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[Q] Sony Xperia Z3 cases

Hi,
just bought a xperia z3. After my experiences with previous phones, I know how clumsy I am and how easily I damage my phones. This time I want to look after it.
I am after a very protective case but nothing too bulky. I once has a TPU gel case for my previous phone (Galaxy S5) and when I dropped it, despite being in the gel case the phone still suffered a dent. SO after such an experience, this time I definitely want something that can absorb shocks.
I have seen the TECH21 case for the Z3 and was wondering whether anyone can offer any feedback or reviews on it. I know about TECH21 and their brilliant D30 material which is best in industry at protecting phones. My main concern with it atm is I don't think it is the nicest looking case and I would have liked to get a case which preserves the look and shape of the sexy Z3.
XDA wont let me post a link of the case but if you type in "tech21 xperia z3" on Google and click on the 3rd link then you will see it.
If anyone can offer any feedback or alternative cases that fulfill my criteria.
Thanks!

I'm waiting for Spigen slim armor. It is sexy and provides double layered protection but maybe slightly bulky. I have it on my N5, it looks slick and I dropped my phone enough times over a year to cause dents and scratches all over the case but never cracked or shattered the screen. Also had a ZAGG Invisibleshield screen protector which still looks awesome.

iKlutz said:
I'm waiting for Spigen slim armor. It is sexy and provides double layered protection but maybe slightly bulky. I have it on my N5, it looks slick and I dropped my phone enough times over a year to cause dents and scratches all over the case but never cracked or shattered the screen. Also had a ZAGG Invisibleshield screen protector which still looks awesome.
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did you get yours from aliexpress as well or is it somehow an original spigen slim armor? I purchased some from AliExpress back in early February, but they still havent arrived
damn our lazy customs

wprpalmeida said:
did you get yours from aliexpress as well or is it somehow an original spigen slim armor? I purchased some from AliExpress back in early February, but they still havent arrived
damn our lazy customs
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Re-read my post. In case it wasn't clear: I bought the official Spigen slim armor for my nexus 5 over a year ago, and I'm waiting for official slim armor for Z3.

iKlutz said:
Re-read my post. In case it wasn't clear: I bought the official Spigen slim armor for my nexus 5 over a year ago, and I'm waiting for official slim armor for Z3.
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my bad, i thought that you meant waiting as in waiting to arrive at your doorstep. There's a chinese rip-off that at least looks kinda good, but apparently is fragile. I'm a sucker for the slim armor as well, best phone case I've ever had

wprpalmeida said:
my bad, i thought that you meant waiting as in waiting to arrive at your doorstep. There's a chinese rip-off that at least looks kinda good, but apparently is fragile. I'm a sucker for the slim armor as well, best phone case I've ever had
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Whatever you do, do NOT buy Spigen ultra hybrid for Z3.
The buttons are so tight that just slightly tapping anywhere on the right edge results in both power and volume buttons being pressed down. In addition to that nightmare and consequently, you cannot power on or off the screen since the volume buttons are being pushed in as well. The ultra hybrid for Z3 is no good.

iKlutz said:
Whatever you do, do NOT buy Spigen ultra hybrid for Z3.
The buttons are so tight that just slightly tapping anywhere on the right edge results in both power and volume buttons being pressed down. In addition to that nightmare and consequently, you cannot power on or off the screen since the volume buttons are being pushed in as well. The ultra hybrid for Z3 is no good.
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I wouldn't anyways. I'd rather have my USB port closed out than not being able to dock the phone without removing the case at night.

^ Pretty lucky I didn't get the spigen then.
I just got my z3 (from an s3) and was looking at spigen as I had spigen accessories for the s3 and had a relatively good run with it.
I ended up buying a Nilkin for the accessories. z3 stuff below:
http://www.nillkin.com/english/product.asp?bid=982&mid=2&sid=0&tid=0
Got the 9H tempered glass and the super frosted hard back cover case.
The tempered glass came with a back glass sheeting protector, but I found the hard cover case to be quite adequte. Slim enough to not be bulky, but has enough of an edge to give some level of protection if it were to fall on a flat surface. I was also considering getting the armor border cases but it seems like it'd add some bulk, plus the if it's too big it'll be hard to access the ports/plugs. Just waiting for my magnetic chargers to come in now...

I had a Tech21 case on my original Z. It was great.
Can't find one in the UK for my Z3 though. I'm using a Ringke Fusion clear case, which is good too.
I'd normally use a Casemate Tough, but I like showing off my copper Z3
Oh, and get a good 9h glass front. It's so much nicer than the one that comes on the phone. Less fingerprints too.
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app

iKlutz said:
I'm waiting for Spigen slim armor. It is sexy and provides double layered protection but maybe slightly bulky. I have it on my N5, it looks slick and I dropped my phone enough times over a year to cause dents and scratches all over the case but never cracked or shattered the screen. Also had a ZAGG Invisibleshield screen protector which still looks awesome.
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Form where did you get the case, I havent been able to find it aside from the chinnese copys. thx

^ I think he meant that he's waiting for slim armor to be out for the z3.

I don't think Spigen will make a Slim Armour case. All the big manufacturers such as UAG, Trident and others seem to have skipped the Z3. I'm using the Incipio case which seems to be one of the best.

Spigen Neo Hybrid

I wrote Spigen and asked if there were any plans for a Neo Hybrid Case, they said yes, and while there is no listing of the Neo Hybrid on thier website, it just popped up on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZW1LW3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I put in an order, it is slated to arrive Saturday. Lets hope it is legit. I will report back

Now that is one good looking case. I may have to return my tough gear
Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk

Flexia32 said:
Now that is one good looking case. I may have to return my tough gear
Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk
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I am coming from the GS6, and have a Neo Hybrid on it. It is the best case I have every used. Little to no added bulk, and awesome protection. I have dropped my GS6 all over the place and dont have as much as a minor scratch on it.

I don't know where the post is but someone on reddit had a link that showed Spigen tweeted it would be on the Spigen site by weeks end. Code: fallfest gets you 20% off on their site until 10/28

Yes, great case. Its the only case I ever pay for.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Funny the case isn't on the Spigen site yet when it is in the header image for the Google page on the Spigen site. One of my favorite cases Spigen has ever made. I have it for multiple phones.

cccoltsicehockey said:
Funny the case isn't on the Spigen site yet when it is in the header image for the Google page on the Spigen site. One of my favorite cases Spigen has ever made. I have it for multiple phones.
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It's there: http://www.spigen.com/collections/pixel/products/neo-hybrid-google-pixel-xl-case?variant=27076756673
The blue one is missing though...

Thanks for this. It is a pretty sweet looking case. Not a big case fanatic but need to get one since the phone isn't cheap.

I cannot afford this case. Lol. Added one to the cart and they bumped me to a million

These are available on eBay direct from Spigen for $16.99 and free shipping. All three colors are there. The only catch is that it is a "pre-order" and they give an expected deliver date between Mon. Oct. 31 and Fri. Nov. 4 as of now. Amazon and the Spigen website have them for $24.99 and not all color options on either. I don't exactly get it but I'm in for one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spigen-Neo-...hash=item2ef61214d3:m:miPPl_xaU_XdJ4qJkR2jzrg

Have just ordered one of these from Amazon for £15.99. Will arrive tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how it fares.

drum747 said:
I cannot afford this case. Lol. Added one to the cart and they bumped me to a million
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I think that was made in Zero G on the ISS. Or made as One case to rule them all! ?

I got mine today. Got the blue one for my black Pixel coming tomorrow. The blue looks really nice. The case feels nice in the hand. Also the case makes it pretty much the same size as the 6P without a case. https://imgur.com/a/Tw8Nk

Ended up with the blue version easier to find the phone. Really wanted a clear case for my silver phone. However I want one that protects well but can not seem to find one totally clear. Would love to go naked with the phone but it costs too much not to give it full protection.

Got mine this morning. Nice case to be fair! The back is a nice soft touch material and the added bulk isn't too bad. It's a nice snug fit too which is reassuring. I imagine it is fairly impact resistant due to the outer plastic surround.
Still not sure if I will use this or the clear spigen tpu case which is a little less bulky and holds on to the prettiness of the phone, of course provides less protection than the neo hybrid too mind.

Thanks for pics, I just ordered one this am.

noonanjs said:
I wrote Spigen and asked if there were any plans for a Neo Hybrid Case, they said yes, and while there is no listing of the Neo Hybrid on thier website, it just popped up on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZW1LW3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I put in an order, it is slated to arrive Saturday. Lets hope it is legit. I will report back
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It's so so expensive, as nice as it looks...

$25 bucks for a case to protect your (minimum) $750 investment really isn't so so expensive. Just my opinion, but you are certainly entitled to your own.

Got mine in yesterday and I'm pretty happy with it overall. It looks great and feels like it should add a good bit of protection. It is just a touch bulky, but not too bad.

I also grabbed the Neo. I was hoping the bumper was aluminum but it's not....
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

UAG review?

Does anyone have input on the UAG cases? The Amazon ones are mixed and I don't want to burn $30.

i have the ash uag case for mine and my wife's pixel xl since the beginning of December.
was looking forward to this case. when i first got it i liked it alot, but then other people got theirs and made me start to look at mine again. the one issue is that the lip at the top and bottom seem to show a little bit too much metal. it's almost like as though they rushed the case. i thought the case from uag would have been similar to the uag case they did for the galaxy note 4, in how it wrapped the phone and you knew it was protected.
since getting my uag case i have ordered the presidio grip, didn't like it, not that much screen protection and that case felt lose on the phone.
ordered the seidio dilex, bigger case tab the uag in feel making the phone feel bulkier but the headphone jack cutout is too small, unless your headphones have a skinny plug. will be sending that one back.
received the vrs design high pro shield. same thing not that much lip on the screen and button feel was not that great.
was going to order the LifeProof fre but read people having flash issues at night with the case on. still thinking about giving the caseology case a try.
so after going through those cases determined the uag case will work and get the job done with a screen protector. just ordered the full screen glass protector from spigen through Amazon, presently using the yootech screen protector.
thought about going back to the diztronic but just a little too plain. and the uag has taken a few slips out the pocket already and has survived so will stick with this one for the time being.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I have been using UAG cases for years. As soon as the version for the XL came out I had it. I used it for 2 days and hated it. It did not fit quite right and was very heavy compared to the Spigen Rugged Armor. I threw my UAG in a drawer and have no plans to use it again.

Mike02z said:
I have been using UAG cases for years. As soon as the version for the XL came out I had it. I used it for 2 days and hated it. It did not fit quite right and was very heavy compared to the Spigen Rugged Armor. I threw my UAG in a drawer and have no plans to use it again.
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LMAO. thought about giving the rugged armor another try, just concerned about the small cutout for the autofocus sensor.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Spigen cases

https://www.spigen.com/collections/pixel-4-4-xl
Just ordered a Neo Hybrid. Prices suck, but I love Spigen cases.

sgvjon said:
https://www.spigen.com/collections/pixel-4-4-xl
Just ordered a Neo Hybrid. Prices suck, but I love Spigen cases.
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Love spigen cases but I usually wait for them on Amazon first.

That tough armor looks, well, tough! I have one on my 3 XL. Is there generally a lag before they show up on Amazon? I show an estimated delivery date of October 23rd through 24th for the 4XL
I could get a caseology but I like the stand on the spigen

blcklab said:
That tough armor looks, well, tough! I have one on my 3 XL. Is there generally a lag before they show up on Amazon? I show an estimated delivery date of October 23rd through 24th for the 4XL
I could get a caseology but I like the stand on the spigen
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I've always bought my pixels after their initial release. The 4 is the first pre-order I've done and just went with a Google case for now since it's what I've had on my 2XL for a while now.

Amazon has 2 XL cases up now. Available the 16th. I'm getting the ultra hybrid.

I've always had the tough armor cases. Always good. For now I bought the Liquid air case. It is 10.99 on amazon right now. We'll see how it works out.

Ordered on Amazon, cancelled my order with spigen.com
I always had the Rugged Armor, but thought I'd change it this year.

I'd check Spigen's eBay for these cases. The official online store for Spigen usually sells them at full price and the eBay store's pricing is usually priced around half of the listed prices. They ship from Irvine, CA.

That soigen crystal case seems like a no brainer. Fully clear so you can see ALL the color of your device in all it's glory. Some cases cover the back, others cover the buttons.

blcklab said:
That tough armor looks, well, tough! I have one on my 3 XL. Is there generally a lag before they show up on Amazon? I show an estimated delivery date of October 23rd through 24th for the 4XL
I could get a caseology but I like the stand on the spigen
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I just got the tough armor one yesterday, supposed to be delivered today from Amazon got it for $14

ESR Air Armor Clear Case for Pixel 4 XL Case, [Shock-Absorbing] [Scratch-Resistant] [Military Grade Protection] Hard PC + Flexible TPU Frame, for The The Google Pixel 4 XL (2019 Release), Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XZ437KP/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_L7nQDbY4WJJ89 I just found this one. Seems to be a good compromise between strength and keeping the device clear. Looks even better than the spigen ?

Delete
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ZeroKool76 said:
ESR Air Armor Clear Case for Pixel 4 XL Case, [Shock-Absorbing] [Scratch-Resistant] [Military Grade Protection] Hard PC + Flexible TPU Frame, for The The Google Pixel 4 XL (2019 Release), Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XZ437KP/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_L7nQDbY4WJJ89 I just found this one. Seems to be a good compromise between strength and keeping the device clear. Looks even better than the spigen [emoji848]
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I just ordered that case this morning. It will be delivered tomorrow. There's two other cases from them for the P4xl, one with tempered glass back (clear case) and another clear case with a kickstand.

wolfeyes30 said:
Delete
---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:57 PM ----------
I just ordered that case this morning. It will be delivered tomorrow
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Lemme know. I may have to wait a bit. That xl128 put a hurtin on my wallet

ZeroKool76 said:
Lemme know. I may have to wait a bit. That xl128 put a hurtin on my wallet
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Will do

I went for the Burgundy Neo-hybrid. I was all set to get a clear case; the better to see my orange Pixel it but it was sold out so now it's black that wont see until next spring when I sell the phone. I'll also pick up a nice leather wallet case when one becomes available. Link to the Neo here ----> https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Hybri...el+4+xl&qid=1571356020&s=wireless&sr=1-6&th=1

I've been running a thin fit on my 2 XL since new. Love it. Just saw they have a white thin fit I'll be pre ordering on Amazon.

Just got my Neo Hybrid and Rugged Armor cases. I was originally going to just pick one to keep and return the other one, but wow, I love the way both these cases feel. The back has a nice matte feel to it. Fingerprints don't smudge on it. I have oily hands and it's not noticeable on these cases

sgvjon said:
Just got my Neo Hybrid and Rugged Armor cases. I was originally going to just pick one to keep and return the other one, but wow, I love the way both these cases feel. The back has a nice matte feel to it. Fingerprints don't smudge on it. I have oily hands and it's not noticeable on these cases
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Outa curiosity, which one feels like it has the better grip? I was planning on getting one of these 2 cases myself. Really like the looks of the Gunmetal hybrid one. Thanks for any feedback :good:

Badger50 said:
Outa curiosity, which one feels like it has the better grip? I was planning on getting one of these 2 cases myself. Really like the looks of the Gunmetal hybrid one. Thanks for any feedback :good:
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Hmm ... This might be a YMMV type of thing. Only just holding both cases with no phone in it, I would lean toward the Rugged Armor being "grippier". Only because on the Neo Hybrid, the sides of the phone case might be slippery to some. But close tie between the two.

sgvjon said:
Hmm ... This might be a YMMV type of thing. Only just holding both cases with no phone in it, I would lean toward the Rugged Armor being "grippier". Only because on the Neo Hybrid, the sides of the phone case might be slippery to some. But close tie between the two.
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Well....that solves it then, I'll just get both. Thanks for the info my friend :good:

Are there any "grippy" cases out there yet?

I am coming from a Pixel 2XL and I was using a Pitaka carbon fiber case for the past year. That was one of the best cases I have ever used. The carbon fiber seemed to have a grippy or rubber coating over the case and I never dropped that thing. The TPU cases that claim to have grip are still nothing like what the Pitaka case had. I have reached out to Pitaka and it sounds like they won't be making a case for the Pixel anymore. Bummer.

If you're looking for a slim, non-tpu case check out the Spigen Thin Fit. I had one on my LG G7 and got one for my Pixel 4. No problems with grip and definitely better than a TPU or glossy plastic case that gets slippery when you're wet, sweating, or have greasy fingers or something.

Alcolawl said:
If you're looking for a slim, non-tpu case check out the Spigen Thin Fit. I had one on my LG G7 and got one for my Pixel 4. No problems with grip and definitely better than a TPU or glossy plastic case that gets slippery when you're wet, sweating, or have greasy fingers or something.
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The grip on the thin fit is good, but beware that the edges stick up past the screen, and they're sharp. They make using gestures really annoying. I stopped using mine for that reason. They didn't think that one through for the Pixel 4.

21cdb said:
The grip on the thin fit is good, but beware that the edges stick up past the screen, and they're sharp. They make using gestures really annoying. I stopped using mine for that reason. They didn't think that one through for the Pixel 4.
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Yeah, I haven't had that issue really, I don't use the gestures too often, but I can see where you're coming from. I'm hoping they release a Thin Fit 360 in the future, which would correct this issue entirely (at the expense of having a two-piece case design). I had it on my G7 and it was perfect. The only problems I see with that type of case now are they hug the outside of the screen just a tiny bit and tempered glass screen protectors can interfere with installation.

I'm using the black Speck Presidio Grip case. Very grippy, doesn't slide easily on slick surfaces, good drop protection, and not bulky at all.

jamesn2k said:
I'm using the black Speck Presidio Grip case. Very grippy, doesn't slide easily on slick surfaces, good drop protection, and not bulky at all.
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Same here, it's a very nice case. I had the same on the S10 plus and Pixel 3XL and they were great as well. Can't really go wrong with it but it's a bit pricey compared to others.

knife2240 said:
Same here, it's a very nice case. I had the same on the S10 plus and Pixel 3XL and they were great as well. Can't really go wrong with it but it's a bit pricey compared to others.
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They can be found cheaper on Amazon. Usually half the price from carrier stores

jamesn2k said:
They can be found cheaper on Amazon. Usually half the price from carrier stores
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I just checked Amazon and they are the same price as local stores here. Give it a few months and yes Amazon will be cheaper but not today.

EFM Aspen Case
Check out the EFM Aspen Case. I've got it and it's super grippy. I've posted pics of it on another thread, but here's links for you:
https://myefm.com/case-armour/aspen/google-pixel-4-case-black
https://photos.app.goo.gl/s6NcZgQineGLQuYv9

Take a look at the imak TPU cases. They have a Metal Black (rubbery) and a rough texture one. I use the Metal Black one on my Pixel 1 and it has lasted almost 2 years. Good grip even for the non rough one, but has started to peel after 2 years. No biggie, it's $5.
It's on Aliexpress, I may try out the rough one this time as well when I get my 4.

RhinoShield Bumper Case preorders are up, just got mine...

eminem5055 said:
RhinoShield Bumper Case preorders are up, just got mine...
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Any pics? How do you like it? About to place the order for one, didn't realize they already started shipping them out...
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

My Dbrand Grip case came in last week. I put a orange carbon fiber skin on the back so I could remember that I have the orange Pixel 4 XL. So far, so good. I haven't got anywhere near dropping it. I had the fabric case from Google before. It was a fine case but it attracted stains.

using moment photo case and yes the sides are grippy like the pixel 4's sides.

If I remember I'll report back when my Dbrand case arrives, it is literally called 'grip' but who knows if it is nicer than the Spigen armor with kickstand, it is quite grippy.

ESR cases are very grippy and also has a kickstand

I'm actually loving my moment case for the 4XL, the walnut wood really sets it off, the inside has soft suede like material to keep it from scratching. I used to have the pitaka on my 2XL and forced it on the 3XL, it was way slimmer. But I've come to accept a little extra bulk for protection and the ability to add lenses is really special, it actually transforms the ability of the already fantastic camera.

Anyone know of a case similar to the ones from smartish? The kung fu grip cases have a rough outer edge and have a grip to them that i like very much. Only for iphones though. Anything similar maybe?

I had purchased a case from the Google store with my phone since I was so pumped about it. It was 40 bucks that I never should have spent. Their case is a piece of molded cardboard wrapped in felt. There wasn't even any protection on the bottom. Not only that, but the case was really slippery; always felt like it was going to slide out of my hands.
So, I purchased a Spigen Tough Armor case from Amazon and could not be more pleased. It fits better (still not as grippy as I'd like) and feels much more durable.

Dbrand has sale running .. Grip case $15 ..
https://dbrand.com/shop/grip/google-pixel-4-xl-cases
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk