ZeroLemon, the name brand we all know and love for the batteries we put into our phones, has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. I go through cases for my phone like water. I’m EXTREMELY particular about how it fits on the phone, how it changes the usability of the phone, and how it changes the feel of the phone in my hand. I easily go through about 20 different cases for my phone in a short time trying to find the right one.
A little over a month ago, ZeroLemon posted asking for people to test out their case for the S5. Many people had already replied to the thread by the time I got to it, but decided “hey, they can’t deny me if I don’t ask, right?” Several weeks later I got my case in the mail and have loved it. Here is my review of the ZeroLemon Razor Armor case.
First impressions weren't ideal, unfortunately, and they lost points (we’ll hit the high notes right after this). When I first opened it up and put it on my phone, it felt big in my hands. One of the reasons I’ve stuck with the Samsung Galaxy series is because it was thin, lightweight, and easy to manipulate when taking it in and out of your pocket. I have yet to drop a phone from my pocket, and plan to keep it that way. Feeling the phone in my hand with this case on, it seemed a little too big, and with the corners not being rounded, I thought for sure I was going to catch the phone on my pocket edges.
Ever been so wrong you had to type out a paragraph and then admit guilt in a public forum?
I have yet to catch the phone on anything with this case on it. The hardshell lets it slip relatively easy in an out of my pocket, while the softer part of the shell allows me to hold it without any worries it might slip. The bulk goes away almost instantly. Once you begin using the case, you get used to it as the phone itself, like when you buy a new, larger phone, and after a week it feels natural in your hand. This case just feels great. Esspecially when needing to access the hardware buttons. Where most cases of this bulk tend to have stiff buttons you really have to work to activate, these resond smoothly and easily. Sometimes even too easily. I'm just used to otterbox cases, I suppose. Who could blame me?
The unexpected positive I found as well was when I record things. I do a LOT of videography and photography with my phone (part of why I have an S5 in the first place), and the one feature I’ve missed over the last few smartphones was being able to set the phone on its side and let it record without touching it, knowing it isn’t going to fall over. I had the iPhone 4 the day it came out years ago, and used it for a year. That is the one and only feature I’ve missed from having an iPhone, and this case gave me back my dream
On to the more technical stuff:
This case is incredibly safe. It follows the same hardshell/softshell set up that many cases do without costing you an arm and a leg, but protects seemingly better. I had one drop mishap with it and no damage to the phone was done. Had I been using the case I had on it before I began using the ZeroLemon Razor Armor, it would have been a cracked screen for sure. The only downside I’ve found to this is the raised edges on the sides of the screen. I know they are there for keeping the screen from landing flat on a surface when the phone falls, but it also is a bit encumbering when trying to touch areas on the sides of the screen.
At the end of the day, this case is a good case. It protect, gives you back some freedome to position the phone how you want, and doesn’t cause any real problems when trying to maneuver the phone in-hand. The only issue in total that I can’t deal with, was that the case itself didn’t fit the phone precisely. Edges of the phone showed under ledges of the case and in some cases allowed for materials to get in under the lip and between the case and phone, meaning that, theorhetically, the case could be levered off unintentionally in a pocket with a key or something. This issue alone is why I’m not using the case at the moment, but otherwise, I give the case a solid 7/10 rating.
Related
I am a week from having the cash to pick up an N1. I know there have been a lot of threads about cases, but I wanted to outline some of my thoughts and get opinions before I make my purchase. In addition, it is a little scary to hear reports of the phone getting broken easily: truth or not.
My problem is that I am a pocket phone holder. I do not wear belts often and when I do I am loaded with badges and other junk. Although I could hostler it, I already feel like batman without the fancy costume, and when I am not at work the hostler would not be an option.
So my plan is:
1. Get one of the plastic skins. My first choice is Clear Coat (new user so I cannot provide link). Most of these products appear to be the same, and although Clear Coat skins appear to have gaps and not fit as well as other brands, they have an installation guarantee. This is mainly to help the screen, but I will get full body to avoid scratches elsewhere.
2. Get a thin Silicon Gel Case. My theory is the gel will assist with gripping the device and absorb the shock from falls should they happen. This should also assist the clear coat skin against scratches to the body.
3. Get some sort of hard case to slip it into when I put it in my pocket. Since I normally carry my phone there, I am worried about the mysterious screen crackings which could be related to stress applied to the device when you sit and such. Hopefully a hard case will protect against this.
So, this is probably a little overkill, but am I completely insane?
My current phone is the T-mobile Shadow, which is a very cheap HTC phone with a plastic screen. I have had it for almost 2 years and have kept it in pretty good condition. I have 1 ding from accidentally placing it in the same pocket as my keys, and some major scratches when I had the genus idea of putting it in a ziplock bag when I went to Seaworld (well it did stay dry).
This is the most expensive phone I will have ever owned with only an very old world PDA being the most expensive mobile device. My wife is not exactly happy with me for spending this kind of money, and just seeing phones for calling people. As such, I am trying to make sure she cannot point a finger at a precaution I did not take: in addition to my own paranoia from reading the "I am having problems" forum on Google's site.
So, from the view point of people who have had other devices like this, am I being too worried or do these sound like reasonable precautions for this kind of device?
The information on these forums have been wonderful. Thanks for all the help!
I'm not sure what skin the last poster has used that yellowed, but I've used InvisibleSHIELD and Clear Protector, and they were still crystal clear after almost a year.
fujitsupalm said:
just gonna add one more here which is my favourite off all time, leather cases..
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Click to collapse
I have looked at these, but did not see this one. How stiff is the case? The leather looks pliable, and I want to prevent any bending of the phone.
I was looking at the flip open ones, but those seem too bulky. Also many of the pictures of these seem to have the phone photoshopped in, which makes me nervious. Hate the white thread too, but I could deal with that.
As for the invisible shield skins, did you have them actually tint the phone, or just - when applied - appear to be yellow? I have seen many reviews of these even over months of time and never heard this mentioned. Although I would be nervous about it permanently tinting the phone, if it just appears yellow when on then its worth a try since they can be removed. I know they are a pain to install, but I hate static protectors and really want something on the screen.
Thanks, fujitsupalm.
I saw your post in another thread. I think I might be leaning toward the flip on you posted pics of. How bulky is that? Does it interfer with the use of the screen?
I will probably get the flip or book version (wish it would let me post links), and get an invisible shield for the screen. It is humid here too, so I might have the same issue. However, if I can just remove it then its worth a shot.
Ultimately I settled on the trident case, pictures in this post. Thanks to gtny930 for finding it for us.
There are some other good case recommendations scattered through the thread, as I get the time I will source them up here for easier reference.
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Hey all, i've been searching amazon off and on for cases for our wonderful device, and finally pulled the trigger on one:
Link here
Says it's by HTC, and I ordered from BlueMall, at $0.32 I couldn't not get it...
Rubberized case, two pieces to fit the slide function, looks like a winner.
I doubt it'll be as good as an otterbox as far as protection, but a buddy of mine has an otterbox for his Inspire 4G - and suffers from serious overheating problems. Since our phone already suffers from that with the stock battery i'm gonna pass otterbox by on this phone. (Anker 1900 battery solved overheating problems for me)
Anyways, at less then $3.50 shipped, seemed like a fantastic deal.
Meantime, I have a screen protector and bodyglove on it now, which seems to be a good temporary fix until some proper protection was available. Love the glove, but to me it's only a temporary solution.
What're the rest of you doing for a case or protection for your phone? I'd love to hear about it.
ArmorSuit and HTC Messenger
I got this:
http://www.amazon.com/ArmorSuit-MilitaryShield-Protector-T-Mobile-REPLACEMENTS/dp/B0058XMYDU/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1314661800&sr=1-3
I posted "customer pics" of what is looks like on my phone too at Amazon.
I'm coming from the G1 and was used to the G1 sleeve so I also bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/HTC-Messenger-Pouch-HD2/dp/B003DZ13OG/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1314661896&sr=1-1
It's a nice fit and doesn't stick out the top.
As a side note.. I also bought the case you posted. I like it but it won't fit over the ArmorSuit and I really like how the suit looks and feels on the MT4GS. The phone with suit fits well in the pouch...good combo in my opinion.
Found this on Ebay. Still waiting for it (and MT4GS) to come. =[
I'm not allowed to post links yet so just put a dot in between.
http://www ebay.com/itm/HTC-MYTOUCH-4G-SLIDE-Hard-Cover-Case-SUMMER-FLOWER-/220839183408?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item336b0a8430#ht_2773wt_673
Lily.
MT4GS Cases / Shells
The rubberized hard Body Glove shells offered by T-Mobile (and sold on Amazon, eBay, etc...) are bulky and are missing holes for the microphone above the camera lens. I ended up buying the full body Invisible Shield and it looks great. The only problem is that they didn't include a piece for the bottom front of the phone (under the buttons and around the touchpad). I can put a hard case over the shield if I want, for extra protection or to just change up the look.
I have the solid black case. Just some things to note. First, the back piece is very tight, and I don't think it will ever fall off. However, when removing and replacing the cover, the clips can easily scratch your phone. Second, one or two clips may not actually "clip" to the phone, but rather just get stuck near the top so it still holds from pressure. This really isn't noticeable, but it leaves indents from the pressure on the phone's case. In addition, the clips scrape up against the backside of the screen when sliding up the phone, and over time, start leaving a very noticeable mark. I corrected this with a just a strip of tape over where it was scraping.
The protector for the sliding part of the phone was a bit of an issue. It clips very tightly to the phone, but the clips scrape a lot against the edges of the phone next to the keyboard. In addition to making it a little more difficult to slide the phone, it leads to wear overtime (noticeable wear actually started in less than a few hours of normal use for me). I corrected this by actually cutting off the clips, and using double sided adhesive to stick that part of the case on. It doesn't scrape anymore, but at the same time, it just doesn't look good as the case doesn't properly hold together.
I don't really see how much of this can be fully fixed. I used to own a G1, and I didn't notice the issue of cases scratching the phone until it was too late, but I was able to notice it on my MyTouch. I'm hesitant to go for the BodyGuardz. I had one on my G1, and though it was nearly invisible protection, and protected 95% of the phone, I ended up dropping my phone and it landed on a sharp rock on part of the 5% that happened to not be covered (which ironically actually are the corners of the phone, where it is very likely to land on).
I'm actually a fan of the body glove case. I'm just waiting for something with more clearance because of the anker battery. I've heard goods things about the otterbox, but it is kinda bulky.
Sent from my MyTouch 4G Slide
SolemnWishing said:
I have the solid black case. Just some things to note. First, the back piece is very tight, and I don't think it will ever fall off. However, when removing and replacing the cover, the clips can easily scratch your phone. Second, one or two clips may not actually "clip" to the phone, but rather just get stuck near the top so it still holds from pressure. This really isn't noticeable, but it leaves indents from the pressure on the phone's case. In addition, the clips scrape up against the backside of the screen when sliding up the phone, and over time, start leaving a very noticeable mark. I corrected this with a just a strip of tape over where it was scraping.
The protector for the sliding part of the phone was a bit of an issue. It clips very tightly to the phone, but the clips scrape a lot against the edges of the phone next to the keyboard. In addition to making it a little more difficult to slide the phone, it leads to wear overtime (noticeable wear actually started in less than a few hours of normal use for me). I corrected this by actually cutting off the clips, and using double sided adhesive to stick that part of the case on. It doesn't scrape anymore, but at the same time, it just doesn't look good as the case doesn't properly hold together.
I don't really see how much of this can be fully fixed. I used to own a G1, and I didn't notice the issue of cases scratching the phone until it was too late, but I was able to notice it on my MyTouch. I'm hesitant to go for the BodyGuardz. I had one on my G1, and though it was nearly invisible protection, and protected 95% of the phone, I ended up dropping my phone and it landed on a sharp rock on part of the 5% that happened to not be covered (which ironically actually are the corners of the phone, where it is very likely to land on).
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Click to collapse
I was going to edit in my response about the case I got in the first post - but after this one I quoted I need say not much more.
I really want to like the case, it feels nice and looks good on the phone...but it makes it too much of a pain in the ... to get the back of the case off.
I didn't realize how often I pop the back of the phone open to swap out memory cards until I put the case on.
It lasted on my phone for about 3 hours before I took it off...and it scratched one corner of my phone when I did it. Scratch isn't bad, and it'll probably buff out over time, but it's the first damage the phone has suffered - ironically from the thing that was supposed to prevent this.
If you are never going to pop open the back of the phone to get to the memory card, and you don't mind the backside of your screen-half of the phone getting scratched up when you slide it open - then this is a pretty decent case.
I think the scratching the back of the screen part can be solved by using a knife to cut a sliver off the part that sticks op, then maybe using a small piece of electrical tape to cover that clip.
I like it, I want to like it, but I can't use it - I take the phone apart too damn much for a case like this to be practical.
I'm on the lookout for a gel-type case now. Think that'll be the perfect solution. If anyone finds one, please mention it here.
I got the black cheap case today. After reading the reviews I knew better than to just throw it on there. So I took a small metal file that I have, and proceeded to shave each clip down just a little. After a few trials I got the clips shaved down enough that they all fit and are not pressing against the bottom of the screen hard enough to scratch it.
The coating on this case was not really rubber. Its more of a dusted flat black. It's not slick to the touch, but it doesnt grip like the rubber of the phone.
The phone still fits into the generic style T-mobile mount. But its not as secure as without. I can turn it upside down and give it a light shake without coming loose. So hopefully it will be fine.
I got my psychedelic cover and I'm not very impressed with it. It makes the phone very bulky and awkward to hold (maybe because of my small girly hands -_-).
I find taking the back cover off particularly stressful because I'm scared I'd rip the screen off the keyboard.
Protection wise I haven't dropped my phone yet to see what kind it would provide but I'm guessing it wouldn't fall off the phone if dropped.
Haven't seen any dents or scratches caused by it.
I think I'd prefer it if it had a more rubbery feel as the texture is kind of smooth and slippery.
Overall, I'm satisfied with it but I wish I could figure out a way to take off the cover without the fear of destroying it. Haha.
Lily.
@siani_8
I got this: ....
.....
As a side note.. I also bought the case you posted. I like it but it won't fit over the ArmorSuit and I really like how the suit looks and feels on the MT4GS. The phone with suit fits well in the pouch...good combo in my opinion.
Quick question - in the pictures you uploaded to Amazon the phone back and sides seem to have a checker pattern. Is that pattern due to the protector?
The otterbox exists for this phone? Or you speaking generally about the otterbox product line?
Sent from my MyTouch 4G Slide using xda premium
ssb33 said:
@siani_8
I got this: ....
.....
As a side note.. I also bought the case you posted. I like it but it won't fit over the ArmorSuit and I really like how the suit looks and feels on the MT4GS. The phone with suit fits well in the pouch...good combo in my opinion.
Quick question - in the pictures you uploaded to Amazon the phone back and sides seem to have a checker pattern. Is that pattern due to the protector?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's a woven "carbon fiber" pattern. I took the pictures at angles where the light shows it more clearly. I think it looks nice and provides a "non-slip" surface as well without adding any bulk to the phone when you want to use it, which I personally prefer.
siani_8 said:
I got this:
http://www.amazon.com/ArmorSuit-MilitaryShield-Protector-T-Mobile-REPLACEMENTS/dp/B0058XMYDU/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1314661800&sr=1-3
I posted "customer pics" of what is looks like on my phone too at Amazon.
I'm coming from the G1 and was used to the G1 sleeve so I also bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/HTC-Messenger-Pouch-HD2/dp/B003DZ13OG/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1314661896&sr=1-1
It's a nice fit and doesn't stick out the top.
As a side note.. I also bought the case you posted. I like it but it won't fit over the ArmorSuit and I really like how the suit looks and feels on the MT4GS. The phone with suit fits well in the pouch...good combo in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for linking this and posting the pics on Amazon., I'm going to order one today.
Thanks. I ordered one and installed it yesterday. The front and back went on great. I had more trouble with the sides but that is because I am not the most deft person around. There are a lot long thin pieces but MT4GS has a lot of moving parts. The phone looks great from the front. But the back has a bubble or two - again my clumsiness.
I wonder how long Otterbox will ignore this phone? Annoying....
Meanwhile, this HTC shell is gettin it done. Only complaint is that its not Otterbox.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H98VI2
_atlien_ said:
I wonder how long Otterbox will ignore this phone? Annoying....
Meanwhile, this HTC shell is gettin it done. Only complaint is that its not Otterbox.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H98VI2
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Click to collapse
That's about the same thing I got that I posted about before - just mine is in black.
I know I said a few posts back that I wasn't going to use it, but I had to do something to try to keep it safe.
I've been using it for a few days now, and while I have my gripes, I suppose it's okay.
I got tired of not being able to put it down anywhere, for fear of scratching the camera lens. This case sits further down then the lens, so it isn't the thing the weight of the phone rests on.
Before, i'd have to find something soft to put it down on everywhere I went, which was annoying. I wouldn't put it in my pocket, because they are always full of dust and whatnot - that little grainy stuff gets into the phone and I didn't want that.
Now, with the case on, it doesn't fit in my belt holster anymore - so I have to put it in my pocket or carry it. Desperately seeking another solution but coming up short.
What i'm thinking about doing is drilling some holes in the back of the case, and attaching a belt clip to the hard case shell itself.
So now i'm looking for either a belt holster or a clip I can attach to the hard case itself. Whatever ends up happening, i'll get some pictures and put 'em up here.
What I really, really, really, really want is a soft-rubber case, like a gel case of some sort that can absorb shock - not some hard plastic thing.
_atlien_ said:
I wonder how long Otterbox will ignore this phone? Annoying....
Meanwhile, this HTC shell is gettin it done. Only complaint is that its not Otterbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you 2 that got this case tell me if it fits OK? I hate cases that feel like they are going to fall off after they are on...does this one do that? Specifically when you slide the keyboard up with your thumbs does the front part of the case feel like it would fall off because of your thumb pressure?
Just wanted to be sure it was somewhat well constructed...the $5 price tag just has me concerned.
cOvertKEEN said:
Can you 2 that got this case tell me if it fits OK? I hate cases that feel like they are going to fall off after they are on...does this one do that? Specifically when you slide the keyboard up with your thumbs does the front part of the case feel like it would fall off because of your thumb pressure?
Just wanted to be sure it was somewhat well constructed...the $5 price tag just has me concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's fine. I've dropped the phone twice and the case hasn't come off. And it certainly isn't about to come off from handling/usage of the phone. It fits snug. Supposedly its made by HTC, if that means anything. The case does it's job without problems.
Just waitin for Otter.....
Any body have a silicone case? Or one of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HTC-MYTOUCH...Accessories&hash=item231421d01f#ht_1896wt_922
Looks good. Other colors available too.
cOvertKEEN said:
Can you 2 that got this case tell me if it fits OK? I hate cases that feel like they are going to fall off after they are on...does this one do that? Specifically when you slide the keyboard up with your thumbs does the front part of the case feel like it would fall off because of your thumb pressure?
Just wanted to be sure it was somewhat well constructed...the $5 price tag just has me concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
_atlien_ said:
No, it's fine. I've dropped the phone twice and the case hasn't come off. And it certainly isn't about to come off from handling/usage of the phone. It fits snug. Supposedly its made by HTC, if that means anything. The case does it's job without problems.
Just waitin for Otter.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It fits snug, coming off accidentally isn't a problem. Both the top piece and the bottom piece are secure, normal - or even some exaggerated abnormal - use won't knock it off.
The longer I use the case the more it grows on me, I really like the silky feel of it. There have been a few situations already where having a case protected the phone - I haven't dropped it and hope I never do, but since it's becoming a portable video game system/controller amongst other things it can't be without one.
I suppose you could do far worse then this case, but i'd trade it for a gel-type rubber case in a heartbeat. Hard cases don't protect from shock damage.
Hey so I wanted to know does this phone have any creative cases. If so can provide links and pictures
Sent from my myTouch 4G Slide using xda premium
This is what I always seem to fall back on. Bought several too.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...rdshell&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
WeekendsR2Short said:
This is what I always seem to fall back on. Bought several too.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...rdshell&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
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Click to collapse
Here we definitely differ - when I got my first doubleshot it was the first case available. I picked one up but really didn't like it. No shock absorbing, tends to scratch the outside edge of the device when putting on or taking off...
Then moved up to the trident case when it came available. Absolutely love it. Trident has shock absorbing springy goodness, plus was pleasantly surprised to find dust filters where speakers/mics are.
...but anymore my doubleshots run around in their birthday suits.
I got a silver one ( thanks yogi! ) and put my black backplate on it. Just looks damn sexy.
No cases allow it to show off it's beauty, so I just take really good care of it.
The black one, my first smart phone ever, sometimes is naked, sometimes wears the trident.
I don't know if a better case can be found then the trident - but it does have some drawbacks. Most notably being the usb port and headphones jack are exposed.
I hate those hardshell cases with a passion though. Nice to know someone likes them, different people like different things.
I know what you're saying. I noticed a small scuff where the last two clips connected a couple of months after I first put one on. It wasn't too long ago I saw my first Trident case and they look like a really durable form of protection. My hardshells aren't nearly as good although they do protect it from scatches overall. I'm alot like you in respect to how much I baby this phone though and have only dropped it once since last November when I got it. Luckily it was in my rubberized Tmo case at the time even though it was on the carpet in my office. Not padded like the trident but it does have some small spongy strips inside to kind of support it and reduce shock.
I carried it a couple of times "naked" but I was always kind of freaked out about having nothing at all on it. But I will say this....It's a BEAUTIFUL phone that is a shame to have to cover with anything. But....I may be a bit prejudiced.
I haven't used a case since I dumped my iPhone 3GS three years ago.
My phone spends it day either on my desk or in my pants pocket. (Back pocket for jeans, or front pocket for slacks.)
I have had three phones in the interim; but each new phone was an upgrade, not a replacement for a broken phone. And, yes, I've dropped all three onto concrete multiple times. but so far the only damage has been a dented corner or nicked finish.
Hi,
I just bought a note 9 and I need your help to protect really well.
I wanted to buy the otterbox defender but it's screenless now...
I need a case and a screen protection. I don't care if it's bulky.
I don't know if I need a full body case with glass screen proection and a glass screen protection.
I drop often my phone so I need something really good. It will be great if I can buy it on Amazon.
So can you give me advice to protect this phone ?
I live in France so I can buy it on Amazon France or other Amazon european country.
Thanks for your help.
Armor-X or one of the knock-offs/sources.
https://www.armor-x.com/mx-n9-bk-sa...p68-ultimate-waterproof-case-w-carabiner.html
Knock-off, from Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/XBK-Samsung-...erproof+case&qid=1550074734&s=gateway&sr=8-11
I don't know if Armor-X copied them, is using their product to make theirs, or what, but there are a bunch of cheaper versions of the Armor-X case without the glued-on "thingy" on the back out there, which oh-by-the-way, prevents wireless charging.
I've had these cases on my Note 8, and they did a better job of protecting the thing than the $275.00 milspec Juggernaut case did, which due to the physics of the whole thing, was actually more damaging to the phone than protecting. Inertia inside that heavy case is an issue that they didn't account for, in the design. Also, with the Juggernaut, the glass screen was horribly fragile--I had two breaks from dropping it on its corner in less than six months. Company did stand behind the product, though, and took care of it. I think they were used to the old-school plastic-fantastic designs Samsung had, and did not account for the metal bezel or buttons on the new phones.
Bottom line--Your best bet is one of the Armor-X knock-offs. Especially for the money, as I have had my phone in that XBK post since I took it out of the box. As well, if waterproofing is an issue, seal the ports with silicone, use wireless charging alone, and get a Note 8 stylus to use, and leave the Note 9 where it belongs--Slotted into the phone.
takirks said:
Armor-X or one of the knock-offs/sources.
https://www.armor-x.com/mx-n9-bk-sa...p68-ultimate-waterproof-case-w-carabiner.html
Knock-off, from Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/XBK-Samsung-...erproof+case&qid=1550074734&s=gateway&sr=8-11
I don't know if Armor-X copied them, is using their product to make theirs, or what, but there are a bunch of cheaper versions of the Armor-X case without the glued-on "thingy" on the back out there, which oh-by-the-way, prevents wireless charging.
I've had these cases on my Note 8, and they did a better job of protecting the thing than the $275.00 milspec Juggernaut case did, which due to the physics of the whole thing, was actually more damaging to the phone than protecting. Inertia inside that heavy case is an issue that they didn't account for, in the design. Also, with the Juggernaut, the glass screen was horribly fragile--I had two breaks from dropping it on its corner in less than six months. Company did stand behind the product, though, and took care of it. I think they were used to the old-school plastic-fantastic designs Samsung had, and did not account for the metal bezel or buttons on the new phones.
Bottom line--Your best bet is one of the Armor-X knock-offs. Especially for the money, as I have had my phone in that XBK post since I took it out of the box. As well, if waterproofing is an issue, seal the ports with silicone, use wireless charging alone, and get a Note 8 stylus to use, and leave the Note 9 where it belongs--Slotted into the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply !
Wow those case are really slim... compared to an otterbox case.
Are you sure it will protect well against drop on the face part ?
I've dropped mine in that case on more than a few occasions, and it's done fine. I work in construction, so it's not an uncommon experience for my Note 9. Or, 8...
Key thing is, I think, using the wrist loop as appropriate, and a belt case. Looks unfashionable, but hey... It's a thousand-dollar phone; I can cope with looking like I'm behind the times.
I think that just the addition of the bumper protection around the edge is enough to keep the Note 9 safe--The majority of the time, it's going to hit edge-on, not flat. Running it into something while it's in your pocket...? Yeah, I could see breaking a screen that way. Keep it on your belt, screw fashion.
Decent case for it is available here in the US:
https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Har...ize+belt+case&qid=1550092888&s=gateway&sr=8-9
No idea about availability in France, but that's what I'm doing with mine, and it's been getting along just fine. I did improvise a stylus holder for the thing so I never have to open the case, which consists of some heavy-duty black duct tape, a sleeve of heat-shrink tubing, and then some black stainless-steel fishing lead wire crimped around the base of the Note 8 stylus and then the other end crimped into a loop that goes into the little lanyard-loop thingy on the case body that's meant to have the wrist loop attached to it. About 10cm of wire allows the stylus to be used, and then you're living large with what you should have had in the first damn place--I love the stylus on the Note series because it makes it sooooo much easier to use in the outdoors during inclement weather.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This post will likely end up long and meandering so here are some pictures to help you decide if you are interested in reading on.
Gallery: https://postimg.cc/gallery/3jjlabcpm/
Those that have come across my waffle in this forum or elsewhere before will know that I was (and am) a total convert to ruggedized handsets. I work as a forester, as well as being a keen mountain biker, motorbike rider, kayaker and alcoholic.
To those ends, the S7 Active was the best device I've ever owned by a huge margin. The things that it survived with zero added protection beyond a glass screen protector were out of this world. It is still in daily use in my family. The battery has seen better days but overall the physical condition and functionality of the phone are near perfect.
Why on earth would I trade that device for one constructed almost entirely from glass? Well, I'm not sure. I still have massive reservations about the decision but at the end of the day: no mainstream manufacturer is currently producing a top-tier ruggedized device, and I wanted an unlocked bootloader and glorious custom roms back in my life which ruled out a couple of slightly older options.
I almost went with the AGM X3 but the lack of OIS in the camera, and the unknown quality of manufacture made the now obscene price tag just a little bit too much of a gamble.
Anyway: once the Note 9 arrived I realised just how fragile this thing was. I was filled with regret to the point that I actually considered just putting it on ebay; so sure was I that it would be smashed to pieces in a matter of days.
After installing Dr Ketan's rom, I changed my tune. I committed myself to finding a functional protection solution that would work for me without interrupting wireless charging and without turning it into a brick (it is heavy enough as it comes!).
My office is presently littered with poor purchase decisions; cases that promised the world and delivered a ham sandwich.
I also struggled because there was only 1 case that would match up with the relatively expensive handlebar mounts I already have on all my gear, but that case did not quite meet my requirements on a few fronts.
I tried to find the largest genuine leather wallet case that I could find, with initial plans to simply swap cases to my quadlock case when I wanted to go out for a ride. Unfortunately, I found that the quad lock case was so god damn well-constructed that the mere act of inserting and removing the phone felt like I was eventually going to do some damage. This is not your everyday sleeve case! it is constructed from some sort of hybrid, rubberised material with a massive amount of retained stiffness. It is absolutely tough as nails and has very little flex once the phone is inserted....it is an absolute nightmare to remove once it is on there, which is fantastic to give you a bit of peace of mind once you hit 200km/h!
It also has a little bit of screen protection due to the large protrusions top and bottom which mean that the screen does not contact the surface you lay it on face down. Still, no face protection.
I have no wish to join the legion of people walking around with a cracked screen, and the curved screens that samsung insist on using are well prone to easy breakage...I needed more coverage!
I ordered a hand made 2-part, magnetic, genuine leather BEMFEY wallet case from Turkey. It was not cheap, but the workmanship on the wallet portion is top notch. It also fits cash without having to fold notes, holds 4 cards and will absolutely outlast the device it was built for.
Unfortunately, the leather sleeve portion was an absolute piece of junk: brown epoxy gack everywhere, screen sat flush with absolutely zero protection, thin, no button cutouts: just overall a terrible idea if you had any plans of protecting your investment. Probably ok for desk workers.
Long story short: I did what any good forester would do and started thinking outside the box. Attached a thin iron plate to the rear of my quad lock case with epoxy, and am now using this as an insert into the BEMFEY wallet case. Results so far are impressive.
The magnets in the bemfey case are strong as hell, and though I will probably add another tiny iron plate on the top side I have never once come close to the phone coming away from the case accidentally. Even if it did, the Quad lock case is tough as hell and I have a bit of faith in it on it's own.
Together though, I doubt anyone else has got this level of functionality or protection on their Note 9. I've dropped it numerous times already: in the bush, on a plane, onto a tiled floor. Zero problem.
When it's time to ride, I peel the phone out of the wallet, securely lock it to my bars and pop the wallet it my pocket. Winning on all fronts.
It cost me a pretty penny to get there but I think I'm keeping this setup! In the grand scheme of things, it is worth investing 10% of your phone cost to make sure that it doesn't die an early death. If anyone wants to replicate, you can find quadlock on google and BEMFEY can be tracked down on their Etsy store. They will custom make to order including laser engraving if that is your thing.
Hey how good are the Quad Lock cases? Why I’m asking I’m fairly active, and i don’t want my Note 9 falling off my arm! I’m interested the arm band i been waiting for Supcase as they had a awesome Armband case for the S8+!
On that the band would feed behind the case it had a slit cut out so no matter what one would do jump run mountain biking etc. no way is the S8+ falling out! The supcase come in 2 parts soft tpu rubber and hard plastic the plastic as a lip, so when you put in the phone the tpu rubber would wrap around the hard plastic so it locks the phone in
i have been looking at other armbands, but they got a lock system and they kind of suck! i was planning on gluing the lock into the armband this is a supcase one Ive seen , but now i just saw your post and just found out about Quad lock! Could you please let me know, how reliable the lock is or would I need to glue it locked??? Thanks
As stated above, their build quality is epic.
I can't guarantee anything on the armband as I don't use one but it appears to have the exact same mounting hardware as the motorbike mount including the release switch. I can tell you right now, there is no way in hell it will come off if the hardware is the same.
I have crashed my motorbike offroad at speed, bruising myself up fairly impressively and this thing didn't go anywhere.
My gf is getting into running again and I plan to get her one of the quadlock armbands soon. You pay a bit, but you can keep the mount parts for your next phone. Even if you buy something exotic, you can just grab the universal mount or pry it off your old one and epoxy it on to a case.