Database Info

Case Review: Incipio Feather Case

Hey guys,
Just bought the Incipio Feather case and wanted to share my thoughts in case some people were thinking about buying.
The case is definitely very light weight and pretty thin (Incipio states that it is less than 1 mm thin). It's an "ultra light, ultra strong polymer" hard case that is smooth to the touch while having a slightly rubbery feel to it. The case itself has very clean edges with no trace of any manufacturing defects. There are cutouts for the power and volume buttons, hdmi port (it's covered in the pictures on their site, but there is indeed a cutout for this), usb port, camera, microphone, headphone jack, and speakerphone. With the exception of the battery, everything is easily accessible through these cutouts.
As for protection, this is where I've been disappointed. First off, the side of the case does not rise above the side of the phone, so when you put the phone face down, the screen will be touching the surface (they provide a screen protector, but I don't think that's enough). Secondly, the case does not completely wrap around the phone, so both the top and, more importantly, the bottom of the phone are exposed. The bottom is important because on a straight drop, the pointed part of the phone will take all of the impact because it protrudes beyond the corner parts of the case. The top isn't as bad because it's flatter, so the corner portions of the case will ideally take the impact. Granted, you aren't purchasing a "feather" or "barely there" case for its protective qualities, but I think that had Incipio manufactured the case to fully wrap around the phone, both the protection and aesthetics of the case would have been enhanced.
In regards to the aesthetics, I purchased the case to avoid the bulkiness of other cases so that I could enjoy the look of the phone. However, the cutouts and the fact that the case doesn't fully wrap around the phone cause the Feather case to "break" the smooth lines of the phone. I would definitely prefer the look of a case that fully wraps around the phone.
Overall, I would not purchase this case again. At $25, even with the screen protector and microfiber cloth, I think that a case like the Androidified case that I previously reviewed provides better value with more protection. With the TPU case, my phone experienced no damage after I accidentally dropped the phone while getting out of a car. I can't say that the Feather case would provide the same sort of protection.

Thanks for the review, this was my favorite case when I had my Atrix. I noticed it on the site the day it went up but did not buy it because an employee confirmed over live chat that there was no hdmi cutout. Now that I know it is there I am placing an order now. I just bought the otterbox and I like it but its just too much for me.

This is almost the same exact case as this:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/accessory?action=accessoryDetails&accessoryId=47557
But yours is probably a tiny bit thinner. And this one has a pull out stand which is awesome. They tried to sell this hardcore when i bought the phone, and I got it then.

Syn Ack said:
This is almost the same exact case as this:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/accessory?action=accessoryDetails&accessoryId=47557
But yours is probably a tiny bit thinner. And this one has a pull out stand which is awesome. They tried to sell this hardcore when i bought the phone, and I got it then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Incipio also doesn't have those rubber ridges. I had one of these cases on my Thunderbolt and I hated it because I keep my phone in my pocket. Went with a Case-Mate Barely There case which seems to be similar to the Incipio.

It reminds me of an ultra light 1 piece Seidio innocase. It has a similar feel but its lighter and thinner.

After using this case for a few days I have to agree. This case is not worth it at all. The feather used to be my choice but incipio did not do well with this one.

I'm really hoping case-mate jumps on it and makes a barely there case for the Charge.
http://feedback.case-mate.com/forum...867323-samsung-droid-charge-barely-there-case

immaage said:
I'm really hoping case-mate jumps on it and makes a barely there case for the Charge.
http://feedback.case-mate.com/forum...867323-samsung-droid-charge-barely-there-case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah same here. I went back to my Otterbox case but I just ordered the Trident Aegis today. I would rather have a thin light case but this feather is just plain terrible.

Why you going with Trident Aegis..instead of just using the Otterbox?
Just curious on your thoughts on the Otterbox..did you get the Trident? How is it?

The Otterbox is a good case but I am not too sold on having the buttons on the bottom covered. The Trident case shipped today and I will post pics and a review of the Aegis when it comes.

Kommandant vs Spiegen

Hey, everyone!
I've seen video reviews for both cases, but they didn't exactly cover the points that I really wanted to know.
The Kommandant Ultra Thin Aluminium Metal Case (Just Google "Kommandant S4 Case". The link to the case goes straight to Ebay)
OR
The Spigen Neo Hybrid Case Case (http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/samsung/galaxy-s4-cases/galaxy-s4-case-neo-hybrid.html)
If you have either of these cases, I need to know just a few things:
1. If I lay my phone flat on a table, does the camera lense touch the table? Or does the case come out enough to stop the camera from touching the table? (I don't want the camera lense scratched)
2. When the phone is in the case, how sturdy does it feel? Does the phone wiggle at all if you shake the case a little bit?
3. Does the case feel solid? Does it feel like it could fall apart at any moment? Or does it feel solid and well built?
Please weigh in if at all possible!

I have both cases, so I can answer your questions..
1. Neither case lets the camera lens touch the table.
2. The aluminum case is a lot more sturdier, however sturdiness does not equal drop protection. (Aluminum case would transfer the shock of the drop to the body of the phone and screen, but the TPU in the Neo Hybrid would absorb some of the impact, although not as much as a silicon-poly-carbonate combo case like the Incipio DualPro).....
3. Same thing...neither of the cases will fall apart.
PRO TIP: The Kommandant case from CaseFanatic is actually a slightly remodeled Chinese aluminum case which can be bought from eBay for ~$12-16.. (I also have a aluminum case from eBay for $13, it looks, and feels almost identical to the Kommandant)
Search "Bumper aluminum case galaxy s4" on eBay, you should be able to find some.
By the way, aluminum cases that have a back plate tend to lower your cell, WiFi, GPS reception by about 1 bar, but you could get a aluminum bumper which doesn't affect reception at all.

Spiegen case is great. I don't have or want the other. I did some research on the case before buying, the ones listed on eBay for half price are not real. I bought from the manufacturer got a screen protector for half price.
Lense won't get scratched laying flat on the table. Very well engineered to fit perfectly around the camera and flash.
Case is very snug and buttons are really easy to push. Great phone Jack is small but fits stock head phone fine. But my computer speakers Jack won't fit. Also 3rd pray chargers that are bigger on the end don't fit. Example being my Motorola car charger from a few years ago.
I have dropped my phone several times and the plastic around the phone is jacked up but the phone it's self is perfect. You can buy replacement for 10 on there web site. Or different colors. I have metal red and yellow. Digging the red... I have a white phone.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Spigen all the way! Is fits sooo nice

Video review of 4 cases

(with a kinda drop test)
s line case, Nillkin Amazing Armor Bumper,Samsung protective cover+
http://youtu.be/94QtQB9x2CE?list=UUACeOFuBKLUX5JzaYFqAwWQ

Thanks for the reviews...in regard to the Nillkin case/bumper...I only found sellers in China on eBay...you know of any US sellers or Amazon sellers? I checked both but didn't find anything...thanks!!

Yes your correct I purchased it from a China supplier via eBay. It took a couple of weeks to arrive but overall good value for money.

I have two of the 3 main cases reviewed in same colors. The Samsung protective case fits better than the Nillkin. The Nillkin required some excess removal around the USB and mics to fit without slightly pulling away from bezel near the home button and allowing light to peak through the USB port. The fit here is much better on the Samsung case.
The lack of side grip is actually worse and more like the Verus Thor case, the Samsung protective case gets more slippery when cold than the Nillkin case. The Nillkin despite its smooth sides doesn't lose as much grip when cold.
Also, the Nillkin case fits the headphone jack better IMO because it covers all the chamfered edges. Once I fitted the USB port, I could say that I prefer its fit around the USB port better for the same reason but there is some concern about the fit near the mics. The Samsung case fits the mics perfectly and tight and even accommodates the Verizon spacing here. My modification on the Nillkin is not precise so I think the Samsung case may actually sound better on a call.
The review mentions the Nillkin is easy on, easy off; exactly, but it appears the Samsung case is harder to remove than even the Verus Thor despite looking and feeling quite similar around the bezel lip. The Samsung case feels as if it needs to stretch to come off but less cooperative at doing so when cold.
Others have said the Nillkin is compatible with the OEM wireless charger cover. If so, the case may appeal to both the wireless chargers and frequent battery replacement users.
I may try the S curve case but would like to know if it covers the chamfered edges as nice as the Nillkin but also fits the mics as perfectly as the Samsung protective case+?

damn that sucks about the Samsung case.. amazon is full of 5 star reviews so I got it.. and now I'm reading it sucks. and i spent 20 bucks on that stupid thing. damnit. oh well it comes Monday so we'll see. I'm using the diztronic now and it's nice, but i agree with him that the s line case is great. I've got the same one, but it doesn't fit as well as it should around the bottom lip of rhe phone, and the cutouts don't match the Verizon one. also, there's no raised edge around the camera and i don't like that since I place my phone down on its back.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

There must not be a perfect case out there at the moment. What disappoints me about the Samsung protective case+ is the cold grip and ease of removal. Your results may differ; hoping warmer weather improves the ease of removal. I do think the warmer weather grip is good. We've had a warm day and a cold day since the case arrived. The fit is as nice as the Verus Thor.
To be fair on the grip gripes, I have small hands and suffer from dry skin in colder environments. Both tend to make these cases cold, hard and slippery.
Thanks for the commentary on the S Line case.
The cases compromise one thing or another. For now, I can deal with the lack of grip of the Samsung case because it's minimal. Don't get bummed until you try it yourself.

I got the Samsung, and i have no problem with grip issues. probably bc i used the diztronic for like 3 weeks.. and the sides of that are slippery too. this to me is decent enough grip. I actually love this Samsung case. it's thin. feels better than the diztronic. really keeps the phone shape the same. I got the blue and it looks so cool
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

I thought I was going to buy the Tech 21 Tactical Impact in matte black today. T-mobile only had the mesh in purple; I tried the fit on my phone and hate the exposed chamfered edges near the headphone jack. Also lacks the raised camera lip. Disappointing. The salesman said the black matte case, which they didn't have ATM, would be identical in fit. Deal breaker for my pursuit of a better case. The Nillkin Armor bumper case and Samsung are the better cases, for me. The Verus Thor is third for me.

Next week I should recieve e.grips which I plan to stick on the Samsung case.
It's amazing that we can't find a great slim case with a good grip.

[Q] Good protection (Cases, bumpers) recommended by other user experiences?

I have my s4 since november and already dropped it three times. Once on a wooden floor and two times on concrete. The phone survived (even the screen) but it got some bruises. The top left and bottom right "corner" of the phone are a bit malformed from the two falls on the concrete. Every time it fell out of my pocket, so it's not a matter of hand grip.
So I decided it's time for some protection.
I have a silicone case. It's one of those book thingies. But it was cheap, it's thin and I'm not really fond of it. Mostly because I have a hard time reaching the buttons.
Yesterday I got a hard plastic case. But the problem with this one is that it only offers protection at the back and the sides of the phone (left and right), the top and bottom are unprotected. And there is the button problem too.
My concern is that when the phone falls down, the most impact is taken up by the margins (I don't remember the technical term). It rarely happens that the phone falls flat on the screen (generally speaking). It mostly falls and hits with the margin first. And that's mostly where the screen starts to break too.
And I don't really want to go overkill with one of those bomb resistant cases :laugh: I don't want the phone to become more bulky (what's the point of a sleek design if it's ruined by a huge case)
I don't use GPS. I heard some metal cases mess with signal reception.
Considering the above, I thought I should go for a metallic bumper, or maybe silicone bumper.
I'm asking for some other user experiences here. What others have found to offer good protection and stuff. And I'm not asking for a product. I'm just asking what type of product (Case or bumper, and whatever other options there are)

I was using S-line silicone cover for my i9070 (SGS Adv) and it was nice all rounder.
Dropped phone form desk on concrete, fell off my pocket on the street ... it was all fine.
It wasn't really much thicker than phone on its own and buttons were easily accessed. I have not tried this type on S4 but I imagine there is one.
Currently in i9505 I have more bulkier case - case mate hybrid tough (2 layers: rubber "inside" similar to every silicone case there is, and plastic outside - looks like what you described as your sides/back only case, with some plastic on the corners) - buttons / screen are a bit "deeper" in the case (thicker ruber overlay on sides than it was on S-line in i9070) but damn it feels like it can survive throw at the wall and bouncing off the ground.
Sent from my TF300T using XDA Free mobile app

Amer shellster
I've been using an Amzer Shellster for my S4 and really happy with it. Cost me £12.89 including delivery. Bumper case adds minimal bulk yet provides goof protection against falls. Really like the hip holster for use running or biking.

Can Anyone recommend me a slim fit cover that fits nicely on the s4, not too expensive but not too cheap. Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

CaseMate Tough case. Cost me about $20 at Walmart, though it's probably a lot less on Amazon. It fits perfectly, even with a glass screen protector installed on the touchscreen. It also has a textured back which provides the "grippy" feeling that the S4 polycarbonate lacks.

I'm currently using an original Protective cover+, and though it wasn't that cheap I definitely can recommend it. Fits perfectly (of course), no problems with connecting my S4 with a docking station. Since I've got the cover I've "thrown" away my S4 four times. The first "test" was when it fell on the street while pulling it out of my backpack. Second time I used it as a torch and it fell 2 meters down on wooden ground. The other two times it fell on carpet. Nothing happened at all to my good old phone, not even a scratch on the back. Also no problems at all with using the hardware keys or headphone jack.

Otterbox commuter would get the job done. But it makes ur s4 a little bulky. Have to sacrifice that for good protection though.

I have the Spigen Neo case. It's not bulky at all but provides good protection. The case itself have buttons over the phone's buttons. I have a glass screen protector also and the 2 together is nice.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BYJXGP2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went for a basic cheap case from dx.com, SKU: 200649. But it does cover all sides, the back, as well as some of the front, due to the overhang from the sides extending out the front. I got a few other cases with different materials at the same time, but this is the one I ended up liking the most.

Thank you all for the replies.
I decided to get a metallic bumper. It does seem to mess with signal strength a bit, though.
But I guess it offers much more protection than rubber/silicone or plastic. It also held together tightly with a pin (You don't just slip the phone in. The bumper can pe opened at one corner, you put the phone in, then close the bumper using the pin). So it won't fly off on impact.
I think this combined with a glass screen protector will ensure optimal protection.

I am using a body glove 3 piece. It has a screen protector and a silicon/rubber outer cover. It was $25 dollars. It hasn't effected my signal and has survived a few falls. I know they sell them at Wal-Mart and Target.

OtterBox Defender & Commuter Series Case

Otterbox cases are some of the best protection that you can get for your smartphone. There are three available for the Galaxy S6 and coming soon for the Galaxy S6 Edge ( Sign up Here to Be Notified ) You can get more customization though the OtterBox site. There is also Free Shipping on all cases within the US.
OtterBox COMMUTER SERIES:
OtterBox DEFENDER SERIES:
OtterBox SYMMETRY SERIES:
To get a idea of what these cases look like on the GS6, then view the reviews here:
(OtterBox Commuter Series:
(OtterBox Defender Series:

Bump

I'll chime in with this:

felloffthetruck said:
I'll chime in with this:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the same exact color option that I have.

Been rocking the Otterbox Commuter case since I first got my phone. It's a nice case. Since I carry my phone in my pocket, dust covers were a must. You should see the ports on my old Nexus 4, lol. I didn't want the defender as it is too bulky, so the Commuter was perfect. The dust covers are great and the case leave you enough room for a screen protector. I did just get the standard tempored glass protector from Verizon, but if all protectors are created equal, then you won't have a problem. The bottom of the case does just barely touch the protector. If you have a protector any bigger, the lip of the case will cover or push up against it. I do have one or two gripes with it, though...
It wants to slip out of your hand and is a tiny bit of a pain if you want to take the case off and put it back on. I think if the lines on the edge of the hard part of the case were horizontal instead of vertical, the case would have a better grip and not want to slide out of your hand. With the grooves being vertical, they case just glides right out of your hand.
I often have to take my phone out of the case because I run, so I have an armband that I put my phone in (having to switch cases like this is also why I got the Commuter and not the Defender...easier to take the case off and i'm sure the Defender case will eventually break from constantly having to take it apart). If you take your phone out of the case and you need to put it back, there's a certain way you have to do it. Put on the soft cover first. After that, you need to put on the hard cover on starting at the bottom. Sit the phone down into the bottom part and then pull the dust covers through the cut outs and then drop the phone the rest of the way into the hard cover. From there, the rest of the hard cover part pops right over the rest of it very easily. It's a little tricky at first, but over time, i'm sure you'll get the hang of it.
Overall, I like this case.

Not happy with Defender failure
blackout720 said:
Bump
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest no one buy the Defender for the S6 until they show they have fixed the plastic housing, the holster, or both.
The housing on mine has a broken latch after only 2 weeks of use. The Defender for my old S4 last 2 years and still works fine.
The new housing has a smaller perimeter around the latching slot for the holster. Also, the holster tab is now two little nibs, as compared to a solid tab on the S4 design.
The smaller interface area combined with the thinner material on the housing caused mine to break easily. Now the phone wont stay in the holster unless I turn it around to use the unbroken side. I know that side will be breaking soon as well.
To top it off.....Otterbox's website wants me to give them a credit card so they can charge me $ 6.99 for handling the issue.
I am pretty disappointed in the new Otterbox. Am looking for an alternative since the design is poor and the return policy on such a premium product is less than "premium" in my eyes.