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LG Nexus 4 Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series Case Review

Ok I gave this case a good two weeks of use so here's an honest review. Please excuse my horrid writing skills :silly:
I bought this case from a vendor on ebay for $22 shipped to my door step (He only had one in stock). When I recieved the case it was sexy. The materials used to make the Ballistic cases are top notch. This case makes you feel like your Nexus 4 will not die when it falls off of something. It is on the larger side of cases but I like big bulky cases.
OK for the past two weeks I have been using the Ballistic case non stop. I have dropped my phone from a pretty tall height onto concrete using this case. I was on a tall ladder about 12ft high and my phone was on top playing pandora. Well I derped and forgot the phone was up on top when I went to move the ladder. Lets just say it sounded bad when myt Nexus hit the concrete. I picked it up thinking of the worst and what do you know the case protected the Nexus 4 from any damage! So the case paid for itself already! The only negative thing I can say about this case is the rubber used is a little too soft and it does collect dust. Other then that I give this case a 9.5/10!
Ballistic Cases make otterbox's look like cheap plastic snap together ebay cases compared to the LG Nexus 4 Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series Case. I will never buy from another casemaker again!
Link of case: http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/lg-nexus-4-ballistic-shell-gel-sg-series-case
Photos of the Case after 2 weeks of use.
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Thanks for the review.
Do you have a screen protector? How does the case fit with the screen protector?
Does the case cause the phone to get hot at all? I wonder sometimes if these thick cases cause devices to run warmer thus reducing the life of the phone.
Also is that a custom rom you're running? What clock/weather widget are you using?
Thanks again!

ClintRhodes said:
Thanks for the review.
Do you have a screen protector? How does the case fit with the screen protector?
Does the case cause the phone to get hot at all? I wonder sometimes if these thick cases cause devices to run warmer thus reducing the life of the phone.
Also is that a custom rom you're running? What clock/weather widget are you using?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No screen protector on my device so I couldn't tell ya. Um no my device never gets hot with or without the case. And I am running the stock rom and the widget is HD Widgets.

What icons are you using on your launcher? Good review by the way.

Nice review. I have this same case and it is great. the response when pressing the power button is really good. The case makes the phone feel solid and secure in hand. I previously had the official bumper and while it showed off the phone it was slippery and I doubt it would have really protected it on a fall. I would have saved myself weeks of angst if I had bought the Ballistic case when I first got my N4.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

ClintRhodes said:
Thanks for the review.
Do you have a screen protector? How does the case fit with the screen protector?
Does the case cause the phone to get hot at all? I wonder sometimes if these thick cases cause devices to run warmer thus reducing the life of the phone.
Also is that a custom rom you're running? What clock/weather widget are you using?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this case with the Skinomi TechSkin screen protector, its fine as long as you dont pull back on the case and let it latch on the screen protector :good:

Let's see the damage on the case when you dropped it 12ft.........
[LG NEXUS⁴] [LIQUIDSMOOTH] [MATR1X] [POETIC BLK BUMPER] [APEX PRO] [TAPATALK PRO]

drew_grant said:
What icons are you using on your launcher? Good review by the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tersus by Kovdev https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kov.theme.tersus&hl=en
dEris said:
Let's see the damage on the case when you dropped it 12ft.........
[LG NEXUS⁴] [LIQUIDSMOOTH] [MATR1X] [POETIC BLK BUMPER] [APEX PRO] [TAPATALK PRO]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It hit and landed dead smack screen side down. Would have been bad without this case.

Thanks for review.
Bye!
! !

I think this will be my next case... Mine is destroyed and I really need a new one! Thanks

Post your s5 case photos!!

Share the pics of your s5 cases

My case...
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Enviado do meu SM-G900F através de Tapatalk

Here are some of my cases:

Any cases you guys are selling? pm me if ever.

and people tell me i have too many cases (only 2)

felloffthetruck said:
Here are some of my cases:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the clear UAG 5th one over. But, oh man that Recon is nice! But, not $150 nice!

Toogoofy said:
I have the clear UAG 5th one over. But, oh man that Recon is nice! But, not $150 nice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does the clear uag case get scratch easier than the other colors?

I had 1 case ****canned it. Don't use cases now, the manufactures go through so much design to make these phones fit and be slim it is almost a shame to put a case on it. I have dropped mine at least 8 times a few little dings, I wash it daily with soap and water and have yet to have an issue..

.lovemeicase.com/goods.php?id=74[/url] I just got this case and it is awesome, plus it doubles as a crime deterrent. I bought it off eBay though for only 25 I only knew about these cases because I had one for my iPhone 5.

davew41 said:
I had 1 case ****canned it. Don't use cases now, the manufactures go through so much design to make these phones fit and be slim it is almost a shame to put a case on it. I have dropped mine at least 8 times a few little dings, I wash it daily with soap and water and have yet to have an issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soap is not good on the phone my friend.

Body Glove case. Really nice grip, anti microbial, and feels very high quality. Snugs the phone tight. Also have the ZAGG glass protector and it works fine with it.

Spigen Tough Armor Case - Gunmetal
This case provide good protection and is very compact. I dropped my phone once and it seemed to provide very good protection.
The buttons are easy to press and I actually like the buttons are flat along the edge of the case, so the chance to mistakenly press the buttons is less!
The cutouts are very good. There are 4 tiny bumps at the back corners that prevent the back from scratches and lift the speaker a little bit above the surface you placed on, so less damping to the speaker.
This case feels high quality made, easy to hold in the hand, and looks good.

Agreed
torr310 said:
This case provide good protection and is very compact. I dropped my phone once and it seemed to provide very good protection.
The buttons are easy to press and I actually like the buttons are flat along the edge of the case, so the chance to mistakenly press the buttons is less!
The cutouts are very good. There are 4 tiny bumps at the back corners that prevent the back from scratches and lift the speaker a little bit above the surface you placed on, so less damping to the speaker.
This case feels high quality made, easy to hold in the hand, and looks good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually bought this case before I even bought the phone! It just gives the phone a rugged look and feel. With the phone by itself I didn't necessarily care for the look of it and knew I wanted a case for the S5. Couldn't be happier with this purchase. I even like the ridge edges it has and makes it easier to grip.

My newest spigen case in my collection.

Picked this up from a Cellaris kiosk in the mall.. Had one on my note 2 for the last year and it did an excellent job protecting my phone, so I went back and got one for my S5, I love the kick stand, but the one on my note 2 case seemed more durable than the one on my S5 cases.
They will usually mix and match colors to suit you, and I went with this combo, for the heck of it heh.
heres a link to their webpage, they have other colors at the kiosk, but you get an idea. most of the cases are cruddy, but the kiosks have otterboxes, kraken, and some other decent named cases.. this case set me back about $30.. worth it in my opinion.
http://www.amazon.com/iBOLT-xProDock-car-speakers-extended-Batteries/dp/B00AOCSFYC
cheers

I'm using the incipio teal/cyanish with grey. its kind of funny how small the phone is when I have to take it out (like 2 times now) but this thing is durable. I've dropped it and kicked it a few times and it holds up. love how it keeps my camera nice and tucked in. looks pretty cool too but it's built for abuse it seems.

These are my cases up to this moment. unfortunately, i can't use most of them since i'm using the OEM qi.

lordandroid said:
My newest spigen case in my collection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one is that?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

stricklerjosh said:
Which one is that?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spigen Air cushion they have it in a series of colors
Sent from my SM-T700

Naked/Transparent Full Body Skin Protectors

I've noticed that there are a lot of threads for rugged cases, slim cases, vinyl skins and for people who want to use the phone naked (with Nexus Protect, hopefully ).
But how about covering the phone in a clear, transparent skin to protect the soft alluminium against scratches, while preserving the awesome look and design of the Nexus 6p?
I've found a handful of such skins:
http://www.skinomi.com/sk22137-huawei-nexus-6p-skin-protector.html
http://www.skinomi.com/sk22137-matte-nexus-6p-phone-skin-protector.html
http://www.iqshield.com/iq22137-huawei-nexus-6p-skin-protector.html
http://phantomskinz.com/google-nexus-6p/
http://www.xtremeguard.com/Huawei-Nexus-6P-Screen-Protectors-p/huanex6pxgrds.htm
http://www.armorsuit.com/huawei-nexus-6p-full-body-skin-protector.html
http://www.bestskinsever.com/google-nexus-6p-skins
Please share your experience with products like these (even with previous phones), or tell us if you order one!

A few samples from a couple different brands
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I've got the first Skinomi you listed installed on my aluminum angler while I'm waiting for a dbrand skin to arrive. Although I've used the Skinomi screen protector before, this is my first time using the full body skin. In short, I love it. I typically carry my phone in my front pocket and so far there's been no peeling, scratches, etc... It adds a nice tackiness to the grip. I doubt it provides any drop protection though. Visually, I can't tell there's anything on the phone.

Bought xtremeguard to protect mine while i waited for my vinyl skin. The screen guard had huge cut outs for the speaker and the proximity sensors were covered. That leaves a lot of glass exposed and a black screen on calls.
The back was also poorly cut in terms of fit and finish. There's no skin provided for the visor, and the top edge of aluminum around the visor was completely omitted.
I bought that for $2 back when there was a sale code, but it was definitely not something I would keep on the long term. That being said, the visibility through the skin was quite good after you let the skin settle in about 2 days after installation.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

adrman said:
I've got the first Skinomi you listed installed on my aluminum angler while I'm waiting for a dbrand skin to arrive. Although I've used the Skinomi screen protector before, this is my first time using the full body skin. In short, I love it. I typically carry my phone in my front pocket and so far there's been no peeling, scratches, etc... It adds a nice tackiness to the grip. I doubt it provides any drop protection though. Visually, I can't tell there's anything on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could I trouble you for a pic of the skin on alluminum? All i see is the graphite ones, would be nice to see how the alluminum looks with one of these skins. Thanks!

hudsoncouto said:
Could I trouble you for a pic of the skin on alluminum? All i see is the graphite ones, would be nice to see how the alluminum looks with one of these skins. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. I could have aligned the back piece a bit better. It's a little low. I figured I'd just leave it though since I'm expecting a dbrand. Also, there is a skin over the visor as well.

Those pics look pretty darn good actually. I wouldn't mind a clear visor vinyl, but I'm rocking a matte black already.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

rice923 said:
Those pics look pretty darn good actually. I wouldn't mind a clear visor vinyl, but I'm rocking a matte black already.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, about the only thing they missed was a piece directly above the visor. I tried putting it in the Google Adopted case as well. It barely fit, but I hated the look, so skin only.

Just ordered a Bestskinever full body skin. We'll see if its cut out better than the other ones.

All these other brands seem to share more or less the same cuts, ommiting the strip above the visor, and not really covering "edge-to-edge". Waiting for some company to solve these issues. I'm mostly excited about Slickwrap's Naked series. It had perfect coverage on the HTC one M8

Rhino Bumper FAIL

The Rhino Bumper arrived today. Very excited to get it. It fits great, REALLY makes the phone look excellent. EXCEPT THE CHARHER DOES NOT FIT. My Verizon USB C fast CHARGER, my MOTO Z FORCE DROID fast CHARGER are BOTH TOO BIG.....honestly I have not tried my pixel CHARGER because it's at work...I'll know tomorow, but I'm almost certain it was bigger than the Motorola. UNEBELIEVABLE. And how do you even get that opening close? Why make it close? I'm so disappointed.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

post some pictures???????

I'm big enough to admit I made a mistake and look like a jack ass...lol. It CAN go in but you gotta really CRANK THE HELL OUT OF IT....I may have slightly jumped the gun. Still 1 or 2 more mm and this wouldn't be a problem
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I'd love to see a few pictures.

I have 6 or more USB-C cables including the one that came with my XPS laptop and Pixel C , all the ends are about the same size.
It is insane that they did not consider the size of the USB-C ends. That is pretty basic for a case. Send it back and pick up a Spigen Rugged Armor case. Light but protective and cheap. It's a great case. I already accidentallydropped my phone from 4' onto a tile floor. No damage.

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Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

You can't really see the siW of the opening and the plug, but it's so Tight... Now I actually feel a click when I apply a LOT of pressure.
The bumper is the BEST bumper I've had since that all glass Nexus, I think the Nexus 4 it was. This I really really well made and nice.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Just get an exacto knife and enlarge the opening. Should not be difficult. Just don't do it while it is on the phone

The area that needs to be bigger is too thin man...it has seemingly stretched a bit now and is going in easier...
This Bumper is AWESOME.
IM REALLY HOPING I can get this Bumper on OVER the Dbrand I have coming for the back.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Bumper looks too damn big and complaints of the buttons feeling like garbage. If it were a somewhat thin bumper, like that of the Nexus 4 (I had one with the official bumper too), it'd be great.

Yeah, no. It's as compact a bumper I've ever seen. It's absolutely the best bumper I've ever ever had. Buttons are better on this than on Incipios. It's a great case, this opening has moved enough so it's working fine. The thin part is very hard durable . It's quality made
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Pretty sure the bumper is thicker so it can protect it as well as it states. If you are looking for a thin one definitely don't recommend it. It's definitely a little bigger than I thought but if it saves my Pixel I'm fine.

It fits fine for me. Using both the included cables and the one from the nexus 6p. No stretching or anything like that.

How's the lip that protects the screen when placed facedown on the table? Been hearing reports that it's too thin.

Nitemare3219 said:
Bumper looks too damn big and complaints of the buttons feeling like garbage. If it were a somewhat thin bumper, like that of the Nexus 4 (I had one with the official bumper too), it'd be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is too big. Looks awkward on the phone. The back looks weird IMO with the tapered edges.
I returned mine this morning. Bummer because I was really looking forward to it.

HoOnZ said:
How's the lip that protects the screen when placed facedown on the table? Been hearing reports that it's too thin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a thick tgsp then it will be close on clearance. I'm loving the crash guard for the pixel xl. I loved the 6p version but the camera hump made for a weird design.
I have a dbrand skin on the way too. I'm going to replicate what I had on my 6p.

Yeah you have to force the plugs in the first couple of times but it gets better.
I love this bumper! I'm waiting for my slickwraps naked skin to show up before I use it daily though. TPU case until then.

Any slim cases for the Mi 9T/Pro

I've been looking for slim cases everywhere and still can't find anything decent as all of them are too thick. Years ago I used to have a paper thin one just to avoid random scratches but I don't think they produce them anymore .

_EriK_ said:
I've been looking for slim cases everywhere and still can't find anything decent as all of them are too thick. Years ago I used to have a paper thin one just to avoid random scratches but I don't think they produce them anymore .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... most people go for skins, these days

2VJ5 said:
Yeah... most people go for skins, these days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but still not as safe as a minimal case.

_EriK_ said:
True, but still not as safe as a minimal case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one which comes with the phone is the thinnest i've seen

lol dont crack the display , its quite costly to replace

2VJ5 said:
Yeah... most people go for skins, these days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aimara said:
lol dont crack the display , its quite costly to replace
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much more than the S10+ screen. That thing is made of pure gold and diamonds ....

_EriK_ said:
Not much more than the S10+ screen. That thing is made of pure gold and diamonds ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha sammy , cream of the crop :laugh:

_EriK_ said:
I've been looking for slim cases everywhere and still can't find anything decent as all of them are too thick. Years ago I used to have a paper thin one just to avoid random scratches but I don't think they produce them anymore .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this frameless case and I like it: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000149163511.html
For scratches I bought front and back hydrogel covers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33030964028.html

cile1977 said:
I bought this frameless case and I like it: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000149163511.html
For scratches I bought front and back hydrogel covers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33030964028.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any pic of your phone ? want to see the hydrogel coverage .

You can hardly see it. I will try to take photo of it with my Olympus tomorrow.

Aimara said:
any pic of your phone ? want to see the hydrogel coverage .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are photos of hydrogel film on my K20 Pro:
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I bought this one , it literally says slim. Unfortunately design is horrible and case is still thick af....

Get spigen case it's amazing... slim compared to other armo covers... Tried around 3-4 covers and settled with Spigen... Not super slim but superb protection... I have two k20 pros.. So attaching both the phones with case

i got the one below its nice and slim.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000022167762.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.57da4c4del9xaJ

sam00561 said:
i got the one below its nice and slim.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000022167762.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.57da4c4del9xaJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks really cool!

_EriK_ said:
Looks really cool!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is cool and really slim but took over a month to arrive.

cile1977 said:
Here are photos of hydrogel film on my K20 Pro:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also bought hydrogel film to try. Still have doubts about protection (better or not than tempered glass).
Do you think the screen is responsive like a tempered glass and the protection is the same?
You are happy with that?
---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------
sam00561 said:
It is cool and really slim but took over a month to arrive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought 3 cases for my mi 9t pro.
A TPU transparent (is nice but i know with time will have yellow parts like other ones)
(https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/4000110136882.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2742b90alwR9tO)
A slim one (https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/33052839264.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2742b90aovcso7)
And a armor one (https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/33006204196.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2742b90a5Ljoar)
For me, the ideal is one with a total transparent (not matte) and with a protection of a armor one. The armor above hide the phone back beauty in the side (where the blue is brighter)
Any other good choice?

I have a Spigen as well but since the phone is new I am showing it off with a Ringke case [emoji16]
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk

Does anybody know where to buy the original Xiaomi Case, that comes with the phone?

Stupendousman said:
Does anybody know where to buy the original Xiaomi Case, that comes with the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for the same and this is the closest thing I could find. They are ever so slightly thicker and not quite as tight fitting as the original. They also do not give button protection as there's just a cutout in that area, and sides don't come up above the screen (they are flush). The originals have a very little lip over the screen. Not that it matters because if it falls with either case on it probably won't end well. That said, I have dropped the phone once and it survived without a scratch.