I will be reviewing two white cases that I bought for my aluminum Nexus 6P.
Ultra-thin Protective Shock-proof Soft Case Cover (First 5 photos)
Link: http://r.ebay.com/sNSxZC
Quality: This is a matte TPU. The cutouts for the headphone jack, camera, flash and laser autofocus are spot on. The volume and power buttons are covered but work well. It adds some thickness (1.5-2 mm) that I wasn't a fan of considering how large this phone is already. While this case should provide some drop protection, the bottom is mostly uncovered and therefore unprotected. The case overall very flimsy, has noticeable wiggle room, and actually comes off a little too easily.
Color/design: The camera bar is colored black on all the different color options. It also has a smoother texture than the rest of the case. There is a nice leather-like design down the middle, which really enticed me originally. The white looks great on the aluminum phone.
Feel: The case definitely adds grip (the white area has a rough Saffiano leather-like feel) but also bulkiness of a TPU case. Since it's so flimsy and not a snug fit, it doesn't give off a premium feel. I also don't like that the camera area is black personally.
Overall, I do not recommend this case.
Slim Frosted Matte Hard PC Case Cover (Last 4 photos)
Link: http://r.ebay.com/EDVjsi
Quality: This is essentially identical to the snap-on hard cases from Spigen and Ringke. The fit is very snug with perfect cutouts for all areas. The plastic used here is stiffer than the Kugi slim hard case, so you'll need a credit card to remove the case. The bottom of the case was chipped slightly--barely noticeable. Don't expect much drop protection, only scratch protection.
Color/design: I love snap-on cases so I am being biased here. However, the unique aspect of this case is that it doesn't have the sandpaper coating that some hard cases have, which is good since the white versions of those love to pick up stains. This case has a soft-touch rubber feel, which so far has failed to attract stains.
Feel: Wonderful to hold. Adds the much needed grip to the Nexus 6P. Note this case adds more grip than what Ringke and Spigen have offered in the past. It barely feels like you have a case on the phone since it adds barely any bulk. Also love that it has no silly branding anywhere.
Overall, I recommend this case for what you pay for is considerably lower than the branded versions.
Related
At the discounted price right now, I give it a 4*/5*
PRO:
-large enough lip around the edge to allow for perfect face protection.
-all ports are cut away perfectly with enough room for a moderately sized 3.5mm jack
-home button is still accessible
-entire screen is still usable! (shocking that some cases don't allow the entire screen to be used...like my skyrocket's TPU case_
CON:
-side buttons are covered with TPU, which makes the buttons hard to press.
I had to remove a single star for the TPU covered power and volume buttons. The phone looks amazing with the clear case, almost like glass. The case is said to prevent slippage, though I find the case to be moderately slick. It does however have textured side grips to allow better grip. Overall the case is worth the $7 that it is listed at right now. It fits perfectly and it shipped before the device was released, so it was literally the only case I could purchase that fit my order list. Clear, TPU, thick enough to protect against moderate falls, right thickness lip to protect the face, no hard plastic, good looking, and cheap price. This fit my needs perfectly and I'm glad I purchased it. Over all, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great TPU case.
Here is the link for amazon: CIMO TPU S-line case
Thanks for reading!
I'll also be reviewing two other cases as soon as they arrive. Caseology TPU cases in white (gloss) and white (Matte) as well as Jkase premium TPU matte black.
Image post, self explanatory.
full view
lip size on front.
The textured sides and covered volume rocker
I currently have a UAG for my S6 which is in Ash color which is made out of this clear glossy plastic instead of the hard matte poly carbonate on the other non-transparent colors. Of course the reason I got that is because I have butter fingers and I do drop my phone a lot. After just two weeks of usage the case has become super scratched and beaten up. The glossy plastic also sort of creates this oily and greasy feel whenever my hand is sweaty or isn't clean. Other than that I do like the UAG a lot, from the design to the grippy sides it provides. So I might consider my next case being another UAG but in Blue.
However after seeing reviews on youtube on the RhinoShield Crashguard for the S6 I'm really starting to lean towards it due to the protection it provides despite how simple the case is. I'm kind of stuck in a dilemma right now on which one to buy and I don't have enough money to buy both. I also have a lot of dbrand skins for my S6 saved up so I can use the RhinoShield with a skin to protect the back and add some design to it.
I have used cases like the Spigen Neo Hybrid before but I find the amount of width it gives to the side of the phone makes the bezels very big and ugly, so I don't really like those big bulky cases which makes the phone super ugly because it makes the bezels huge.
Anyone has a RhinoShield are welcomed to post pics of their phone with the case on, especially shots which show the front of the device only and how much "side bulk" it adds to the phone.
I use the Spigen Neo Hybrid and its bezel is the same size of the Rhinoshield, it might actually be smaller. If you think that the Neo Hybrid is big and ugly then I am afraid the Rhinoshield is not an option for you. I have a bunch of cases for the S6 and I always go back to the Neo Hybrid because it is always the slimmest.
I have the Rhinoshield crashguard, and prefer my UAG (Maverick) to it. I do really like the Rhinoshield bumper, and it is probably my 2nd favorite case for the S6. However having the back glass exposed always keeps me feeling a bit nervous, and the buttons on the case are a bit too spongy to me.
If you can get one, the Case-Mate Tough may be an option - it's not as wide as the Neo Hybrid (it appears to be 1-2mm skinnier, just like the UAG), and has a textured back shell,while keeping the bezels small. The only downside is that it's thicker on the back than the Neo Hybrid (by 1mm or so), which does a better job protecting the glass and the camera bump.
It also goes on easily - there's the skin part, then the clip on shell part.
Hello! Poetic kindly provided me with both their Affinity and Revolution cases for review. As there are a bunch of similar threads here on XDA, I'll try to keep this post brief but informative.
General
One overarching statement I can make about these cases is that they have very distinctive designs, and probably won't appeal to those who appreciate a more minimalist aesthetic (e.g. those who use a Diztronic TPU or Spigen Slim Fit case). Style preferences, are, of course, objective, so I'll try to evaluate design based on function as much as form.
Affinity
Click here to buy it on Amazon.com
Album of pics here
Look and Feel - The case I received has an updated design (compared to the image currently on the Amazon page); the "P" logo is now between the cutouts for the microphone and fingerprint sensor, and the "Affinity" branding has been completely removed. I appreciate these changes, as it no longer obscures the phone's own "nexus" logo and overall reduces visual clutter. I've found the clear polycarbonate to be quite the fingerprint magnet; having not used any other clear cases to compare against, I'm not sure if this is a common thing or not. Hard TPU runs along the back, wraps around the corners, camera cutout, and buttons; however, the sides are a glossy plastic with raised bumps. I'm not fond of this plastic because while it does provide some extra grip, it's not quite as comfortable to hold as the rubber ridges on my Speck Candyshell Grip case. The slim profile of this case adds imperceptible bulk to the phone.
Cutouts - I've found no issues with cutouts for the ports, camera, or fingerprint sensor. Regarding the latter, the edge is pretty steeply bevelled, but doesn't feel sharp when I glide my finger over it. The thin profile of the case makes it not really an issue.
Protection - Speaking of the thin profile, the upper lip barely extends beyond the phone's screen; this is great for people who use (practically) edge-to-edge screen protectors. However, there is still enough of a lip for you to not worry about placing the phone face-down on a surface without a screen protector. Having TPU around all four corners should provide a little extra drop protection, as well. I haven't used the case long enough to see whether the TPU on the rear actually reduces scratching of the clear polycarbonate
Final Thoughts - This is a great case for someone looking for a clear back, but also wanting a bit more grip and drop protection than other clear cases on the market.
4/5 stars
Revolution
Click here to buy it on Amazon.com
Album of pics here
Look and Feel - This case is colossal with distinct, military/industrial styling. Personally, I don't really like the fake screws or seemingly-whimsical use of glossy TPU along the sides; if it provides no specific function, I don't think it needs to be a visual element (aside from some branding), in my opinion. If the hard polycarbonate back plate was really bolted onto the second TPU layer, that my opinion would've been different. The Nexus 6P is already a pretty large phone, and this case definitely makes it feel quite a bit bulkier. However, I really like the subtle texture of the TPU along the sides and button covers; it adds a nice amount of grip to an otherwise unwieldy case.
Cutouts - The headphone jack and USB-C ports are guarded by hard plastic and covered with TPU flaps; while I've found no fit issues with my headphones or stock charging cable, those with particularly bulky headphone jacks might run into issues, though the USB port opening is fairly generous. There's a much more gradual bevel towards the fingerprint sensor than with the Affinity case.
Protection - This case is obviously all about protection. The phone is first clipped into a plastic bumper with a built-in plastic screen protector before it's inserted into the TPU/plastic hybrid layer. This thing will be very resilient against drops! Having port covers is great protection against dust. Unfortunately, I found the built-in screen protector to be more of a hindrance than help, as there was a noticeable air gap between the plastic and the tempered glass protector on my phone's screen. This significantly decreased touch sensitivity, and I'd recommend just removing it in favour of a protector directly applied to your phone's screen.
Extra features - Aside from the Seidio Surface, I haven't seen any other phone cases with a built-in kickstand. This one is made of metal and feels very solid - a great addition for those who like watching media and like propping up their phone to do so. There is also a carabiner clip made of the same TPU as the rest of the case, increasing portability as this case is definitely not compatible for those who wear slim-fitting jeans.
Final thoughts - If you work in construction or any other rough/rugged environment, I'd recommend this case for the glut of protective features, short of waterproofness. However, its significant bulk and questionable styling makes me pause to recommend it to an average/casual user who doesn't need this level of protection.
3.5/4 stars
Just received the Poetic Affinity clear case with black TPU lining and I have to say it's one of the better cases I've used so far with my G5. The case is actually VERY thin, similar to a scap on polycarbonate case but there's the added benefit of the TPU accents on the insides of the case as well as the rim, top and bottom of the case. The corners - where the point of impact during a drop is most likely to occur - is reinforced with shock absorbing TPU but it's not over the top. Since it's TPU, I haven't had any issues with pocket lint. I have another case that is made of polycarbonate, and has a TPU boarder but that one lifts my screen protector, this one doesn't. That clear TPU on that other one is also turning slightly yellow. Since this one is mostly polycarbonate with a but of black TPU, I don't see that issue arising any time soon. I also like that the TPU accents on the back of the case also adds grip while the phone is on a slippery table.
I would imagine the back of case would also get less scratches over time since it's not making much contact with the surface on the table. I am pretty satisfied with this case since I was looking for a way show off the natural look of my gold G5 without sacrificing drop protection or worrying about yellowing TPU.
Positives:
> Lightweight and thin - adds very little bulk, similar to the other clear snap on cases on the market while providing more protection where it's needed
> Fits and is compatible with regular PET screen protectors - having used another clear polycarbonate case with TPU sides, this one does not cause my screen protector to bubble. It covers the trim of the phone right up to the screen protector.
> TPU lip provides enough spacing on the front so you can place it face down on a table or ground
> Raised ridges on the sides of the case which improves grip
> Cutouts on the top and bottom are precise - dead on
> Volume rocker buttons are precise and I get solid feedback when pressing them - no mushy volume buttons (something I've come across with another case already)
> Cutout for the fingerprint reader is large and not recessed - finger fits comfortably even if you have long nails
Not so good:
> Surprisingly difficult to put on and take off - The fit is much on point and that might be a good thing in terms of keeping out dust, but it was a bit tough to remove from the phone when I first got it. It gets easier once you remove it a few times but the case truly fits the G5 like a glove and a bit of force is required in order to pop the corners out. It does not scratch the phone but I have to say it is tougher to remove in comparison to other cases I've used including Spigen and UAG.
Thinking of getting this for my oneplus 3 but worried about yellow fade and scratches. How's yours going on till this day? @Kawaisa
Display + Buttons
Oblique angles
Rear, Texture, Hump, repeat Hump
Corners
Cutouts
What is aramid fiber? I don't know, please go look it up and be mindful of marketing.
Synthetic materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite, aramid, kevlar, etc are just fun names for the same concept. You take strands of something really strong in one aspect but catastrophically fails if twisted or sheared or rubbed against itself. That's why you lay out all the fibers in certain directions then glue them in place and hope the glue prevents situations where the fibers are weak.
When you see aramid, think amine-based (nitrogen). Carbon alone (like in carbon fiber) blocks radio frequencies so no-go for phones. Nitrogen helps the fiber form similarly strong chains without RF obstruction that pure carbon sheet linkages cause. From what I've read, aramid is closer to kevlar but doesn't require the same tension for strength. Being 0.7mm thick, it's definitely not protective and you should only think of this as an alternative skin. From what I've read, the shock absorption is somewhere between glass and plastic. You are def getting worse drop protection than any real case.
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Ordered 2/7, received 2/26 (19 days, if math hard). I didn't take a picture of the box, but think fauxfiber-wrapped cardboard with foam inside. Sturdier than your Amazon package, closer to particle board tbh.
I paid $26 on aliexpress and would not recommend it if you need a case. I like the slim case but need a lip. I don't lay my display face down but still ... I love the rear, the button cutout is tolerable, and the lack of lip is a dealbreaker. I don't see any suitable alternatives so it's my daily for now.
Texture: the plastic feels amazing. Soft and grippy enough. My XPS 13 9360 has 1/10th the texture and is grippier. I have no complaints about the texture or grip and would not adjust either. It can be slippery for those concerned about that. After a week, it still looks and feels new. I'm not sure how scratch-resistamt this material is, but it definitely still feels superlative.
Finish: Minor variation/bumps at the corners. In general, straight lines are cut perfectly while rounded edges have small imperfections (<0.5mm). If you're struggling to see it in the photos, trust your eyes. I chose the camera cover variant for piece of mind (also comes in no-top/-bottom or camera-cut-out or both). You can see that small space, which I really don't like. I can feel the case creak a bit in that area, and am certain that harder-than-glass particles will accumulate and scratch the lens.
Installation: it's not terribly hard to install, but removal can be scary. The small bridge of plastic over my 3.5mm port shows some visual strain. It's not quite a crack, but the aramid plastic is clearly discolored in a fracture pattern. It only appeared when I began to very gently remove it (to take inside pics for you...).
Ergonomics: I don't like the exposed buttons but feel like cutouts would have caused problems. Hard to install/remove, prone to stress fracture were avoided by just cutting that section out. This is why we see so many cheap hard cases just omit the top and bottom. You lose a little protection and also lose a little headache.
Personally: I didn't just buy a case to protect my phone. I was rocking the very protective and great-feeling case temporarily while the aramid fiber was en route. It's big and bulky, but it feels amazing in the hand and I highly recommend it if you can grab it for under $10. This aramid fiber one is basically a skin, and I like the look and feel despite the lack of protection. I'm going to keep using it while I seek an alternative or addition for some screen protection. I don't hate screen protectors, but would prefer just an ultra-minimal 3d-printed bumper or something. This is a lot of concession and effort for a case I paid $26 for. I don't think a skin would be a suitable alternative, but for anyone interested I implore you to reconsider a slim plastic that that has top/bottom coverage. How do I truly feel: god damn does this case feel good. Forget a skin, the in-hand feel during use is amazing and I recognize that my phone is basically caseless. I'll put the rugged case over this one rather than risk breaking it from frequent removal.
Things I would change: LIP, smaller button cutout . I paid $5 for a small sheet of fake carbon fiber for wrapping cars and plan on using it to pad the gap in the camera hump. It may be too thick, or just right. I might just cut a tiny ring to "seal" the camera holes. I originally intended on surrounding the buttons so it would be more flush, but think the effort is not worth the payoff.
Other: I had the Totallee leather case for the last couple months on my 3 XL (was $8 new on amazon) and the cutouts were atrocious. After several hours with an exacto knife and a small flame, I made the buttons easier to use and the USB-C port accept my big, thick plugs. I think with those mods, that was my ideal case. Very slim but stiff, ~0.3mm lip (1mm would have been nice), and the leather rear feels fantastic while the edges are more durable plastic for daily use.