Hi XDA,
Decided to share my thoughts on the new case I got from Noreve for the Xperia Z.
As some of you may know, Noreve is a French company that makes high quality, genuine leather cases for a wide array of devices. Chances are, if you have a phone or a tablet, then Noreve probably has a case for it.
Noreve is second to none when it comes to packaging their cases. Inside the attractive box comes a bright red cotton bag, which the case itself is stored in. Here are some pictures :
Installing the case is a piece of cake. You simply slide it in, and it's very secure as leather is quite grippy, so once it's in, it's not going anywhere. Here's a picture with the case installed :
And here are some more shots of the case with the phone installed. As always with Noreve cases, the case has perfect cut outs for all the ports you would ever need while using the device. The quality throughout, as expected, is superb.
Here are a few more shots with the case opened up, to give you an idea of how the device looks inside of the case.
And last but not least, here is a shot of the back :
After testing the case for a few days, I can say proudly that it's right up there with the best of anything I have seen from Noreve, and I have seen and tested a lot of their products. The quality of the leather, the workmanship and attention to detail is all sublime. The finish of this case is my favorite style by Noreve, the "Couture" design. It's a cross stitch pattern on which just looks amazing. I have the same texture on my Nexus 7 case, which I have been using for a good 8 months now, and it has not lost it's class since then. The stitching on it is still flawless.
One thing to note about Noreve is that they offer a ton of different colours and finishes for their cases. You can check out their product page for the Xperia Z here. The amount of finishes and colours they offer is staggering. Custom orders take up to 2 weeks to finish, but the wait is well worth it. Stock black ones ship immediately and they offer free shipping with DHL to everywhere in the world, which I think is fantastic.
All in all, another outstanding case by Noreve. Nothing else comes close to the touch, feel and smell of high quality genuine leather. If you're a leather type of guy (or gal) then I would definitely recommend that you check them out.
Cheers.
I am awaiting my order for the SGP Hybrid-Neo and I'll see how it performs when I receive it.
While waiting for the Spigen case to arrive, I've been looking around for other protective cases with a minimum of material, meaning I'd like the lowest profile protection possible, which Protects the S4. Not a minimalistic case which offers the minimalist of protection, because that defeats the reason I'm getting the case in the first place.
I came across this site which has, in their opinion, the top 15 cases:
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/ph...sung-galaxy-s4-case-15-to-choose-from-1149624
The WorkMate Evolution case peaked my interest, so I took a look at their site over here:
http://www.cygnett.com/smartphone/smartphone-samsung/samsung-galaxy-s4.html?___store=world
I watched their video, and it looked fine, but I'm not impressed by demonstration videos in general, especially ones demonstrated by the designer r/manufacturer of the item I'm purchasing, as there is a possibility of bias
It is 'Real World Usage' that counts, whether the video is accurate or not. I gotta check out the item for myself.
With the above being said, the description of the product and the concept appears that the end result would be a well made case of minimalistic construction with adequate protection.
I did some research and have found complaints about:
- the usb port fitment, the hole not being large enough. I watched the video and in the comment section it has been said that this issue has been resolved by the manufacturer with the updated cases, so I'm not too concerned about this issue as it appears to have been resolved.
- stiffness of power/volume buttons
I have sent an email to Cygnett, and I look forward to receiving their response.
I'll be ordering this case from Newegg, as they have very good shipping times and Return/Refund Policies with No return fees, including 45 days to return the item.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875983832
The case is available from Amazon, but they only Fulfill the orders, and one of the Sellers is in China/Hong Kong with delivery times up to 26 days or so. The other Seller has a 15% fee for Returns.
The case is also available form Cygnett, but the standard shipping times are up to 10 days.
Amazon Update:
The Cygnett WorkMate Evolution case now Ships from and is Sold by Amazon::good:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygnett-CY1194CXWOR-WorkMate-Case-Galaxy/dp/B00BXL7VKM
I'l let you know what I think of the Cygnett when I receive and use the case, including the response from Cygnett.
I just picked up my Cygnett WorkMate in Bright Blue color.
These are my first impressions, as I've only been using it for 2 hours:
1) nicely packaged in a clamshell as other cases are coming in these days.
2) after removing the WorkMate from its packaging, I was impressed with the build quality, and I really liked the color scheme.
3) the 2 part case came assembled, and the S4 'snapped in' quickly and snugly.
4) once the S4 was wearing it's new protection, I was like, 'this is some nice protection' and that I was confident, if dropped, my S4 had a good chance of surviving unscathed.
5) I felt that the WorkMate offers some real nice protection in a very minimalist format.
6) the protective lip surrounding the screen rises nicely above it and appears that it will offer nice protection with lip height to spare for a glass protector.
6) the power and volume buttons do have a stiff feeling to them, but once you get used to it in a short bit, it's not a problem at all. I would say that with use, the buttons will most likely give a little.
7) the usb port was a hair too small lengthwise for the head of the stock usb cable to fit into. After 40s of the minimalist of quick scraping of the 2 sides, the usb head fit perfectly. Can't tell any mod was even done.
I'll see how it goes using this case, as I just received it. I must say that I am impressed with its style, construction and perceived protection and durability in a minimalist form factor.
I say perceived because I just received the case
I have the same case in black. I like it a lot apart from the problem you mentioned with the usb cutout ... just got around to scraping the sides with a blade for a minute or so and now it's a perfect fit.
In terms of protection, I think the YouTube video pretty much speaks volumes about the effectiveness of these cases ... the phone survives a ten foot drop. I've dropped mine once from about four foot and there was no issue whatsoever.
Sent from my GT-I9505
This case is definitely a keeper. I've never used a case prior to this and the SPG Neo Hybrid. The reason being I didn't like weighing down and bulking up what is an otherwise light, thin, flat phone such as the S4, the S3, the S2 or whichever other device that slides into my pocket.
But when I dropped my S3 from about a foot onto concrete a couple of months ago, and the screen fractured, I was like, this is bs. But then the time wasted on trying to get a replacement from Asurion, who sent me a defective outta the box refurbished S3, I started looking for cases for the S4. The SGP is going back due to sagging of the neoprene after 3 days, in addition to it offering very little protection, but my S4 will be sporting the WorkMate.
I haven't applied my SGP Glas.tR Slim as of yet, and I'm thinking about whether I'm going to or not. It would add additional weight, and unless I drop my S4 and it hits the corner of something, I feel the WorkMate will protect the screen from most drops without having to add the glass screen protector. Plus I do have insurance. I gotta give it a little more thought.
Biker1 said:
This case is definitely a keeper. I've never used a case prior to this and the SPG Neo Hybrid. The reason being I didn't like weighing down and bulking up what is an otherwise light, thin, flat phone such as the S4, the S3, the S2 or whichever other device that slides into my pocket.
But when I dropped my S3 from about a foot onto concrete a couple of months ago, and the screen fractured, I was like, this is bs. But then the time wasted on trying to get a replacement from Asurion, who sent me a defective outta the box refurbished S3, I started looking for cases for the S4. The SGP is going back due to sagging of the neoprene after 3 days, in addition to it offering very little protection, but my S4 will be sporting the WorkMate.
I haven't applied my SGP Glas.tR Slim as of yet, and I'm thinking about whether I'm going to or not. It would add additional weight, and unless I drop my S4 and it hits the corner of something, I feel the WorkMate will protect the screen from most drops without having to add the glass screen protector. Plus I do have insurance. I gotta give it a little more thought.
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I'm wearing a screen protector to guard against scratches. The workmate will protect against most face down drops onto a flat surface. It's rocks and stones which are the only thing you need to fear with this case and I doubt any screen protector and few if any cases can protect you if you drop your phone onto a sharp, pointy rock.
Sent from my GT-I9505
dr.m0x said:
I'm wearing a screen protector to guard against scratches. The workmate will protect against most face down drops onto a flat surface. It's rocks and stones which are the only thing you need to fear with this case and I doubt any screen protector and few if any cases can protect you if you drop your phone onto a sharp, pointy rock.
Sent from my GT-I9505
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Hopefully I won't drop my S4 into a rock or edge of something that will bypass the protection of the WorkMate and damage the screen, if I choose not to install the glass protector. But Murphys Law will probably apply
I figure the WorkMate will protect the S4 under most circumstances, and in those instances where it may not, I have the insurance.
Sorry to keep posting repeatedly but I'm so stoked about this case. Overjoyed in fact. Most cases add to much bulk or provide too little protection. This bad boy provides excellent protection without adding significant bulk and as a bonus the textured back makes the phone much easier to hold on to.
I'm usually a bit of a case whore and change often but this time I'm staying put. The only other case that's really caught my eye is the Griffon Survivor. I'll probably end up getting that once is available just for those occasions where I really need the maximum protection. The rest of the time I'll be rocking my Cygnet Workmate. :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505
Post away, like I seem to be doing
It seems that the Cygnett doesn't get a lot of publicity, at least in the USA.
I'm sure that is not the case in New Zealand, as the company a in Australia.
In addition to the possible lacking of advertisement, getting the case can be an issue for some.
Amazon has a couple of sellers, but it is not Sold and/or Shipped directly from Amazon. One seller appear to be overseas and can take over 20 days to receive, and the other Seller has a 15% penalty for Returns. Amazon only shows a few reviews for the case which means sales are low. The aforementioned may be some of the reasons for the lack of sales via Amazon. I purchased the WorkMate from Newegg, which is where I suggest others, at least in the USA to purchase from. Even Newegg has no reviews.
As mentioned, I wasn't a case guy, but this case changed my mind about cases.
It just screams out Protection in a very minimalist format. Hey, they have it in Blue which I couldn't resist
Update:
Is this the other case you mentioned?
http://store.griffintechnology.com/survivor-skin-for-samsung-galaxy-s4
The case has a nice look to it, and although it seems to offer more coverage to the top and bottom of the S4 screen, I don't know if it offers better protection than the WorkMate overall. The price of $18 is cheap enough, but I don't know the quality of the case. Once in hand, a better determination can be made.
Biker1 said:
Post away, like I seem to be doing
It seems that the Cygnett doesn't get a lot of publicity, at least in the USA.
I'm sure that is not the case in New Zealand, as the company a in Australia.
In addition to the possible lacking of advertisement, getting the case can be an issue for some.
Amazon has a couple of sellers, but it is not Sold and/or Shipped directly from Amazon. One seller appear to be overseas and can take over 20 days to receive, and the other Seller has a 15% penalty for Returns. Amazon only shows a few reviews for the case which means sales are low. The aforementioned may be some of the reasons for the lack of sales via Amazon. I purchased the WorkMate from Newegg, which is where I suggest others, at least in the USA to purchase from. Even Newegg has no reviews.
As mentioned, I wasn't a case guy, but this case changed my mind about cases.
It just screams out Protection in a very minimalist format. Hey, they have it in Blue which I couldn't resist
Update:
Is this the other case you mentioned?
http://store.griffintechnology.com/survivor-skin-for-samsung-galaxy-s4
The case has a nice look to it, and although it seems to offer more coverage to the top and bottom of the S4 screen, I don't know if it offers better protection than the WorkMate overall. The price of $18 is cheap enough, but I don't know the quality of the case. Once in hand, a better determination can be made.
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You can just walk into your local chain store and pick up the cygnet cases here. Surprised me ... they don't normally have the best cases. The salesman preached the virtues of the case, I believed him and luckily he was calling it straight.
You've linked the survivor skin, I'm waiting for the survivor.
http://store.griffintechnology.com/survivor-with-belt-clip-for-samsung-galaxy-s4
The skin is to the survivor what the Otterbox commuter is to the Defender. Basically the survivor is the Defender done right. I've heard that the Defender has clips on the phone case which mate to the belt holster and that these clips can smash off in a fall. No such design flaw on the survivor and it has padded flaps to cover all the ports and the camera. Had one on my s3, it added a lot of size to the phone but man that thing felt indestructible.
I don't need that kind of protection every day but there are still occasions where I really want that assurance that my phone has the utmost protection.
Sent from my GT-I9505
Thanks. I'll take a good look at it later, as I gotta get some shut eye
I read the description and it definitely looks like an anti-destrutive case with those listed specs.
Much easier for sure to get the Cygnett where you are. They definitely have a larger customer base there.
LOL, I was stupid to purchase a case at tmobile store cost me 30 buck. Question, I have a white S4 they don't have survivor in white?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
epsix said:
LOL, I was stupid to purchase a case at tmobile store cost me 30 buck. Question, I have a white S4 they don't have survivor in white?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
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I just found this for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcv9mCVIB-c&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Btw, I'm extremely satisfied with my WorkMate, even though I haven't dropped my S4 as of yet
But as I mentioned previously, this case is very well built, and I feel confident it'll protect my S4 in case of any unfortunate drops
Btw, you mentioned the Survivor.
If you're referring to the Cygnett, it's the Evolution.
If your referencing the T-Mobile case, I'm not familiar with it.
4 week follow up
Well, it's been about 4 weeks since I took possession of the Cygnett WorkMate Evolution case in Bright Blue and:
- the case looks as good as it did the first day I received it* (see below)
- the case fits as well as the first day. There is nothing that will stretchout, etc.
- *the light Grey back, when you hold it at an angle to the light, you can see certain areas where there is a slight lightness to the Grey, but only at certain angles. The cause is most likely from natural oils in the skin, as the slight blemish ocurrs where you hold the phone the most.
- I have not dropped the phone as of today, and don't expect to, but if I do, I'm confident that the phone will be very much protected
- although the case adds slight bulk to the S4, as the S4 is so very slim and light without the case, it fits comfortably in my front pocket, and my pants are not of the baggy variety
And there you have it.
My overall rating of this case is 9.8/10 (due to the very hard to notice blemish)
I highly recommend it to those who are looking for excellent protection for their S4, in a minimalist form factor.
This is a case that when you see it, hold it and put your S4 in it, you will be confident that your S4 will be very well protected.
I've updated the op to reflect the fact that the Cygnett case is now Sold by and Ships from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygnett-CY1194CXWOR-WorkMate-Case-Galaxy/dp/B00BXL7VKM
Here is an update regarding the discoloration of the Grey back of the case:
I've just taken a couple of pics tonight of the discoloration that the medium grey material has sustained. While it doesn't affect the protectiveness of the case, it does affect the aesthetics.
The discoloration of the case has occurred where my hand/fingers grip the back of the case the most.
When the Cygnett was my edc, the discoloration gradually occurred over the course of approx. 6 weeks. It looked great when it was new, but not that great after only a month and a half.
I just sent an email to Cygnett 's US office regarding this issue. I'm hoping this issue is just an exception, but if it's a material flaw, hopefully it has been resolved.
http://us.cygnett.com/contacts
Update:
I didn't receive a response to my email so I called the phone number for Cygnett's US office.
Spoke with a very nice rep, and explained my issue.
She is sending out a replacement shell, and gave me her personal email address.
I sent her my shipping info, and she responded that she just shipped out the replacement.
Excellent customer service:good:
Biker1 said:
I've updated the op to reflect the fact that the Cygnett case is now Sold by and Ships from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygnett-CY1194CXWOR-WorkMate-Case-Galaxy/dp/B00BXL7VKM
Here is an update regarding the discoloration of the Grey back of the case:
I've just taken a couple of pics tonight of the discoloration that the medium grey material has sustained. While it doesn't affect the protectiveness of the case, it does affect the aesthetics.
The discoloration of the case has occurred where my hand/fingers grip the back of the case the most.
When the Cygnett was my edc, the discoloration gradually occurred over the course of approx. 6 weeks. It looked great when it was new, but not that great after only a month and a half.
I just sent an email to Cygnett 's US office regarding this issue. I'm hoping this issue is just an exception, but if it's a material flaw, hopefully it has been resolved.
http://us.cygnett.com/contacts
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Click to collapse
I've had mine for about 2 month and the colors are still fine.
keltsi95 said:
I've had mine for about 2 month and the colors are still fine.
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The gray backing has a wear patten on mine.
I took a closer look and in between the tiny raised bumps, the material is worn, which creates the 'discolored' look pattern which is more perceptible at certain angles.
Still a case which appears to offer excellent protection, although I haven't dropped mine yet .
I am not affiliated with any company and these are just my personal opinions that may help someone in the future
Cases:
* Ghostek does have 7 series products, not listed on Amazon but are on their website, I got the one on my attached photo and it's great. Good fit, safer raised edges, looks good, bounces well, and show off your skins
* The Spigen kickstand case is nice. Not the best grip but lives up to the expected quality of the Spigen name, had no issues with it
Skins:
* Slickwraps has a great selection, you can design your own, and customer support came thru with the clutch post-order design correction I needed. Applying it was a bit tedious, the camera cover was particularly tricky. The cuts are so fine in areas the material is easily stretched out of shape but ultimately still applies well enough. I've owned gadgetshieldz and dbrand in the past. All 3 serve their purpose so it just depends on the design you're looking for for the right price and shipping. Slickwraps custom shown in attached photo
Screen protectors:
* LK non-glass we're super cheap, super easy to apply, self healing, had no issues at all. Only complaint was of the non-glass texture which everyone should know their preference by now anyway.
* Arshek glass protectors I am currently using. Application was easy enough and no issues with touch but I've noticed sporadically some very distracting random discolorations similar to oil spills that come and go and suddenly a funky dot patterns likely fr the adhesive is now noticable weeks later and it's very annoying. Will likely buy alternative brand but for the price these were can't complain much
That's all so far folks, I'll update as I buy shiny new things
Case / Screen protectors
What case / screen protectors do you plan on using on your new p7p ? If the modem is still terrible at least you can disguise it in a nice case :D
forum.xda-developers.com
Why not use the thread in place on this topic?