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Hey guys, when the M8 first came out i needed a case quick since the M8 is so much more slippery than the Evo 4g LTE that I'm coming from. What I was actually waiting for was the Dilex since I used an Active on my Evo 4g LTE as well as my OG Evo and loved the balance between bulk and protection, as well as the added benefit of having a kickstand. As time went by I would look at my clear TPU case and think how cheap it seemed to make the phone look, so I ordered a Supcase Hybrid Beetle to see if that was any better. I've used the TPU and the Bettle for their fair share of time, but the Dilex just came yesterday and I just want to give my impressions on each.
First lets start with the Kaycase Soft Gel TPU Case. The cheapest out of the 3 cases in this comparison,it still has a very good fit, and like most TPU cases on the market, offers abrasion protection, and some degree of drop protection. The Kaycase has an open power button hole that won't block the IR blaster, open micro usb/headphone access, and covered volume buttons molded as two separate buttons. The button is semi stiff and is not likely to be hit accidently. It is a pretty plain case, and it seems like a great basic case. My own issue with it was that with subsequent removals and installations, the phone itself can scuff the inside of the TPU, causing it to look cloudy. Over time it started to look like oxidized clear coat, and I didn't really want to use it anymore. Below are some photos of the case on my phone. The little button on the back is for my Tetrax mount, so please disregard that little detail.
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Overall, I would recommend it to people who don't want to spend a ton on a case, but still wants to get that extra grip. It also comes in blue/black/smoked. You can see in the photos that the corners are a bit foggy from the phone scuffing it internally, so I would not recommend the clear.
Next, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Hybrid Case. Six dollars more at the time of writing, This case is in my opinion far superior in terms of aesthetics, as well as possibly providing additional protection against back impacts (I'm not an expert on this as I rarely drop my phone, so take any opinions here as just that). I have seen photos of the black one here in the accessories forum and was very impressed with the fit and finish, so I bought myself a red one to check it out.
The red sections are made of a TPU that is stiffer than the Kaycase, and thus is a bit more difficult to get on and off the phone. The back is a frosted polycarb hardshell that together with the TPU and the weight of the phone makes a very satisfying and solid thud when placed down on my wooden desk. Around the midsection of the case on the back are two slightly raised sections that make the case grippy without having to wrap one's fingers around the front. There is a ring immediately inboard of the red where the polycarb is polished, giving the case a cool contrast between shiny and matte. The camera and flash cutouts are precise and recess all the components for some much needed protection, as opposed to having basically zero recessing of those components without the case on. The camera/flash cutouts are separate and therefore covers a tiny bit more of the metal back. This is the only case of the three that covers the metal on the back completely.
Along the sides we have open microusb/headphone jacks, covered volume control also molded as separate buttons, which are stiffer than the Kaycase and therefore even more resistant to accidental presses. On top there is a separate smoked power button that will not block the IR blaster. Since the power button is not molded in to the case, it is easy to hit and offers good feedback. The case also shipped with two additional power buttons in case you lose them. Along the front of the case, there is a glossy bevel between the screen and edge and the sides. There is also a slight lip around the screen, though it is not very deep. If you're used to placing your phone face down on a table for any reason, I would recommend making sure that whatever surface you place it on is nice and flat. Out of the three cases here, this seems to be my personal favorite so far since as I mentioned before, I don't tend to drop my phone so I like the slim fit and the aesthetics of this particular case.
Finally, we have the Seidio Dilex. I had this case as the Active for both my OG Evo and then the Evo 4g LTE, and i loved using it as the design of it allows it to be removed very easily, yet offers pretty good drop protection, at least in urban enviroments, as I have not had the misfortune of testing its durability in the wilderness or in the presence of a bunch of rocks.
For those of you that have experience with the Active version of this case, The lugs in the silicone case are now a little thicker, and have a ribbed pattern on them, presumably to increase grip. As i have never had a problem with the previous smooth design, to me it just seems to make it look more rugged.
The case is a two piece design, with a silicone case base layer, that is stiff enough to be used on its own, but looks much better with the hard exoskeleton wrapped around it. The exoskeleton is covered in a semi-metallic looking rubberized paint that feels like the soft-touch plastics on the back of the Nexus 7. Changed from the previous Active design is the top section of the exoskeleton, which is now one solid piece as opposed to just gripping the corners like its predecessors. The rest of the exoskeleton fits flush in to the recessed sections in the silicone, and the corners wrap around tightly and is also flush with a bit of manuvering. The lip around the screen is about two credit cards thick, and will raise it quite a bit off any flat surface you may place it upon.
Around the sides we have open and fairly deeply recessed microusb/headphone jacks. It is important to note that while the micro usb port is deeply recessed, the cutout is wide enough to accommodate pretty much every kind of micro usb connector that I have. The headphone jack however might be a bit problematic for aftermarket 3.5mm tips that feature a wide barrel right after the plug, like the ones that Neutrik offers. The power button is covered and unlike the supcase, it is a part of the silicone base so the IR blaster will not function through it. The volume buttons are covered, and molded as two distinct buttons. Both the power buttons and volume buttons are molded in the softer silicone compared to the TPU-sided cases, so they are easier to hit, although the inherent required effort to click the bare buttons seem to be sufficient to protect against accidental pants pressing.
The back of the case features individual cutouts for the cameras and the noise cancelling mic. The camera/flash element is one big opening just like the Kaycase. Also of note is the glorious metal kickstand that goes perfectly with the improved boomsound speakers on the M8. The kickstand in its closed position is held in place by a small magnet, so it will not come loose and flail about. It will only prop the phone up in landscape mode, and has a nice little click when you close it. The viewing angle is perfect when on a desk about a foot away.
This case is very simple in its execution. I take pretty good care of my phones, and I use it for music in my car so I'm always plugging and unplugging the micro usb and 3.5mm. I like that this case offers a pretty good measure of protection without blocking ports, which has always turned me away from the Otterbox cases, as well as my Trident Kraken AMS on my Evo 4g LTE. The color contrast is subtle from the front, and the metallic soft touch exoskeleton looks sharp in the back. It is a fair bit thicker than both the Supcase and the Kaycase, but I have a feeling that while I am digging the Supcase right now, that eventually I will go back to my favorite for 3 generations of phones not after long.
Well thats it for my first impressions of these three cases, each offering different levels of protection at different price points. For those that are concerned with lint, the Supcase seems to have attracted the least amount of lint out of the three in my jeans pocket, with the silicone of the Seidio picking up a bit more of noticeable dust, partially due to it also being black. I have a Nilkin tempered glass protector on my phone, and all of these cases fit without pushing up against the screen protector, so i'm not too worried about it lifting. I haven't seen too many photos of cases in more flamboyant colors so I hope that the red lovers out there lurking about can get a better idea of what the Unicorn Beetle Hybrid and the Seidio Dilex look like on our device. I apologize to tapatalkers for using such big images right in the post, but i personally find it tedious to have to click on a bunch of thumbnails while reading. I will leave you with a few more pictures of the three cases side by side for size comparisons.
Introduction
I know the search for cases for this phone has been a little annoying and, in some cases, (hah!) underwhelming. I decided to pull the trigger on a case from a brand I've never bought before. I wanted a low profile case that provided, at least, decent protection. After some research, I purchased the Ringke FUSION Case over at Amazon for $12.99. My goal here is to provide people with some quick and concise information so they can make an informed decision when looking to buy a case for the Nexus 5X. So lets jump right in and see how this baby holds up to my expectations.
Disclaimer: I bought this case with my own money. I haven't been paid to endorse this product in any way. I'm also not a professional photographer, so the pictures I took with the M9's underwhelming camera is about the best my trembling, hungover hands could manage.
Details
It comes in two colors, "Smoke" (Grey) and "Crystal View" (Clear) -- Both are priced at $12.99
The case is made of Silicone TPU and the Plastic (maybe polycarbonate?).
No matter which color you choose, both come with an "HD" screen protector.
Initial Impressions
The case comes packaged quite nicely, sealed in a bubble-wrap insulated envelope. Upon opening the package we're greeted with Ringke's "ECO Package" which is supposedly saving the polar bears or something. It touts that they have sold over 10 million products, use non-toxic materials, and also instructs me to "feel good adout myself".
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It's also a little funny because within this ECO package is another plastic Ziploc bag that houses the actual case.
Within this resealable bag you'll find the actual case. It has a protective film plastered on both sides of the clear plastic that shows off the rear of your beautiful new phone. This must be removed before installation. (Forgive me, I did not take pictures of this). The screen protector is also placed perfectly inside the case. My immediate impressions were that this case felt pretty decent for the price. It's light, the TPU sides felt grippy and the plastic (after having removed the protective films) felt a bit grippy and not brittle at all. This bolstered my initial confidence in the case that if I were to drop the phone accidentally on a hard surface that it'd shrug it off without a problem.
Installation and Fitting
The Screen Protector that comes with this case is a thin flexible film. It's plastic, not tempered glass and isn't the same material you'd experience with, say, a Skinomi TechSkin screen protector either. The screen protector comes with films attached to both sides. Both films are labeled with a description as well as a number to let you know which one you're suppose to remove first.
After washing my hands, I removed the adhesive film and carefully placed it on my phone. I placed the screen protector on the bottom and slowly applied it from the bottom up, using a credit card to smoothly apply the protector to mitigate any air bubbles. Application was pretty easy and just took about 3 seconds of patience. The protector fits almost perfectly. I applied it about a millimeter or two off center to the left, so there's a bit of a gap between the protector and the case now but it's hardly noticeable. As you can see from the picture above, the protective film that gets removed from the protector is colored blue, which I promptly removed, crumpled up and threw in the garbage before taking a picture. Because I'm an idiot.
The screen protector DOES have a cut out for the proximity sensor (are you listening Spigen?).
The case itself is a pretty easy installation. I slid the top portion of the phone in first, so that the buttons wouldn't get pressed during installation. With a satisfying hugging/click sound I then pressed the bottom end of the phone into the case. The case fits snuggly and does not allow the phone to move around at all. That being said, removal of the case is quite easy and can be done in seconds. This, however, I can't see happening by accident in your pocket or any other situation. This is exactly how I like my phone cases. Easy to install and remove without it just falling off from tumbling around in my shorts or something.
How the case fits the phone is a huge plus in my book. There is a TPU lip that goes around the entire face of the phone that provides some extra scratch protection if I were to place the phone face down.
On the back you can see the clear plastic allows the nice Nexus logo to shine through. There's a proper cutout of the Fingerprint sensor, Camera, Laser Auto-focus and Flash LED.
The plastic lays flush with the camera lense / glass, providing decent protection from a fall if the phone were to land on it's back. This case basically lets the phone lay flat on a desk or anything else due to little bumps at all four corners of the case. This is nice so that the phone no longer rests right on it's fragile camera when placed face up on a flat surface.
Features & Other thoughts
This case seems to be as well thought out as it is constructed. There is a properly sized cutout for the USB-C port as well as the headphone jack. The headphone jack, however, has a TPU flap covering it to prevent dust from getting in. This is a bit annoying sometimes to remove, but I like that they included it for the reason of cleanliness. There's also a cutout for the bottom microphone.
Moving to the right side of the case, we can see that there are TPU buttons covering the Volume Rocker and Power button. Normally I hate these things because they're hard to find and usually dull the tactile feedback from the buttons. But the way these are implemented are probably the nicest I've ever felt. They're raised from the side of the case, so they're easy to find and feel quite nice when pressed giving a satisfying click sound that you'd get from the naked phone itself. Well done, Ringke!
There's also a cutout at the top for the top microphone as well.
The case feels nice to hold and doesn't add much bulk at all. The TPU sides are decently grippy but the gloss finish on them makes it slippery at times. My only complaint with the case is that the clear backing is a fingerprint magnet. If you have greasy hands the back will look smudgy and at times can be quite slippery. Not a big deal but if it catches the light a certain way it looks pretty bad.
As for the screen protector, I'm not exactly thrilled with it. I actually ordered a different screen protector before I bought this case, but it hasn't shipped yet so I just threw this one on for now. I'm fairly sure the screen protector isn't oleophobic, so finger prints and smudging happens pretty often. Which is a shame because it feels pretty nice to interact with.
Overall
Overall, I really like this case. It offers adequate protection from minor falls and scratches for the price without adding nearly any bulk. It also allows the phone to lay flat on flat surfaces without resting on the camera, which is a major plus. The case is easy to install and remove and fits nicely. It's a well-thought-out case with no glaring oversights or problems. The screen protector, however, is a bit lackluster. But hey, it was a free and it's a stand in for my Tempered Glass one arriving in the mail next week. Those looking for a low-profile, comfortable and protective case for there brand new N5X, look no further.
I second this. Using it right now
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Thanks for the review. Sounds like just what I want, ordered one from Amazon.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
I myself have never used a case before but will try for my 5X, you saved me quite a bit of research. Thanks a lot mate!
I had this case for the note 4 and it had very rough edges, this case does not! Very nice case for the price. Nice review too.
I bought this in clear. It's nice, but I just can't stand the feel of a case on this phone (not to be confused with saying I don't like the feel of the case, because the case feels great). I might go caseless for the first time in years.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
dpwhitty11 said:
I bought this in clear. It's nice, but I just can't stand the feel of a case on this phone (not to be confused with saying I don't like the feel of the case, because the case feels great). I might go caseless for the first time in years.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ran my old N5 naked for a long time while in school and while it was nice it was ultimately a bad call because the wear definitely accumulated over time.
Got this case based on your review and I'm really happy with it. It's a very simple case that appears to be well-made and doesn't add a lot of bulk. The buttons have a great feel and for about $10 you can't go wrong.
Very nice review.
I used the ringke fusion case for my n4 and loved it. Ordered it for my n5x and was a little disappointed that it's an all tpu case. I've personally never cared for tpu cases. The case is too smooth for my taste and I think makes it harder to hold on too.
The n4 version was nicer because the outside wasn't a smooth tpu and a solid and more case like plastic while retaining the clear back. It also has small edges where the plastic parts met on the back which help when gripping and holding the phone.
The n5 is almost smooth all around. Gonna give it another week or so but will probably be looking for something else or going with now case.
It's still a decent case, but just wanted to make sure people realize the fusion line cases has changed from the older phones.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
It's definitely not an all TPU case. The back is a hard plastic and the sides are a softer TPU material.
I like the case for everyday use, but am still looking for something with a little more protection for work.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA Free mobile app
Ringke Fusions are my favorite cases on the market right now. I've had 7 of them for various devices. All fit perfectly and no discoloration or scuffs. Great cases
Received this one yesterday in smoke color. First time using a case since my OG droid incredible. I didn't want to use a case but after my nexus 5 experience (RIP N5 screen x2) it was the smart play. Exactly what I was looking for, snug fit with some rubbery protection for the edges and not too much added bulk. I approve of this case.
I saw a review on Amazon (and a comment following it) saying that this case scratch the part where the camera is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RR9AFEF94JZWZ/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B014RS5BHW
Can you, or anyone who has that case, confirm this?
TheeWolf said:
I saw a review on Amazon (and a comment following it) saying that this case scratch the part where the camera is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RR9AFEF94JZWZ/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B014RS5BHW
Can you, or anyone who has that case, confirm this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not, the case has little feet on the corners that keep the camera from touching the table.
Here is a close up confirming the camera doesn't touch.
Also here is a couple real quick backings I made out of the included template.
oldpreowner said:
It does not, the case has little feet on the corners that keep the camera from touching the table.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oldpreowner said:
Here is a close up confirming the camera doesn't touch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what they mean is the clear plastic on the back, the slot that has been cut out for the camera and flash has rough edges rubbing against the phone, which apparently damages the paint? I haven't had this issue.
oldpreowner said:
Also here is a couple real quick backings I made out of the included template.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually looks awesome. Do you have the link for the template?
@Alcolawl the template came with the case.
oldpreowner said:
@Alcolawl the template came with the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
God damit I threw it out. wtf am I doing with my life?
EDIT: It was actually sitting at the top of my waste paper basket. Crisis averted.
First, full disclosure: I don't really like cases. I've not used a case on any of my prior phones (except for a brief period on the Galaxy S3). But the S7 Edge is so slippery, and with all the glass so fragile, that not using a case seems foolish. So I'm looking for a relatively minimal case that makes the phone less slippery and still provides a reasonable degree of protection. I'm not going to use a brick of a case that turns my svelte, stylish Edge into one of these:
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My Edge is silver, and I love the way it looks, so for daily use I'd prefer a clear case that doesn't hide the beauty of the phone. So I've purchased (and in one case received free) multiple clear cases for this phone (Free isn't keeping me from criticism where it's due, however). I wish I could say one is head and shoulders above the rest, or even the clear (pun intended) favorite, but each has strengths and weaknesses. And comparing my experience to some of the other reviews on the web, I think there's more than a bit of a process / quality control problem with the manufacturers, showing up as significant sample to sample variation. Perhaps not surprising when you're talking about products that sell for $10 or less, and probably only cost a buck to make in some Chinese factory.
So let's think about what we should expect, functionally, out of a case. Style is in the eye of the beholder, but functionally I think most of us will agree with the following: offer a reasonable amount of protection in the event of a drop; provide better grip than the slippery-as-wet-ice(TM) S7 Edge; protect the screen if you set the phone face down; and not significantly compromise functionality. Sadly, none of these cases meet all of those goals. Some don't really meet any of them.
It's important to note that none of these cases are going to offer a whole lot of protection to the screen. Some more than others, perhaps, but in order to leave the edge screen functional, none of them completely cover the side of the phone above the level of the screen, like cases for the flat S7 do. If you drop the phone, and it lands on or near the edge of the screen, be prepared to file an insurance claim or cry, no matter what case you have it in.
I won't rank these, because which is best depends on your priorities. Want a minimalist case, and are willing to trade some protection for it? The Spigen Liquid Crystal is your case. Are you willing to accept some more bulk in exchange for a little more protection? Look at either the Ulack or the Artech. The Ulak is less slippery, but has lousy buttons. The Artech has better buttons, but is a little slippery. I can't recommend the Poetic at all, and if the generic case appeals to you, you know who you are.
YMMV, and if you love one I hate, or vice versa, that's your privilege. It's nice to have choices.
Anyway, my reaction after swapping back and forth between them. In no particular order in the following posts.
Spigen Liquid Crystal: The first case I bought. Ordered it even before I had my phone. Definitely high quality. Probably the most precisely aligned, shaped and molded openings for all the ports, mics and speaker. It's all soft TPU, both the back and the bumper, and the pebble finish inside the back means there's no rainbow effect. Best of all the buttons are perfect. They add no resistance over using the phone without a case, they provide a very tactile feel, and a positive click when activiated. The best button feel of any of the clear cases by far. This case adds minimal bulk to the phone. This (along with the Poetic and Vena ) is the thinnest of any of these cases. The TPU is also reasonably grippy, and doesn't readily slip out of my fingers.
On the downside, these very thin cases are probably the least protective in this group. Did I mention the TPU is thin? And while it has a lip at the top and bottom to protect the screen when you place it face down, the lips aren't very big, so it raises the phone off the surface less than most of the others. I dropped my Edge face down on a flat surface in this case, and the screen shattered. I'm not blaming the case, though. It impacted along the right side of the screen, so the same thing might have happened in any of these cases.
Spigen's perfect cutouts:
The screen is raised a little bit off a surface, but not by a much as some of the other cases:
Spigen's buttons. They don't look special, but they just WORK. Everyone else should copy these buttons.
Ulak Clear Slim: Except for one thing, this would be my favorite case of the bunch. It has an acrylic back combined with a TPU bumper. The TPU is noticably thicker than the Spigen's bumpers. There's an air bubble at each corner, which may (or may not?) help cushion any impacts there. The lip at the top and bottom is quite a bit taller than the Spigen's, and it has raised "feet" on the back to protect the acrylic screen from being scratched when you set it down. The acrylic back is very clear, and really shows off the back of the phone better than the phones with TPU backs.
The edges are a bit more slippery than the Spigen, though not terribly so, and the acrylic back is a fingerprint magnet. But those aren't what disappoint me the most, though. The biggest problem is the buttons. They require much more pressure to push than the Spigen, and there's no tactile feedback at all. Very disappointing. And there's really no excuse for selling a case wtih second-rate buttons. Just buy a few of your competitors cases that do buttons right (like the Spigen, above), and reverse engineer them. If Uak just fixed the buttons, this would be my number 1 choice without question. Someone else who posts her tested this case, though, and said the buttons on his were fine, so I'm sending this one back and will try another sample. Hopefully the buttons on that one will be better.
Update (5/19): Other than the buttons, I liked this case well enough to give it another try. I returned the first one, and ordered a second. This one has better buttons. Not the best, but better. The volume buttons are almost on par with the Spigen's, and certainly good enough that I'll have no problem using them. The power button is still not on par with what I expect. But since I normally turn the phone on with the home button, that's not a major issue for me. This is now my preferred clear case for the Edge.
Oh, one minor annoyance. The product is supposed to come with a cardboard template that you can use to cut out your own picture to insert in the back of the case. A nice touch to personalize your phone. Mine was missing the template, and Ulak's customer service was totally useless. They insisted it was Amazon's problem (as if Amazon manufactured and packed the case), and refused to do anything at all to remedy the missing feature. If the case didn't have such potential, the lousy customer service would make this a "no sale."
Update (5/19): As mentioned above, I bought a second copy of this case. The second one didn't come with the cardboard template either.
The "bubble" in the corners of the Ulak case. Does this really help with impact resistance? Your guess is as good as mine.
One of the "feet" on the back of the Ulack, which should help prevent scratches on the back.
The lips at the top and bottom keep the screen well off a surface if you put it face down. The might help, a little, if you drop it face down.
This final pic should give you an idea of just how clear the back of this case is. Very nice.
Artech 21 Hybrid Jelly: This is almost the reverse of the Ulack design. Instead of a hard back and soft sides, this is a soft TPU case with a hard frame around the edge. How does it fare in comparison? The thickness of the TPU bumper seems to be a little less than the Ulak, and it doesn't have the air bubbles in the corners, but the rigid frame around the edge may offer as much protection. (I'm not about to drop test my phone--if someone wants to send me theirs, I'll be happy to do some drop tests. ) The top and bottom lips are about the same height as the Ulak, which is good. I'm not sure how the TPU back compares to the Ulak's rigid back in terms of protection, but fingerprints aren't nearly as big a problem. Oh, there's no rainbow effect with this case, either.
On the other hand, while the buttons are better than the Ulak's, they're not as good as Spigen's. They are acceptable, but Artech knows how to make good buttons. Their Vivid Arkansas series case has the best button action I've found so far, but is not available in clear. Why they don't use the same design on all their cases is beyond my understanding.
My biggest issue is the smooth, hard plastic frame around the bumper. It's a bit slippery, and when the case is stretched around a phone you can feel a rather sharp edge where the TPU case joins the hard plastic. Not a deal breaker, but definitely uncomfortable when you're holding the phone. Well, maybe it is a deal breaker.
The back and sides of the Artech Jelly. I really like the looks of the black band, but it's pretty slippery.
With the phone inserted. Not quite as clear as the Ulak, but still shows off the phone nicely.
Like the Ulak, the Artech cases all get the screen well above the surface if you put it face down.
Vena Retain: Kind of a cross between the Spigen Liquid Crystal and the Ulak. It's a thin, minimalistic case like the Spigen, but with a hard acrylic back like the Ulak. The buttons aren't as good as Spigen's, offering no tactile feedback, but they require much less pressure than Ulak's. Other than that, very similar to the Spigen with a hard back. If you want a minimal case like this, I think the Spigen is probably a better choice, and the Ulak (and Artech) certainly offers better protection.
They don't show well here, but the top and bottom lips are closer in size to the Spigen than the Artech or Ulak.
Like the Ulak, the Vena has small "bubbles" at the corners. And like the Ulak, I have no idea if they make any real difference in impact resistance.
Poetic Affinity: It's OK, but it's lacking in too many areas to come out on top. This is another case with an Acrylic back and TPU sides, but it's not competitive with the Ualk in terms of protection. Poetic makes this in several versions, some with a colored plastic frame, and the one I bought, with a frosted edge. On the plus side, the edges of the case have a very pronounced texture that enhances the gripability of the phone. The clear acrylic back shows off the silver finish nicely. And there are raised, frosted ridges on the back that lift the clear acrylic off surfaces, preventing it from getting scratched when you set the phone down (but the frosted acrylic will get the scratches instead). The buttons work fine: almost on par with the Spigen's buttons, and the top and bottom lips are adequate, though not as high as the Artech and Ulack.
But. But, but, but. The TPU bumper is a very hard TPU, and much thinner than either the Ulack or Artech. In fact, it's so hard I'm not sure if it's actually TPU or something else. I don't think it's going to offer much impact protection at all. There is a little extra thickness at the corners, but it's the same hard material as the rest of the bumper. The product description says there are raised soft TPU ridges inside the case for extra cushioning, but mine has no internal ridges at all. As if all that isn't enough, the case is simply ugly. The frosted edges look really cheap, and the Poetic logo in the middle of the back looks like an accident happened, and the case got scraped or melted at that spot. Just terrible.
The frosted bottom of the Poetic case. Not for me, thanks.
The logo.
You can see the textured surface at the bottom of the edge, where it curves towards the bottom. This is the best feature of this case.
Nameless, generic Chinese colored TPU case: I drive an orange sports car, so I've been looking for an orange case. The first reasonable looking one I found was a generic case on ebay that is available in multiple colors.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...ar=500727044393&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
It's a typical generic TPU case. It's about the same thickness as the Spigen Liquid Crystal. But the top and bottom lips are smaller, the button action not as good as the Spigen (but acceptable), and the cut outs not as precisely made or aligned. And the translucent orange color ends up looking a bit pink in indoor lighting. But, again, more than acceptable for a $3.00 (including shipping) case. It offers minimal protection, but lots of options for style. And it's definitely less slippery than the bare phone.
I haven't made up my mind. Less slippery is important, since none of these offer huge amounts of protection. It's better to not drop the phone than to hope it doesn't break when you do. I'd say the Ulak is the best compromise between protection, bulk, and grip, but the buttons annoy the Hell out of me. The Artech isn't perfect either. The sharp edge where the bumper meets the plastic surround is really annoying, and I'd seriously consider taking a little sandpaper to the hard plastic of it to see if I can improve the grip. You would think that case manufacturers would all understand that helping you not drop the phone should be a prime consideration, but most of them seem clueless about this. Almost all seem to emphasize style over substance. Just adding some texture to the edges, like Poetic has done, would cost nothing and greatly improve most of these cases. Truth be told, I still like the Spigen Liquid Crystal better than any of the others. If only it offered more protection.
Another member here said he had no problem with the buttons on the Ulak, so maybe I'll try a second sample. I'd like to say that somewhere, someone makes a clear case that meets this rather simple set of requirements: the protection, crystal clear back, and anti-scratch design of the Ulak, the button action of the Spigen, and the textured bumpers of the Poetic. But I've been all over the internet looking, and I really don't think anyone has gotten it completely right. I've found a couple of non-clear cases that come close. More about those in a later thread.)
One more thought about the buttons: Whatever case you're using, if the buttons don't seem to be working well, take the case off and reinstall it. Try installing it with a different side first. I found the button action could be improved, probably by changing the alignment between the case buttons and the phone buttons slightly. This didn't make the Ulak buttons acceptable to me, though.
Perfect! I don't think I'll ever use a non-clear case on my phone. Thanks for putting this together. I already have the Spigen one. Will try the Utak after your recommendation!
And I agree. The Spigen buttons are awesome! And Spigen has that corner air bubble thing too, similar to Utak.
Your first two Spigen images on this thread did not load btw.
thedisturbedone said:
Perfect! I don't think I'll ever use a non-clear case on my phone. Thanks for putting this together. I already have the Spigen one. Will try the Utak after your recommendation!
And I agree. The Spigen buttons are awesome! And Spigen has that corner air bubble thing too, similar to Utak.
Your first two Spigen images on this thread did not load btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. My Spigen doesn't seem to have any corner bubbles. You have the Liquid Crystal?
And the images are loading for me. Let me know if it's still a problem, and I can try deleting and re-adding them.
meyerweb said:
Hmm. My Spigen doesn't seem to have any corner bubbles. You have the Liquid Crystal?
And the images are loading for me. Let me know if it's still a problem, and I can try deleting and re-adding them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad! So I have the Spigen Ultra Hybrid and the Liquid Crystal too. At the time I was looking at the Ultra Hybrid and comparing it!
Updated my review of the Ulak clear case in the original post, above.
Anybody come across a protective case yet for the phone. I'm specifically looking for the TPU plastic cases. Thanks.
Amazon has a few crappy hard cases and TPU cases. Put something on it until better cases come out. They do scratch.
rvin said:
Anybody come across a protective case yet for the phone. I'm specifically looking for the TPU plastic cases. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks like roxfit have released some
https://www.roxfit.mobi/products/xperia-x-compact-ultra-slim-soft-shell
flyinglow said:
looks like roxfit have released some
https://www.roxfit.mobi/products/xperia-x-compact-ultra-slim-soft-shell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ordered this case from Roxfit for ~$22 including shipping (from UK?). We'll see how it compares to what I already have when I get it.
Seriously, when is someone going to release an actual case for this phone? I'm talking something sturdy, not cheap plastic. Although, I'm not hugely impressed that the official sony case that I was planning on getting is currently on pre-order from mobilefun.com for $54... wow.
rvin said:
Just ordered this case from Roxfit for ~$22 including shipping (from UK?). We'll see how it compares to what I already have when I get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This case just came in the mail today. It took about 11 days to arrive. Fit is pretty good. The thickness of the material is a little thinner than I'm typically used to for TPU.
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I've reviewed a few products I purchased on Amazon. (2) different screen protectors and a hard plastic case.
TLDR: both screen protectors are both undersized & the case is cheap but offers minimal protection.
Skinomi is now selling screen protectors and full body skins. I like mine!
If anyone likes Spigen.. please email them requesting them to make a case! Maybe if enough of us requests it they'll make one. I ordered the MicroP case and the Qosea case off Amazon. The MicroP case was thicker than the Qosea but both did not fit right. Qosea case edge wasn't raised enough to protect the screen and both bowed out the top (MicroP) and bottom (Qosea). The Qosea case felt like it would provide zero drop protection. Reminded me of the thick clear plastic wrap on restaurant chair cushions.
the problem with a lot of cases with hard backs is that dust and other crud will inevitably get between the case and the back of the phone leading to a lot of scratches. I'd be interested in a plain bumper case (no back) if anyone knows of a decent one
pipspeak said:
the problem with a lot of cases with hard backs is that dust and other crud will inevitably get between the case and the back of the phone leading to a lot of scratches. I'd be interested in a plain bumper case (no back) if anyone knows of a decent one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been looking for the same thing. Think i stumbled on one the other day (ebay) but it was aluminum. I know aluminum ones can effect signal strength at times; So I have been holding out hoping a plastic one gets released soon.
I still fondly remember the official bumper for my old Nexus 4. It was perfect, and yet no manufacturer seems able to replicate anything like it anymore.
I currently own a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini souped up with official CM13. While the battery life is over 2.5 days and while it functions okey, I am ready to switch for something with better performance, more memory and a better camera. I'm this close to buying the XC but, especially since the notorious rep of Z-series' durability and especially since the plastic back of XC apparently scratches easily, I cannot since it doesn't seem to have quality protective cases in the market. I usually go for Case-Mate's Tough cases which are very protective and high-quality cases http://www.case-mate.eu/eu/other/sony.html. Unfortunately, as for now, Case-Mate isn't showing love for the XC even though they've made cases for all of the other Sony phones. I usually get my accessories via Amazon and these are the choices (the ones that seem good and better looks than those transparent gel cases everyone is seem to be getting for XC):
IVSO 'hard' case: https://www.amazon.co.uk/IVSO-Sony-Xperia-Compact-Case/dp/B01LCFH1J4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1478770410&sr=8-8&keywords=x+compact+case
L&K TPU gel case: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-LK-Resistant-Silicone-Protective/dp/B01LL1GDYS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478770410&sr=8-4&keywords=x+compact+case
Terrapin 'hard' case: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xperia-Compact-Case-Protection-Rubberised/dp/B01LYAIDVG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478770500&sr=8-3&keywords=terrapin+x+compact
The problem is that none of these cases are A) high-quality or B) protective enough for accidental drops (based on the structure and the fact that everyone is saying these are good for 'light' protection. Then there are the two flip cases from Sony obviously (the ones you need NFC to be enabled for the flip cover to work)
Sony Style Cover Stand: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Style-Cover-Xperia-Compact/dp/B01LONE084/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478770783&sr=8-4&keywords=x+compact+sony+style
Sony Style Cover Touch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Style-Cover-Xperia-Compact/dp/B01LONE0SE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478770796&sr=8-1&keywords=x+compact+sony+touch
but I don't like these types of cases as the flip cover gets in the way. For me, the perfect case is a hard cover back case with inner shock protection (thin silicone sleeve or something), with raised edges so that the screen doesn't touch the ground and slim enough to not make pocketability difficult. I guess I either have to not buy the XC or buy XC with a crappy case and hope Case-Mate makes a Tough case for XC.
Hi, Nillkin has great glass & cases, they offer a discount today.
http://nillkin.org/smartphones-acce...ccessories/sony-xperia-x-compact-accessories/
olegfusion said:
Hi, Nillkin has great glass & cases, they offer a discount today.
http://nillkin.org/smartphones-acce...ccessories/sony-xperia-x-compact-accessories/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may be the best one I've seen for XC. Unfortunately, it does have a few issues for me personally. While it does have raised lips in case the phone falls or gets hit by a flat surface, the bottom and top parts of the phone remain unprotected. Moreover, the buttons (obviously not including the button that doubles as fingerprint sensor) are unprotected as well (although this might be a good thing for the camera shutter button as many cases that have button protection make them harder to push). Finally, the design is very slim without a bumper so while drop/shock protection may not be optimal.
I will probably just hold off from buying the XC until I can get a more protective case.
Well I bit the bullet and ordered the XC. For case and screen protector, I ordered this EasyAcc transparent case and this screen protector from TechGear (I've used their products before). The case isn't the best for drop/shock protection but I guess I have to just be extra careful with the XC until Case-Mate or other quality manufacturer makes a good tough case. On the other hand, most people seem to go for these transparent cases and I've yet to see any reports on broken/cracked XCs.
Side note while hoping some manufacture makes a plastic bumper I am using the case linked below. It is the 3rd one I have tried so far and is also the best one out of the three I own. It's thin, but not too thin like the others so it offers slight drop protection. Also the front lip around the screen does protrude a bit to offer some screen protection. Best part is it was less than 4 dollars. Only negative is that it ships from China so expect a 2 week wait period before it arrives. http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Sony-Xperia-X-Compact-F5321-Black-Rubber-Skidproof-Gel-skin-case-cover-/182302722988?hash=item2a7216cbac:g:zpsAAOSwx2dYDjh3
Halftrack said:
Side note while hoping some manufacture makes a plastic bumper I am using the case linked below. It is the 3rd one I have tried so far and is also the best one out of the three I own. It's thin, but not too thin like the others so it offers slight drop protection. Also the front lip around the screen does protrude a bit to offer some screen protection. Best part is it was less than 4 dollars. Only negative is that it ships from China so expect a 2 week wait period before it arrives. http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Sony-Xperia-X-Compact-F5321-Black-Rubber-Skidproof-Gel-skin-case-cover-/182302722988?hash=item2a7216cbac:g:zpsAAOSwx2dYDjh3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No a plastic bumber, aluminum, looks good and rather expensive.
check out www.deff.co.jp
olegfusion said:
Hi, Nillkin has great glass & cases, they offer a discount today.
http://nillkin.org/smartphones-acce...ccessories/sony-xperia-x-compact-accessories/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from a Z5C and the Nillkin Frosted Shield Case was amazing. I would highly recommend this case for any phone. I am planning to place an order for the x compact version.
For those who don't wish to order from china (Nillkin HQ) please note this "TopAce" case looks exactly the same. I will report back once received.
TopAce (ripoff) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LL8C28M
JenItols said:
I will report back once received.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This case is not at all like Nillkin. It feels kinda like silk and offers no better grip on the phone than the phone body itself. The photos were quite misleading. Would not recommend the TopAce case.
So. I got my cases today and popped mine into it.
Here are some takeaways right away:
It's rugged. It would take a lot of bad luck to damage the phone
It IS Thick, but if you are into the Otterboxes, you're fine
No more camera bump, this lays flat and smooth
The edges come up enough to protect the screen from a drop
The back is plastic, but that does not bother me
The rubberized sides give a great grippy feel to it
It was really easy to install (top first, then slip it into the bottom)
It has a kickstand (more on this below)
USB-C Port Protective Cover, not really needed, but it's nice
Works with wireless chargers
Works great with my Whitestone Dome screen protector, and with the installation I don't see why it would have issues with any screen protector
All in all, it's good so far after initial install and impressions.
My only real issue is the kickstand. It's nice, sturdy and I don't have to worry about it collapsing, but it's a little tough to get back in.
Regardless, that being my only real issue and the fact that I am not really much of a kickstand user anyway, I'll use this as my daily case for now and update as time goes on.
Note 20 Ultra
Note 20
Talderon said:
So. I got my cases today and popped mine into it.
Here are some takeaways right away:
It's rugged. It would take a lot of bad luck to damage the phone
It IS Thick, but if you are into the Otterboxes, you're fine
No more camera bump, this lays flat and smooth
The edges come up enough to protect the screen from a drop
The back is plastic, but that does not bother me
The rubberized sides give a great grippy feel to it
It was really easy to install (top first, then slip it into the bottom)
It has a kickstand (more on this below)
USB-C Port Protective Cover, not really needed, but it's nice
Works with wireless chargers
Works great with my Whitestone Dome screen protector, and with the installation I don't see why it would have issues with any screen protector
All in all, it's good so far after initial install and impressions.
My only real issue is the kickstand. It's nice, sturdy and I don't have to worry about it collapsing, but it's a little tough to get back in.
Regardless, that being my only real issue and the fact that I am not really much of a kickstand user anyway, I'll use this as my daily case for now and update as time goes on.
Note 20 Ultra
Note 20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is due in Saturday per the tracking, and I'm interested to see if it actually works with a screen protector because the Supcase Unicorn Beetle case I have now (that looks suspiciously like the Titan, but hell, who knows...they're all made in China, and likely in the same factory, so there's bound to be a lot of similarities) managed to crack mine just by placing the phone inside the case.
Now to go check to see if Whitestone ever shipped out my replacement UV adhesive........
Talderon said:
So. I got my cases today and popped mine into it.
Here are some takeaways right away:
It's rugged. It would take a lot of bad luck to damage the phone
It IS Thick, but if you are into the Otterboxes, you're fine
No more camera bump, this lays flat and smooth
The edges come up enough to protect the screen from a drop
The back is plastic, but that does not bother me
The rubberized sides give a great grippy feel to it
It was really easy to install (top first, then slip it into the bottom)
It has a kickstand (more on this below)
USB-C Port Protective Cover, not really needed, but it's nice
Works with wireless chargers
Works great with my Whitestone Dome screen protector, and with the installation I don't see why it would have issues with any screen protector
All in all, it's good so far after initial install and impressions.
My only real issue is the kickstand. It's nice, sturdy and I don't have to worry about it collapsing, but it's a little tough to get back in.
Regardless, that being my only real issue and the fact that I am not really much of a kickstand user anyway, I'll use this as my daily case for now and update as time goes on.
Note 20 Ultra
Note 20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was a marketing ploy to promote a product across various forums through inherently biased "reviews" generated by promotional discounts/free product (something you should always disclose).
jtOttawa said:
This was a marketing ploy to promote a product across various forums through inherently biased "reviews" generated by promotional discounts/free product (something you should always disclose).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, I received a complimentary case (though they've yet to reimburse me...so "complimentary" may be a bit premature at this point lol), but they explicitly stated in our email conversation that a review wasn't necessary to receive the reimbursement. They honestly seem like they just want some word-of-mouth from folks if the product warrants it. I do agree, though, that any/all reviews made about a complementary product should always include a disclaimer saying the product was complementary (even if there are no stipulations from the seller that say you only get the product if you leave a positive review. )
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The case itself actually isn't all that bad either. It's not the greatest case to ever be designed, no, but it's still a good little big case at a fairly low price point. I have a blue Supcase Unicorn Beetle case for my N20U that is very similar in design and price to the black Schnail Titan case I received, but each has their own little design differences that may make them better or worse for users depending on their preferences.
The Titan is just flatter and more squared off in about every fashion, whereas you can tell the UB designers really liked their rounded/beveled edges. The Titan also has more plastic (or maybe just harder rubber?) than the UB, and I'm really on the fence about that. I think that the Titan won't absorb/transfer as much impact as the UB since the UB seems like it'd be more prone to bouncing, but at the same time I wonder if the UB won't also be prone to transferring that impact to the phone since most of the outer shell is as squishy as it is. That said, the UB does come etched with a MILSPEC standard number supposedly certifying that it meets or exceeds that standard's drop test requirements, but who really knows if it's legitimate or not. The Titan doesn't come stamped with anything other than the usual branding marks, but I do think the website said the cases were drop tested at some point - again, legitimacy of those claims aren't verifiable. One thing of definite note IMO is that my UB did NOT play nice with my very expensive Whitestone Dome glass screen protector. It actually cracked a corner of the protector simply by installing the case, so I was bummed about that. I'm waiting on Whitestone to send me more UV adhesive resin so I can install my other protector and I guess I'll give the Titan a shot at not cracking it lol I'm cautiously optimistic that it won't crack it simply because of the (somewhat unexplainable) size differences in the cases. The Titan is actually smaller somehow than the UB, and the front of the case where you sort of dock the phone prior to wrapping the back shell around it seems to be narrower edge-wise than the UB (not to mention that top-to-bottom, when both are sat on a flat surface, the Titan is actually about half an inch shorter than the UB - I swear it's black magic...or just some really weird differences in design lol), so I'm hoping the protector has more wiggle room on the Titan than the UB.
Anyways, it's just a case of difference strokes for different folks. I may swap in and out of the cases depending on how the Titan works with my Whitestone, but neither one is inherently better/worse than the other...I'm just glad we have decent options that aren't crappy silicone lol