far did it fall?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only dropped 50cm but it was still in my jeans pocket.
So it got smached on the corner of a brick with me on top of it.
Uag maverick here and it had been amazing!! I've dropped my phone from 2ft up to 7ft once and no problems at all!! Not even the corners of the case got dinged up!
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
I drop my Note 4 with Tech 21 all the time to show people. I drop it from waist level and usually lands on the corner. No damage to the phone or case.
Spigen Tough armor, fallen off my lap getting out of the car several times, a couple off my desk and no damage that i can find on the phone or the case.
Otterbox Defender: Walking to hockey game, dropped phone from about 4 ft, bounced on sidewalk to my right, where it was kicked by the lady walking next to me. Came to rest about 5 ft later after bouncing along. Not a scuff or scratch on case or device.
Spigen tough armor. Like a champ
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using xda premium
Just reading about a fellow dropping his phone and shattering the back, just wanna ask which one is more important:
A tough durable case or a beautiful thin case, which one would you prefer?
geezchrist said:
Just reading about a fellow dropping his phone and shattering the back, just wanna ask which one is more important:
A tough durable case or a beautiful thin case, which one would you prefer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On this phone, the glass back terrifies me. So basically I want something that will cover it up. I have the outerbox commuter on it now. I hate the defender series. I know that back will break from something small and stupid. Now my HTC phone I came from, never used a case on it. I dropped that phone plenty in 2 years with no problem.
I prefer skins. The aluminum frame can easily scratch, and the screen and back get micro-scratches apparent under sun or bright light, despite GG4. However, it only takes one drop for phone to get a significant damage on the phone.
To compromise, I use Spigen ultra thin (which is extremely thin, but I know it can withstand small accidental drops) for everyday use. At work or camping trips, I use otterbox to protect it.
Mind you, the back glass of the phone is relatively easy and cheap to replace. Dents in frame or damage to the screen is rather costly and difficult.
southernstyle said:
On this phone, the glass back terrifies me. So basically I want something that will cover it up. I have the outerbox commuter on it now. I hate the defender series. I know that back will break from something small and stupid. Now my HTC phone I came from, never used a case on it. I dropped that phone plenty in 2 years with no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a random question, what do you think of A9?
Rakcoon said:
I prefer skins. The aluminum frame can easily scratch, and the screen and back get micro-scratches apparent under sun or bright light, despite GG4. However, it only takes one drop for phone to get a significant damage on the phone.
To compromise, I use Spigen ultra thin (which is extremely thin, but I know it can withstand small accidental drops) for everyday use. At work or camping trips, I use otterbox to protect it.
Mind you, the back glass of the phone is relatively easy and cheap to replace. Dents in frame or damage to the screen is rather costly and difficult.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to thin cases, Spigen does seem like a popular choice but if only it doesn't collect dust like crazy....
geezchrist said:
When it comes to thin cases, Spigen does seem like a popular choice but if only it doesn't collect dust like crazy....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Otterbox does a good job of covering the charger port and headphone jack. The rest of the holes in the case also collect a good amount of dust.
geezchrist said:
When it comes to thin cases, Spigen does seem like a popular choice but if only it doesn't collect dust like crazy....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using spigen liquid crystal for my daily carry. Offers enough protection "in case" i accidentally drop it; and it's thin enough that I feel comfortable. But it's high maintenance, as it collects lints and dust in the back.
Would MUCH prefer skins.. but one accidental drop will quickly make me regret it.
Frankly speaking the cracked back of my s6 doesn't bother me. Put a cheap protector on the back to hold it together and then it's covered by my beautiful Neo hybrid case which is very slim! I hate bulky cases... It's quite funny, but most of my friends use Sony Z devices and all have cracked backs and they use them without a case!
Rakcoon said:
I prefer skins. The aluminum frame can easily scratch, and the screen and back get micro-scratches apparent under sun or bright light, despite GG4. However, it only takes one drop for phone to get a significant damage on the phone.
To compromise, I use Spigen ultra thin (which is extremely thin, but I know it can withstand small accidental drops) for everyday use. At work or camping trips, I use otterbox to protect it.
Mind you, the back glass of the phone is relatively easy and cheap to replace. Dents in frame or damage to the screen is rather costly and difficult.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking of skins can you recommend me any skin that would provide more grip like a rubber skin, I've tried matte and carbon skin so far but still slippery
big_b0sss said:
Speaking of skins can you recommend me any skin that would provide more grip like a rubber skin, I've tried matte and carbon skin so far but still slippery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're in US, Best skins ever tends to be good, and cheap; albeit no warranty, so if you peel it off, you have to buy a complete new set. As for durability, it's quite good.
Ghost armor is another option, which tends to be on the more expensive side, but includes "limited" warranty. I say limited because it'll cost you around $3-5 to get "life time warranty". Don't get fooled for their lifetime warranty replacement lies.
If you're in Canada, dBrandz skins are quite good. Cost is fair, but top notch customer service. Ghost armor is in Canada as well, but it's crap. They'll charge you $15 to replace skins under their "lifetime replacement warranty".
Stay away from zagg. Their skins have texture like orange peel, and they're quite expensive.
I used a simply bumper . S6 it's too beautiful , can not be hidden [emoji16]
Inviato da Mountain View tramite Samsung Galaxy S6
Inviato da Mountain View tramite Samsung Galaxy S6
Was just randomly wondering if anyone doesn't use a case for this phone. Seems like everyone uses a case, and I figured since I'm not selling or trading this phone, why not use it in all its glory. The only problems is, after a few minutes, it gets oily and really slippery, and it's a really thin phone, so it gets a bit uncomfortable using it without a case.
Also, when one hand scrolling, it does this weird thing where it doesn't scroll smoothly, and your palm gets in the way, and gives the scrolling a hitch. When using a phone case, the part of the case that sticks out on the screen naturally blocks your palm, and you never have that problem.
But anyways, who's using the phone naked, and find it to be the most comfortable and best option to go with?
Gimme some pros and cons of you will.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Your scrolling problem is related to the size of your hands.
I don't use cases, most of them are fugly.
What's the point of having slim phones if we are going to put a case on it and thus it will become bulky anyway?
Might as well make the phones sturdier (which also means bulkier) to begin with.
The only thing I would agree with would be a side bumper. If you're not using a flip cover, even if you have a normal case, your screen will be endangered either way. A simple case only protects the edges and the back (though I don't know why the back cover would need protection). So might as well just stick to a bumper, which doesn't turn the phone into a brick.
I used to have a metallic bumper, though I stopped using it because it messed with the Wi-Fi and mobile signals, due to the metal's reflective properties.
I use the device as is. I also don't experience any grip issues, but that may be due to the fact that my model came with a leather-like back cover and is textured as such, which makes gripping easier.
GDReaper said:
Your scrolling problem is related to the size of your hands.
I don't use cases, most of them are fugly.
What's the point of having slim phones if we are going to put a case on it and thus it will become bulky anyway?
Might as well make the phones sturdier (which also means bulkier) to begin with.
The only thing I would agree with would be a side bumper. If you're not using a flip cover, even if you have a normal case, your screen will be endangered either way. A simple case only protects the edges and the back (though I don't know why the back cover would need protection). So might as well just stick to a bumper, which doesn't turn the phone into a brick.
I used to have a metallic bumper, though I stopped using it because it messed with the Wi-Fi and mobile signals, due to the metal's reflective properties.
I use the device as is. I also don't experience any grip issues, but that may be due to the fact that my model came with a leather-like back cover and is textured as such, which makes gripping easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're not experiencing the slip issue because y9u have a leather back. Thst makes all the difference in the world, and matter of fact, I'm gonna order a leather back cover for this phone from Amazon. You actually reminded me to do that lol.
But yeah, been using it without a case for the last day, and just can't without it getting way too slippery. Always revert back to a case.
Gotta go the leather back route.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
I use a clear rubbery case that doesn't take up any space and is virtually invisible. Cost a buck shipped on ebay. Keeps the phone from slipping
Eh, screw it. I just can't use this phone naked, and don't feel like ordering the leather back. I'm just gonna use my candyshell grip case. This phone was made to put a case on it. Way too slim, even with a non slip back.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
I use it with no case and screen protector. I've been using it like this for quite a while. I don't really find any cons. I've dropped it a lot too but it's staying strong I got it 2nd hand like 2-3 years ago.
I go naked with it. My hands and fingers are always bumping into the screen sometimes and I'll get rapid taps/multi openings etc. And yeah it does get kinds oily and all fingerprinty 'up'd. Thats why I mostly use one of them pen things with a rubber end. A pencil works good too.
I hate bulky cases. I went to a Boost mobile store and bought a $15 rubber case that just covered the back and sides. No cover protector. Hate them too. That worked fine until I took it off to wipe down the screen and didnt want it back on again, lost it. So Im nude again. I like these phones better without cases. Plus I' take the cover off a lot too swap sd cards. But just a cheap chunk of rubber works.
I've dropped it a few times, luckily on carpets, never scratched the screen yet, and the back part wont scratch much anyway. I should get a screen protector though. I love Lanyard Holes, but for whatever reason they stopped manufacturing them with these newer phones over the past few years. I use to keep my phone around my neck or attached to my belt loop with that little tiny hole and a lanyard string. But, no more. I hate that.
Or just do what I did. Go to Home Depot and buy liquid spray rubber in a can and spray paint the phone in a rubber coating, let dry, razor blade/exacto knife, peel where needed. lol. It works.
x432hz said:
I go naked with it. My hands and fingers are always bumping into the screen sometimes and I'll get rapid taps/multi openings etc. And yeah it does get kinds oily and all fingerprinty 'up'd. Thats why I mostly use one of them pen things with a rubber end. A pencil works good too.
I hate bulky cases. I went to a Boost mobile store and bought a $15 rubber case that just covered the back and sides. No cover protector. Hate them too. That worked fine until I took it off to wipe down the screen and didnt want it back on again, lost it. So Im nude again. I like these phones better without cases. Plus I' take the cover off a lot too swap sd cards. But just a cheap chunk of rubber works.
I've dropped it a few times, luckily on carpets, never scratched the screen yet, and the back part wont scratch much anyway. I should get a screen protector though. I love Lanyard Holes, but for whatever reason they stopped manufacturing them with these newer phones over the past few years. I use to keep my phone around my neck or attached to my belt loop with that little tiny hole and a lanyard string. But, no more. I hate that.
Or just do what I did. Go to Home Depot and buy liquid spray rubber in a can and spray paint the phone in a rubber coating, let dry, razor blade/exacto knife, peel where needed. lol. It works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a damn good idea.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Man, at the end of the day, I just can't use this phone without a case. Its way too thin and slippery. Speck candyshell grip for the win. Absolutely perfect case for this phone, light as a feather, thin, adds almost no bulk to the width of the phone, and incredibly grippy. Can't go wrong.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
I can't remember the last phone I owned where I didn't use a case. In fact, when I purchased my Nexus 4, I actually forgot to order a case, and when it arrived, I flat out refused to take it out the house before the case arrived.
I wouldn't consider myself clumsy, but accidents do happen and they usually involve my mobile phone. I always buy the same case, a plastic/silicone TPU case from eBay, and they range from 99p to about £3. I never spend more than that. This is the case I bought for mine:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultra-Sli...hash=item36017ba2e3:m:mYsl2Xxl2euYRiFrqhugqKQ
I won't buy the hard shell cases because the aim is to absorb the impact. A hard shell case will simply distribute it elsewhere and therefore either the case will crack (causing damage to the phone) or the impact will simply transfer through into the phone itself causing pretty much the same amount of damage that you might get if you didn't have a case at all. A TPU case will genuinely absorb impact and protect your phone. I am lucky enough to say that from experience. I dropped my Galaxy S1 down a terrace at a football match (soccer) and while the case itself was scratched, the phone remained totally unscratched. I've dropped my S4 numerous times out the door of my car (usually falls out my pocket) and so far, there has been no damage to the phone itself, although that said I think the front camera has perhaps started to play up, so perhaps that's been caused by repeated drops, but it's nothing that can't be repaired for cheap and ultimately, the screen is still alive and looking gorgeous and that's the expensive part to replace.
My girlfriend dropped her uncased Nokia Lumia 900 once on a hard wood floor. The screen was smashed and the phone was never quite the same afterwards (I think there was some damage to the accelerometer). My friend has smashed many many iPhones by not keeping them in cases (it only takes one drop). I am yet to smash a phone despite repeated efforts.
One last thing, if you do buy a TPU case, make sure there is a lip. That will add a huge amount of protection to the screen. No lip, no real protection offered to the glass.
Definitely a case for me ... Otter Box
Started off without one till i dropped it and broke the front glass. After months of seeing it damaged i replaced the glass myself then ordered an Otter Box case. Sure it adds bulk but at least i don't worry too much about it falling again. It took a tumble from the top of the stairs the other day and no damage, I thought for sure it was a done deal when i watched it tumble faster as it went down.
The glass replacement wasn't as hard i had thought it would be especially using the 3rd party adhesive and i must say the screen feels stronger than the original. I do agree however it is a sleek phone without a case but too slippery to leave unprotected IMO
Otter box cases are unnecessarily bulky imo, but there we go.
skezza said:
I can't remember the last phone I owned where I didn't use a case. In fact, when I purchased my Nexus 4, I actually forgot to order a case, and when it arrived, I flat out refused to take it out the house before the case arrived.
I wouldn't consider myself clumsy, but accidents do happen and they usually involve my mobile phone. I always buy the same case, a plastic/silicone TPU case from eBay, and they range from 99p to about £3. I never spend more than that. This is the case I bought for mine:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultra-Sli...hash=item36017ba2e3:m:mYsl2Xxl2euYRiFrqhugqKQ
I won't buy the hard shell cases because the aim is to absorb the impact. A hard shell case will simply distribute it elsewhere and therefore either the case will crack (causing damage to the phone) or the impact will simply transfer through into the phone itself causing pretty much the same amount of damage that you might get if you didn't have a case at all. A TPU case will genuinely absorb impact and protect your phone. I am lucky enough to say that from experience. I dropped my Galaxy S1 down a terrace at a football match (soccer) and while the case itself was scratched, the phone remained totally unscratched. I've dropped my S4 numerous times out the door of my car (usually falls out my pocket) and so far, there has been no damage to the phone itself, although that said I think the front camera has perhaps started to play up, so perhaps that's been caused by repeated drops, but it's nothing that can't be repaired for cheap and ultimately, the screen is still alive and looking gorgeous and that's the expensive part to replace.
My girlfriend dropped her uncased Nokia Lumia 900 once on a hard wood floor. The screen was smashed and the phone was never quite the same afterwards (I think there was some damage to the accelerometer). My friend has smashed many many iPhones by not keeping them in cases (it only takes one drop). I am yet to smash a phone despite repeated efforts.
One last thing, if you do buy a TPU case, make sure there is a lip. That will add a huge amount of protection to the screen. No lip, no real protection offered to the glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dual layer is the best way to go. Light, slim, and offer the most protection for the least amount of size.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
d3athd3al3r said:
Started off without one till i dropped it and broke the front glass. After months of seeing it damaged i replaced the glass myself then ordered an Otter Box case. Sure it adds bulk but at least i don't worry too much about it falling again. It took a tumble from the top of the stairs the other day and no damage, I thought for sure it was a done deal when i watched it tumble faster as it went down.
The glass replacement wasn't as hard i had thought it would be especially using the 3rd party adhesive and i must say the screen feels stronger than the original. I do agree however it is a sleek phone without a case but too slippery to leave unprotected IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only slippery, but just awkward to hold after a few minutes. Its way too thin and rectangular, instead of a square shape. They made the phone way too long, and not wide enough for adult hands to hold comfortably for more than a few minutes.
The design was FOR SURE made for a phone case to be put on it. I'm certain of this.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
A battery cover with wireless charging made it better IMO
tikay00 said:
Not only slippery, but just awkward to hold after a few minutes. Its way too thin and rectangular, instead of a square shape. They made the phone way too long, and not wide enough for adult hands to hold comfortably for more than a few minutes.
The design was FOR SURE made for a phone case to be put on it. I'm certain of this.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: After purchasing a new battery cover that allows for wireless charging I ditched the OtterBox Deffender case since it wouldn't fit. Though still made of shiny plastic I feel its a better option than the stock cover because it's slightly thicker, adds weight, makes the phone feel more solid and offers better protection for the rear camera lens. I can see this as an option for anyone who is looking for an alternative to not wanting to cover it up with a case.
d3athd3al3r said:
Update: After purchasing a new battery cover that allows for wireless charging I ditched the OtterBox Deffender case since it wouldn't fit. Though still made of shiny plastic I feel its a better option than the stock cover because it's slightly thicker, adds weight, makes the phone feel more solid and offers better protection for the rear camera lens. I can see this as an option for anyone who is looking for an alternative to not wanting to cover it up with a case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if I had a leather back cover, I'd probably use it without a case. I just need to order one. Even then, I don't know if it would be comfortable, because of the shape of the phone, and the physical dimensions.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
I never use a case or screen protectors because I want to feel the actual phone in my hand.
OK, been using this phone without a case for the past few days, and its butter. Can't go back to cades now lol. You guys were right.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
butt ass naked here since it came out.
mother gifted me a case but it felt like I was holding a brick.
Ive dropped this thing 3,216,546,163 times and it still works fine.
last month though its not reading my sd card properly for some reason, so time to replace soon maybe.
cant submit an image to show you how banged up the sides are(not much surprisingly), no broken screen though.
No case, only a velcro pasty.
This is a very relevant thread. I finally broke the glass on my i9295 a month or so ago. The phone struck the corner of a solid object on the way down. I suspect that an Otter Box protective housing could have saved the screen. However, if I was going to be carrying around my phone in an Otterbox, I would not have a ruggedized IP67 rated phone like the i9295. I carry my phone almost naked with only a 2" x 3" swatch of fuzzy Velcro material stuck on the back. This allows me to stick the phone on the dash of my car or boat where I have a swatch of hookey Velcro material. I also do like the feeling of the fuzzy material on the back of the phone. Makes the phone feel less like a slick bar of soap. I do really like the idea of spraying the phone w/rubberized tool coating. BTW, I did finally just get around to replacing the glass a couple of days ago .