Database Info

iMagnet dock - after having it for a few weeks

My opinion of the iMagnet dock has slipped a bit after having used it for a while now.
I got it at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008IOQ3K6/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and the price was right.
The mounting sticky suction cup works great and it is not too large so it is not obtrusive.
However ... the magnet is just not strong enough. Once you put a case on, the strength (or lack thereof) becomes more apparent.
I put an el cheapo s-view case on and since it covers the back instead of replacing the battery cover, the extra thickness insulates it from the magnet a bit too much.
Yes, it holds the phone. However, the choice of a round-shaped magnet may have been the big mistake.
Since the magnetic field is round, it allows the phone to pivot around the central axis and after a bit of driving, the phone tilts to one side or the other.
A rectangular magnet or at least a much stronger one would probably correct this.
When my Spigen Slim Armor case arrives I will try it out and see if the s-view case if just too thick or what.

I've had the whole phone rotating and less magnetic strength as you op. I used it with my s3 and put the metal plate inside the plastic on my seidio ext battery case. The phone was pretty heavy and it did hold pretty well. A good pothole could knock it off though. It'd be much stronger on the outside of the case but way to ugly.
Now I'm using a ballistic sgmaxx this case is way to thick to put it in the inside. Plus I have a wireless receiver for charging making it a no go. And on top of all that even if I placed the plate on the outside it blocks the wireless charging from working.
It really sucks because I loved that mount. No tabs to adjust, no pieces to break or lose, no clicking it in place and pushing a button to release.

nunjabusiness said:
My opinion of the iMagnet dock has slipped a bit after having used it for a while now.
I got it at Amazon: and the price was right.
The mounting sticky suction cup works great and it is not too large so it is not obtrusive.
However ... the magnet is just not strong enough. Once you put a case on, the strength (or lack thereof) becomes more apparent.
I put an el cheapo s-view case on and since it covers the back instead of replacing the battery cover, the extra thickness insulates it from the magnet a bit too much.
Yes, it holds the phone. However, the choice of a round-shaped magnet may have been the big mistake.
Since the magnetic field is round, it allows the phone to pivot around the central axis and after a bit of driving, the phone tilts to one side or the other.
A rectangular magnet or at least a much stronger one would probably correct this.
When my Spigen Slim Armor case arrives I will try it out and see if the s-view case if just too thick or what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck with the Spigen Slim Armor case? I have the Slim Armor right now and am debating this mount but after reading this thread, I'm a little skeptical. I was thinking to put the round disk between the TPU and Hard Shell of the case so that there's less insulation of the magnet.

I have had this mount for over 18 months starting with my s3. I can see where with the extended battery it may be an weight issue. I have the slim armor case and with the plate between the 2 layers (the hard plastic and the rubber) on my S4 it works great. even in the pot hole state of Michigan. I don't know if the other people are using the large plate that is included but its almost a must in order to keep the magnet in full contact with metal.

Funny enough, with the Spigen Slim Armor, it works better than the el cheapo sview I was using.
The $5 slim armor from AliExpress is just plain awesome, although a little hard to open..

I was thinking of getting one of these.. now I am not

shoutcast said:
I was thinking of getting one of these.. now I am not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your missing out.
I'm going to have to figure out how to use one with wireless charging. Maybe a rare earth magnets instead.

blwnv8 said:
Your missing out.
I'm going to have to figure out how to use one with wireless charging. Maybe a rare earth magnets instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I swear I have been thinking that ever since I got it, I even wrote the MFR and told them if they put an induction charger in there somehow they would make a million fast.

Moto X Pure: Case With Flat Surface Back?

Moto X pure case with a flat surface back?
Hi guys, I'm new to XDA. I ordered a product called the Mountek AirSnap and it requires the back of the phone to be flat. What it does is basically a mount you mount on your cars AC vents and it comes with a magnetic adhesive badge that you can put on your phone or case but it requires it to be flat. Anyone know of any cases that would do the trick? Thank you guys in advance.

Just buy some 3m vhb tape. It's foam so it will work with the slight curve of the back. That's what I use for my steelie magnetic mount. Holds on like a wet cat to a screen door.

Ramenn00dl3s said:
Hi guys, I'm new to XDA. I ordered a product called the Mountek AirSnap and it requires the back of the phone to be flat. What it does is basically a mount you mount on your cars AC vents and it comes with a magnetic adhesive badge that you can put on your phone or case but it requires it to be flat. Anyone know of any cases that would do the trick? Thank you guys in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the mountek snap over a year now but with my nexus 5 (and old nexus 4 before that) with the magnetic strip stuck on my spigen slim cover. And it worked awesome!
I recently ordered the moto x style and don't plan on using the mountek with it primarily because its curved back not providing enough contact.
Also the moto x style is so big and beautiful that I plan to carry it bare bones without any case (not many slim cases out there). That leaves me the option of sticking the ugly magnetic strip to its beautiful back... No way!!
Also beware of the magnetic field interaction with the NFC etc. That thing can potentially spoil the phone, my old nexus 4 touch screen stopped working right in the middle area. I am not going to risk that with the new moto x style

siddroid said:
I am using the mountek snap over a year now but with my nexus 5 (and old nexus 4 before that) with the magnetic strip stuck on my spigen slim cover. And it worked awesome!
I recently ordered the moto x style and don't plan on using the mountek with it primarily because its curved back not providing enough contact.
Also the moto x style is so big and beautiful that I plan to carry it bare bones without any case (not many slim cases out there). That leaves me the option of sticking the ugly magnetic strip to its beautiful back... No way!!
Also beware of the magnetic field interaction with the NFC etc. That thing can potentially spoil the phone, my old nexus 4 touch screen stopped working right in the middle area. I am not going to risk that with the new moto x style
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the information , I have heard magnetic strips messing up some parts of the phone .. However if I get some kind of heavier case and attach the magnet to that case , do you think that will be enough space between the phone and the magnet to affect it ?

tjarvis said:
Just buy some 3m vhb tape. It's foam so it will work with the slight curve of the back. That's what I use for my steelie magnetic mount. Holds on like a wet cat to a screen door.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little confused .. Is the tape itself magnetic ? And if it is then wouldn't the curved back of the phone not provide enough contact to the mount

Ramenn00dl3s said:
Thank you for the information , I have heard magnetic strips messing up some parts of the phone .. However if I get some kind of heavier case and attach the magnet to that case , do you think that will be enough space between the phone and the magnet to affect it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I guess thicker the case, lesser the chances of interference... Bear in mind MXPE is already quite thick in the middle, a thick case would make it less ergonomic. Unless you want to just use a case only while driving...
I would suggest buying any cheap easy to apply/remove tpu case and attach the double side tape and magnetic strip on it... I might do that using the tape suggestion..

siddroid said:
Yeah I guess thicker the case, lesser the chances of interference... Bear in mind MXPE is already quite thick in the middle, a thick case would make it less ergonomic. Unless you want to just use a case only while driving...
I would suggest buying any cheap easy to apply/remove tpu case and attach the double side tape and magnetic strip on it... I might do that using the tape suggestion..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a pretty good idea but wouldn't the curve of the phone (also the curve of the case) not allow the badge to sit properly ?

Ramenn00dl3s said:
That sounds like a pretty good idea but wouldn't the curve of the phone (also the curve of the case) not allow the badge to sit properly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where the double sided tape would come in I believe.. Flattening out the curved back

tjarvis said:
Just buy some 3m vhb tape. It's foam so it will work with the slight curve of the back. That's what I use for my steelie magnetic mount. Holds on like a wet cat to a screen door.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have looked to buy some of this 3m tape to use it on my magnetic car holder but there are quiet few versions of 3m vhb tapes.
Do you remember which one you used?
Thanks.

Any kind should work. Just reference 3m website for adhesive properties that fit your needs.

Modify Existing Cases to work with 360 Camera - Pin Extension?

I Like my Cases, they are thin and protect the phone just fine. However, I would like to use my 360 Ca,era more often without removing the case or switching to one with a cutout or lame "door."
The magnets hold the camera just fine with the case on, but obviously will not permit the pin contacts from touching. Has anyone come up with a way to extend the pins through a thin case to engage accessories?
Rick

blackice000 said:
I Like my Cases, they are thin and protect the phone just fine. However, I would like to use my 360 Ca,era more often without removing the case or switching to one with a cutout or lame "door."
The magnets hold the camera just fine with the case on, but obviously will not permit the pin contacts from touching. Has anyone come up with a way to extend the pins through a thin case to engage accessories?
Rick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They make a case with the Camera Cut-Out : https://www.amazon.com/Essential-TU...3084238&sr=8-4&keywords=Essential+Case+Camera

Yes, I have one. But it's not protecting that section of the phone when it's on. I also have one with a door, but's a terrible case.
The post was specific as to what I'd like to do.
Rick

I ordered my PH-1 just a few days ago, and I have a case on the way that I plan to mod for the same exact reasons. That Tudia case looks like a joke for drop protection. The case, 360 camera, and phone should all arrive some time next week. I'll post an update once I get the mod done.
I'll be using this case for the mod. I wanted to use an inexpensive case in case this doesn't work as I'm hoping.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C7L9YPX

The pins only provide power. A pin extension will not do anything but power the camera. It won't be able to connect to the phone. Even some dbrand skins are too thick for the wireless USB to connect. Last fall, Essential discussed this and said it's very sensitive to distance. Even 1mm diffence will throw off the connection. The only way to connect an accessory is with bare contact or a thin skin.
But the ceramic back is tough enough to not need protection. I cut the Tudia TAMM case put for the 360 camera too. It's fugly but works. And been like this for about a year now and not a scratch on the exposed corner.

gk1984 said:
The pins only provide power. A pin extension will not do anything but power the camera. It won't be able to connect to the phone. Even some dbrand skins are too thick for the wireless USB to connect. Last fall, Essential discussed this and said it's very sensitive to distance. Even 1mm diffence will throw off the connection. The only way to connect an accessory is with bare contact or a thin skin.
But the ceramic back is tough enough to not need protection. I cut the Tudia TAMM case put for the 360 camera too. It's fugly but works. And been like this for about a year now and not a scratch on the exposed corner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is all scratched up
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs

avd said:
My phone is all scratched up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the AMA's discussed scratching. I guess it's just a coating that scratches and not all colors have it. Mine is white. Only 1 corner is exposed but no scratches for me.
But some people have mentioned it getting scratched even with a case on. Sand, dirt, whatever gets stuck between the case and back sometimes maybe.

If anyone tries to drill small holes in a case and fill with conductive material, let me know if it works. I will be trying it as soon as I have an extra case! I'd like to know what the ACTUAL wireless distance limitation on the camera is.
Rick

blackice000 said:
If anyone tries to drill small holes in a case and fill with conductive material, let me know if it works. I will be trying it as soon as I have an extra case! I'd like to know what the ACTUAL wireless distance limitation on the camera is.
Rick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search about the camera not working with dbrand skins. It's already been discussed. I damn skin is thick enough to not work with the wireless data transfer. We know this because A) the camera powers but won't establish a connection and B) Essential themselves confirmed this. Some skins are OK but thicker textured ones won't. A case is definitely thicker than a skin.

Here's my case mod. It was just a trial run, not a case I'm using as my daily driver (I'm using the Poetic Guardian with the built in screen protector removed and an ArmorSuit screen protector used instead.) It din't turn out as nice as I had planned, but it works.
Thank to the way the outer shell halves lock into the TPU inner case material, the two halves of the case shell fit fairly snuggly, and the finish provides an adequate amount of grip. With the inner TPU, it should provide adequate drop protection.
The case is a bit bulky, and perhaps it would be a better solution to have a simple, adequate TPU case that can be easily removed for those times you want to use the 360 camera. For me, this case will do just fine for those times I'm going on vacation and want to use the 360 camera.
Perhaps it would be possible to modify the Poetic Guardian case for use with the camera. The back clear plastic could possibly be trimmed to make adequate connection with the camera.
This is the case I modded.

How do you carry your V20 (besides pants pocket or jacket pocket)?

How do you carry your V20 (besides pants pocket or jacket pocket)?
Mine's on my waist in a belt clip (6PU-GLYD) which works with the Spigen case I have.
How does everyone else carry theirs?
Looking for another idea. Thanks!

baldybill said:
How do you carry your V20 (besides pants pocket or jacket pocket)?
Mine's on my waist in a belt clip (6PU-GLYD) which works with the Spigen case I have.
How does everyone else carry theirs?
Looking for another idea. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is by far the oddest discussion i have ever thing in here LOL!
Wi also do the clip holster that brought my zizo cover. it is pretty convenient. a little bulky though but convenient.

baldybill said:
How do you carry your V20 (besides pants pocket or jacket pocket)?
Mine's on my waist in a belt clip (6PU-GLYD) which works with the Spigen case I have.
How does everyone else carry theirs?
Looking for another idea. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same setup. I tried just a pocket for a while but always seems like I'm taking it out of my pocket when I sit.
The holster is nice quick and easy access. Also not too obtrusive.

pistacios said:
I have the same setup. I tried just a pocket for a while but always seems like I'm taking it out of my pocket when I sit.
The holster is nice quick and easy access. Also not too obtrusive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Do you clip yours on your belt? or front pocket?

Clipped in my waistband/belt, horizontally. As shown here for example:

I have a similar setup, with a few different parts. My V20 is in an Otterbox Defender case, but since its own holster/belt clip could eventually break, I use a leather pouch made by Turtleback instead. I've been using these pouches (they come in many different sizes with both vertical and horizontal layouts) with several of my older phones for years, and they've been rock-solid. They're a bit pricey (I used to get them for around $25–30 but now the prices are higher) but barely seem to show any signs of wear and tear over the years.
I usually clip it on my belt above the right front pocket in a horizontal position with the opening magnetic flap facing left. I'm left-handed, so I pull out the phone the same way I probably would for a sword. One interesting thing about taking it out of the pouch is that about half the time, the V20 can unlock itself if the Quick Cover case option is on and any secure lock for the lock screen is off.
If it gets too bulky when I'm in a tight space, then I just put the whole thing in my front right pocket with the flap hanging out, as shown in the second photo.

Usually in a pocket. On my bike, it goes in a pocket in my rack bag. In the car, it goes on a magnetic vent mount. It's got a case and a screen protector, so I don't handle it with kid gloves.

Accessories Cases with hinge protection when closed ?

I see a lot of the cases don't actually offer any hinge protection and if you drop the phone right on the edge with the hinge, something might break.
I am looking to see what cases with hinge protection are available. So far I have only found 1 : Spiegen Tough, but it is bulky, personally I am looking for something more minimalistic.
Are there any other options?

I have preordered the UAG Civilian Series Case. But I guess it’s also pretty bulky

I've found this one. Will be giving it a go when I get mine in a couple of weeks - https://www.mobilefun.co.uk/araree-nukin-360-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-case-crystal-clear-85997

What i found so far:
Spigen Tough Armor
UAG Civilian
VRS Active
Araree Aero Flex
Araree Nukin 360
Goospery ZFLP3
Mercury Fard (same as Goospery)
I returned Tough Armor as i find it's too bulky for me... will give Araree and Goospery a try

I want something like the araree aeroflex but clear!

D4rk4 said:
I want something like the araree aeroflex but clear!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung make clear case with ring. I’ll be getting for free with my preordered Zflip 3, but I opted for VRS case.

Spec-V said:
Samsung make clear case with ring. I’ll be getting for free with my preordered Zflip 3, but I opted for VRS case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered one in the first place, too. But its a pain to plug the loose parts and phone together and it gives minor hinge protection as the strip is way too narrow and the ring can touch or scratch the hinge in your pocket as well in some angles...
btw. meanwhile i got the Goospery/Mercury Case here, it's nice looking and feeling but sits very loose (i don't use the adhesive tape at first) so that the top part of the case detaches from the phone when flipping open, very annoying :/ my hopes are for the araree aero flex now, should get it delivered these days...

I've ordered the araree aeroflex. Will report back when it arrives in a week or two.

I got my Araree aero flex today and i'm in love... perfect fit, perfect feeling BUT there is one big problem: when the phone is fully closed and i open it the hinge protection doesnt slide properly inside the lower case. It needs a little push with the finger. I improved it by putting a little Tesa on the inside of the lower case (above the factory sticker which should NOT be removed) and now it slides better but not everytime...

Whatever you do, stay away from that Samsung clear case with the ring. First case in my life that I had to read the user guide and search YouTube on how to install on phone.
Two pieces of plastic, that hold the ring, has to fit perfectly between the case and the phone. If they are not align properly, the case will not fit the phone. And it's almost impossible to align that s**t. It has no adhesive to keep it in place.

Went with the Spigen Tough Armor case myself and yeah like someone else said, it's definitely bulky (thick as a pack of cigarettes when closed) but it looks like it will offer very good protection, and I work in the construction industry so I'll take all the protection I can get.

Just noticed another Flip 3 case with hinge protection on Etsy, I dont know nothing about the seller (always bought the wallet cases from the seller "Hand & Hide" from USA on there for my slab phones) but these from the seller "Andantannerie" (from South Korea) look interesting, although $115 is a bit expensive, if they're actually full grain leather they just might possibly be worth it (but upon closer inspection of the pics they look like they might be made from a very thin layer of leather over a plastic shell though)......... https://www.etsy.com/listing/1060335374/premium-leather-galaxy-z-flip-3-case-3?ref=shop_home_recs_1&crt=1&variation0=2201540456
UPDATE: No doubt about it the leather is paper thin, sent the seller an email asking about it and he replied it was 2.5 to 3.5mm thick (about a tenth of an inch) and I replied as to whether that was the thickness of the entire case itself or the leather covering on it, in turn he sent me a photo of him measuring it and he was measuring the thickness of the entire case. Got to give him credit the cases do look nice on his product pics though, but not no where near a $115 nice.......

HDCowboy said:
Went with the Spigen Tough Armor case myself and yeah like someone else said, it's definitely bulky (thick as a pack of cigarettes when closed) but it looks like it will offer very good protection, and I work in the construction industry so I'll take all the protection I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ordered the same one. Wasn't sure about the adhesive, but after 5 different installations (trying various cover screen protectors), it still holds without any of the wiggle or creaking you get on an Otterbox that clips together. It isn't the most amazing hinge protection, but its enough. The case feels less bulky the more I use it and definitely makes the phone feel more sturdy.

I bought an Araree AERO Flex for my Flip 3 and it works fine. It was available on Amazon but became unavailable shortly after I got mine. It is not bulky and has hinge protection. Feels good in hand too. This case does not require any adhesive tape or pad. It just snaps onto the phone securely.
Just check Amazon from time to time and it could be available again. Maybe it is out of stock due to popularity.

I have the same araree case. Great case, no bulk, feels nice in the hand, smudge free. Definitely recommend it.

chompx2 said:
I bought an Araree AERO Flex for my Flip 3 and it works fine. It was available on Amazon but became unavailable shortly after I got mine. It is not bulky and has hinge protection. Feels good in hand too. This case does not require any adhesive tape or pad. It just snaps onto the phone securely.
Just check Amazon from time to time and it could be available again. Maybe it is out of stock due to popularity.View attachment 5407609View attachment 5407611View attachment 5407613View attachment 5407615
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
D4rk4 said:
I have the same araree case. Great case, no bulk, feels nice in the hand, smudge free. Definitely recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does your aeroflex cases flip open smoothly when fully closed or do you have to give the hinge protection a little push?

It does now. On the first night I got it, I did have to place my finger over the hinge protection a couple of times to help push it down. But it seems to have sorted itself out now.
I did take it off and put it back on on the 2nd day, so maybe it wasn't sat properly the first time I put it on?

When it was new, the hinge cover did not slide into the slot smoothly. It even pushed the bottom case down when I opened the phone from the closed position. It was not a big deal as I could easily push up the bottom half of the case back up. I took the case off the phone and examined it but found nothing out of the ordinary. After I reinstalled the case, it never happen again. After some use, the hinge cover is sliding back into the case fine. However, if I open the phone rapidly, the hinge cover would bulge out and then snap back into the case. Never, did require me to push on it to help it to slide back. A new car would require some run-in period for its engine. I expect this hinge cover should soften up and loosen up after some more use.

chompx2 said:
When it was new, the hinge cover did not slide into the slot smoothly. It even pushed the bottom case down when I opened the phone from the closed position. It was not a big deal as I could easily push up the bottom half of the case back up. I took the case off the phone and examined it but found nothing out of the ordinary. After I reinstalled the case, it never happen again. After some use, the hinge cover is sliding back into the case fine. However, if I open the phone rapidly, the hinge cover would bulge out and then snap back into the case. Never, did require me to push on it to help it to slide back. A new car would require some run-in period for its engine. I expect this hinge cover should soften up and loosen up after some more use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which case?

twistedumbrella said:
Which case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Araree AERO Flex.