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Kaycase TPU / Seidio Dilex / Supcase Hybrid Beetle comparison and first impressions.

​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.

[Short Reviews] (Cases) Ringke | Spigen | Samsung | (Protectors) Screen Knight | Ulti

Thought I would provide some short reviews on the cases and screen protectors I've purchased and tried to date.
Disclaimer: all items purchased with my own hard earned pounds! I'm not sponsored by any of the brands.
[Cases]
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Samsung Clear View
This was the first case I picked up for the S7E simply because it was the best of the bunch I had to choose from off the shelf.
The premise behind the case is a good one and having come from HTC ONE M8 and having used a Dot View case with that handset this seemed a good choice.
It's construction is good, but it's not excellent. I feel it could have covered more of the phones edges and I wouldn't be too surprised if the phone popped out on impact.
The flap irritates me. Unlike HTC's Dot View case the flap on the Clear View doesn't spring shut or magnetically lock in the closed position. It also doesn't mould around the open edge unlike the LED View Case which looks as if it does.
The Clear View feature works well and you can interact with some features of the phone such as answering calls without opening the case. This works well I've used it for several incoming calls now. However you don't simply see the AOD through the flap, it overwrites the AOD feature in favour of its own customisable semi always on display (it times out).
Considering the price, value for money doesn't really come in to it, however you expect to pay a premium for first party accessories.
Hopefully Samsung improve on the Clear View features. But it's hard to recommend this case for the feature alone. There are far better cases out there without the gimmick.
6/10
Ringke Air
Great case! Dirt cheap at £8 from Amazon. This is a no fuss clear soft TPU case. It fits well. It's very slim. It offers scratch protection and the dust cover flaps for the charge port and headphone socket are a welcome feature. However, drop protection is pretty minimal. It would survive some minor drops but I doubt there is enough there to prevent damage to the phone on significant impact. I've not had the case long enough to know if it will suffer from discolouration which effects a lot if not all clear TPU cases. I suspect it will discolour. Overall though, if you're just after something slim that stops your device getting scratched and let's your device looks display through, this is a good cheap option.
7/10
Spigen Slim Armor (white)
I've been using Spigen as my go to brand for as long as I've had smartphones. I am a fan, I will admit. However I wouldn't let that cloud my judgement, end of the day if something I spent money on is rubbish I'll be wanting my money back!
As is standard for Spigen, the case is well constructed. Has a softer black under layer with a harder plastic over layer. I had no issues with misalignment or loose fit which others have reported plagued some Spigen cases. In fact the opposite. Which caused me some problems with screen protector compatibility. Because it's a tight fit it started to push and lift my wet install TPU protector. Which irritated me enough I took the protector off and went for one that didn't go so close to edges.
This case also features a neat kick stand which unclips from the back. Useful for watching movies etc.
Case feels sturdy but comfortable in the hand. It feels as though it would take significant impact and leave the device in tact.
Only issue I find is because the covered over buttons are pretty flush, it's hard to distinguish and press the right part of the case. It's a slight annoyance.
Overall though, a pretty impressive case for the price. Spigen cases used to come at a premium price but these days they seem to have dropped their prices substantially which doesn't seem to have impacted on quality which is nice to see.
If you're after good looking, slim fitting drop protection, you could do worse.
9/10
Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal (Gunmetal)
Few similarities between this and the one above really in terms of build and fit. It's well made and I found it super tight to install! As a result I could forsee this causing issues with screen protectors on the top and bottom edges as the one above did for me. As I had swapped my protector out by time I got this case I had no issues.
Again two parts to this case, a clear soft TPU under layer and a hard plastic bumper. Whilst I mention the tight fit, where the bumper portion is concerned it is tight top and bottom but does seem a touch loose on the edges when pressed in nearer the buttons.
It offers similar protection to the Slim Armor in my opinion. It would withstand significant impact and take the brunt of the damage.
The Neo Hybrid doesn't share the same problem as the Slim Armor where the buttons are concerned. They are easily identifiable.
I love the look and feel of this case. Adds grip while looking good. Transparency let's the device details come through.
Great case.
9/10
(RESERVED FOR SPIGEN THIN FIT)
[Screen Protectors]
Screen Knight (Wet Install)
Pros:
- clarity good
- application easy enough
- degree of self healing
- cheap
Cons:
- rubbery feel
- marked easily
- cut around home, speaker, camera leaving some screen exposed
- doesn't play nicely with some cases
5/10
Ultimate Shield UK (wet install)
Pros:
- excellent clarity
- smooth as glass feel
- self healing
- full edge to edge coverage
- cheap
Cons:
- can be tricky to install and align
- extremity adhesion was erratic
- doesn't play nicely with some cases
8/10
(ALL CASE IMAGES ABOVE SHOT WITH BODYGUARDZ PROTECTOR INSTALLED)
Bodyguardz Ultra Tough (wet or dry install)
Pros:
- can be wet or dry install
- smooth as glass feel
- doesn't go right to edges plays nicely with cases
- comes with special gel for wet install
Cons:
- price
- goes around the home button etc. Leaving screen parts exposed
- not easy to install
- isn't crystal clear, like a watery effect on close up (note: may be needs longer time to settle)
- not the product advertised on their website
6/10
Photos to follow for all products.

Photos for cases added.

Thank you very much for this. I very like how you state the pros and cons (rubbery feel etc). I hope you can do more of these!

I've taken off the BodyGuardz protector. The mottling was doing my head in. I've put a new Ultimate Shields one on again now. This time, it adhered better on the edges and I have been able to put the Spigen Neo Hybrid case on without it affecting the protector, so I'm now 100% satisfied with my 'setup' lol

It that the clear Ringke Air or the smoke color? The back looks smoky but sides clear

iwantanandroid said:
It that the clear Ringke Air or the smoke color? The back looks smoky but sides clear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clear. It's probably the colour of the phone distorting the look.

Chris_c81 said:
Clear. It's probably the colour of the phone distorting the look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. How is the fit on the sides? Someone mentioned in another thread is really loose

iwantanandroid said:
Thanks. How is the fit on the sides? Someone mentioned in another thread is really loose
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't consider it as being "really" loose myself, but agreed it wasn't overly tight either. I'm not using it as my daily driver though to be honest. The Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal Gunmetal is my daily case at moment.

Can anybody share what's the difference between the ringke air/fusion? debating which one to buy.

Top Rated Case from Amazon Round up review : Heavy duty , lightweight , stylish more

Hi , There .
My name is Ben Hoffman , if you are familian with A C forum you will know i am the formed Admin and i was quite good at accessories.
I just joined this forum a couple days ago . So here we go , let us talk about cases .
And the boss of this forum sent me an email , i am so flatted , he is such a nice guy .
I am keep receive more cases from now , so i only add reviews that i already tested , and i will update them when i receive them
1 Comparison of 2 most Tough Case for Note 5 from Amazon -- Otterbox VS Little Rock
This case comes as a 2 piece clamshell, top part containing the built in screen protector and the bottom having a rigid back and flexible sides that secure it to the top piece. The top half is a secured in place screen protector made of a clear and rigid plastic sheet with a cutout for the action button. The phone is snapped into this portion first where it makes a snug and secure fitment. The bottom half is thicker and possesses the bulk of the padding, seen in the honeycomb ridges and thick sidewalls. This half receives the top where it snugs into the flexible sidewalls.
The power and headphone jacks are covered with flaps, speaker and S-Pen openings are unobstructed and the volume and power buttons are firm but still responsive. The sides of the case are beveled above and below and are textured with a crosshatch design which makes it easy to pick up from a flat surface and have a secure grip. The rear of the case is branded with the company logo and an industrial design. The area around the camera is not very beveled which provides poor access to the Heart Rate Monitor. In testing with 2 OEM and one branded wireless Qi charger pads, the phone charged fine and no undue heat was detected.
In comparing this product with a direct competitor and king of the hill, Otterbox Defender, a few differences stand out. While both items have similar port cover designs, the hinge side on the Otterbox is to the front of the case where the silicone has the greatest flexibility and the Artech case is hinged toward the rear of the case where the silicone has greater stability. In my opinion the silicone on the Artech case will not stretch out around the port covers as easily as the Otterbox could. The Otterbox has a more accessible design around the Heart Rate Monitor than the Artech case does. The shape and texture of the silicone on the Artech case makes it appear slimmer and feel more secure than the Defender.
The biggest negative to the Artech case in my opinion in comparison to the Otterbox case; is the lack of a holster. A device this size in a thick case isn’t as convenient in a pocket. This is a personal preference however, I know many people that do not use a holster. It would be nice if a holster for the Artech was available as an add-on item.
The greatest perk to the Artech case is it is 25% of the price of the Otterbox. A second or third one could be purchased as a backups and still come out under the cost of one Defender.
Link Otterbox Amazon.com: OtterBox DEFENDER Cell Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy Note5 -
http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-DEFE...sr=8-1&keywords=otterbox+defender+note+5+case
$59.98
Link Littlr ROck Amazon.com: Mod edit: Affiliate link removed.
$17.98 , (Get 20% OFF with Artech21) Link here ( it nos affliate link ) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...6-6278-49c1-b6df-7de0cb9b3a26&pf_rd_i=desktop
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Review i found online

Pro’s:
-Solid feel
-Design is functional/makes sense
-Slightly raised lips helps protect the face/edges
-Durable
-Holds up when in heat/hot cars (doesn’t change shape)
-Multiple colors (red is really vibrant)
Con’s:
-May make phone seem a bit bulkier
-Medium weight
-Some women may perceive as “masculine”
UAG cell phone cases really have been the gold standard that I compare all other cell phone cases against. I discovered UAG cases after I got a Note Edge 4 because UAG was the only company that was selling for that particular design. I just traded in my Note Edge and walked out with a Note 5. Once again, UAG has risen to the top in terms of the case that I love to use.
I wrote a review about the Note Edge Case and it got me on their sample list, so, I actually received this case free from UAG in exchange for a review. I mention this (well, to be honest), but also because I do A LOT of Amazon reviews. The #1 thing I’m asked to always review are cell phone cases. As soon as I get done looking and playing with those cases for a few hours or a few days, I always go back to the UAG case, I just feel safer using it because of how sturdy it is and I’ve seen it hold up already, like other times, I’ve dropped my phone and accidently boot kicked it into a wall; no problems, phone held up great, no scratches or anything.
The other thing that I love about this case is that it doesn’t change it shape in the heat. I’m in Texas, where it gets REALLY hot in my car. I’ve noticed that a lot of cell phone cases will slip their shape in the heat, but this one never does. It stays firmly on my cell and I don’t have to worry about it coming off. I’ve been using the UAG case since the Note 5 came out and even when left in my car, no problems.
The heat also leads to the other wonderful problem of me constantly sweating, so the grips on the case are a nice touch without me dropping the phone with my sweaty hands. It’s a small thing, but you don’t think about it until you’re messing around with other cell phone cases. All and all, a great product that I really recommend.
Oh, I don’t keep my phones in my pocket, I put them on my waist, using my shorts or pants to hold up my phone. I mention this because it’s one of the reasons why I drop kick my phones a fair bit. It’s not something to be proud of, but I’d been asked that once before…that’s why I come back to the UAG case because I feel a lot more secure knowing my case is going to help me out in this situation.
Link http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galax...462663230&sr=8-1&keywords=uag+case+for+note+5 29.98 dolars

Speck case
http://www.amazon.com/Speck-Product...2663303&sr=8-2&keywords=speck+case+for+note+5
This case is amazing!! You might be thinking that it looks like just a simple phone case, and maybe it is. However....have you seen the options for the Samsung Note 5? There aren't very many.
We had several trial and errors with finding cases for our new phones. We searched the depths of Best Buy with their over-indulgence in iPhone accessories. We looked at T-Mobile only to find melt your face hot pink or boring black.We scoured the internet and found cases that looked okay in the pictures but when we received them felt like they were designed by a handless blind man.
This case feels amazing. It is actually my third Speck case, but first Speck case for this phone. It feels really nice and I find comfort that if I suddenly lose motor ability and fling my phone the concrete that this case with take the fall for my phone.
The colors are perfect. True to the picture although the blue is a bit lighter than the picture - Just a tad. It's kind of a sea-foam blue-green. Nonetheless, it's beautiful and I love it. The colors look really nice on my white phone.
It has enough grip that you don't have to worry about it slipping out of your hands. The front bumper comes out just enough to protect the screen but doesn't add bulk to the phone.
The buttons and S Pen are easily accessible as well as the ports and holes.
The case helps with not accidentally touching the screen which is an added bonus.
BUY IT! You know you want to.

Vivid Slim Case
Case looks good. Not a big fan of gold, but it's not really that important to me. I get why others are saying that the plastic is kind of cheap looking and has a visible seam. But that's only when inspected really closely. From a normal, reasonable distance (like that of everyday use), it looks just fine. I even got a couple of compliments on the case today, and I wasn't even showing it to anyone, juat taking it out of or putting it back into my pocket. It has a very modern, almost high-tech look that is admittedly somewhat cheapened by the gold plastic, but that is quickly gotten over. The rubber back has a nice ridged texture, which feels pleasant and grippy in the hand.
It's kind of hard to talk about function or form independent from each other with this case. It seems like a lot of thought went into both aspects during design, as well as how they could compliment each other. For example, the case is slim and adds no appreciable bulk. It also has curved sides that hug the contours of the phone better than my Otterbox Commuter did. I like the Commuter a lot, but between the non-slippery ridged rubber back, the curved edges and the overall thinness of the Artech, it just feels better in the hand. Its more comfortable to hold and I feel like I have a better grip on it. The slim profile of the case makes it very comfortable in a pocket as well.
The phone pops into the case in a single piece. It went in easily, but there are instructions in case you need them. I was a little worried that it might pop out as easily as it popped in. But after slamming the phone hard against my palm several times, it didn't budge. Even when I cupped my palm in an effort to put more stress on the side of the case to purposely get it to pop out. It has a nice, snug fit. There is a nice raised lip around the screen, even with a tempered glass screen protector.
As another poster noted, there is a nice bezel next to the heart rate monitor on the back of the phone that makes it easy to reach. But overall, the camera hole is smaller than my other case. So I feel that the Artech offers better camera protection without interfering with function. This same type of design is noticeable below the home button, where the lip of the case flattens out for more comfortable access. It is obvious that some thought went into this design.
Despite the back being ridged rubber that hugs the palm, the fact that there are a couple of ever so slightly raised plastic parts on the back means that this effect is, regrettably not useful on a table or other flat surface. It feels a little like a missed opportunity, but not a deal breaker.
The buttons and all of the holes for the various ports line up perfectly. The battery and headphone jacks are exposed, which I don't necessarily like, but can live with. There is a rather large opening fir the s pen, but flat surfaces will touch both sides of the case without coming into contact with that part of the device. Further proof that there is a deliberate and thoughtful design here.
The rubber on the back and on the inside of the case seems kind of thin, but is a bit nore rigid than my other case. The power and volume buttons are responsive and soft. They are not very "clicky", of that kind of thing is important to you. It is not important to me, and I like the feel of these buttons.
A good 3/4 of the back is the aforementioned ridged rubber. I'm not sure how much protection it would really offer in the event of a decent drop. Again, I am conparing it to the Otterbox Commuter, which has a plastic over rubber back. One way to find out, which I don't plan on trying anytime soon. But it seems solid enough. There is some ridged pattern on the inside of the case, but I don't know if that is decorative or not. It's not symmetrical, so I think it probably is. In any event, the slightly raised plastic bits on the back look like they would prevent the back of the phone from actually coming into contact with the ground (covered in rubber or no) as the result of a flat drop. But that is just speculation on my part.
In conclusion, i would say that this is a very nice case, a few minor quibbles aside. It's got a nice blend of form and function not often seen in phone cases. It looks and feels good, and the functionality is excellent in my opinion.
For the asking price (I got it free, but you know what I mean), it is definitely nice. I only buy Otterboxes because I get them at a significant discount which puts them in the same price range as the Artech. So if I had to buy one or the other of these, it would be hard to choose (unless the Commuter was full price, in which case it would be Artech hands down because it is a good case and also I'm a tightwad). The Artech looks and especially feels way better, is easier to hold securely, and very comfortable. As far as protection, both seem comparable, but I would give a slight to moderate edge to the Otterbox commuter because of the covered ports and plastic over rubber back. But make no mistake: the Artech Slim Stylish case seems to offer good, solid phone protection. And I'm in no hurry to go back to my other case. I'm gonna go ahead and use this one for a while.
I would definitely recommend this case to anyone looking for a sleek, yet protective case that feels good to hold.
Link http://www.amazon.com/Artech-21-Ark...F8&qid=1463088151&sr=8-2&keywords=note+5+case (It is not affiliate link )
Link Mod edit: Affiliate link removed.

I bought an Otterbox Defender for my Note 5. At first I was massively impressed by the design compared to my old Supcase. It felt like much more effort and work went into all the details. It all just seemed of higher quality.
I've had it for a week. It's been in the same pocket my old case was in for 9 months (chest), facing the same way, engaged in the exact same activity, except that case doesn't have a scratch on it. The Otterbox screen protector curves away from the screen already, making feedback through the s-pen hugely different on every single part of the display. Dragging something is just not pleasant. It's also been scratched. I would call one scratch a coincidence, but there are two. One of them runs horizontal the center right, pulling the s-pen over it is like nails on a chalkboard.
I don't want to judge it too harshly, small sample size and all, but for the amount of effort I went through to get this case (Note 5 isn't sold in my country, so finding the case was a nightmare, and I paid out the ass) and the hoohaa around the Rolls Royce status Otterbox seems to have attained in the phone case industry, I honestly expected this to be less of a piece of ****. I mean it's become pretty much unusable, after a goddamn week.
So now I have to find a new screen protector that doesn't get in the way of the case, otherwise I might as well throw this thing out.

Doomerts said:
I bought an Otterbox Defender for my Note 5. At first I was massively impressed by the design compared to my old Supcase. It felt like much more effort and work went into all the details. It all just seemed of higher quality.
I've had it for a week. It's been in the same pocket my old case was in for 9 months (chest), facing the same way, engaged in the exact same activity, except that case doesn't have a scratch on it. The Otterbox screen protector curves away from the screen already, making feedback through the s-pen hugely different on every single part of the display. Dragging something is just not pleasant. It's also been scratched. I would call one scratch a coincidence, but there are two. One of them runs horizontal the center right, pulling the s-pen over it is like nails on a chalkboard.
I don't want to judge it too harshly, small sample size and all, but for the amount of effort I went through to get this case (Note 5 isn't sold in my country, so finding the case was a nightmare, and I paid out the ass) and the hoohaa around the Rolls Royce status Otterbox seems to have attained in the phone case industry, I honestly expected this to be less of a piece of ****. I mean it's become pretty much unusable, after a goddamn week.
So now I have to find a new screen protector that doesn't get in the way of the case, otherwise I might as well throw this thing out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting , i actually peel of the screen protector , and i used it with my tempered glass , then it is perfect .
Otterbox and this case are 2 diiferent cases , i have to say i love otterbox , but it is 60 dollars ,so

dallasmanic said:
i used it with my tempered glass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I want to do this, was worried about the case not fitting afterwards though, it seemed pretty tight fitting.

Doomerts said:
Yeah I want to do this, was worried about the case not fitting afterwards though, it seemed pretty tight fitting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am glad you like otterbox

Doomerts said:
Yeah I want to do this, was worried about the case not fitting afterwards though, it seemed pretty tight fitting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you find it out yet ?

Clear (and Translucent) Case Review

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.

What are the best Samsung Galaxy Note 8 cases available?

I’ve just received a load of Samsung Galaxy Note 8 cases and I figured that I would do a roundup of my favourites considering the Note 8 release is just around the corner! Please add any cases to this post that you also like the look of or have received in advance of the Note 8 release! All of these photos were taken with the OnePlus 5 which I thought did a pretty good job - that might be for another post though
1. Olixar Sentinel - This is a really stylish looking case and blends in perfectly with the phone so that you can barely tell it’s there. It is easy to grip and feels really nice to hold thanks to the brushed metal finish. It’s not quite the level of protection that you get from some armoured cases but I’m certain that it would do the job if you dropped the phone. Best of all though…. You get a free tempered glass screen protector with it that fits the phone with the case on. That’s all bases covered!
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2. Ringke Air Prism - I thought I’d add something a bit different for number 2 and maybe a little more fashionable (I know absolutely nothing about fashion!). This case is all about the looks with it’s glittery, kaleidoscope style, it really catches your eye! It fits the phone snugly and otherwise feels like any other premium TPU case - so soft to the touch, light and durable.
3. Olixar X-Tome Book Case - I know a lot of people enjoy leather wallet cases so I thought that I’d add this one as it has an interesting look to it… It essentially looks like a book if you couldn’t already tell, which I thought was pretty cool. This case feels premium with its leather finish and has card pockets on the inside and also opens out to let you stand the phone landscape and watch movies. So if you have an empty space on your bookshelf… I guess this could fill it… Pretty random thing to have I guess. Anyway this case does the job when it comes to dropping your phone and as it’s a magnetic wallet phone it protects your screen nicely.
4. Ringke Slim Case - I loved this one because it’s nice and easy to take in and out of your pocket, it’s very solid so you feel safe even when dropping your phone and its has pockets to hold your cards - although with android pay I suppose that isn’t entirely necessary anymore… Still a very sleek looking case! (FYI - you have to buy the card holding segment separetly!)
I know I’ve only got two brands on this list but never fear! If I get more cases (I’m hoping for Samsung and Spigen cases) I will add them to this list if I think they’re up to much.

zedexdriver98 said:
I’ve just received a load of Samsung Galaxy Note 8 cases and I figured that I would do a roundup of my favourites considering the Note 8 release is just around the corner! Please add any cases to this post that you also like the look of or have received in advance of the Note 8 release! All of these photos were taken with the OnePlus 5 which I thought did a pretty good job - that might be for another post though
1. Olixar Sentinel - This is a really stylish looking case and blends in perfectly with the phone so that you can barely tell it’s there. It is easy to grip and feels really nice to hold thanks to the brushed metal finish. It’s not quite the level of protection that you get from some armoured cases but I’m certain that it would do the job if you dropped the phone. Best of all though…. You get a free tempered glass screen protector with it that fits the phone with the case on. That’s all bases covered!
2. Ringke Air Prism - I thought I’d add something a bit different for number 2 and maybe a little more fashionable (I know absolutely nothing about fashion!). This case is all about the looks with it’s glittery, kaleidoscope style, it really catches your eye! It fits the phone snugly and otherwise feels like any other premium TPU case - so soft to the touch, light and durable.
3. Olixar X-Tome Book Case - I know a lot of people enjoy leather wallet cases so I thought that I’d add this one as it has an interesting look to it… It essentially looks like a book if you couldn’t already tell, which I thought was pretty cool. This case feels premium with its leather finish and has card pockets on the inside and also opens out to let you stand the phone landscape and watch movies. So if you have an empty space on your bookshelf… I guess this could fill it… Pretty random thing to have I guess. Anyway this case does the job when it comes to dropping your phone and as it’s a magnetic wallet phone it protects your screen nicely.
4. Ringke Slim Case - I loved this one because it’s nice and easy to take in and out of your pocket, it’s very solid so you feel safe even when dropping your phone and its has pockets to hold your cards - although with android pay I suppose that isn’t entirely necessary anymore… Still a very sleek looking case! (FYI - you have to buy the card holding segment separetly!)
I know I’ve only got two brands on this list but never fear! If I get more cases (I’m hoping for Samsung and Spigen cases) I will add them to this list if I think they’re up to much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This are really awesome cases.

A few days back, I was looking for a case for my new Samsung Galaxy Note 8. But with plenty of brands available in the market, I got a bit confused on choosing the perfect one for my device. Then I found my solution on amazon. These folks are having an amazing collection of some of the best Galaxy Note 8 cases.

I needed something compatible with the Dome Glass. I went with the Tech21 EVO tactical. So far it's great case.

Double post...

Mike02z said:
I needed something compatible with the Dome Glass. I went with the Tech21 EVO tactical. So far it's great case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind sharing a side view shot of the case with the Note 8 in it? I'm wondering about the thickness of the lip. I'm still not sure what rugged case I'll eventually go with. I'm torn between the Tech21 EVO tactical, the UAG Monarch, the Samsung Rugged and the Otterbox Commuter. Definitely would appreciate more feedback on the tactical if you are so inclined to share.

Look at patchworks cases. Slim enough with good protection well made and great price
Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

For me, I have always used Piel Frama cases with my previous devices, although they have yet to release cases for Note8, these are the best cases available for smartphone devices in my opinion, though expensive.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

I have the Alcantara case and the UAG Monarch case coming, just waiting on Amazon. I will use the spigen crystal clear case cause it was only one available when I order. That was 2 weeks ago.
Sent from my S7 Edge using XDA Labs

I personally love the Spigen Tough Armor cases the most. Had them on my Note 4, short-lived Note 7 and now my Note 8.

I've been using UAG cases for as long as I can remember, I wouldn't even consider something else when there's a UAG available. Best quality, best protection, coolest looks by far.

After the sweet trade in deals, I figure everyone should be keeping their phones in good condition. I used to go naked, but now a case seems worth the minimal investment. Here are some from my S7Edge and Note 8...
(Quick edit: All these cases were compatible with every wireless charger I own, and none of those chargers were particularly high end.)
Spigen Thin Armor (S7Edge)
- Nice dual layer setup.
- Outer shell scuffed relatively easily, showing the white inner plastic.
- More slippery hard shell than I would have liked, though not terrible by any means. Problem made worse by the slight bow in case, so just the slippery, hard section makes contact with the surface.
- There was a decent lip.
- Not too bulky, but a good, dense feeling.
- Kick stand was a joke. Flimsy plastic that could easily pop off, failed to hold the phone up, and wore down after a couple months. Also detracts from the clean look by being a different color and sporting a massive branding label.
- Good button responsiveness.
- Good camera protection.
- - Overall: Good overall quality and great compromise between size and protection, but questionable longevity and middle of the road looks.
Generic clear soft flexible (TPU) cases (S7Edge, 3 different brands)
- They all discolor, though it is most noticeable along the edges, presumably because you're looking through more material in those areas.
- Fine for backup or limited use.
- Looked bad.
- Button areas would become deformed slightly and eventually not line up correctly (on all of them).
- Minimal protection, almost no lip.
- - Overall: Fine for backup or if you need something phone sized for a small project. Otherwise, very underwhelming.
Caseology Legion Series (Note 8)
- Very solid, 2 layer system with quality in line with the Spigen case above.
- Cut outs roomy, except for the headphone cutout, which might be a bit tight (will not fit right angled 3.5 mm plugs). SPen cut out is very well spaced. Speaker cut out is deep, so accidentally completely blocking the sound is almost impossible.
- Adds noticeable bulk, especially to the sides. Makes it look like a few mm of bezel around the screen.
- Generous lip, with raised edges on the back as well. The edges are from the softer part, to the phone doesn't slide when set down on a slightly angled surface.
- Good camera protection, but glossy material is hard to distinguish from the fingerprint sensor. Also, unlike some cases, which have an asymmetrical camera area that's supposed to help you feel the sensor, the camera area is symmetrical.
- Appearance is very clean, angled, and monolithic. No busy patterns and compliments the phone nicely. And tiny, tiny branding icon that doesn't diminish the looks.
- Buttons a little stiffer than other cases, which can be a good thing (yet to accidentally push any).
- Worthwhile mod: Drill or cut out a little of the headphone jack area.
- Possible 2nd mod: Patch the speaker area with Sugru and carve out a front facing sound notch, so that sound if reflected forward.
- - Overall: This case is more on the 'protection side' than the 'slim side' of the scale, but it still looks good. It's bulkier than the Spigen (based on the S7E version), but offers better protection, especially around the edges. I don't like the bulk it adds for everyday use, but it would be my go to for longer trips, like relaxing vacations. Probably NOT rugged enough for more adventurous hikes, but not too far off if you added front protection. Definitely provides peace of mind and won't look out of place in a more formal scene.
Ringke Fusion clear, black edge TPU (Note 8)
- A little more firm than the super cheap TPU cases I had on the S7E.
- For TPU, the more firm, the more slippery, definitely the case here. It's smooooooth (which also means fingerprints galore).
- The colored edge will diminish any yellowing, which I have noticed none of. I've had it out on a desk next to the window, so plenty of sun for the last 2.5 weeks.
- Cut out are all accurate and roomy.
- Surprisingly good top and bottom lips.
- Much thinner sides, feel like they may deform over time/with use.
- Just the addition of that black coloring on the edge makes it a night and day difference from the soft TPU cases I had on the S7E. Also, no branding.
- So thin that it actually looks like part of the phone.
- Possible mod: Might sandpaper the outside surface to add a frosted effect and some grip.
- - Overall: If you like the way the phone looks without a case, this is probably as close as you can get. But, the protection is pretty minimal. Fine for basic protection.
I have the Poetic Nubuck and YFWOOD real wood case coming in the next 2 weeks, so I'll update this soon..

xbkingx said:
Caseology Legion Series (Note 8)
- Very solid, 2 layer system with quality in line with the Spigen case above.
- Cut outs roomy, except for the headphone cutout, which might be a bit tight (will not fit right angled 3.5 mm plugs). SPen cut out is very well spaced. Speaker cut out is deep, so accidentally completely blocking the sound is almost impossible.
- Adds noticeable bulk, especially to the sides. Makes it look like a few mm of bezel around the screen.
- Generous lip, with raised edges on the back as well. The edges are from the softer part, to the phone doesn't slide when set down on a slightly angled surface.
- Good camera protection, but glossy material is hard to distinguish from the fingerprint sensor. Also, unlike some cases, which have an asymmetrical camera area that's supposed to help you feel the sensor, the camera area is symmetrical.
- Appearance is very clean, angled, and monolithic. No busy patterns and compliments the phone nicely. And tiny, tiny branding icon that doesn't diminish the looks.
- Buttons a little stiffer than other cases, which can be a good thing (yet to accidentally push any).
- Worthwhile mod: Drill or cut out a little of the headphone jack area.
- Possible 2nd mod: Patch the speaker area with Sugru and carve out a front facing sound notch, so that sound if reflected forward.
- - Overall: This case is more on the 'protection side' than the 'slim side' of the scale, but it still looks good. It's bulkier than the Spigen (based on the S7E version), but offers better protection, especially around the edges. I don't like the bulk it adds for everyday use, but it would be my go to for longer trips, like relaxing vacations. Probably NOT rugged enough for more adventurous hikes, but not too far off if you added front protection. Definitely provides peace of mind and won't look out of place in a more formal scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the feedback on the Legion. I don't intend to use a tempered glass screen protector, and I was wondering whether you think the lip would protect against minor flat face down falls.

KBeckett said:
I appreciate the feedback on the Legion. I don't intend to use a tempered glass screen protector, and I was wondering whether you think the lip would protect against minor flat face down falls.
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No problem. Glad I could help.
I think it would. The lip is right on the border of being attention-grabbing big, so any bigger and you should be looking at a case marketed primarily for ruggedness (military specced, 'rugged' in the name, etc.). It won't take a fall from the 5th floor of a building onto concrete, but a drop from the nightstand or a pocket should be no problem. Take a look for yourself: https://youtu.be/5TAOmprTsk0?t=8m2s

MINIMALIST - A case made for those who love minimal design
This is the thinnest case in the world https://mnmlcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-note-8
MINIMALIST - A case made for those who love minimal design. No branding and unnecessary clutter.
UNREAL THIN - Do you know what 0.35mm looks like? I didn’t think so. It’s barely noticeable!
PERFECT CUTOUTS - The case fits your Galaxy Note 8 like a glove, exposed buttons and ports are perfectly cut giving you full easy access. The camera cutout has a raised bump to protect your camera on surfaces. The front of the case has a raised rim to protect your phone’s screen from scratching.
NO FINGERPRINTS - Covered in a fine, matte texture which feels terrific and, unlike glossy plastic Galaxy Note 8 cases, effectively repels fingerprints and dirt.

I looked for cases, and screen protectors for a long while, and I ended up getting a Zizo Bolt because it came with the case, and a screen protector on sale for $18 with free shipping. I haven't really seen a lot about the case, or screen protector, but I bit the bullet, and got it anyways. The biggest complaint everyone has with the car is the buttons are stiff. I agree, but you can still press them as long as you give it more strength and an under fed toddler. I can even do the power button double tap to get to the camera without issues. As for the screen protector, the installation was very simple, the glass is very responsive and smooth, and I can use the phone as if there is no screen protector. The only issue is it collects fingerprints like they're going out of style. However, I can wipe the screen a few times with little effort with my shirt, and no more fingerprints. I was wondering if anyone else has used the Zizo Bolt before, and how well you like(d) it. I do miss my UAG case, but I was trying to keep the cost as low as possible for the screen protector, and case. This was the best deal in my opinion.

xbkingx said:
No problem. Glad I could help.
I think it would. The lip is right on the border of being attention-grabbing big, so any bigger and you should be looking at a case marketed primarily for ruggedness (military specced, 'rugged' in the name, etc.). It won't take a fall from the 5th floor of a building onto concrete, but a drop from the nightstand or a pocket should be no problem. Take a look for yourself: https://youtu.be/5TAOmprTsk0?t=8m2s
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That's great to hear.
Thanks so much for the feedback; it's greatly appreciated.

Personally, I love the Spigen Liquid Crystal cases - doesn't detract from the design of the phone, slim, pliable, protected my S7 for the last nearly-2 years, and now protecting my Note 8. Leaves plenty of space for ports and S-Pen, buttons protected but responsive, little lip to protect the screen from drops.

Following up on my last post, got the Poetic Nubuck and YFWOOD real wood cases.
Poetic Nuback (2 card pocket, Note 8)
- Very nice material quality. Top portion has a plush, fabric, alcantara feel. Bottom portion is a soft faux leather, but not that slippery cheap stuff. Internal surface is hard plastic with no cushioning pattern or soft materials.
- Room for 2-3 cards, maybe even a few bills.
- Uses a flat piece of cord/fabric string to remove cards: Inserting card pushes the string down into the pocket, pull the tab on the string to remove the cards. The down side to this is that there's no easy way to tuck the string in if you don't want to add any cards. The pocket is too tight to feed the string in and balling it up adds an annoying lump. This is usually handled with a piece of elastic attached from the inside bottom of the pocket to the string middle, but that is missing here.
- Can wireless charge with the pocket empty (not even going to try with cards in it, since that can't be good for the strips).
- Surprisingly thin, which is nice for a wallet case, but doesn't offer the best protection.
- Very minimal lip/raise-ivity. Placing the phone face down, it will rest on the case lip, but the smallest amount of pressure will cause contact with the tabletop. Will be useless for any drops.
- Buttons are slightly stiffer, and the volume button has been split in 2, instead of a single rocker design.
- Side edges add enough width to the phone to reduce accidental edge touches, but that also means, again, minimal protection.
- Camera area well protected and symmetrical.
- Overall: This case looks and feels nice and would be decent for night out. However, it offers very little protection - more than a skin or ultraslim case, but much less than any other case I've had (including the cheap $5 soft TPU throwaways). The cardholder is nice to have, but annoying to use. All that said, it's still a nice everyday driver case for people that don't usually use cases (don't drop their phones), want basic scratch protection, and something that's stylish without being gaudy.
- Who this is for: You don't like cases, but feel compelled to protect such an expensive device. You're not a klutz, so want something cheap, but unique and premium feeling.
YFWOOD real wood case (Note 8)
- I was looking forward to this case the most, and found it the most disappointing.
- There is a thin piece of dyed balsa wood or compressed wood splinters, that's recessed into a stiff plastic pattern. Or maybe there's a thin sheet wedged between two plastic surfaces. Can't tell. The point is that you won't actually feel wood, and if you did, you'd probably get splinters, judging by how rough it is.
- Feels like a low quality, hard and slippery plastic case.
- Minimal protection, slightly more lip than the Poetic (above), but looser fit, so a direct hit would probably cause the phone to pop out anyways.
- Symmetrical camera protection, good camera protection.
- Super stiff buttons, different texture around buttons, but the Bixby and volume buttons have a continuous texture (no change in texture between them), so you're never sure if you're about to hit the Bixby or volume down button.
-Overall: Just don't buy this case. I thought this would be the 'interesting case' for my phone and it turned out embarrassingly 'meh'. Slippery, no protection (except scratches), cheap feeling, and makes the phone more difficult to use.
- Who this is for: You were going to get a $7 case, but found $5 off coupon and thought you'd get all fancy.

8 probably overspent but I gave in and bought the otter box if I spend g 1000 dollars on a phone j want it protected from drops. I actually think it's a good case. I did ended up modified the case I cut the plugs off where the charging port and headphone jack is. Don't need a pressure put on the power plugs while charging don't want future problems with charging port