Database Develop

Seidio Innocase Surface Review (quick/dirty)

My previous phone was a Heroc and it was wrapped with an Otterbox Commuter case. I LOVED that case. It saved my phone on numerous occasions from physical trauma and liquid disasters.
Unfortunately, Otterbox doesn't have a case developed for the Evo Shift yet. Hopefully they will soon though: twitter[dot]com/OtterBox/status/24490743817052160
I'm not a fan of the fake carbon fiber of the case Sprint offers so I went with the Seidio Innocase Surface.
The case itself seems a little flimsy/thin for it's $29.99 price point. However, it does an adequate job of covering the phone. Also, there's about a 3mm lip around the screen so I don't have to worry about placing it face down. This matters to me because I'm not too fond of screen protectors. I've tried them for the iPhone and Heroc and in my opinion, they degradate the touch surface too much to justify their use. For the year I've had the Heroc, there is not a single scratch on the screen. I have the same faith in the Evo Shift now that it has a case.
After a couple days of use, the only con I can think of is that it does make it a bit harder to use the top row of the physical keyboard. I'm getting used to it, but I was definitely frustrated with the typos I would make during the first day.
UPDATE:
Per questions below:
The case feels just like the original plastic of the Shift's body, if anything it feels "softer". (That's the best adjective I can come up with to describe the difference).
Also, to completely secure the screen portion of the case, I had to slightly pry the screen up from the base to make the gap wide enough to fit the left side clips in between them. When sliding the screen, it is now noticeable stiffer due to this. I think this will be an issue with any body case for the Evo Shift, since there is no gap in the sliding mechanism normally.
I didn't notice this before, but the top right clip of the screen portion of the protector comes unclipped when closing the phone. From what I can tell, the sliding mechanism isn't as forgiving as the bottom so it can't wedge itself between the screen and the base causing it to become lose. Though more than 1 of the 4 clips would need to come undone before it would detach the screen portion of the case.
UPDATE:
I rarely use the FN/Shift so I didn't notice until it was mention below. The case does cover those lights above the keyboard.
Dimensions with case (L x W x T):
Metric: 122mm x 64mm x 20mm
Imperial: 4.8" x 2.48" x 0.79"
Dimensions without case:
Metric: 117mm x 59mm x 15mm
Imperial: 4.61" x 2.32" x 0.59"

Wow. I really like the look. Thanks for the pictures. I'm contemplating buying it...

Does the screen protector portion of the case feel like it is going to stay on? I had bought a case like this for my old moment and the screen part wore down in like 2-3 months and it wouldn't stay on taking it in and out of my pocket.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App

how is the texture? I like the feel of the shift's battery door, it is smooth enough to not rip your pocket out... but sticky enought to help keep it from sliding.

DWake014 said:
Does the screen protector portion of the case feel like it is going to stay on? I had bought a case like this for my old moment and the screen part wore down in like 2-3 months and it wouldn't stay on taking it in and out of my pocket.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had an issues with that happening. Though I could see it being a possibility. To attach the left side of the screen portion securely, I had to slightly "pry" up the screen from the base so that the clips could attach. This does make the sliding mechanism noticeably stiffer.
BuddahWolf01 said:
how is the texture? I like the feel of the shift's battery door, it is smooth enough to not rip your pocket out... but sticky enought to help keep it from sliding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It feels exactly like the original plastic, maybe a little "softer". I don't notice any difference when putting it or taking it of my pants pocket.

cool, thanks for the info. I'm thinking of picking one of these up. Now my main concern is if I'll be annoyed by the top row of keys not having much room. I already make most of my mistakes on the top row.

Thanks for the review, I was looking into getting one of these cases as well. I do have a question though. How thick is the phone with the case on?

BuddahWolf01 said:
cool, thanks for the info. I'm thinking of picking one of these up. Now my main concern is if I'll be annoyed by the top row of keys not having much room. I already make most of my mistakes on the top row.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it definitely covers the LEDs for caps lock and function lock.
Try slightly sliding your keyboard in a tad to cover the LEDs and see if the reduced space bothers you or messes up your typing.

Thanks for the tip. Ill have to give that a try. Uh, I'm doing that right now, and I think I like it better this way. Is that weird?
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App

I want to get a case for mine, but my biggest concern is making the phone thicker than it already is. I don't want it to not fit in my pocket.

adamr240 said:
I want to get a case for mine, but my biggest concern is making the phone thicker than it already is. I don't want it to not fit in my pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surprisingly the cases don't seem to make the phone much thicker. I'm still able to place the phone in the leg pocket of ky carpenter pants really easily. My Hero and my wife's Moment were both super thick with a case, but not the Shift.
Sent from my HTC EVO Shift 4G using XDA App.

ryocho said:
Thanks for the review, I was looking into getting one of these cases as well. I do have a question though. How thick is the phone with the case on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dimensions with case (L x W x T):
Metric: 122mm x 64mm x 20mm
Imperial: 4.8" x 2.48" x 0.79"
Dimensions without case:
Metric: 117mm x 59mm x 15mm
Imperial: 4.61" x 2.32" x 0.59"

There is a coupon code for that site.
DISC2011
Will get you 10% off.
I'm picking up a purple one for my wife and can add some pics to this thread too if people want to see another color option on a phone.

What is that spiky, purple thing in the last pic?

wizputer said:
Dimensions with case (L x W x T):
Metric: 122mm x 64mm x 20mm
Imperial: 4.8" x 2.48" x 0.79"
Dimensions without case:
Metric: 117mm x 59mm x 15mm
Imperial: 4.61" x 2.32" x 0.59"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info

silex said:
What is that spiky, purple thing in the last pic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, it's a cat brush. I couldn't get the phone to balance on its side so I used to to hold it up.
http://www.amazon.com/Kong-Zoom-Groom-For-Cat/dp/B00009ZJ0Q

Curiosity did not kill the cat this time, hehe.
Shifted from my Evo using XDA app.

concern
I too am not interested in adding size to my phone.
I am most interested in the Ghost Armor product. All the protection, with no additional size.

I have this case as well for my phone, and i love it!!! doesn't add any really noticeable size to the phone and gives it the right amount of protection... great case

I want to buy this phone, but..

I am an Samsung Galaxy SII owner right now and i was looking for a bigger phone with fullHD screen an so on. One of the things i care about a phone, is the resitance of the display, like my SII, one of the strongest phones I had. I saw on MWC 2013 that the guy from the stand just dropped the phone and nothing happened. So i am asking for some real life experiences. Does anyone dropped it face down? What happened? Is the display so strong like it is said?

ionutz727 said:
I am an Samsung Galaxy SII owner right now and i was looking for a bigger phone with fullHD screen an so on. One of the things i care about a phone, is the resitance of the display, like my SII, one of the strongest phones I had. I saw on MWC 2013 that the guy from the stand just dropped the phone and nothing happened. So i am asking for some real life experiences. Does anyone dropped it face down? What happened? Is the display so strong like it is said?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's ok. Not as good as my neo though.
Don't expect too much from a glassy phone.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

ionutz727 said:
I am an Samsung Galaxy SII owner right now and i was looking for a bigger phone with fullHD screen an so on. One of the things i care about a phone, is the resitance of the display, like my SII, one of the strongest phones I had. I saw on MWC 2013 that the guy from the stand just dropped the phone and nothing happened. So i am asking for some real life experiences. Does anyone dropped it face down? What happened? Is the display so strong like it is said?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dropped mine twice waist level, once face down and the other face up. The screen didn't break but the sides of the phone chipped a bit. Why don't you just wait and buy the z1 since its coming pretty soon.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

joejoe23 said:
I dropped mine twice waist level, once face down and the other face up. The screen didn't break but the sides of the phone chipped a bit. Why don't you just wait and buy the z1 since its coming pretty soon.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found pretty good offer for this phone. The Z1 will be more expensive, i guess. I really don't know any other late 2012-2013 phone which has such a display resistance.

Any other people who dropped this phone?

I dropped my xz from a height of around a meter. It landed on its back straight onto a metal surface.
I didn't want to look at it at first, but when I did all was fine.
Its a very well made phone,not like the plastic Samsung's which I'm sure would have broken.
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

it seems to be a very strong phone, i think i will buy it

ionutz727 said:
it seems to be a very strong phone, i think i will buy it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a great phone, the only thing that pisses me off are the battery that depletes WAY and WAY to fast most of the times and the camera software really needs a lot more improvement, because I don't believe the sensor is bad. When you have plenty of light, it can make the greatest pictures, but when you barely have any light you can count the pixels/grains....

Dsteppa said:
It's a great phone, the only thing that pisses me off are the battery that depletes WAY and WAY to fast most of the times and the camera software really needs a lot more improvement, because I don't believe the sensor is bad. When you have plenty of light, it can make the greatest pictures, but when you barely have any light you can count the pixels/grains....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe its just an software problem

Phone is very strong made, dropped it alot of times, and once I droppen the phone on purpose because friends wanted to see what'll happen. Only the flap of the earbuds has a mark on it. The body is very strong and will keep the screen on it's place
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

I dropped mine out my bedroom window by accident, taking a picture of a beautiful sun set and and the window blew shut and I dropped the handset.
It bounced down the sloped roof below my window, the smashed screen first into the patio before bouncing and hitting the sundial.
I basically shat myself. But alas the only mark was a very small (3mm) crack in the light corner of the back glass.
It's also been dropped from around 6ft onto concrete face first, no damage.
BUT on a hot day last week I left it on my van's dashboard in direct sunlight. I had literally just replaced the screen protector and there wasn't any marks.
Come back an hour later and there is a large crack in the top right corner.... Caused by the heat!
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

Build Quality

I was just wondering if it is just my phone. I got the developers edition VZW and when I push on the logo in the back of the phone (back/bottom of the phone) I get a tape sound when I release. Like they forgot to put padding or something in the back.
Is this normal?
I was going to go to the VZ store and see if they have the issue.

Same!
I have the regular vzw moto x and it does the same thing! I thought mine was defective or something. Weird...

I have had three Moto Maker AT&T models and none have had this issue. They have had other issues, including faulty haptic feedback, WiFi antenna, and varying degrees of smoothness at the edges (the wraparound glass or whatever they called it) and on the flash (one phone was completely smooth at the edges and at the flash on the back, another has a more pronounced lip).

Slusho said:
I have had three Moto Maker AT&T models and none have had this issue. They have had other issues, including faulty haptic feedback, WiFi antenna, and varying degrees of smoothness at the edges (the wraparound glass or whatever they called it) and on the flash (one phone was completely smooth at the edges and at the flash on the back, another has a more pronounced lip).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also moving onto my third moto x. 2 gsm dev editions, and now i'm just going on to a used at&t model. for me:
1st gsm dev: marks on the screen in low light
2nd gsm dev: dirt embedded in the white backing, rattley/loose vibrations, creaky back
i figure, as long as i'm compromising and not getting a perfect device, might as well save $300 and get a used one where my expectations aren't so high. i just hope i get one with tight vibrations. i wish moto would get their crap together, this is such a beautiful phone.

Wait.. so I'm really interested in getting a moto x but it sounds like there are a lot of problems with the build quality.. Is this only with the phones that are manufactured in the US?

Wheyn said:
Wait.. so I'm really interested in getting a moto x but it sounds like there are a lot of problems with the build quality.. Is this only with the phones that are manufactured in the US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are a lot of issues on every new phone released. but there seems to be a good bit from the usa factory. if you are in the states... a motomaker phone is your best bet as far as quality goes. my first one was perfect. but dropped it on day four and busted the glass. so they gave me a new one. this one seems to have a weak vibrator. but that is something i can easily live with. as im not a fan of haptic. but i have yet to turn it off because i dont need the battery savings.

Well, I just tried and mine does it too. I never hold the phone in such a way that I'm actually touching that area so not really an issue for me. It does sound like tape, though.

dymmeh said:
Well, I just tried and mine does it too. I never hold the phone in such a way that I'm actually touching that area so not really an issue for me. It does sound like tape, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while i have no plans of testinf it out...there were leaked pics just before the release that show the x in layers. those pics show that there is some empty space as the back curves up at the camera all the way to the top. there is a lip at the top of the camera to keep the back from flexing in. id imagine that is why you can press down in the first place. just fyi.

OK. So it is normal. From the answers here and going to the Verizon store. They must have a piece of tape for the entire back and a gap at the bottom of the phone. Causing the issue. I am not going to try to do an RMA because it seems to be a design issue.
Aside from this issue, this has been by far my favorite android phone.
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app

hill180 said:
OK. So it is normal. From the answers here and going to the Verizon store. They must have a piece of tape for the entire back and a gap at the bottom of the phone. Causing the issue. I am not going to try to do an RMA because it seems to be a design issue.
Aside from this issue, this has been by far my favorite android phone.
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
makes sense and agree. i didnt look at ifixit, so i didnt want to say there was tape. but i know the og droid razr had a back that was taped to the battery. and then the battery was connected by a ribbon. of which i ripped and ruined when taking it apart. so be careful if you ever decide to diy. it helps with twist/flex. so i would have to assume they did the same thing on the x. and it sounds like the tape is a bit bigger than it needs to be. no doubt because the usa plant isnt as good at building phones so they made it easier on the employees. which is why peeps are able to push in and hear a tape sound. it sounds like if it were an eighth inch shorter... this would be a non issue.
and i also agree with you that its not worth worrying about. the bad assedness of the phone makes up for the design flaw.

Popping noise from back cover

Has anyone else noticed a popping/snapping noise from the lower back cover of the phone? To me it sounds like the glue that holds the back cover on is not always touching the back, so if you push part of the back towards the screen it sticks to the glue, and then comes unglued later with a "pop" sound.

Yes I have noticed this, and this came to my attention from other forum members talking about it so we are not alone
Sent from my Moto X

Same things happens with mine.

Dogbone737 said:
Yes I have noticed this, and this came to my attention from other forum members talking about it so we are not alone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so it's not just a one-off manufacturing error. I'm trying to decide if it's worth trying to get fixed, after all it doesn't affect structural integrity or anything.

I noticed the same popping noise when I got my Moto X. Don't notice it now that it is in a case.

hbar98 said:
I noticed the same popping noise when I got my Moto X. Don't notice it now that it is in a case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
makes sense with my glue theory, the case prevents the back from compressing so it doesn't touch the glue. Alternatively the case keeps it always compressed so it doesn't pop later.

I just got a Moto X and have the same issue. What provider do you guys have? How common is it?

Mine too Verizon
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app

Mine does this too, right where the carrier branding would go.
What kind of backs do you guys have?
I have a white woven back on a GSM Dev Edition. My friends turquoise back and says her's doesn't do this. It might have to do with material used to make your back.

should I be concerned I didnt get the extended warranty.. I am within my 14 days with vzw.. should I exchange it?

Np, they all do this, just the design there's some air there but sticky tap on the back panel so when you push it down the tape sticks then let's go and that's what you're hearing

Traces of wear

Hello to everyone,
owning the N5 for over a month now with moderate use over the day, I see first signs of wear.
On the top left corner (frontfacing) I've already polished the rubberised paint away and it gets glossy.
Have to say that this is the part of the phone that hits the inside of the pocket first when I put it in my trousers.
But for me it's a little bit of a disappointment, especially because the N4 showed this first after 8 months!
How is your N5 holding up so far?
Cheers,
Flaxx
EDIT: Forgot to mention: Black N5

Mines fine. But then it is white so the sides are already glossy....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Mines fine too (black version), but mine spends most of it's time on my desk or in my hands :laugh:
Is is worth an RMA? Surely it shouldnt wear down so quickly??

ricey1986 said:
Mines fine too (black version), but mine spends most of it's time on my desk or in my hands :laugh:
Is is worth an RMA? Surely it shouldnt wear down so quickly??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought about RMAing it, but the rest of the phone is flawless: no problem with random noise in call or videorecording, vibrator motor, display (first RMA) and the little noise of the power button not bothering me at all.
The possibility of getting a bad phone is "too damn high" I guess. :laugh:

My N5 wears down slightly on the upper back edges. Just the outer edges are becoming blank. But I consider it as normal because regardless of the material edges are always very prone to wear of. I don't have a problem with that as long as it stays that subtle.
BTW. I am using a day one device.
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk

mine has one scratch on the back, otherwise still in mint condition

Nathanation said:
Mines fine. But then it is white so the sides are already glossy....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normal wear and tear that causes paint to wear off does not warrant an RMA.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

G1ForFun said:
Normal wear and tear that causes paint to wear off does not warrant an RMA.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure it does.Everyone should RMA at that point. I mean why wouldn't you want to pay an extra $50 or more on the next Nexus. /sarcasm

G1ForFun said:
Normal wear and tear that causes paint to wear off does not warrant an RMA.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are telling me? White = glossy sides. No wear problem.
Black = matte effect sides (and poor choice in colour ?) wears off. Anything with that kind of finish will wear, I don't think they would give you a replacement for it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Flaxx1988 said:
owning the N5 for over a month now with moderate use over the day, I see first signs of wear.
On the top left corner (frontfacing) I've already polished the rubberised paint away and it gets glossy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a weared out spot on left top corner of the screen. Looks like oleophobic coating on this phone's screen is even less durable than on GN and N4. Disappointed. White 16GB.

Well the build quality is lower than HTC, what do you expect?

Now i get why the price is lower with high specs..!
Smart Google and LG..!

It's basically plastic wrapped around a screen and small underpowered battery

no case
Expect wear.

No wear on dropped and tossed with car keys and small change Black N5... with QuickCover !
It's exactly the phone I was wishing for, "relative" build quality, toughness and all. The N5 won't ever age as well as my old N1 -- nor feel as substantial when handheld, but I'm still thrilled with the unmatched value of the N5, the fit with my needs, and still will be even if it craps out early. And I'll be longing for the next+ Nexus by then, anyway...

dicecuber said:
It's basically plastic wrapped around a screen and small underpowered battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This small underpowered battery gets amazing battery life. 5 to 5.5 hours screen on time I'm happy. Great design too :thumbup:. I love how this phone feels in hand and it feels to me the build is worth much more than the price tag. I have a black n5 BTW but I have a white back on at the moment.
Also to reply to what this threads about I have a day one device that I received the Monday after launch and its still mint. I use a bumper maybe 50% of the time and I use skinomi screen protectors.
>^.^< Sent From Meow nexus5

ru-dmitry said:
I have a weared out spot on left top corner of the screen. Looks like oleophobic coating on this phone's screen is even less durable than on GN and N4. Disappointed. White 16GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is strange. It's rated at 20,000 wipes with rough cloth by Corning and surely you haven't come near that or used harsh chemicals on it.