Do not buy gel back casings - Nexus S Accessories

I bought a nice gel back casing to protect my back cover.
However, my I9023 seems not to be liking that gel casing. My volume buttons stick out a little too far so they seem to be pressed all times. This results in the double vibration error code.
Let's say all the hard buttons are hard to press. Is anyone else having this problem?

i had that issue on my i9023 as didn't know they were thicker when ordered it. was gonna bin it cause it was cheap but thought i'd modify it first. took stanley knife (sharp blade) and cut around grooves of buttons so cut buttons out of case. when re-fitted you can easily press buttons through case and it no longer presses them.

Try capdase brand it fits very well

muller37 said:
i had that issue on my i9023 as didn't know they were thicker when ordered it. was gonna bin it cause it was cheap but thought i'd modify it first. took stanley knife (sharp blade) and cut around grooves of buttons so cut buttons out of case. when re-fitted you can easily press buttons through case and it no longer presses them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cut holes out on mine as well. It definitely still doesn't feel made for the phone, but it works well.

I bought a whole bunch of gel/tpu cases from ebay and none have this problem.

Related

Metal case

well, went out on a limb & got the metal case off EBAY $28 to the door, in under a week from hong kong to arizona.
plus - fits real good, light, sturdy
plus - keyboard folds back flat against back if you're not using it
minus - keyboard will need double sided tape or something to hold it in - its a press fit into a neoprene cutout, works fine 1st time you close/opent the case.. 2nd time the keyboard will be held to the unit by its magnets.
minus - no 'real' latch, relys on the keyboard magnets
minus - hinges are plastic, and when closed, the 'top' keyboard side has some slop, can move a little side to side.
I guess I'll have to wait for a nice thin leather case, with a real latch. (I dont like the thick clips on the stock one)
I was curious about this case, as I'm looking for something I could use to mount my Advantage on my motorcycle. What I would basically do is take the front or flip portion of the case off, and connect a RAM mount to the back of it.
So my main question is - if I did take off the flip portion of the case, would it still support the Advantage in a sturdy fashion? Thanks for any info!
support
yeah, the main portion you actualy have to force into position, it slides from the hinge side in, there's 2 small indentations (near the speakers) that it slides under.
when you slide it in/out it rubs a bit on the volume slider, presses the wireless button down etc, not sure i'd want to be doing it alot.
azcaddman said:
well, went out on a limb & got the metal case off EBAY $28 to the door, in under a week from hong kong to arizona.
plus - fits real good, light, sturdy
plus - keyboard folds back flat against back if you're not using it
minus - keyboard will need double sided tape or something to hold it in - its a press fit into a neoprene cutout, works fine 1st time you close/opent the case.. 2nd time the keyboard will be held to the unit by its magnets.
minus - no 'real' latch, relys on the keyboard magnets
minus - hinges are plastic
BIG MINUS - for me ... internal gps in leather case - locks 9 satelites in my house, 3-4 at 2/3 strenght, rest at 1/3-1/2, but when in metal case ... locks 4 satellites, all at 1/3-1/2 strengh .. so it significantly interferes with gps reception .. not sure about phone as I dont use it for that (yet).
I guess I'll have to wait for a nice thin leather case, with a real latch. (I dont like the thick clips on the stock one)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post some pics of the case with your device in it? Im looking for a case to just carry around my Ameo in without the keyboard, think this may be going over the top but may well be just what i need.
Thanks
Photos are at my photo page at 1600x1200 res, a bit big for here.
it can be slow at times, so be patient
and no, i didn't dust it off first
after giving it another try, the gps seems to be getting a good signal in the case.
Thanks for the pics, looks alot better than i thought. Im looking more for a hard case or skin for the screen part only, im not to fussed with carrying the keyboard around as this ads to the bulk of the device, and when carrying in the pocket, my trousers are already around my ankles as it is!
This case does look really good tho, and does provide some protection for the unit which is another concern of mine.
Mmm, got me thinking now!
was debating on getting the metal case or the black book-type...both of which can be found in ebay. i opted for the metal case since it covers the entire unit...the book-type still leaves some areas exposed. covering the entire unitis quite handy especially as i chuck it in the diaper bag in the weekends =)
the metal case does not cover it 100%, the end where the hinges are, is uncovered (except for the plastic hinges) including the 2 corners
also, the case covers the reset 'button' on the back
photo HERE
yeah the case doesn't cover the unit 100% but it's more than enough for me. mine arrived yesterday...got it from hong kong as well...looks good and i'm quite satisfied with it. the only gripe i have is that the reset button is partially covered =) but other than that i'm quite pleased with it. thinking of getting the black metal case as well just for the sake of diversity =)
cheers
One could consider drilling a hole if the reset access is needed???

Aluminum Metal Case

I received yesterday my protection for Leo. I share with you the results of this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/show/with/4210742282/
For shipping this protection:
http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000801&products_id=26364
Thanks for sharing; however you would have been better off posting in the Cases thread where we all go to see what's happening in the world of cases.
WB
Agree with above poster, can a mod fix this?
Nice case! ive also ordered 1 last week at PDAir, the 1 without a screen, so easy acces, but fewer protection. I am hoping its more solid so i can put it in my back pocket without getting a red face everytime i realize i accidently put it there...
When did you order it and did it took long (i am eager to get mine, but now hope is gone till monday or tuesday...)
I disagree.
The "Cases" thread is too long and too complicated for discussing any one specific case.
Anyway I ordered mine just a moment ago and would very much like to hear how quick was the shipment, how snug is the fit and how reassuring the neoprene feels
It's a shame they opted for a plastic screen protector instead of either a window-less aluminum door or a transparent cover that lets you work with the touchscreen.
mohasea said:
I received yesterday my protection for Leo. I share with you the results of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mohasea,
How thick is the plastic cover over the screen?
Does the plastic cover flex?
Do you think the plastic cover would prevent the screen being cracked if dropped screen down on ummm concrete?
Duperman said:
It's a shame they opted for a plastic screen protector instead of either a window-less aluminum door
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree, wish they had a solid aluminum front door instead of the window cut-out covered in plastic or the other option they have of no plastic window cut-out. I would order one now,even not having my Leo yet, just because the front door was solid aluminum.
I am going to contact PDair and see if they would leave a few front doors out of the cnc cutter and have a full cover aluminum
Would you like one too, Duperman ?
Thank you,
Monnie
I have ordered an open screen case despite it may not fully protect the screen. HD2 has a glass screen and it is hard enough against scratch as what has been in iphone.
Would you like one too, Duperman?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely
Mine, the one without screen plastic, is supposed to arrive between now and Jan 27th next year...(sometime)
take care
Anyone got theirs yet?
Would love to see some detailed photos and a review of the case pros/cons
Thank you,
Monnie
I'm debating whether to go with their leather flip case or this aluminum case...
I got this case and immediatly wished there was no plastic screen on the front door. So, I held it over some boiling water for about 2 mins and and then used my thumb nail (not kidding it was easy) to pry the plastic from the metal. The whole lot peeled off easily, i replaced the foam into the case and BAM perfect case. (be careful not to rip the foam, but if you do it will still stick back. also the foam stretched out a bit but pushed back into shape no problem. TIP: Work from the front side of the case, wedge your nail into the seem and loosen it all the way around. If it starts to get tough again, hold it over steam for a while longer.
Also.. when the plastic was still inplace and the case door was closed, there would be random screen presses and that was not cool, however now that the plastic is out, i can leave the door closed, press when I want too, AND there is no random case presses
I know this sounds like a poor fix, but it worked awesome and it looks like it was SUPPOSED to come this way.
Now all i need is for my zag shield (front only) to show up and im perfectly protected (minus water damage dammit)
awesome case guys im not kidding. you dont have to put the nubbin on in the back either so it doesnt add much bulk to teh phone. good luck yo.
Got mine too and I use the black open faced aluminum for local use and insert the whole unit;
aluminum case and all into the Maxpedition "Rat" wallet for carrying on belts etc.... http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...&idcategory=11
Like it alot....
FWIW
well, do not kill me if I say so .. but it is ugly as hell.
I do not say that it does not protect the phone, or the the finishing it's not ok .. but from a slim phone with a huge screen, it looks like a bullet proof brick with a screen.
The whole idea of an elegant smartphone it's gone.
Small question: what do you hate about the original leather case?
It is elegant, slim easy to use and protect the phone in normal use conditions or small accidents.
Capdase Alumor Metal Case
Bought this silicon w/ aluminium backcover case by CAPDASE in Hong Kong, adding a more "solid" feel over the pure silicon case. It comes with a CAPDASE screen protector as well.
http://www.mobimega.com/capdase-alumor-metal-case-htc-hd2.html
Beware that the silicon case may not glue well to the aluminum backcover (I think it's the factory problem) which may leave a small gap between them when you put the phone in. I have to apply some glue to fix that myself. Apart from the case is nice and not too costly.
byronlee said:
Bought this silicon w/ aluminium backcover case by CAPDASE in Hong Kong, adding a more "solid" feel over the pure silicon case. It comes with a CAPDASE screen protector as well.
Beware that the silicon case may not glue well to the aluminum backcover (I think it's the factory problem) which may leave a small gap between them when you put the phone in. I have to apply some glue to fix that myself. Apart from the case is nice and not too costly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I am seriously thinking about ordering one for my Desire (A8181).
But what I'm not able to find, is how it works. I mean, you seem to describe the case as a silicone skin, with a metal plate sticked to it.
I thought it was more like a silicone skin with another semi-case to "clip" over the silicon....
Can you confirm if I am right or wrong?
And can you post multiple angles pictures?
Thank you, it would be much appreciated!
thanks but
so uglly
Ohh Great!
Thanks for the pictures! To me is one of the best cases i've ever seen.

Cutting a hole in TPU case?

So I have a case from TPU-cases.com and love it but have decided I'm tired of how hard it is to press the power button. Anyone have any suggestions how to cut out a hole for it? Do you think this would make it easier or more difficult to press the button?
I just tinkered with a sharp knife and this case is really, really tough...
I don't have one of these cases but you might try to sand out the inside using a dremel at low speeds or carve out the inside of the button area with something else. Hope you didn't take the knife to the outside of the case. That'll look tacky. Ideally you want to make the button softer.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I had to remove a bit of excess plastic around the microusb port on my N1's TPU case, as well as some extra around the flash on the camera (it was giving all my flash photos a blue tint). I used an X-acto knife and was INCREDIBLY careful. It worked, although it wasn't PERFECT.
use a hole puncher, or simply use scissor if you don't mind minor imperfections
Exacto knife.
Power button and volume rocker sucked when I first got the case. However, i flashed something wrong a few days ago and had to do a battery pull. Putting the vase on a second time lined everything up better somehow (these cases are a little too tight) and the power button is much much easier to press. On a side note, I'm really hesitant about taking on and off this particular case. The edges are a little too stiff and sharp for my taste and I'm afraid it will eventually scratch or Mar the plastic bezel taking it on and off. Other than that its a great case. I am using the gloss black one but I also have the smoke argyle case from the same company (tpucases.com) and the smoke has a rough spot on one of the edges and didn't fit or line up as well as the black one. Leads me to believe some of these will give you an easier time pressing the buttons than others. Sanding the button cutouts to make them thinner and easier to press does seem like a great idea though.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Jayrod1980 said:
Power button and volume rocker sucked when I first got the case. However, i flashed something wrong a few days ago and had to do a battery pull. Putting the vase on a second time lined everything up better somehow (these cases are a little too tight) and the power button is much much easier to press. On a side note, I'm really hesitant about taking on and off this particular case. The edges are a little too stiff and sharp for my taste and I'm afraid it will eventually scratch or Mar the plastic bezel taking it on and off. Other than that its a great case. I am using the gloss black one but I also have the smoke argyle case from the same company (tpucases.com) and the smoke has a rough spot on one of the edges and didn't fit or line up as well as the black one. Leads me to believe some of these will give you an easier time pressing the buttons than others. Sanding the button cutouts to make them thinner and easier to press does seem like a great idea though.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was trying to figure out what edge you are talking about that is sharp and now that I'm holding the case in my hand i see it, its the inside edge of the case. You can only feel it when its off the phone. I would be extremely surprised if you could scratch the bezel with TPU. I've never had any customer tell me they have done so at least, and I never have on any of my phones.
As for the power button stiffness, we have now addressed this on all future models. We finally went to a cutout design. Of course now that we have done so I've already received 2 reports of people saying they liked the molded design better. I guess you cant please everyone! Still using a molded volume rocker, but the TPU is thinned out a bit more on the newer models so it should be easy to press. If your using one of our older cases a nice trick is putting some clear tape on the inside of the case where the molded buttons are to fill in the gap. Works very well on some models. I've cut TPU cases with xacto knives before and I would recommend it, it always ends up looking like crap. If your more skilled with a blade then me maybe you could do better.
I know this thread is dated, but I did a search and it lead me here. I need to cut out a hole in the edge for the infrared blaster for my samsung galaxy tab sch-I815 7.7. As you may or may may not know that it's difficult to find a good selection of tpu cases for this device. Would a hot knife eg. Exacto blade mounted in a variable temp soldering iron, small dremel grindng bit or a leather hole puncher work better? At what temperature will the tpu material melt and not burn?
If you're nifty with a sharp knife or paper cutter. This might be for you.. Depending on how hard or soft the TPU case is, I use to slice CAREFULLY the top and bottom part of the button tab impressions of the case, without slicing everything off. Thus loosen it up a bit, and give it a little more flexibility. Which leaves me with the buttons still protected, and also not get bugged thinking an overly tight case might break the button itself with the constant pressure all the time. It works for me. It could probably work for you too.
Note: Just slice the top and bottom part. Imagine the button impression as a rectangle. You just slice the longer sides of the rectangle part, leave the shorter sides alone..
What I did was remove the nexus s back cover and the buttons pressed just fine I have a tpu case and don't really need nfc
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Thank you for all of your suggestions.

[Q] thin case for NS4G

They just came out so I don't expect miracles but I figured that one of these stretch rubber kind might fit it. However, I hate to add more thickness to the phone so does anyone know of an extra thin one?
You can try a i9023 case as I believe the super LCD Nexus are slightly thicker than the i9020s. I'm not too sure if the thickness is the same as the sprint versions though.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
The sprint store has a few gel cases that are thin. People are also reporting that the CaseMate Pop fits the 4G.
Has anyone gotten this case:
http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onli...=Carry+&+Protect&selectedAccessoryID=CZS0566R
How is it? what's the fit like. Can you post some pics?
I went with the Incipio Feather case. Its the thinest I know of.
http://www.myincipio.com/Google-Nexus-S-Cases-Accessories/Incipio-Samsung-Google-Nexus-S-feather-Ultralight-Hard-Shell-Case.asp
Does it snap on well on the NS4G?
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
obsanity said:
Does it snap on well on the NS4G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It hasn't shown up yet so I wont know for another day or 2. Users on other forums have confirmed that it fits well.
As reported in other thread incipio case fits NS4G without problems, the only "complaint" is that the cutout for power button is not centered but lowered, still it doesn't affect/press the button.
Mine came cracked at the bottom, called incipio, they're sending a new one.
i got this case and its a pain to press the power button
http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=SPHD720KIT&selectedAccessoryID=CZS2033R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0
wish power was on top rather then on the side .. i usually change the volume when trying to turn on volume with my other fingers.
My wife wants this case but i dont believe that it will fit on the 4g version
http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Nexus-S...706558?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item48406faf7e
even though it says it does
all the other ones on ebay say they wont fit
Honestly I had the hard case from best buy and it fit my ns4g better than my tmo ns Im sure any hard case will work with it. That said dont get the platinum hard case from best buy it is garbage. Those gel cases from sprint seemed about the same thickness as the best buy hard case it hit the holster perfectly but i didnt put one on the phone. Instead I went with this
http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onli...ryID=CHS8564R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0
I am very happy with this case it fastens together very securly and fit even with the invisa-sheild
When I got my ns4g I had the same problem so I got both a red incipio feather and the case/holster combo from sprint
http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onli...ryID=CHS8564R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0
The incipio fits fine minus the fact that power button is a little off but its really not a problem or a deal breaker. The case from sprint works great and isn't too bulky either, though not as thin as the incipio case. I personally would suggest both.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
myeyez said:
The sprint store has a few gel cases that are thin. People are also reporting that the CaseMate Pop fits the 4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a heads up. The gel case at the Sprint store sucks.. It's so tight you barely have to touch the phone to turn it on, or key a volume key.. It's really awkward pressing buttons through a layer of gel.
obsanity said:
Has anyone gotten this case:
http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onli...=Carry+&+Protect&selectedAccessoryID=CZS0566R
How is it? what's the fit like. Can you post some pics?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go, the phone was very thin to begin with [Coming from an evo mind you] so i wanted to add some bulk using the case, but it doesn't add much at all...very little
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1621.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1619.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1618.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1617.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1612.jpg
XxsydenxX said:
Here you go, the phone was very thin to begin with [Coming from an evo mind you] so i wanted to add some bulk using the case, but it doesn't add much at all...very little
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1621.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1619.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1618.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1617.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/XxSydenxX/IMG_1612.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. This is the sucky gel case I threw in the trash. Very annoying to operate the power button and volume keys through that layer of gel.
Well... I've successfully tried ALL available cases for the NS4G now, and I'll say this... they ALL suck. All of them. I hope some decent offerings become available soon.
droidmage said:
Honestly I had the hard case from best buy and it fit my ns4g better than my tmo ns Im sure any hard case will work with it. That said dont get the platinum hard case from best buy it is garbage. Those gel cases from sprint seemed about the same thickness as the best buy hard case it hit the holster perfectly but i didnt put one on the phone. Instead I went with this
http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onli...ryID=CHS8564R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0
I am very happy with this case it fastens together very securly and fit even with the invisa-sheild
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does this phone fit the ZAGG Invisashield? Does it match up well with the power buttons etc?
Thanks!
The Incipio Feather case is perfect. Nice matte black finish, feels great in hand, and us thin, but still overlaps the top of screen which is great.
I know it fits slightly off on my 4G version but that's barely noticable. Looks awesome.
I have the Feather case on my EVO as well, but it does not come up and overlap top of screen, it only goes up 90% on the sides which I do not like. Wish it was designed same as the Nexus-S version.
Sent from my EVO 4G "Myn's RS 5"
styckx said:
Just a heads up. The gel case at the Sprint store sucks.. It's so tight you barely have to touch the phone to turn it on, or key a volume key.. It's really awkward pressing buttons through a layer of gel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up.
The clear argyle gel case is what I have. Yes, in the beginning it was a pain in the ass to push the buttons. I tried a little cutting on the case and now it's not so difficult to deal with. I got a brand new exacto knife blade with a tip blade. I put the case on the phone and gently made a surface mark on the top, bottom, left and right of where the buttons actually are. The volume seemed centered correctly but the power wasn't. Anyways, I made my marks with the tip of the knife so I knew where to cut. I went about a millimeter farther than I needed to go on the borders. I removed the phone and put something the same thickness as the phone on the inside of the gel to give me some leverage to carefully make the cutouts in the gel. I didn't try to cut it all in one shot. I made many passes on the line I was cutting until I managed to go all the way through. It doesn't look stock and it's not ocd perfect but it got the job done and the case is still strong. I originally got the two piece with the holster at sprint but I didn't like it quickly when holding it in my hand with a flat palm, the phone would slide down easily in my hand. I was too afraid of that adding to the chance it might fall out of my hand. The gel is still strong, covers all the phone, has a lip on the front where the screen is so it's not flush on the screen and it doesn't interfere with a zagg screen protector. I could post pics if anyone is interested in seeing it.
herbthehammer said:
The clear argyle gel case is what I have. Yes, in the beginning it was a pain in the ass to push the buttons. I tried a little cutting on the case and now it's not so difficult to deal with. I got a brand new exacto knife blade with a tip blade. I put the case on the phone and gently made a surface mark on the top, bottom, left and right of where the buttons actually are. The volume seemed centered correctly but the power wasn't. Anyways, I made my marks with the tip of the knife so I knew where to cut. I went about a millimeter farther than I needed to go on the borders. I removed the phone and put something the same thickness as the phone on the inside of the gel to give me some leverage to carefully make the cutouts in the gel. I didn't try to cut it all in one shot. I made many passes on the line I was cutting until I managed to go all the way through. It doesn't look stock and it's not ocd perfect but it got the job done and the case is still strong. I originally got the two piece with the holster at sprint but I didn't like it quickly when holding it in my hand with a flat palm, the phone would slide down easily in my hand. I was too afraid of that adding to the chance it might fall out of my hand. The gel is still strong, covers all the phone, has a lip on the front where the screen is so it's not flush on the screen and it doesn't interfere with a zagg screen protector. I could post pics if anyone is interested in seeing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested. I'm a little OCD... but I'm coming from the EVO and it just feels like the NS is like a bar of wet soap that I'm going to drop, and I have no rope.

Very dissapointed in Otterbox Defender case

I got my new Otterbox Defender case from AT&T today. Only paid $42 with shipping and tax so that wasn't too bad.
I weighed it against my Seidio Active case and holster and the Otterbox with holster weighs 12.5 ounces and the Active case with holster is 10.5 ounces if anybody was interested. Removing the clear plastic protective cover from the Otterbox lightens it by 0.15 ounces or about 4 grams.
I will say this thing feels like it will take a lot of abuse before the phone will break. That is of course, unless the screen is hit by a direct impact that the case can't deflect. Remember, there is a lot of screen area so anything protruding like a rock that makes initial contact with the screen will probably break the screen. No case will stop that.
Things I don't like about the Defender whether I knew about it when ordering or not......
yeah it adds a lot of bulk but not too bad. The volume up and down buttons are not very responsive but I suspect some electrical tape on the inside of the case over the phone buttons should help with that. The power button is actually a little too responsive for my taste. It is very easy to click the power button which sucks because the volume buttons have to be pressed hard and the thumb is usually over near the power button when operating the volume buttons. This leads to easy power button pressing.
The plastic case creaks like a wooden floor in a turn of the century house. What the hell is all of this about. Whether you squeeze the case side to side or twist the phone slightly. I suspect it is the outside case rubbing against the inner hard plastic case. I will try some baby powder on that. Still, the case does not have the rigidity that I was hoping for. If you manually twist the phone case at opposite corners the thing flexes way easily.
I called myself from my home phone, walked away and left the note 2 on the counter. I did not hear any echo from either phone as others have reported. This may show up later thought. If the phones are close together then echo can be present.
The plastic protective cover that comes with the case is garbage. Plain and simple. Yes there is a gap between the plastic and the phone screen. Very annoying. I took the plastic off within a few minutes. I have my own screen protector on it anyway.
I like the charging port and headphone port being covered with the rubber plugs.
When the case is put in the holster there is little leeway where the holster snaps into the detent in the phone edge. Several times I have found that the phone had to be adjusted a bit in order for the case to snap into the holster firmly. This may be a problem down the line or I might just modify it so that this makes a positive connection more easily.
This isn't really a comparison between the Active case and the Defender but I thought I would point out a few things.
I don't like having to use the Defender holster as a kickstand for the phone. The Active case has a built in stand in the case.
I do like the protective lip around the screen of the Defender which is made up of the softer outer shell and the hard plastic inner shell. The outside is not soft and gummy like silicone (like the Active) but a little harder. Kind of like a hard rubber but not as hard as a standard hard plastic if that makes any sense. It has a good feel to it. If the Defender is laid face down the hard lip does nothing to keep it from sliding. If laid on its back it resists sliding a little better depending on the surface. It is the opposite with the Active case. The Active has the silicone lip on the face and keeps the phone from sliding around if place face down. If the Active is placed on its back it will slide because the outside part is hard plastic.
The camera has a nice cutout with a lot of plastic protruding around it. The only way this camera lens is getting damages is if something goes right into the cutout and hits the lens directly. Getting to the stylus is very easy.
Ok, I did take the outer cover off and rubbed some baby powder to the inside. The creaking noise is diminished but still there.
I will try out the otterbox for a while and see how I like it. I work in a factory so it is highly plausible that this could fall off of a 12 foot ladder onto concrete. If I worked in an office I would not be using this case most likely.
I really like the look of the Active case in red much better than the otterbox. Fortunately, I place practicality over fashion generally.
Either way, I will hang on to the case and see what happens. Considering that both of these cases have similar MSRP (prices) the value is definitely in the Otterbox as far as material and engineering. The Active case needs to have a little more engineering and firmer material around the screen. in order to ask as much money as they do.
My biggest issue with the Defender is two fold:
1) Face it, this is an UGLY utilitarian looking case hiding our sexy thin phone. They did NOTHING to add any sex appeal to this case. It's like putting a bikini model in a full length raincoat and buttoning every snap.
2) The plastic screen protector feels cheap, scratchy and provides too much drag on the s-pen.
I got my commuter a few hours ago. It's pretty nice looking, the buttons aren't too hard to press, the cutouts are perfect, and it comes with a screen protector which I choose not to use. I couldn't ask for more from it. I also feel like it's very protective and would survive a 6 ft drop (even though im 5 ft).
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Note_2 said:
I got my commuter a few hours ago. It's pretty nice looking, the buttons aren't too hard to press, the cutouts are perfect, and it comes with a screen protector which I choose not to use. I couldn't ask for more from it. I also feel like it's very protective and would survive a 6 ft drop (even though im 5 ft).
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had the opportunity to hold the commuter series for this phone. Most of the cases for this phone need to be ordered since nobody seems to have anything in stock for this phone, around where I live, and I live in a decent sized city.
I got the commuter for $35 shipped on amazon. 3-5 day shipping, ordered Wednesday and got it earlier today even though it was expected tomorrow to friday! I tried to buy one closest to me for a decent price and the seller accessory net did great.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
I too have the creaking issue with the Defender. Mine(two of them) also creak and crackle. The plastic part that snaps together does not snap tightly thus causing some play which in turn causes the feeling that there is movement underneath and the creaking sounds. I got a replacement on the first one for this and the second one they sent also does this.
Otter customer service is great but the product right now imo is subpar
It is probably going to creak because it is suppose to flex... that is the whole point of the case absorbing impacts.
My biggest gripe about the Defender case is that dust makes it way in between the case's plastic screen protector and the phone's glass screen. It enters at the Home button mostly and at the top opening for the sensors. I have to open the case at least once a week and wipe out the dust. It's mainly fabric debris from my jeans pocket so I don't think it's anything scratchy.
honestly i hate my commuter case,its to damned fat,but when i drop my 700$ phone ,im happy, strange how that works
oddly enough, the only time I have dropped my Note 2 is when I used the otterbox Defender holster. If the phone case is pushed back and down in the holster when inserting , then the holster tab doesn't fully lock into the notch in the case. I thought I had it snapped in and it fell about 42 inches, I have a 36 inch inseam, and hit the concrete floor. Of course, this is a walk in the park for the Defender case so naturally there was no damage or marks on the case at all, and I wasn't worried about it when I picked the phone up.
My Active case has a much better spring loaded latch design so it is impossible for this to happen.
I actually got my knife out and made a little adjustment on the case notch so this won't happen again.

Categories

Resources