Related
This is the first phone I've owned where I ordered a case. My old phones (6800, Touch pro, touch pro 2, epic 4g... ) never really needed it as they had enough "plastic protection" (bulk) that dropping them didn't really cause much damage.
The more I think about it, the less it seems that a full case would really be necessary or beneficial. So my question, Is a case covering the back of the phone really necessary?
My thoughts on why its NOT:
Most (I would guess 99%) of drops end up hiting corners, not the front or back. Watch as many drop test videos as you want... how many of them drop flat on there back.... and out of those that drop flat on their back... how many land on a rock or something that pushes up past the rim (find one... I couldn't).
There isn't much need to protect on the back of the phone. If I were to drop my phone from head height and it landed flat on its back... on a rock... I would probably only crack the back cover.. which only costs like 3 bucks.
Protection from dirt... not. People like to say that a full back case would protect the phone from dirt. What they forget is that dirt will work its way into the case and small movements between the case and the phone will cause the phone to scratch on that dirt.
Doesn't really protect the camera. The only thing protecting the camera in the rim... which a bumper case has.
Also, I think a lot of the cases out there (the slim tpu cases, excluding the tech21 d30 case) probably don't provide much protection against screen cracking. Screen cracking seems to happen when you have a decent point load on the phone. More solid cases like aluminum bumpers, hard chell cases help distribute the point load to a larger surface area on the phone... causing less damage. Its like getting punched in the gut vs getting punched in the gut covered but a wood board. Either way your body still feels the full force of the blow, just one way the force is distributed over a larger area of your body.
Thoughts?
I had the same thought about the bumper and posted a thread asking for bumper recommendations here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2334648
What I got in response was mostly people ignoring my post and recommending different types of full case. I get the impression that most forum posters don't actually read posts before they reply but merely react to the title.
I agree with you about the bumper providing almost as much protection as a case but I think to keep the screen from cracking you need a soft bumper like TPU at least as an inner layer. If the phone lands on a corner with a hard bumper it will still have a lot of force concentrated in a small area will have no cushioning to dampen the impact.
It's not necessary, but it's still possible of something hitting the back case or the back case dropping onto something. You just need to outweigh the pros and cons yourself, then decide what to go with. If I was only worried about my phone being dropped, then I would get the bumper since I'm usually never in a environment with debris all over the ground. But I've had couple instances where things were dropped onto my phone. So I just buy a full case myself.
The necessity of having any case at all is dictated by your aversion to any inconvenience caused by a momentary ooops moment leading to a cracked screen or dented phone. Repair? Replace? I'd rather prevent my phone getting damaged in the first place.
Tapatalked via Galaxy S4 on Smart LTE
I think bumper/tpu cases in general are more for cosmetics and minor protection. And because of the chincy bezel on the s4, for example, ppl at work who like to put their phones glass side down. As well as protecting the camera and having a more flat back when using it on a desk/table. I myself own the neo hybrid and I don't think they offer any "REALLY GREAT" protection. Something in the middle would be the uag, which I think I will be ordering soon. It has the best of both worlds, IMO. And if you think ur gonna drop ur phone a lot for whatever reasons(clumsiness,blue collar work, or "you just never know"), I would go with a heavy duty full case for maximum protection from spiegen or otterbox.
reaeg said:
I had the same thought about the bumper and posted a thread asking for bumper recommendations here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2334648
What I got in response was mostly people ignoring my post and recommending different types of full case. I get the impression that most forum posters don't actually read posts before they reply but merely react to the title.
I agree with you about the bumper providing almost as much protection as a case but I think to keep the screen from cracking you need a soft bumper like TPU at least as an inner layer. If the phone lands on a corner with a hard bumper it will still have a lot of force concentrated in a small area will have no cushioning to dampen the impact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered a couple (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42676653&postcount=22) bumpers and should get them soon. I think bumpers aren't the "popular" thing so thats why you didn't get a very good bumper response.
As for tpu for inner layer, most of the aluminum bumpers provide a small tpu layer (very small)... but I don't think its really necessary. A rigid bumper like the aluminum ones will still distribute the force through the 2 sides of the phone if hit in the corner. Its just like my board on the stomach analogy in the OP. There is no soft layer between the wood board and your gut,,, but it doesn't hurt as bad because the load is spread out over a larger space.
The softer inner layer just help absorb the impact... to help not jar internals.
DKYang said:
It's not necessary, but it's still possible of something hitting the back case or the back case dropping onto something. You just need to outweigh the pros and cons yourself, then decide what to go with. If I was only worried about my phone being dropped, then I would get the bumper since I'm usually never in a environment with debris all over the ground. But I've had couple instances where things were dropped onto my phone. So I just buy a full case myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't think about dropping something on my phone, ha. I've never done that. I guess that is a use case...
Every time I've ever dropped my phone, the corners get dinged... even my old old phones that took years of dropping, the front and backs look perfect... the corners look messed up.
The back is more prone to scratching than the front tbh, and I'd assume that having a rounded off flat back would cause less drops than a bumper with a lip on both sides
The poetic atmosphere case is pretty good, let's you see the back of the phone
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
PoRco1x said:
The back is more prone to scratching than the front tbh,
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could be... but does it matter... a new back cover is only a couple bucks, way cheaper than a pricey case . That said... I might bet an imitation neo hybrid... cause they make the phone look sweet.
My point of this thread is kinda questioning the untested idea that the whole case provides more protection than the open back.... from falls. You could probably argue that it doesn't based on the low probability of a back hit.
icevapor said:
A rigid bumper like the aluminum ones will still distribute the force through the 2 sides of the phone if hit in the corner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point.
Personally, I'd change the board analogy slightly. A dropped phone is more like strapping a board to yourself and running into something. In that case, having a layer of something soft between yourself and the board would be a nice bonus. I've always thought the ideal protection would be a rigid outer layer with a soft inner layer for exactly that reason; the outer layer distributes the impact over a large area and the inner layer absorbs that distributed impact.
Another concern I had with the aluminum bumpers was that you have metal directly against the screen which isn't ideal but I saw another user mention adding a layer of neoprene tape in between which could actually give that rigid outer layer, soft inner layer in a bumper that I've been after.
Please post your impressions when you get the bumpers. I'd be especially interested in hearing about the impact on signal performance. I've heard half say they decrease signal strength and half say there's no effect.
---------- Post added at 12:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:12 AM ----------
norml said:
I think bumper/tpu cases in general are more for cosmetics and minor protection. And because of the chincy bezel on the s4, for example, ppl at work who like to put their phones glass side down. As well as protecting the camera and having a more flat back when using it on a desk/table. I myself own the neo hybrid and I don't think they offer any "REALLY GREAT" protection. Something in the middle would be the uag, which I think I will be ordering soon. It has the best of both worlds, IMO. And if you think ur gonna drop ur phone a lot for whatever reasons(clumsiness,blue collar work, or "you just never know"), I would go with a heavy duty full case for maximum protection from spiegen or otterbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think a bumper could offer great drop protection if designed well. The heavy duty cases protect the screen with nothing more than a lip. The screen is the most breakable part of the phone so there's not much point in protecting the back more than the screen. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
There isn't really any point to make this thread. Its all personal opinions and choice if you want a bumper or full case.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 2
reaeg said:
That's a very good point.
Personally, I'd change the board analogy slightly. A dropped phone is more like strapping a board to yourself and running into something. In that case, having a layer of something soft between yourself and the board would be a nice bonus. I've always thought the ideal protection would be a rigid outer layer with a soft inner layer for exactly that reason; the outer layer distributes the impact over a large area and the inner layer absorbs that distributed impact.
Another concern I had with the aluminum bumpers was that you have metal directly against the screen which isn't ideal but I saw another user mention adding a layer of neoprene tape in between which could actually give that rigid outer layer, soft inner layer in a bumper that I've been after.
Please post your impressions when you get the bumpers. I'd be especially interested in hearing about the impact on signal performance. I've heard half say they decrease signal strength and half say there's no effect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2 bumpers I ordered look like they have a rubber/plastic barrier in between the aluminum and the phone. Some online show it, some don't.
I'll post infor when I get them.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
icevapor said:
So my question, Is a case covering the back of the phone really necessary?
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had the same thought process as you. the back cover getting scratched is no big deal, because i can always get a replacement back cover for relatively cheap. the front isn't a concern due to a screen protector. what my biggest worry was the sides getting dinged or scratched. so after using slim cases, i figured i'd get a bumper case and see if liked it better. i bought the roocase from amazon and i liked it a lot (i got the white for my white S4). it looked SO much better in person, too. however, i wound up returning it because it made swiping annoying, because the lip was a little higher and it covered the screen just a little bit more than my slim cases. if that doesn't bother you, i would definitely check out the roocase (it's really cheap and it's free 2-day shipping with amazon prime). as for me, i'm going to maybe check out an aluminum bumper and see if that feels better.
icevapor said:
The 2 bumpers I ordered look like they have a rubber/plastic barrier in between the aluminum and the phone. Some online show it, some don't.
I'll post infor when I get them.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternative option of aluminum bumper for GS4 fabricated by DevilCase.
There is a video on their FB fan page. It seems like they just released bumpers for GS4 in few days ago, but can't find it at Amazon's marketplace yet.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Devilcase-Aluminum-Alloy-Bumper-Series/448520031891616
Some people discussed their bumpers for HTC One and had some reviews on its product. What do you guys think?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2316315&highlight=devilcase
Bought this case for $9 with a promo code. Decided to give it a shot, never heard of the brand Verus, but I always wanted an aluminum case for the S6, and for the price, heck, why not.
Turns out it the case is amazing!
First of all, the case looks fantastic, it's probably one of the nicest looking cases for the Galaxy S6 at the moment. The brushed texture of the case itself has great grip and makes this case look sleek and professional. I had a clear case before to show off the back design of the Galaxy S6, but the design of this case makes the S6 look so nice that I would actually prefer this cover rather than the naked S6 back. It's that nice!
This 2-piece set comes with an aluminum frame that covers the sides. This bumper is the best part about the case. It looks and feels exactly like the S6's bumper, and is of high quality. The volume rockers are even labeled with + and - so you know the difference. It just goes to show the quality and craftsmanship of this case. And I haven't experienced any signal loss or GPS issues while using this bumper, which is a relief!
Overall, I would highly recommend this case to anyone who wants an aluminum bumper. Verus isn't a well known brand, but after buying this case, they are just as competitive if not better than Spigen / Otterbox / Speck.
The only downside is installing the case onto your S6. It's going to be a real pain getting the aluminum bumper to perfectly be aligned with the cover. It's going to take some effort and you will struggle to get the aluminum bumper fitted exactly onto the case. I had to use hard force to push the aluminum bumper perfectly into the case, but once that's done, you'll never want to take it off. That's a small knock for what is a truly awesome case!
Complete pictures here: https://imgur.com/a/xHc3A#0
Are those some sort of bubbles on the back? Or droplets of water?
do not get this case if you like easily taking cases off everyday, this case bent the metal on my s6 when i was trying to remove it, its that difficult to remove
What about signal loss? I have the Spigen Neo Hybrid aluminum frame and there is signal loss, not sure why this would be any different.
flu13 said:
Are those some sort of bubbles on the back? Or droplets of water?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Droplets of water, it was raining when I took that picture
haldi15 said:
do not get this case if you like easily taking cases off everyday, this case bent the metal on my s6 when i was trying to remove it, its that difficult to remove
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I imagine it would be really hard to take it off, since it was really hard putting it on.
ipaq_101 said:
What about signal loss? I have the Spigen Neo Hybrid aluminum frame and there is signal loss, not sure why this would be any different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I've had it for a week and I haven't experienced any signal degradation. Will update if it does happen though. I've been able to connect with full bars to towers, no problem.
GoreTan said:
Droplets of water, it was raining when I took that picture
Yeah, I imagine it would be really hard to take it off, since it was really hard putting it on.
Well, I've had it for a week and I haven't experienced any signal degradation. Will update if it does happen though. I've been able to connect with full bars to towers, no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually its not hard to remove the case and also easy to install, i have a video. Just remove the bumper first, then the tpu. I have 5 cases but this is my favorite.
https://youtu.be/w7__h3wFmK4
ipaq_101 said:
What about signal loss? I have the Spigen Neo Hybrid aluminum frame and there is signal loss, not sure why this would be any different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have some issues with signal loss. But I never really had the best reception to begin with. But I believe that this case made it a little worse for me.
Love this case. There's a trick to taking it off but it does come off pretty easily once you have done it a couple of times.
What's the trick?
flu13 said:
What's the trick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I press one corner down firmly at a time to uninstall then it pulls right off. When installing, I put the black inner-guard on then face the phone screen down. Then push each corner down about halfway and continue working my way around. It really only takes a couple of seconds
daileyg13 said:
I press one corner down firmly at a time to uninstall then it pulls right off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you pressing on the aluminum, or the inner plastic part, or both?
flu13 said:
Are you pressing on the aluminum, or the inner plastic part, or both?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I press both and the aluminum naturally separates. So I can remove the aluminum first.
Got it. Thanks for the tip.
I got this case because of your review and I have zero regrets. Best case I've gotten so far for any of my phones. I love it!
Hi I'm looking for a bumper case on the phone any suggestions? Thanks I'm already looked at Google and I didn't find
Voloda SVK said:
Hi I'm looking for a bumper case on the phone any suggestions? Thanks I'm already looked at Google and I didn't find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the roxfit one with the gold metallic back and it feels very premium. Alas I have yet to check the fitting as my phone is due in a couple days but its an officially licensed product so should fit perfectly. Got it from clove.co.uk
zakiwashi said:
I have the roxfit one with the gold metallic back and it feels very premium. Alas I have yet to check the fitting as my phone is due in a couple days but its an officially licensed product so should fit perfectly. Got it from clove.co.uk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I buy this http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B015NB0QSG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
HISPANICO
That has a back... too bad
WTF. No bumpers anywhere.
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk
I want mate black aluminum round bumper if someone find it sendsend me a link
Voloda SVK said:
I want mate black aluminum round bumper if someone find it sendsend me a link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll have to await for Devil Case to come up with the goods for this. Going by my z3c experience it took over 6months from the phones availability for the case to become available (albeit not in its masses.)
DevilCase Sony Xperia Z3/Z3 Compact Aluminum Alloy Protective Bumper (Sony Z3 Compact, Black) by DevilCase http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SUWYDSK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_udp_awd_3J4gwb9Z7EXYR
(Mind you its not rounded as such, edgy, but hands down most superior protection amongst all competitors in this category.)
For now, the Fusion Orzly @hispanico mentions above is the nicest for the limited choice you have currently. I tried this on my z3c.. Offers great protection and prevents the phone slipping drastically compared to the naked device. However I personnaly found it made the device a little too clunky for my liking. But its a great choice offering the best protection for now.
I'd like a TPU bumper, something to add some grip and protection without having to cover the rear of the phone.
If somebody knows about one, please tell me.
thesebastian said:
I'd like a TPU bumper, something to add some grip and protection without having to cover the rear of the phone.
If somebody knows about one, please tell me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way! Something kind of like the old Nexus 4 bumper
HasteTheChariot said:
I feel the same way! Something kind of like the old Nexus 4 bumper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol yes. But with better grip than that bumper.
Sent from my E5823
I just bought a bumper case off eBay (Sorry can't post links yet). Search for "Aluminum Metal Push-Pull Bumper Frame Hard Case Cover For Sony Xperia Z5 Compact". It's from Hong Kong so there's that. Haven't received it yet so I can't really say how good/bad the case is.
illusion54 said:
I just bought a bumper case off eBay (Sorry can't post links yet). Search for "Aluminum Metal Push-Pull Bumper Frame Hard Case Cover For Sony Xperia Z5 Compact". It's from Hong Kong so there's that. Haven't received it yet so I can't really say how good/bad the case is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this one?
http://m.ebay.es/itm/GENUINE-alumin...eria-z5-compact-mini-/351565389714?nav=SEARCH
If so,
How is the grip compared to the phone naked? (Never has aluminium bumper before).
And what about the size? Is it slim?
Sent from my E5823
Yes, that's the case. I'll try to update when I get the case. I should get it in the next couple of days.
Definitely agree. Like I mentioned in the other thread, the phone is too slippery. I like to use the phone one handed and have to balance my hand between gripping it tight enough so it doesnt slide (which is fairly tight) and keeping it loose enough that my thumb can reach the left top corner. ust over the past few days, I've noticed some strain on my hand from having to maintain the grip (not too tight, not too loose).
I have the Orzly Fusion. I wonder if I could take off the back plastic some how. It would be good to have some protrusion out the back to protect the back glass too. Ofcourse, this sounds great in my head, but I bet if I try to modify the case it will turn out ugly and ruined.
eng3 said:
I have the Orzly Fusion. I wonder if I could take off the back plastic some how. It would be good to have some protrusion out the back to protect the back glass too. Ofcourse, this sounds great in my head, but I bet if I try to modify the case it will turn out ugly and ruined.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same case and going to try to remove the plastic back when i get my balolo back skin. if it don't work ill just buy a new one will report back.
Thanks, I look forward to hearing. the issue I see is it will leave too much of a extra hanging over the back due to the thickness of the plastic. Unless you plan to just slice through the bumper to get the back off.
eng3 said:
Thanks, I look forward to hearing. the issue I see is it will leave too much of a extra hanging over the back due to the thickness of the plastic. Unless you plan to just slice through the bumper to get the back off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So today i recived the balolo back cover, unfortunately they messed up and made the cut outs for the z3 compact... But i cut of the top part of the cover and applied it anyway. Now to the orzly bumper, i did remove the plastic back and it does fit around the z5 pretty good. The only problem is that it's clearly not made to work just as a bumper cause it is a little bit loose around the edges, so i don't recommend removing the back but it does work
I guess they have a smaller lip in front to keep the phone from falling out the front but dont need one on the back since the backing holds the phone in.
eng3 said:
I guess they have a smaller lip in front to keep the phone from falling out the front but dont need one on the back since the backing holds the phone in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a lip at the back as well so it stays on the phone, but the "frame" is a bit too big.
thesebastian said:
Is this one?
http://m.ebay.es/itm/GENUINE-alumin...eria-z5-compact-mini-/351565389714?nav=SEARCH
If so,
How is the grip compared to the phone naked? (Never has aluminium bumper before).
And what about the size? Is it slim?
Sent from my E5823
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have that case, it feels alright, but it makes using the fingerprint scanner hard as the bumper causes the scanner to be even more depress and harder for your fingerprint to fit and be scanned easily. the buttons are just attached to the tape/cushion on the bumper and it messes with my already bad reception
also does not have a lip to protect the front of the phone in the event of the phone landing face down
I was having issue attaching pictures. So here's an album on Imgur. http://imgur.com/a/OdjKx
I received my satellite series case today from Carved. The unique thing about the Satellite series is every case is different. The one that I have is unique to me and no one else will ever have the same design. If you want to be a plain old Jane they do offer just plain wood backs. Although the 6P variant of those haven't been added to their site yet. Just the Satellite Series and the option to make a custom case have been added for the 6P so far.
Now I have noticed that the case itself or the shell the woods attached to looks very similar to the Cover Up case. So it appears both companies source the shell or case from the same company and don't make it themselves. Which seems like a lot of phone accessory companies do that.
Anyway let's get on with the case itself. The sides have a really nice texture and it feels very secure in my hands. Now the case itself isn't the slimmest case you'll ever use. It's a little thicker then my Supcase Unicorn Beatle and Diztronic TPU case. But with the grip that isn't an issue.
The wood back of the phone has a different texture then what I imagined. For whatever reason I expected the wood to have a somewhat rough texture to it. But that isn't the case here. The wood has a very smooth feel to it and it's also somewhat glossy. The preview on the site didn't really show that. But it doesn't make the case any less beautiful.
The only issue with this case which I'm not sure if it's even an issue to be honest is the case isn't tight against the back of the phone. I originally thought the case was warped due to the wood. But I think it's like that by design. Before I explain further here's a .gif of what I mean. http://i.imgur.com/nknfW4H.gifv Most cases have a spot "dug out" for the camera hump. But this doesn't have that. It has these notches inside the case that appear to raise it just a little bit so the back doesn't touch the phone. Now this does make the fingerprint reader feel deeper then it actually is. This is really the only downside of the case for me and it's something I can live with.
If you're looking for heavy duty protection I would avoid this case. It's just going to protect the phone from everyday wear and tear and minor drops. The case doesn't really have a lip. The sides are raised above the screen so the screen doesn't get scratched when you set it face down. But there really isn't a lip that wraps around the front of the screen like most cases. Also the corners aren't reinforced like my Supcase.
If you want to know about the buttons they're adequate. They're better then the Supcase Unicorn but worse then the Diztronic TPU buttons. When adjusting the volume you can hear an audible click and has good tactile feedback. The same can't really be said about the power button. It offers no audible click. But none of the buttons are hard to press and they're probably still as sensitive or maybe a little less then what they're like without a case.
Overall it's a very nice case and it's probably the most unique case for the 6P out right now. The satellite series does run a little pricey. They run from $50-60 with free shipping. But it's highly worth it with what you're getting. There plain cases are about $30.
Here's a shameless plug! I have a referral code that you can find here http://go.referralcandy.com/share/F3LRXB3 you can get a 10% off coupon. Now I do get $2 from it. So if you don't like that don't use it! Also if this isn't allowed mods let me know and I'll remove it!
It seems that the case itself has some sort of a gap between the back of the phone. You can fill it up if you use some soft pads made of foam Just have a look eg. here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/accessories/mod-ultra-rugged-poetic-revolution-t3307492
The soft pads will help you to fill the gap while not adding too much pressure against the back of the phone itself.
I just bought one as well! Should be arriving here later today, I asked them about the gap, and they said they fixed that issue so maybe you got a bad one?
ytsu12 said:
I just bought one as well! Should be arriving here later today, I asked them about the gap, and they said they fixed that issue so maybe you got a bad one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. Let me know how yours turns out. Someone on Reddit has the gap also.
con100 said:
Hmm. Let me know how yours turns out. Someone on Reddit has the gap also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do! I will also post a few pictures once it arrives
con100 said:
Hmm. Let me know how yours turns out. Someone on Reddit has the gap also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm they didn't fix it what soever I am really disappointed in this and I will be returning the case.
ytsu12 said:
I can confirm they didn't fix it what soever I am really disappointed in this and I will be returning the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one looks nice. But yeah I think the gap is by design. Like I said instead of making a indent for the camera hump. They just put notches inside the case to raise it so the hump isn't an issue.
I ordered mine yesterday. Hopefully it doesn't have the gap, but I doubt it. Still, the cases look amazing.
Like I said before, if you really like this case and want to keep it anyway, use some thin soft pads made of foam in order to fill the gap. These pads will adjust the phone to the mechanical structure of the case. At least this method works great in the Poetic Revolution Case I´m using
A little heavy for me,and i would like a case which looks cute.
I just got my Galaxy S10 (work phone) and work did not provide me with a case for it. So I set out to find a case, however, since it's not my phone I wanted to make sure it wouldn't end up cracked, but I didn't want to spend $40+ for an Otterbox. I saw this case on Amazon when I searched for Galaxy S10 case, and figured I'd give it a try. Disclaimer: I was chosen by ArmailloTek to test out their case at their expense, but this is a %100 honest review, so please read it if you're interested in this case - also this was the first time I've been chose for something like that, so I was pretty excited! :victory: Here's the link to the case on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MLZY39Y/
The case arrived at my house earlier today, and I can honestly say, after installing it, it is a really solid case! It's a bit bulky, so don't expect your nice, shiny, sleek new Galaxy S10 to still be thin and sleek with this case on it, BUT, it is well protected! I personally just use a Wellci Clear Love Series Ultra (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CB9VQK7) for my OnePlus 6, personal phone, as I prefer my phones to stay thin and sleek, however, it does not offer any kind of protection on par with this ArmadilloTek case on my S10. The packaging is very similar to that of OtterBox, in clear plastic with military personnel on the front, and though it says "Military Grade Case" I don't stand by that claim for ANY case, as it's still a fragile piece of glass, aluminum and PCB's, it can't withstand a bullet .
The case goes on with a plastic bumper all the way around, then the rubber/plastic side and backing slips over that. I will say that it is very difficult to remove once the case is on, but then again, if you need a case this tough, you're probably not removing it often. It doesn't get in the way of the curved edges of the phone, though I don't use the edge features of the S10 anyway, they're just gimmicky to me. The case has a kickstand on the back, which is great for standing the phone up vertically or horizontally to watch YouTube and other content. The only downside to it is that it is a little tough to lift out of the back of the case without nails, as it does click down into place when stored away - which I love, so that it doesn't just fall out and end up breaking.
The volume/bixby/power buttons are very easy to press with tactile feedback through the case, and it doesn't interfere with the stock screen protector on my phone at all! Doesn't rub on it and make it lift or anything like that. By far my favorite features of this case are when you lay it on it's back, there are rubber feet (in the shape of fake hex head bolts) so the plastic back isn't rubbing on the hard surface getting scratched up; and if you lay it screen down, there is a pretty big gap between the screen of the phone and the table. See the pictures below as I tried to show the light coming through, as just the top and bottom edges (which are the case) touch the table, not the screen of the phone, and there's a few mm in between the screen and the table - I love that, as I like to put my phone face down sometimes, and now I don't have to worry about scratching that beautiful Samsung display. The case also has nice covers for the 3.5mm and USB-C ports that press in firmly, stay in place, and don't feel like they're going to tear off after being opened/closed repeatedly.
tl;dr
Overall I would rate it a 9.5/10 (the only reason it's not 10/10 is because of the kickstand issue for me, though that's a personal preference thing)
Pros:
Great protection at a great price
Keeps the screen off the table when face down
Rubber feet on back for face up placement on table
Useful kickstand for content consumption
Secure and precise fitment
Covers over the 3.5mm and USB-C ports
Tactile, easy to press Bixby/Volume/Power buttons
Useful side grips for holding the phone and not slipping
Cons:
Kickstand is tough to open from the back of the case, without nails, which is also a pro as it won't fall out from the back of the case and break unexpectedly
It is designed in Texas and the company claims to be all Texan, though the poor English in all documentation doesn't re-enforce that (also the packaging says, "Designed in Texas" "Made in China", just FYI, but then again what isn't nowadays
Full resolution pics: https://imgur.com/a/cMowhl8
dfwfreaks said:
This is a great case, made in China is a must for all small business.
And you forgot one con, the edge app is a little bit hard to activate with the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything nowadays is made in China, lol, so no big surprise there. I didn't comment on the edge app as I don't use that feature on my S10, but I'll take your word for it, thank you for adding that
Yeah, I'm cool off armadillllioliolil. Also, hard to not be biased when you're "chosen"
dfwfreaks said:
This is a great case, made in China is a must for all small business.
And you forgot one con, the edge app is a little bit hard to activate with the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually is a pro for some people who do not like the curve and edge display. I am glad the edges are much higher on the sides.
I do like the supcase unicorn beetle kickstand better than the vanguards.
GlitchMob said:
Yeah, I'm cool off armadillllioliolil. Also, hard to not be biased when you're "chosen"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that, but honestly they saved me $18. Was it nice of them? absolutely, especially because it's my work phone so I didn't really want to pay for any accessories, and my company didn't provide me with a case or option to be reimbursed for a case. However, at the end of the day it was less than $20, which I'm sure I spend on dumber things throughout the week. So my review was %100 honest.
Also, now that it's been a few days I will say, the case is holding up well, and the edges are tough to use with the case on, but again, I don't use any edge features so I don't mind.
soldiersinx said:
That actually is a pro for some people who do not like the curve and edge display. I am glad the edges are much higher on the sides.
I do like the supcase unicorn beetle kickstand better than the vanguards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The edges on this case are really high, I had my credit card sitting across the phone earlier and it's neat how much you can see right between the card and case when you look at it from the right angle! It's really nice knowing I can put the phone on the table face down and not have to worry about it.
thank you for the review
I am wondering about the power sharing^^^
ruiinplano said:
thank you for the review
I am wondering about the power sharing^^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it, I couldn't get my note 5 or galaxy watch to do wireless power share. It does work on my wireless charger though.
ruiinplano said:
thank you for the review
I am wondering about the power sharing^^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, wish I could test it, but I don't even own any devices that support wireless charging, aside from this Galaxy S10. I wish my OnePlus 6 had it If I can find a friend who has something I can give it a go.
soldiersinx said:
I just tried it, I couldn't get my note 5 or galaxy watch to do wireless power share. It does work on my wireless charger though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesn't make my attempt sound promising when I find someone with a wireless charging device, but I am not surprised at this finding either. The case is pretty thick, so I would imagine there is a lot of space and plastic for the power share to have to go through - which it probably isn't strong enough to do.
great review.
dfwfreaks said:
Neither this case nor otterbox works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Otterbox pursuit works with my Anker wireless charger with 10W