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[REVIEW] Mercury TPU case

Here's a quick & dirty pics review for the Mercury brand TPU case.
I bought this TPU case from eBay at a whopping $7.77 US total once shipped. Definitely not a bank breaker.
I have bought it from supermom28. You can get one here. I ordered it on January 4th and received on January 16th, the seller even included a cheap plastic screen cover. Sadly it seems the white color is currently out of stock, so if you are looking for one you might want to look elsewhere!
Plastic quality is very good. The first thing I noticed when unpacking it was how rigid the TPU felt. My other TPU case feels much more rubbery than this one, albeit not as much as a silicone case. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your preference.
One con I can see is that since it's less rubbery, it's also less grippy. The Nexus S in my opinion is plagued by the fact it's a slippery phone, so you have to make sure you have a strong grip when taking it out of a pocket or your purse, if you're a lady. This case does not solve this problem.
Two pros I can see however is that it will not attract dust and particles as much as more rubbery cases and it is much shinier. The case is very light reflective, definitely looks good.
The cutouts are good. They're not absolutely perfect in their location, but they're not atrocious either. One example would be the headphones jack. The edges are smooth and well finished.
It fits snugly on a i9020a model. Snugly might not even be the right word, it can even be quoted as being nearly too tight. Fitting it on the phone can be a bit difficult, mostly due to the material rigidity so it's important to fit certain edges first or your might end up with slightly misaligned power and volume buttons.
The color is vibrant. Although in the pictures it seems the white is cream, this is due to the low quality point and shoot camera I'm using with little to no possible adjustment to white balance. It is definitely white and I imagine the other colors would be as vibrant. One very nice touch is the inclusion of what resembles automotive paint flakes in the plastic, giving nice looking silvery reflective shards.
Some users have noted the obvious engrish on the case logo. If you dislike it, it can easily be "sanded" off using a cube of sugar and a bit of rubbing. Another curious inclusion however is the engrish inside the case. Just look for yourself...
Thanks for the warning Mercury, I'm sure removing this sticker could yield lethal results.
All in all, I could say I'm pretty satisfied with this TPU case. It's cheap and looks good. My only gripe would be the slippery feeling of this case. My other TPU case added grip to the phone, this one does not. Otherwise, a very solid buy.

Thanks for the review - I was having trouble deciding on which colour case to get for my new Nexus S but think I'm definitely going to go for the white one now - it looks great!
I contacted the eBay seller 'supermom28' a couple of days ago and they did reply saying they will be getting the white case back in stock, but no ETA on that so I may have to look elsewhere.

The only thing I'm not digging is the openings for the buttons, but other than that, it looks like a nice case.

itlnstln said:
The only thing I'm not digging is the openings for the buttons, but other than that, it looks like a nice case.
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This is something I'm not too sure about. On my other TPU case the buttons are covered. I like the unified look it gives. However, I kinda enjoy the feeling of pressing directly on the buttons rather than squishy rubbery plastic. They're obviously a bit recessed too so that's something else to consider.

I have two of these and I love them. Too bad the white one went up in price so high.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

Has anyone successfully used Google Wallet with this case? Just got my Nexus S and I am looking for a case that will...

Oh. ...good review
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

That white case is amazing, to bad they are out of stock I can't find them anywhere...

phoneman09 said:
That white case is amazing, to bad they are out of stock I can't find them anywhere...
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If you look at the other case the seller sells for the Nexus, it is a white one with sticker animal faces for $12.99. :thumbdown:

Got my Mercury Nexus S case today from North Korea and it's awesome. I would definitely recommend getting one.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

phoneman09 said:
Got my Mercury Nexus S case today from North Korea and it's awesome. I would definitely recommend getting one.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Which color did you end up getting? I think black and white are the most popular.

I ended up getting white, I might get some more colors just not sure yet.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

phoneman09 said:
I ended up getting white, I might get some more colors just not sure yet.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Welcome to the club.

Thanks I'm glad I can be apart of the club!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

excellent review! Just ordered one in white. Can't wait!

I choose red colour. Look more elegant...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

Got mines in black and its on the way!
Sent from my IceCreamSammich Nexus S 4G

i got the black one, the writing on the outside comes off with your nails and i removed the sticker from the inside and it was covering a spot that's not painted!

I just got mine in the mail yesterday. I forgot to specify the color in the paypal notes and ended up getting a white one. I am not the best at putting on screen protectors so i didn't do a great job with that. But funny enough, I dropped my phone for the first time on the way to work to pick up the case. It made me realize that I really want one. Luckily, the back cover just ended up with a scratch. My phone is defiantly protected, a bit weightier, a bit thicker, but still fits in my pocket.

I've got a read one and my wife thinks it looks like a ladies phone case. I may end up getting another color
Unboxing Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQAS9p66iqA
Install Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMK2lSbmA0A

MoKo Ultra Slim

I just got my Nexus 10 today. I love it! I'm scared to take it anywhere with me though, since I do not have a case. I've seen several people recommend the MoKo slim. I like it, and it looks nice, but I don't want black. I really like the navy blue cover. Does anyone have any dealings with getting a colored cover from them?

I do not but the poetic slimline is great and comes in many colors.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

I've heard and seen that the poetic has its own issues, or else I would be looking at it. The Moko looks nice, and I need a case ASAP
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2094418

I saw your video, and it looks nice. That's why I want the Moko, but I want to know if anyone has had experience with a colored Moko case.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Cmorris8848 said:
I saw your video, and it looks nice. That's why I want the Moko, but I want to know if anyone has had experience with a colored Moko case.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
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I'm a bit confused. Why would a case that comes in a different color perform any differently then one that is black? Do different colors provide additional protection, or make the case slimmer?

wildragewildrage said:
I'm a bit confused. Why would a case that comes in a different color perform any differently then one that is black? Do different colors provide additional protection, or make the case slimmer?
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You're right, but if you check on amazon, select the orange one, and it looks pretty different. I think he means if the colour is ok and etc, not that the case performs different.

Mainly just shipping times. And the colored cases are different from the black case. The colored cases have Moko on the cover, and the black one only has it on the metal tab. I saw poetic black shipped later than colored ones, so I was just wanting to see.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Cmorris8848 said:
Mainly just shipping times. And the colored cases are different from the black case. The colored cases have Moko on the cover, and the black one only has it on the metal tab. I saw poetic black shipped later than colored ones, so I was just wanting to see.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
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That's not true. I've got the black one and it has moko on te cover, as you can see on the video.

I can't answer your question regarding color as my MoKo case is black (got it because it was eligible for Amazon Prime shipping). What I can tell you, however, is that you need to stay far away from the Poetic Slimline. It's an absolute piece of crap.

lKBZl said:
That's not true. I've got the black one and it has moko on te cover, as you can see on the video.
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You're right. I remember seeing your video, but when I looked on Amazon, the black case doesn't have Moko written on the from. I've already ordered the Indigo one though. Now just waiting on it to get in!
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

For what it's still worth, I got the indigo case too.
It's pretty much just navy blue. No purplish tint at all. The "Moko" is on the metal tab, not anywhere else.

That's the color I was hoping it would turn out being. Thank you for that
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

I just got the email saying the MoKo has shipped. I should have it by the 30th at the latest. Hopefully it's worth the money!

I just got my navy blue moko and I am very pleased! Great fit and adds little bulk.

anyone from australia got this case? i cant seem to get it shipped here from amazon

Got mine yesterday and I love it! Much better than the Poetic which was too tight and couldn't easily access the volume and power buttons.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

great case
I just got mine from Amazon in grey, an amazing case, cost 15 bucks, the case is very sturdy
i also tried the crazyondigital bundle for 30 bucks that includes a case,the build was so crappy, i will return the bundle soon

2 quick questions:
1. The moku's metal tab looks like it might actually touch the screen when the cover is closed. If that is the case isn't there potential to scratch the glass? I'm worried it might do so in a backpack where it could get very compressed.
2. Once the tablet is secured in the shell how much potential is there for it to fall out? I many times put something like a paperweight on the cover and allow the tablet to swing freely as it hangs off of something like a shelf. I'm wondering if the shell holds it in tight enough so you wouldn't have to worry about it slipping out when doing so?

JPW1 said:
2 quick questions:
1. The moku's metal tab looks like it might actually touch the screen when the cover is closed. If that is the case isn't there potential to scratch the glass? I'm worried it might do so in a backpack where it could get very compressed.
2. Once the tablet is secured in the shell how much potential is there for it to fall out? I many times put something like a paperweight on the cover and allow the tablet to swing freely as it hangs off of something like a shelf. I'm wondering if the shell holds it in tight enough so you wouldn't have to worry about it slipping out when doing so?
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In general, when metal hits glass, the metal scratches.

[Q] Which are soft touch / rubber backs?

It seems like there are mixed info on this,
but for those of you who already received new moto, if your back cover is soft touch (rubber/non-slip feel like Nexus5 or 1st Gen black MotoX)
what color is it?
I think black is confirmed to be soft touch, but I'm looking at other options.
My current black leather one is kinda slippery, and it's going back to Motorola because of some defects.
Please no "I heard / I think / I guess" posts. ONLY if you HELD it in your hands, thanks.

Not sure if this is any help, but the leather backs are soft-touch and non-slip. If you're just wanting the plastic backs, I'm not sure.

cgalyon said:
Not sure if this is any help, but the leather backs are soft-touch and non-slip. If you're just wanting the plastic backs, I'm not sure.
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I have one with black leather back, and I wouldn't say it's a non-slip, feels more slippery than "real" soft touch non-slip.
Have you held black Nexus 5 or 1st gen black woven Moto X ? That's the type of non-slip back I'm talking about.

I got the royal blue and it's just regular plastic

I can confirm that the standard (non Moto) black back is soft touch and not slippery.

cam30era said:
I can confirm that the standard (non Moto) black back is soft touch and not slippery.
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What do you mean by "non Moto"?

DiNoise said:
What do you mean by "non Moto"?
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My bad. I meant "non MotoMaker". i.e. what Verizon stocks in the stores.

Agree
Sent from my XT1097 using XDA Free mobile app

And, FWIW, the "stock" retail (non Moto Maker) black back is easy to grip. Not slippery at all.

cam30era said:
And, FWIW, the "stock" retail (non Moto Maker) black back is easy to grip. Not slippery at all.
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Got it, thanks.
I wish there was also an option for "sand black" back like the black OnePlus has. That one is the best grip I've tried.
I've had a cover like that for my old moto x to cover ugly slippery white (VZW developer edition), but now I wanna keep it naked.

The old otter box impact was the grippiest case ever.
The Defender was the best I could find.
Here are some mods to perform including an easy holster to car kit conversion using any moto base.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54099049&postcount=69

Olive is not soft touch
I bought the Olive colored back assuming it would be soft touch because the 2013 moto x in olive was. But the 2014 is not soft touch. Too bad they don't have all the back in store like they did for moto x 2013. I really wish I knew which backs are soft touch.

Over on the Motorola boards, they have said ONLY black is soft touch. Unlike the 1st gen, no other colours are.

What does the plastic back cover like on the moto x 2014?

I was thinking about getting a Moto X 2014 and was wondering what the plastic back cover is like?
I do not want the leather since it quick gets used and not into wood so plastic is the default choice for me.
I could find any details as to the Moto X 2014 back plastic cover feels, looks like up close and is it sued like or is it a hard plastic feel like the 2013?
Did anyone order the back cover in plastic and how is it?

I have the black back and it has a soft touch coating. It has a mild rubbery feel too it almost. It's great.

_MetalHead_ said:
I have the black back and it has a soft touch coating. It has a mild rubbery feel too it almost. It's great.
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Thanks Metalhead! Just what I wanted to know!

Do you find the phone quite slippery to hold?
Its nice to hold but it feels way to easy to drop. I was hoping the black back would have been a bit more grippy.
_MetalHead_ said:
I have the black back and it has a soft touch coating. It has a mild rubbery feel too it almost. It's great.
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_MetalHead_ said:
I have the black back and it has a soft touch coating. It has a mild rubbery feel too it almost. It's great.
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Exactly! I found it to be an ideal material for phone because it's very solid, not prone to scratches and far more durable than leather or wood.
And it's look good, not cheap. This is not plastic, like iPhone 3gs back but polycarbonate.

Judge584 said:
Exactly! I found it to be an ideal material for phone because it's very solid, not prone to scratches and far more durable than leather or wood.
And it's look good, not cheap. This is not plastic, like iPhone 3gs back but polycarbonate.
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Thanks for seconding that it solid not cheap and well made. I thinking of going all "White" on the Moto X! Kind of had it with the all black models. LOL! I might be sorry and be clean it a lot but it suppose to be a trendy type phone anyways - fashion and all so I going go all out - fashion wise! Of course; when I order; I probably be conservative and go all black again! That the only two colors I know; so motomaker does not seem to change my mind any!

Harry Wild said:
Thanks for seconding that it solid not cheap and well made. I thinking of going all "White" on the Moto X! Kind of had it with the all black models. LOL! I might be sorry and be clean it a lot but it suppose to be a trendy type phone anyways - fashion and all so I going go all out - fashion wise! Of course; when I order; I probably be conservative and go all black again! That the only two colors I know; so motomaker does not seem to change my mind any!
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I went all black with mine, but I'm thinking about exchanging it for black leather with either green or blue accents. I'm kinda getting tired of all black phones too.

I went all black : because you cannot see sensors of the front side. White model looks ugly because of this.

Plastic is solid
Harry Wild said:
I was thinking about getting a Moto X 2014 and was wondering what the plastic back cover is like?
I do not want the leather since it quick gets used and not into wood so plastic is the default choice for me.
I could find any details as to the Moto X 2014 back plastic cover feels, looks like up close and is it sued like or is it a hard plastic feel like the 2013?
Did anyone order the back cover in plastic and how is it?
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Got mine today. White/white. Not slippery.
I'm coming from an S4, and this feels much more solid and permanent. Feels thicker, but of course I don't know that, because I can't take off the back. But it certainly does not feel cheap, compared to the S4. (Maybe not a fair comparison, as S4's back was made to come off, which I liked. So for me it's a trade off.)

Leather Options

Just got the Verizon black leather variant of the G4 yesterday. I had read that some people didn't think the Verizon leather felt as nice/soft/leathery as the tan leather offered by T-Mobile, but decided to go ahead and order the leather from V anyway. It's not terrible, but I agree it feels a bit "textured plastic" like. Is there consensus that the tan T-Mobile backs are indeed better than Verizon's black one? I guess I would prefer something that feels a little more like a leather work glove or baseball glove that softens overtime. The tan one looks like it might be more like that? Verizon's leather doesn't feel like it will do that at all, but perhaps I'm wrong. I know there are lots of different places to buy backs and I've looked at a bunch, but not sure which to try. The different color backs from LG appear like they are the same texture as the black Verizon one. Do they have the same feel or different/better? Are there differences between the different carrier phones that I need to make sure I get a back for a Verizon phone, or are they interchangeable between carriers? I'd appreciate hearing opinions on the best feeling leather option out there, and if you happen to have a link to the one you bought, even better!
Thanks in advance!

I would guess that the two different texture backs have different feel/wearing characteristics. The tan leather seems smooth, but the black (at least the Sprint variety) is bumpy/stiffer.

The black and other colors are textured and feel more stiff in comparison to the smooth brown leather for the T-Mobile version. The smooth T-Mobile brown back is more prone to damage though since it's soft. The black and other colors will hold up better to wear.

Kawaisa said:
The black and other colors are textured and feel more stiff in comparison to the smooth brown leather for the T-Mobile version. The smooth T-Mobile brown back is more prone to damage though since it's soft. The black and other colors will hold up better to wear.
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Are the backs interchangeable between carriers? Would a T-Mobile smooth brown back work on the Verizon model?

jvhawk3 said:
Are the backs interchangeable between carriers? Would a T-Mobile smooth brown back work on the Verizon model?
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Yes, it'll fit

Kawaisa said:
Yes, it'll fit
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Thanks! Now to see if I can find one to try out.

Well, I guess buy a leather case from Spigen or somewhere else. DesignSkin's leather cases are not bad. I think buying a leather case is the best option. Find a leather case that really make your phone look awesome.