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I'm looking for a fairly durable case (just for me clumsily dropping it... I work a computer job so it doesn't need to be bulletproof) with some sort of kickstand and a belt clip. The only 2 I've seen by reputable brands I've seen for this has been the OtterBox Defender (with the holster being the kickstand) and the Seidio Active (with the case having it's own kickstand).
The Otterbox Defender seems overkill for my needs, but my wife has an Otterbox Commuter for her iPhone 5 and I'm super impressed with the build quality. But the Commuter has no kickstand or belt clip. I was curious if anyone has experience with the Seidio Active and how it compares to the OB Commuter and if the kickstand being way off center is an issue in day to day use? Or if there are any other suggestions?
The Active for the Note 2 is getting somewhat dubious reviews based on the inner layer being very loose around the edges. I personally won't use an Otter Box Defender because the interior plastic case, in a perfect display of why hard plastic should never be in direct contact with your phone, scratches up the phone case itself, the built-in screen protector actually traps dust and sand under it (leading to scratches), and the whole thing caused overheating problems with my Skyrocket.
I'm awaiting a Seidio Surface case, but if you look on eBay or Amazon, you'll find cases that are essentially identical to the Seidio active, but $10-12 instead of $40+. On eBay, they're called Rugged cases. On Amazon, they're called Rhino cases.
I looked at the Surface as it also has a kickstand but I'm a little hesitant as it just doesn't seem to provide enough protection. Maybe I'm a little "gun shy" because I dropped my last phone and cracked the screen. That's also the reason I'm hesitant about any of the $10 cases on Amazon or Ebay. Does their protection really compare with something like an Otterbox or Seidio?
i actually ordered an Active that just arrived, but im going to send it back without even trying it. too many reviews about the rubber bring loose has turned me off from it. i have an Ionic case on it now and it seems that it might due until the Trident Aegis comes out. I'm wondering if the Aegis can fit in the Seidio holster? Otherwise I'll continue to pocket it and wait for something else.
I'm not going with the Defender because of the rubber inner peace loosing it's form over time with previous purchases. Ottorbox has had excellent customer service with replacements, but I don't want to go through the hassle.
I have the rugged/rhino case for my note 2.
It's ok, I personally don't like the feel of the rubber, especially compared to otterbox or casemate.
Also the bottom part of it is pretty loose.
It's ok for $8 but I'll be replacing it soon when something else shows I like.
Hitman3984 said:
I have the rugged/rhino case for my note 2.
It's ok, I personally don't like the feel of the rubber, especially compared to otterbox or casemate.
Also the bottom part of it is pretty loose.
It's ok for $8 but I'll be replacing it soon when something else shows I like.
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Click to collapse
I too have the Rugged (from eBay) while I wait for Seidio to process my refund of the Active. The holster for the Rugged is mega cheap, and the clip popped off on the first day that I had it last week. I contacted the seller, who actually sent me a whole new case and holster, which is nice, but it is the same POS holster that will break soon. It will do while I wait it out.
Just and FYI, I received and email from Ballistic that their case is now out for order.
http://goballisticcase.us1.list-man...ca226d6a9711a35276&id=f925ddce9e&e=8a6de52b5a
Clownzer said:
Just and FYI, I received and email from Ballistic that their case is now out for order.
http://goballisticcase.us1.list-man...ca226d6a9711a35276&id=f925ddce9e&e=8a6de52b5a
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Click to collapse
That case looks awesome, but to bad no kickstand.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
I have been useing NFC with the Seidio active case. So its a +. If anyone gets a Ballistics case would love to know if NFC works well with it or not.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Not sure witch to grab, I want a nice solid case but not something like the defender. I need something that offers nice protection but not by making it super bulky. The ones Im looking in are
the Seidio Active (love the Kickstand)
Otterbox Commuter (love the dust covers)
Urban Armor Gear
Ballistic SG
All are withing budget, Also do those cases block NFC from working?
I vote for UAG. It doesn't effect NFC and fits all of your criteria. If you can wait (they are extremely hard to come by) that is the best way to go. Just my 2 pence. CHEERS :beer:
Sent from my iPhone smokin' Samsung Galaxy Note II SGH-I317
Anyone else? Uag might be a bust if I can't find one before going back to work
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
I would recommend the UAG, fits perfectly and looks awesome! Also, I have tried the Otterbox Commuter case but I believe the UAG is better.... if this helps you at all.
Do any of those choices have a belt clip? Got to carry it some how.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
I ordered both UAG and Trident Aegis case. I haven't received the UAG but I got the Trident yesterday and its awesome. I cant comment on UAG yet but this Trident case seems to be exactly what you are looking for. The dust covers arent as good as the commuter but they get the job done. It fits perfect and the buttons are easy to press but not too easy, just right. The case feels sturdy and offers decent drop protection. I might just end up selling the UAG case. We'll see how it stacks up when it gets here. You can get the Trident case for about $20 btw.
Sent from a galaxy note 2 far far away...
Aegis, I keep coming back to it.. its best of both worlds since it offers a decent amount of protection with a slim design (I cut off the bottom dust-cover so it fits in the Smart Dock now )
All right ordered a UAG case but dont think I'll get it before I go back to work, Since I work as a Bell Canada tech I need something solid and since I just learned that we are all getting Note 2 with a defender case in April, I need something else not as bulky, Will check the aegis and see how easy and fast I can get it in Canada, got 1.5 weeks before Vacation is over. Can some one post good pics of the aegis with phone in and out side by side, one that shows how much lip it has protecting the phone, please?
I currently have the Case-Mate tough and don't think it could handle to much. I o ly want to spend around 25, and I can still return my case mate to amazon. Any sughestions would be great.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
How tough? I feel like my otterbox commuter could handle a drop from ear height, but from what I hear, UAG is a better way to go.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Note_2 said:
How tough? I feel like my otterbox commuter could handle a drop from ear height, but from what I hear, UAG is a better way to go.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
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I have never cared for otterbox, but I was thinking about the UAG just wanted more input. Doesn't need to be super tough just handle a fall if needed.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
People say the UAG has almost the protection of a defender with the size of a commuter. I have no doubt that it could withstand a ear height drop. It's $20 on amazon.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Here goes a tough case that looks great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39461258
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
borijess said:
Here goes a tough case that looks great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39461258
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
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Click to collapse
I had one like this, but I think it was a generic, looked just like it, but it changed colors and looks dirty after about a month of using it.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
Otteebox. Is the way to go. Have dropped my phone plenty of times. Glad I have this case way stronger than UAG. Uag does look nicer but I prefer having my phone WEELLLLL protected im sure u do to. Don't just wanr a case because it looks good. Want a case that will protect your phone from a fall.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
I have both the commuter and defender cases from Otterbox. Both offer solid protection the defender I like more because of the built in screen protector. Keep in mind that the UAG cases don't offer port covers for the headphone jack and USB port which was a selling point for myself. Another key selling point was the customer service. Can't say anything though about UAG because I haven't bought their case nor dealt with their customer service. When I contacted Otterbox about an issue regarding the commuter cases they sent me a free warranty replacement as well as the defender case free of charge.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Do your homework before you buy. Customer support is important, and a big company like Otterbox has a great one based on the fact they are in every service provider store as well as every Best Buy. But the truth of the matter - they rushed with Note 2 design and FAILED to deliver with Defender. And because they are king-of-the-hill-Otterbox, they didn't even want to admit how poorly they executed design of that screen protector. Read hundreds of posts in XDA or AF, and read all Amazon review comments. EVERYBODY complains about screen protector not being flush with a Note 2 screen, thus being concaved up and leaving a gap in between making it feel like you are using $50 resistive touch screen device. Yes, I bought one from Verizon store, couldn't believe my eyes, called Otterbox and they pretended on the phone like have no idea what I'm talking about, sent me an email with case# to reply back with "pictures" so they can send me a replacement. I went back to Verizon store, and went through every Defender they had in stock - all the same problem with a screen protector. Turned on-line to read everybody having this problem and simply just popping out the plastic screen as soon as they buy it. Why would I want to buy $60 (MSRP price) case to destroy it in order to make it work for me? Furthermore, because of that concave up screen, it creates a suction effect through cutout holes in that screen protector, sucking in more dust that will require you taking case apart periodically to clean it up. Do you think those inner plastic case latches will last that long, with constant taking apart? Oh, and that plastic screen protector was awful with s-pen - leaving marks all over the place. And if you remove plastic screen protector - your inner plastic case fitting is not rigid anymore (read about people suggesting to put a tape inside). Port cover-plugs are great in dust environment, but when you are using your phone as GPS in the car and need it to be plugged in - it will become a huge nuisance, not to mention pressure that micro-usb port cover puts on the connector, in both Defender and Commuter. And with Commuter, I personally found back of the case to be slippery and no grip with a surface when you place it on the smooth table top.
If you read testimonials of people who own UAG and dropped their case numerous times, they walk away without a scratch. UAG design is rugged tough and you get a convenience of a molded single piece case where you don't have to take layers off to get to your battery. If you need a super-duper drop protection case, go with CONVERT which offer multiple layers of protection, all the port coverage INCLUDING camera, has a great kickstand, can be stripped down to SURFACE if you don't need all this extra rugged coverage, and has one of the BEST holsters with a locking spring-loaded latch. Just need to invest in a good regular screen protector, like iSmooth which I also highly recommend (3H hardness, easy install with no bubbles, perfect edge adhesion).
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Otterbox down. Its a great company with a great reputation and TONS of sales. That's how they can afford to have such a great support staff and offer warranty replacement and freebies without breaking their bank. They obviously built their reputation of a quality product delivered for all these other phone models, and have a decent iPhone base support. BUT, with Note 2 they rushed to deliver it to the market, and totally ignored all the negative comments. And this is not just my humble opinion. It's everywhere you read about their Note 2 cases. I tried Commuter a couple of times in Sprint store, and walked away. Bought Defender from Verizon store, exchanged it, and then returned a few days later...
three excellent cases for the delightfully successful Galaxy S2 that will keep your precious safe and sound. Whichever you pick – the dual-layer Case-Mate Tough, the feature-filled Otterbox Commuter or the stylish SGP Ultra Capsule – you can be sure that your smartphone is secure.
The HTC M8 was the first phone I decided not to get a case for, just a belt-clipped holster...... I am glad for HTC Advantage.
Anyway, not taking that chance again (especially with how slippery and thin the M8 is). My go-to for cases used to be Otterbox, especially since the defender series has a belt clip. Problem is, I saw nothing but complaints about the defender model for the M8 on Amazon's reviews. Even the guy at the Sprint store told me the defender model wasn't very good and that I should get the commuter. (Not a fan of the built-in screen protector of the defender anyway, I would have probably taken it off, I hated it even on my old EVO 3D, much less a phone that has a 1080p screen).
So now I am at an impasse, due to the fact that I have not really used any other cases, and especially not knowing which ones are good. Add to that fact that I want to be able to carry it on my belt and I am very low on options. Most of the top case recommendations for the M8 had no options that came with a belt clip, and I didn't trust most of them as they recommended the Otterbox Defender.
Browsing retail stores so I could get a good idea was also fruitless, RadioShack, Best Buy, etc carry very little in terms of the M8, even the Sprint Store I mentioned only had Otterbox and a few Speck cases (which didn't seem that protective)
I care very little about looks, I want to get a case primary for protection (reasonably.... not going to get a $100-300 waterproof, bulletproof, etc case that is 5 inches thick). Currently, the UAV Navigator looks interesting, though I couldn't find a store that had it so I could tell how thick it actually is, plus, no belt clip option.
I suppose my best bet is getting a case and a seeprate belt holster that is big enough to hold the phone with the case on it.... but pretty much all belt holsters just simply tell you which phone they fit, none would take the millions of options of cases into consideration, so I am not sure where I would even find a holster that fits whatever case I get.
Any ideas?
Cyber Akuma said:
I care very little about looks, I want to get a case primary for protection (reasonably.... not going to get a $100-300 waterproof, bulletproof, etc case that is 5 inches thick). Currently, the UAV Navigator looks interesting, though I couldn't find a store that had it so I could tell how thick it actually is, plus, no belt clip option.
I suppose my best bet is getting a case and a seeprate belt holster that is big enough to hold the phone with the case on it.... but pretty much all belt holsters just simply tell you which phone they fit, none would take the millions of options of cases into consideration, so I am not sure where I would even find a holster that fits whatever case I get.
Any ideas?
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Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. Ordered a Tech21 case for now, but I need a belt holster and relatively rugged case!
Pretty sure Seidio's Convert case comes with a belt holster. I've had good luck with Seidio Surface cases on the past--my Note II survived a fall from four feet off the ground thanks to one--and IIRC the heart of the Convert is a Surface.
DaTrueDave said:
I'm in the same boat as you. Ordered a Tech21 case for now, but I need a belt holster and relatively rugged case!
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Click to collapse
I had this one recommended to me from another forum:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IGUUKRY/
I won't lie, it IS kinda cheaply put together, but it's pretty decent for it's price. Rubber casing with a hard shell, kickstand, and belt holster. It's a little hard to get it in/out of the holster at first, but it gets broken in after a bit. Still not as easy as just clipping it out of an Otterbox holster, but even the Sprint store rep told me the Otterbox Defender cases for the M8 are terrible. And it's far less likely to fall out if you are running or otherwise shaking the holster somehow.
I have this one and like it a lot.
http://www.amazon.com/Puregear-Kickstand-Case-Holster-Combo/dp/B00JCS054M/
The uag case fits in the dilex holster perfectly
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app
I always go with Otterbox, and I actually love the otterbox I have for my M8. I got the defender, and I was surprised how thin it is! I've had an Otterbox on just about every phone I've owned, and this is by far my favorite one. Don't know why all the hate is there on Amazon.
muppetman462 said:
I always go with Otterbox, and I actually love the otterbox I have for my M8. I got the defender, and I was surprised how thin it is! I've had an Otterbox on just about every phone I've owned, and this is by far my favorite one. Don't know why all the hate is there on Amazon.
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Click to collapse
They must have more than one type of Defender. I've had Otterbox Defenders on all my iPhones (3, 3GS, 4 and 5) and loved them, but I looked at the one for the HTC One M8 and it was really flimsy and cheaply made. It was so horrible, I'm surprised they would even put their branding on it.
I just got my phone on the 1st of the month and went with this case because it came with a holster: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/pt-kick...lack/5096589.p?id=1219107945030&skuId=5096589
I like that it's sleek and thin and seems to be ok so far.
PartimusPrime said:
I just got my phone on the 1st of the month and went with this case because it came with a holster: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/pt-kick...lack/5096589.p?id=1219107945030&skuId=5096589
I like that it's sleek and thin and seems to be ok so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the kickstand? Can you use it while holding the phone to help stabilize it more in your hand?
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid fits in the Seidio Surface holster. That's the combination I use. You can actually get the Platinum case combo from Best Buy since it's a rebranded Seidio Surface case and holster, and it's cheaper than buying it from Seidio. The holster also works well with the Supcase Unicorn Beetle cases.
Aaaaaand if you wanted more protection, the Seidio Dilex holster is a perfect fit with the Spigen Slim Armor case. I think someone mention this in this thread already as well.
jaggrey said:
You can actually get the Platinum case combo from Best Buy since it's a rebranded Seidio Surface case and holster, and it's cheaper than buying it from Seidio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link to that? I can't find it? I've liked Seido in the past (expensive though). I got the clear unicorn beetle supcase, and think for looks that I would prefer that...but nice to have a holster.
I got this one as well as the supcase:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L9J3I2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I had a similar one at one point for my droid. It's alright. This type of case though while pretty slim, your phone will bounce out of it if it drops from more than a couple feet onto a hard surface. Usually the phone is fine (the case absorbs) but on the upbounce the phone will pop out,
TraderJack said:
Can you link to that? I can't find it? I've liked Seido in the past (expensive though). I got the clear unicorn beetle supcase, and think for looks that I would prefer that...but nice to have a holster.
I got this one as well as the supcase:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L9J3I2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I had a similar one at one point for my droid. It's alright. This type of case though while pretty slim, your phone will bounce out of it if it drops from more than a couple feet onto a hard surface. Usually the phone is fine (the case absorbs) but on the upbounce the phone will pop out,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=5096589&pid=1219107945030&pcatId=abcat0811002
My friend has the Supcase and it fits perfectly in that holster. Fits better than my Spigen Ultra Hybrid!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
jaggrey said:
http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=5096589&pid=1219107945030&pcatId=abcat0811002
My friend has the Supcase and it fits perfectly in that holster. Fits better than my Spigen Ultra Hybrid!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but that link seems to be just for the case, not a holster/case combo. Am I misunderstanding?
I guess it's not a huge deal anyway as I refuse to buy anything from best buy...just wanted to see the item to see if it was available anywhere else.
TraderJack said:
Thanks but that link seems to be just for the case, not a holster/case combo. Am I misunderstanding?
I guess it's not a huge deal anyway as I refuse to buy anything from best buy...just wanted to see the item to see if it was available anywhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's with the holster as well. If you look thru the pictures it's pictured there. That's the exact one I bought.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
So I've ordered and received the following 2 cases for my M8 so far:
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Premium Hybrid Protective
Aduro Shell Holster Combo Case
I'm not completely happy/unhappy with either one, so I've gone ahead and ordered the following cases:
Minisuit Clipster Kickstand Case - This one looks identical to the Arduro case but is $3 cheaper. If I decide to keep it, even after I ship back it will be the cheaper option.
HTC M8 One 2 Puregear Kickstand Case Holster Combo - This one looks very similar to the Arduro/Minisuit, but I'm hoping the shell covers a bit more and/or the holster might be good with one of the other covers.
Seidio Surface Case with Metal Kickstand and Holster Combo
Otterbox Defender Series
Spigen Capsule Clear
i-Blason Prime Series Dual Layer Holster Cover with Kickstand and Locking Belt Swivel Clip
SUPCASE Premium Hybrid Protective Bumper Case
I'm not planning on writing complete reviews because it would be too time consuming, but I would be happy to answer any questions that anyone has.
I have preferred SEIDIO cases in the past with the holster combo. I had those on my HTC Tilt and my first Droid 2 - which was lost at an airport when I think a piece of luggage pulled the whole thing from my belt when I lifted it. Apart from that experience (which I blame myself for as much as anything), I'd been happy with SEIDIO...the Tilt survived a motorcycle accident that totaled my bike, but the phone was fine. SEIDIO was pretty expensive though, so I went through 2 or 3 much cheaper rip-offs (sans holster) over the last couple yeats of my phone.
I think the traditional SEIDIO rubberized cases provided a good balance of protection without being too incredibly bulky.
I'm caught at an impasse now with the M8 because it is such a nice looking phone I'd like to show it off with more of a light and clear case. OTOH, I have a 2 year old that I'd like to protect it from. Also, the M8 is much bigger than the phones I've had in the past (height and width wise, thickness is actually thinner) - so I'm not sure how a thick case will influence my carrying it around.
I think the best solution for me may be a case that provides protection somewhere in-between a TPU and a Otterbox (i.e. middle ground) and ideally be able to fit into some holster. I feel that the holster is necessary due to the size of the phone in a jeans front pocket - especially if a case is grippy and hard to get out.
Anyway, the above thoughts are how *I* will be judging the cases and some of them may change my mind entirely (e.g. The Otterbox, which I really don't think I want, but thought I would give it a shot).
I'll ship all the ones I don't want back to Amazon. I figure $10 return shipping is a good investment to find the right case for 2 years of my life.
Let me know if you have any questions about the cases and I will try to answer them!
TraderJack said:
HTC M8 One 2 Puregear Kickstand Case Holster Combo - This one looks very similar to the Arduro/Minisuit, but I'm hoping the shell covers a bit more and/or the holster might be good with one of the other covers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to hear more about this one. I have a similar one from verizon but it doesn't look that slick or feel great in my hand
d1ez3 said:
I would like to hear more about this one. I have a similar one from verizon but it doesn't look that slick or feel great in my hand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. I think the one from Verizon is identical to the Minisuit/Arduro ones I mention above. None of them look that slick...with the black cross-hatching. About they only thing they have going for them is a good holster setup...but that's why I'm hoping the Puregear has something else going for it rather than a slightly different design.
The cases will be here on Wednesday and I hope to try them all out then.
This is great.... Im very interested in SUPCASE Premium Hybrid Protective Bumper Case
but was holding off ordering from Amazon. Can you tell me how much thickness it adds and overall feel, comfort etc... I agree, I love the body of the M8 and needs to be shown off however it also needs to be protected at the same time.
How's spigen capsule clear? Is it a fingerprint magnet? I presume it's slippery?
As long as we're talking about cases, you should try looking at the Dualtek case for the M8. It's a little bulky but definitely protecting the phone and looks stylish. Feels great, too.
I've been using Otterbox cases for every phone since I switched to Android years ago but I agree that the Defender and Commuter cases make this phone too bulky. Luckily they have the Symmetry Series which is slimmer (one piece, plastic shell with rubber liner built in) but still provides great protection. Color schemes are limited, I went with black, but they have around 5 choices if you like brighter colors.
Cons are that the case is a little slippery for my tastes and it adds bulk to an already big phone but I drop my phone every day so it's a trade-off.
http://www.otterbox.com/Symmetry-Series-for-HTC-One-(M8)/htc28-one-m8,default,pd.html
I just got the cases this evening. I'll respond directly to the questions asked, and then I'll give my overview on the others:
d1ez3 said:
I would like to hear more about this one [HTC M8 One 2 Puregear Kickstand Case Holster Combo]. I have a similar one from verizon but it doesn't look that slick or feel great in my hand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Puregear is almost identical to the Arduro and Minisuit cases as I assumed it would be. It has a slightly different cutout for the camera (which I like less), and a different surface texture from the cross-hatching type on the other two. You can clearly see the surface texture differences in the Amazon pics. While I like the design texture on the Puregear slightly better, it is really so equivalent in every other way that it isn't worth the $4-5 premium you would pay over the Minisuit. These are low bulk cases..good holster. These cases would do virtually nothing in a drop except maybe allow a bounce before the phone snapped out of it. That being said my similar case for the Droid took a few drops and the phone was no worse for wear.
cue_32 said:
This is great.... Im very interested in SUPCASE Premium Hybrid Protective Bumper Case
but was holding off ordering from Amazon. Can you tell me how much thickness it adds and overall feel, comfort etc... I agree, I love the body of the M8 and needs to be shown off however it also needs to be protected at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one is maybe one of my favorite from the bunch. It is way easier to take on and off then the SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Premium Hybrid Protective case I also purchased. Unlike the Beetle, the back is totally clear instead of frosted - so it shows off the phone. The sides however are not rigid like the Beetle, which is why it can be removed from the phone easier. The back is more rounded like the phone, whereas the Beetle is more squared. It has a slightly tacky feel...maybe not as much as the Spigen below, but it is grippy. I would say it is kind of your standard TPU type case, but of the utmost quality for these type. Since you can find TPU cases for $3-4, I think the $10 for this is not totally out of line. I'm really unsure that either of the SUPCASEs would offer any real protection from a drop. I will almost definitely be keeping one of these cases for now.
One other benefit of this case is that it fits into the Minisuit/Arduro holster really well.
richteralan said:
How's spigen capsule clear? Is it a fingerprint magnet? I presume it's slippery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Despite the term "soft" being in the description in Amazon...I thought this was going to be a hard case - so I was a bit surprised.
It is actually not slippery at all, quite the contrary. I also don't think it is that bad of a finger print magnet. It is in some ways similar to the SUPCASE Premium Hybrid Protective Bumper Case I mention above, except that it is clear all around instead of having a black bumper. However (and I think I read this elsewhere in the reviews) the clear color of the case has a yellow tinge to it that is really disappointing since the main feature of this case is to showcase the phone. This case may have just a *bit* more cushion than the SUPCASE - but in all honesty I still don't think any of these are offering great drop protection. I think I prefer the SUPCASE (either one) to this one - it just doesn't have the same "sparkle" that you get from the pics.
Going onto the other cases.
The Otterbox and the SEIDIO - the two most expensive ones. And, probably because of that, the two biggest disappointments:
The Ottterbox was just ugly out of the box. I've never had one before because I always thought they were bulky and ugly - but I wanted to give it a chance. Even though the Otterbox probably would protect better than most of these, I still don't think it would be foolproof. I also really dislike the screen covering piece which is non-optional. For the cost, I just wouldn't consider something like this over the i-Blason (see below).
The SEIDIO had the same nice finish I was used to on their matte cases. I wasn't a huge fan of the two piece snap together design. I also got one with a slight manufacturing defect and the pieces didn't line up perfectly. Because of the two piece design, it was able to stay as a slim case but protect all around the edges. However I'm sure the case would snap open if the phone fell onto a hard surface. Additionally, as much as I enjoy the quick release holster of the SEIDIOs, they are not without their problems and can easily get caught on things and drop your phone (happened to me not infrequently with my other cases). The kickstand on this phone was also not that attractive being a bit flimsy and off to the side. Like the others, I also really don't know how much protection from a drop this would give you - probably somewhere just north of the SUPCASE/Spigen. Like the Otterbox, just not worth the money on this phone.
Finally the i-Blason... I think it is one of the better in terms of protection - being a 2-piece shell case. South of the Otterbox maybe, but better than the rest. Not a bad looking case, though not beautiful. I almost wish they had a model without the kickstand and big fat grooves on the back. I don't know if those grooves serve a real functional purpose, but if you removed those pieces you would have a much cleaner looking case with probably the same level of protection.
Looks wise - I think overall the SUPCASE Premium Hybrid is my favorite... I'm just not sure it is going to give me the protection I want from my toddler. I'm considering keeping that and the Minisuit (mostly for the compatible holster). Or, perhaps I will keep the i-Blason for most of the time around the house, but also the SUPCASE for a svelter pocket profile and when I want to show off the phone.
I'm going to keep looking I think for something else like the iBlason. I might give up on the holster idea altogether as I realize it isn't the 90s anymore. I need to see how well this phone does in my pocket over the next week or two to decide if it's a priority.
If you all have more questions on these, I'll do my best to answer.
I just purchased the Case Mate Naked Tough Case from Amazon. So far so good. It has some shock protection and still shows the good looks of the phone. I'm using it in conjunction with a Zagg glass shield. I would post a link, but I suppose I need to post a few more times before I can.
I've only used Otterbox defenders in the past. That being said, I just bought a M8 today and looked at the reviews on Amazon. A lot of people complain about the clear screen protector being bowed or warped and not tight against the screen. What's your impression on this issue? And from the sound and looks of the design, it sounds pretty similar to the M7.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
FearlessAZ said:
I've only used Otterbox defenders in the past. That being said, I just bought a M8 today and looked at the reviews on Amazon. A lot of people complain about the clear screen protector being bowed or warped and not tight against the screen. What's your impression on this issue? And from the sound and looks of the design, it sounds pretty similar to the M7.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
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Definitely. Honestly I played with the otterbox for all of 30 seconds. First off, I just thought it was ugly...
Put it on and it seemed pretty bulky, although I was going to give it a chance since I knew that with that bulk came good protection.
The minute I touched the screen though I observed exactly what you are stating, the screen protector is not flush and that gave it an overall cheap feel.
So here is my update as I am leaving town for a couple of weeks and am choosing a case to come with me for the first real road test:
Based on my observations above, and the info from this thread, I think I'm going to stick with the Supcase Beetle.
While I like the SUPCASE Premium Hybrid Protective Bumper Case as well, I feel that it just doesn't offer great protection. Also, I find the volume buttons a little loose, as if they move too much off contact with the phone when you press on them.
The Beetle may only be a ~6-7 in the protection department, but the only ones that beat it are the Otterbox and probably the i-Blason. I just can't do the otterbox, and the i-Blason is a tad bulky and doesn't showcase the phone at all. I wish they removed the back nubbins and kickstand from the i-Blason. I haven't found a really nice and lean 2 piece case (internal silicon, hard outer shell). The Spigen 2-piece (not reviewed here) is a good contender for that role but it blocks the IR port, which is a non-starter (even though I will rarely use that feature, on principal I don't want a case that removes features from my phone).
So, for now I'm opting more for an "8 looks and 6/7 protection." The UAG looked like a good alternative that might have been 8 on both fronts, but from my thread linked above someone who has owned both feels that the Beetle is close on par with the UAG from protection standpoint. Price wise, the Beetle wins hands down.
I am still left though in a situation where I don't have a holster. I don't know yet how big of a problem that will be. I need to see how the Beetle does in my pants pocket over the next week. If it doesn't work out, and I can't find a compatible holster for the Beetle, I may have to abandon it all-together because it is just too hard to take it out of the Beetle on a regular basis to put into a holster-compatible case...I don't want to have to do that even weekly.
Dang. That is kind of a let down. I don't mind bulkyness at all but if that screen protector isn't tight, it's just pointless for me. I work construction and need something that won't allow the dirt to get between the screen and protector. I'll look into a few that you suggested. Thanks!