I thought I'd share what happen to my Nexus 7 already, bit shy of 2 days of owning it. Hopefully this doesn't happen to you, but if it does, please share your photos and story.
Note: The Materials and build quality are top notch and comparable to a $500-1000 product. The "scratch resistant" glass is, rather easy to scratch. The metal bezel, is actually plastic.
I had it charging on a pillow when it suddenly slid between the crease of my bed and the wall. It did not even get to touch the floor.. Not sure what it hit. To tell you that I am one that baby's electronics, and usually when I resell, people are impressed how well the "used" device looks when they get it..
For those contemplating the need or not of a screen protector and or a protective case.
EDIT: I am seriously considering trying to fill in the nicks with grey epoxy, but reading the conspiracy theory threads about defects and such that might arise, I am not sure if I should in the event I have to exchange mine.. (so far so good)
FOLLOWUP: So I tried using plumber's epoxy to fill the nicks. Picture attached.
You know how you get sympathy pains when you watch a fellow man get kicked in the junk? This pains me to see.
On another note, my official case can't get here soon enough.
I just ordered mine, thank you for the forewarning
Did you buy it on your credit card? Some credit cards have protections/insurance that cover items for theft and damage for 60-90 days after purchase.
Plh36 said:
Did you buy it on your credit card? Some credit cards have protections/insurance that cover items for theft and damage for 60-90 days after purchase.
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Love love love love my Amex for this alone. 90 days protections even against theft.
Oh laawdd! I'm gonna be walking on eggshells until my case arrives. My sympathies op
The Nook Color/Tablet has a metal (not aluminum) band that runs around the tab, so the aforeshown damage would've been avoided. Its front face also has a raised bezel (instead of edge-to-edge glass) that would obviate surface scrapes.
The downside is that it's heavy and large for a 7", and said qualities would be judged as "inferior" in reviews. People like edge-to-edge glass displays, and thin and light. They also like stuff for cheap. Something has to give.
Sorry about your accident. Screen protector should hide most scratches, and the corner damage is an aesthetic, not functional, mar. Take it as a battle scar for a (hopefully) well-used item.
Plh36 said:
Did you buy it on your credit card? Some credit cards have protections/insurance that cover items for theft and damage for 60-90 days after purchase.
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Citibank Debit card... Don't know if it has this feature.
I'll check, thanks!
EDIT: Used a small bank's Visa Debit to pay off the remainder. They only cover fraud.. Called GameStop to check on their policy, as expected, physical damage not covered.
e.mote said:
The Nook Color/Tablet has a metal (not aluminum) band that runs around the tab, so the aforeshown damage would've been avoided. Its front face also has a raised bezel (instead of edge-to-edge glass) that would obviate surface scrapes.
The downside is that it's heavy and large for a 7", and said qualities would be judged as "inferior" in reviews. People like edge-to-edge glass displays, and thin and light. They also like stuff for cheap. Something has to give.
Sorry about your accident. Screen protector should hide most scratches, and the corner damage is an aesthetic, not functional, mar. Take it as a battle scar for a (hopefully) well-used item.
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I had a Nook Color, enjoyed the size and screen. It was nice for it's time. The bezel adhesive started to lose it's grip and open up. Returned it within the 30days.
I've grown rather fond/sentimental of "my" N7, the story behind getting it, and who gave it to me. Otherwise I have none of the other issues others have reported and consider to be lucky it's such a solid little guy. Since it's aesthetic and really just a corner that now allows me to feel which direction I'm holding my tablet in the dark (a feature). I was just considering filling it in with epoxy.
Oh man, that's a bummer. Sorry to hear that! I thought the scratch resistant glass would fare rather well, but I suppose it's food for thought for screen protectors. Sigh...
It saddens me to see that people are already dropping and breaking them even before I get my shipment notification email from Google about my own preorder.
Just get a case and don't worry about it. Now you won't have to be so careful with it. The first nicks are the worst, then it's smooth sailing.
akarol said:
Just get a case and don't worry about it. Now you won't have to be so careful with it. The first nicks are the worst, then it's smooth sailing.
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That's how I was with my phone. "omgosh such an epic device want it to look perfect forever", but then I look at it now and I realize there's drywall compound in some of the creases of the phone's body from spackling the bathroom last week. I think the honeymoon with me and my crappy little low end Android has worn off.
Speaking of cases though, anybody got a recommendation for something that ISN'T a folio style case? I have a neoprene case to use but I'm curious if there's a hardshell case available that snaps on.
DUDE I feel ur pain!!!! id be on my knees crying..
That really sucks!!! My condolences.
i would buy a new one, that would drive me nuts
e.mote said:
The Nook Color/Tablet has a metal (not aluminum) band that runs around the tab, so the aforeshown damage would've been avoided. Its front face also has a raised bezel (instead of edge-to-edge glass) that would obviate surface scrapes.
The downside is that it's heavy and large for a 7", and said qualities would be judged as "inferior" in reviews. People like edge-to-edge glass displays, and thin and light. They also like stuff for cheap. Something has to give.
Sorry about your accident. Screen protector should hide most scratches, and the corner damage is an aesthetic, not functional, mar. Take it as a battle scar for a (hopefully) well-used item.
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Suuuuure. I've never met a phone or tablet that can take a 3-4 foot drop directly on the corner and come out unscathed. If the nook color had 1/2" rubber around its body I could see your argument, but steel vs. aluminum is hardly an argument when you're talking about around 1/64" thickness. Then increased rigidity of the frame will actually inact more force upon the rest of the device as less is absorbed by the metal. There's a reason why your car is made to crush like a tin can when you get hit after all.
Any drop on the corner that doesn't shatter the screen is a win in my book. I know we never like to see any damage on our new device, but this is like slamming into a pole and having a small dent on your bumper.
I really feel for your loss. I'm about as anal as they come concerning keeping my devices mint. Little things like that just drive me nuts which is why most of what I have is entirely overprotected. Blame it on the OCD in me that I've probably spent at least 150 dollars on cases and screen protectors for my galaxy nexus alone.
The sad fact is, that even if it were made out of something harder, it would still incur damage. A nick, ship or the glass shattering because the device is thin, and when dropped, all of the weight is concentrated on that one corner. The amount of PSI on that spot on impact without a big rubber pad to disperse the force means it's going to get damaged. I also have a Nook Tablet, and I know for a fact that when it's dropped in the same manner, you will see some sort of damage. Either you will dent the perimeter ring of metal, chip the paint off it, etc. It's not nearly as fragile as edge to edge glass, but you will damage it.
That blows man. I wanted to share this thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28869651
Nexus 7 usb charging port
Magical device, but until Otterbox releases a Defender case, I will protect this thing like testicles.
Sent from my Nexus 7 - 1.5 Ghz OC Atlantis R2
>If the nook color had 1/2" rubber around its body I could see your argument, but steel vs. aluminum is hardly an argument when you're talking about around 1/64" thickness.
The wrapping alloy band is 5mm (0.2 inch) thick as measured with a caliper. It's robust.
>increased rigidity of the frame will actually inact more force upon the rest of the device as less is absorbed by the metal
Yes, the weak point is always the front-facing glass. But an edge-to-edge glass face design, as in most tablets to date, will fare more poorly than one without, cp. I feel good about the Nook's survivability from a waist-high fall. I can't say the same for any other tablet.
That said, tablets don't sell on the basis of durability.
>I wanted to share this thread [charging port damaged].
It's inevitable; usually it's the external connector that gets bent. As another said the micro-USB port is flimsy. It's another carryover from smartphone design.
Would suggest trying a 90-deg adapter to alleviate vulnerability.
Related
Hello! This is a quick review highlighting these two products. Of all of the cases I've tried (believe me, I have about 7 or 8 at home...) these two reign king. I'm unsure of which one I'll ultimately go with, but I do have some opinions about each that I'd like to highlight. For what it's worth, you can't go wrong with either case - but they do have slightly different features which may or may not sway you in those corresponding directions.
This entire post isn't really a defined "this is my Speck FitFolio case review" and then following "this is my eBay case review," but instead it's kind of a mish/mash of the two products all at once. I'll compare them, highlight differences/similarities between the two, etc.
To start, here is the direct link of the one I purchased from pandamimi2011 on eBay. I went with this user because it ships out of California so I knew I wouldn't have to wait two months for it to come from China, plus his/her feedback looked solid. I paid for the middle tier of shipping and it came on Wednesday when I ordered it on Sunday. I'm in Pennsylvania (on the other side of the country), and we just had hurricane Sandy rip us a new one. To say I'm satisfied at the shipping speed is an understatement.
The feel of this case is pretty nice. It has tiny grooves over it, so it almost seems like a very faint "metal file" feeling of some sort. It's got a slight rubbery texture, which when coupled with the grooves feels a bit more grippy than the Speck case, which is something I like. It does however present it with a slight -1 in the pocketability department. The Speck can be slid into my back pocket of my dress pants somewhat easily. The thickness of the Speck vs the width of my pocket makes pocketability decently possible, however if the thickness of the N7/Speck were any thicker, it'd be a different story. With the eBay case, I can make it happen, but I have to wrestle with it for a few extra seconds first. Not a big deal, but it's enough of a deterrent that when I'm walking up and down the hall at work, for short walking bursts from one tech issue to the next I may just hold it.
When both cases are opened and folded back the magnet does not interfere. Each one wakes up/sleeps the device easily and predictably. I will say this, though... when I was trying different variations of the eBay case to ensure the magnets worked properly, I noticed something. It appears as if the wake up/sleep magnet on the Nexus 7 is located on the left side - not on the right. I say this because due to the eBay's case design, it has a "tri fold" thing going on with the front flap that covers the screen. If I fold it so only the left side is flat on the screen, yet the middle and right is up in the air away from the tablet, it indeed sleeps/wakes up the N7. Whenever I saw other video reviews, people would point to the right side to indicate it had a smart feature. Either way, doesn't matter, but just an observation worth pointing out.
The back shell (the skeleton) cradling the Nexus 7 in both scenarios is solid. With each case, the N7 pops in easily and securely. With the Speck case I found it's easier to "eject" the N7 when starting from the left side, where there are some spaces in the mold. It's much more difficult to start on the right side where it's full length. See picture to see what I mean. Meanwhile with the eBay case, both the left and right side spans the entire length. Because of this, it makes the "eject from left side" idea (which works great on the Speck) fail with this case. Instead, it's easiest to eject the N7 around the charging port cutout at the bottom. See picture.
Another difference between the two worth noting is the latching mechanism. The Speck case has a clip, and a very well designed clip. The clip itself is attached to some sort of heavy elastic, which has a very slight amount of "give" when securing the flap. It's very solid and gives me 100% confidence that if I drop my case, it will not open unless, somehow, it's an epic fall that manages to break the clip itself. The eBay case however latches based on magnets. There's a magnet strip in the flap that folds behind the tablet when closed. It's not a strong magnet, however because it's an entire magnet strip, it holds on decently. I held my tablet with both hands and shook it until the flap opened up. You sure have to give it a good solid swift movement in order to have enough momentum for the flap to fly open. If my tablet were to take a tumble down a flight of stairs, the Speck case would almost definitely have the +1 because I believe the magnet would give way and open up. For just general protection, excluding extreme falls etc, the magnetic flap provides adequate security. This didn't really sway my opinion in either scenario, since I was just happy to have a case like this where there is a magnetic flap to keep it closed... whereas some cases like this don't have this magnetic flap whatsoever.
Speaking of the latching mechanism, one concern I have about the Speck case is while it latches securely, I do wonder how it'll hold up in the long haul. I use my Nexus 7 for a lot at work as I work in IT. I'm frequently opening, closing, opening, closing, over and over and over possibly hundreds of times a day. In the 10 days I've had the Speck case, I've noticed that the latch has become much easier to clip and unclip. Some may attribute this to being broken in, but considering it's hard plastic vs hard plastic, some degree of wear may be a side effect. So while the Speck latch holds closed more securely, the eBay case would almost definitely have more longevity. I also like with the eBay case that I can kind of throw the front flap shut in my hand, and thanks to the momentum, the magnetic flap flips around the back of the case and stays put thanks to the magnets grabbing it, which is kind of nice because it doesn't require a physical need to latch the clip. This may be splitting some rather extreme hairs, but I wanted to document exactly what my thoughts were on all accounts, as major or minor that they might be.
The other difference I want to notate is the button cutouts. The Speck has volume up/down in one cutout, a separation, and then the power button cutout. This is nice because when I'm feeling for the buttons it's more obvious that I'm hitting volume up instead of power, which often happens. The eBay case has one open cutout for all three buttons. However, while all three buttons are lumped together, the actual thickness of the plastic mold is indeed thinner, making the feeling of the buttons easier to detect even though there's not a separation. It's one of those half empty/half full things that likely doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but there's pros and cons to notate on both sides.
The stand up positions with both cases are decent. The Speck offers a little more versatility for some of my uses, as I'm often laying down in bed on the N7. Due to the wider platform the case gives when it's propped up in horizontal mode, it's a bit easier to prop it on my stomach/chest without issue. This probably goes without saying since most people would detect this immediately when they see a picture, but with the eBay case, due to its tri-fold design, it makes the "propped up on stomach/chest when laying down position" near impossible. It does however provide a decent range of prop positions when on a table/desk of some sort, much like the Speck. Certainly not a deal breaker, but worth mentioning.
Overall, you won't lose no matter which case you get. Both of these cases are easily contenders for the #1 spot of all of the cases I've used. The number 1 thing I love about both cases is the plastic mold they fit into. There's nothing covering the bezel anywhere and there's none of this 6 prong thing going on around the edges like the BluRex Ultra Slim case among other various cases. (not to say it's a bad design, but I personally prefer the mold design). I do believe I'll be sticking with the eBay case for a while, as I find the magnetic flap to be a little more well suited for my uses. I also think the eBay case has a slightly better price-vs-product ratio, as even with mid-tier shipping I paid 18 or 19 bucks for it, while the Speck ran me 30 bucks. Considering both of these cases are directly on par with one another, it stands to reason that the eBay case in this scenario could easily be the winner for being the "better bang for the buck." Either way, both cases are very worth their money and both are highly recommended.
Great in depth review! Need a pic gallery comparing findings would be nice. Not saying to post every single pic, but maybe host it somewhere where you already uploaded them?
Nevertheless, the review is well done! :good:
kpjimmy said:
Great in depth review! Need a pic gallery comparing findings would be nice. Not saying to post every single pic, but maybe host it somewhere where you already uploaded them?
Nevertheless, the review is well done! :good:
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That was my intention when I wrote the review a few days ago. The above info I had written up before and just saved in an office doc, so to post I just pasted over. I'll be able to add pictures later this evening.
Which one is thinner?
Ehh we may have a show stopper finding here. I was using my tablet earlier with the eBay case and when folded back it shut off at one point. I spent what felt like five full minutes trying to replicate it but couldn't. Later on when I got home I was able to... it's only at a very exact point that it happens, but once I got the hang of it I could replicate it a bit easier... I just find it crazy that for hours after unboxing it I wasn't able to notice it. The eBay case indeed has a design flaw in that regard. I'm going to email the seller and see what he has to say about it.
Something else worth noting is when the Speck case is folded back you can clip it in place which is a nice touch. Without clipping it when folded back cases like this tend to have a sloppy feeling when holding it with one hand. That being said, I'd say the Speck takes the cake here.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
JaSauders said:
Ehh we may have a show stopper finding here. I was using my tablet earlier with the eBay case and when folded back it shut off at one point. I spent what felt like five full minutes trying to replicate it but couldn't. Later on when I got home I was able to... it's only at a very exact point that it happens, but once I got the hang of it I could replicate it a bit easier... I just find it crazy that for hours after unboxing it I wasn't able to notice it. The eBay case indeed has a design flaw in that regard. I'm going to email the seller and see what he has to say about it.
Something else worth noting is when the Speck case is folded back you can clip it in place which is a nice touch. Without clipping it when folded back cases like this tend to have a sloppy feeling when holding it with one hand. That being said, I'd say the Speck takes the cake here.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Any word from the seller?
I prefer the Blurex/Moko style than your ebay case. It is classy and suitable for business style. ebay case looks cheap with the plastic cover, and it may hurt the Nexus 7's plastic sides.
I've gone through a few different cases and sleeves now. But while changing cases recently, I happened to stop and look at my Nexus without any protection. It felt a lot thinner and looked freaking sexy. I don't know if I'm crazy, but I think I'm going to go naked (minus a screen protector).
Is anyone else here using their Nexus without a case or cover? What has your experience been?
I use mine most of the time naked heh. But put it in a cheap fake leather smart cover case when I take it anywhere, and then take it out usually to use it.
Naked with a screen protector. I have a roocase for travel. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
using a TPU case, just because when I play, it gets really hot...
I was lightly using my tablet naked for the first time today and it was amazing. Call me crazy, but the extra thinness that I got from removing my hardshell case was a totally new experience.
What has your experience been like? Is your Nexus damaged as a result of not using a case?
I use it naked too. Not even a screen protector yet. Not sure how i feel about sticking a plastic sheet on it. The screen already looks kinda dim and washed colors.
For when not in use, I have on the way a Peli hard case.
Naked here as well, but I'm in the market for a hard-case / sturdy case for transportation mode. I hate screenprotectors (I never can get them on without dust/bubbles) they make any device they're applied to less responsive in my opinion. For now the tablet is mainly used indoors, but I'm planning to start using it outdoors for photography purposes (combined with dslr controller app).
Naked, no issues yet.
If it's getting hot when gaming, a case isn't going to make that any better...
Haven't put a screen protector on my HTC ONE X phone or the N7 as I feel their screens are good enough. Use a case so I can do stuff while using the N7 as I have a badly damaged shoulder and arm.
If I used my 'good arm' to support the N7 i can't do much else so a case that stands up in portrait or landscape is a must for me. I guess for others it probably isn't a hassle to use an arm to hold the N7. At least I get medical insurance for my injury so I can afford goodies like this which helps me pass time less painfully when the kids and wife aren't keeping me busy ;D
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
I use mine fully naked, no screen protector or anything. I got a caselogic sleeve for transporting and wrap it in a microfiber cloth mostly to keep dust off and having it handy to wipe fingerprints and stuff off
O_O
There are some brave people on these forums. I could never use my tab without a screen protector. I'd be too paranoid. As for dropping my tab, I haven't dropped an electronic device in years so I'm not too worried about that.
What's the best practice to keep the microfiber cloths clean? They do gather dust and small particles in time which can scratch the screen when using them? Is it enough just to shake them really hard or need to wash them often?
i use mine naked prefer it, i also use glasses cleaning wipes to clean my screen cheep to
My Nexus 7 and galaxy S3 are used naked.
I got a great case on Amazon that is a wallet, a handgrip thing, and has a smart cover so it locks when i close it. i only paid $10 for it.
It looks a bit cheap in the picture but when you actually get it its nice.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UZW8XY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
xdacuc said:
What's the best practice to keep the microfiber cloths clean? They do gather dust and small particles in time which can scratch the screen when using them? Is it enough just to shake them really hard or need to wash them often?
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A quick google search says the most practical way is to hand wash them in a bucket of warm water, let soak for 1 hour and hang dry if they are small, which they probably are. No real reason to put a couple of small microfiber cloths in the washer and dryer unless you really want to. Also you SHOULD NOT wash them with other loads. They pick up and hold dust/dirt and if there are other clothes then they will just pick up and hold that from washer and dryer, which would probably make them dirtier than cleaner.
I just received a fantastic case that works well with the naked tab. It doubles as a stand. I'll post a review in the next week or so.
I always go naked with my devices. I think about cases and sometimes they sound nice but in the end I like the slimness, the less extra bs to worry about.
I tap all my bitc-I mean... Devices raw.
I'm thinking of strapping the N7 up, though. She's wifey material...
http://android-gz.com
I'm not a nexus never-nude either.
Have a timbuk2 envelope for when it's in my bag, and prob going to order a rickshaw sleeve so I can slip it in and out of my messenger bag's fortuitously N7-sized outer compartment easier but with some padding.
But when actually using it, no case, no screen protector. I don't want bubbles, don't want adhesive residue, don't want a less smooth surface for my mesh stylus and fingers, don't want a less-clear screen...
And I like the nexus' grippy back, sexy design (everyone who sees it says oooh is that the iPad mini? How are you liking your iPad mini? Fools :laugh: )
I can however see benefit of a case for those who don't mind bulk, but I don't see much point in screen protectors...
Has anyone yet tried out this "new type" of screen protector yet?
http://www.cultofandroid.com/26901/...or-borrows-technology-from-bulletproof-glass/
Doc
Sounds neat, but anyone describing a screen protector as 'magic self healing' as a technology makes me skeptical.
I look forward to someone else reviewing it!
My screen is so hard it doesn't pick up scratches. Extra layers are just extra junk. Now if it provides some protection from breakage that would be useful. If I drop it on the ground is it any less likely to crack?
I don't disbelieve the article though. They have been working on self healing films for a few years. You can get self healing clear coat and paint on some cars. Maybe this would be useful for a construction worker who has to touch his screen with abrasive sandy grit. That WILL scratch our screen even though car keys and normal handling doesn't.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
I'd be interested to see how it heals scratches after some real abuse, like sandpaper. Keys and such are a worthless test at this point. It seems everyone has moved to something that can prevent scratching from those. But even the best current screens can't stop being scratched by a single grain of sand in your pocket. That alone is why I use screen protectors. It's not like I roll around in a sand dune then put the phone in my pocket, but even being VERY careful with a prior "Gorilla Glass" type screen, I got a couple scratches on it from sand. The only "glass" I know of that can prevent that is the Sapphire crystal that you can get on nicer watches. Those are probably far too expensive to use on phones.
For now, I'm using a Clarivue glass protector. It's really nice, but does have some tiny lifting at the top corners. And it will scratch from sand, like any glass. But it's a lot cheaper and easier to replace the protector than the phone screen.
This is the only video of it I can currently find: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hosHv5k0IKI&feature=player_detailpage#t=764s
Not much of a review but it does show the "self healing" capability against a wire brush.
I'm considering getting one as I haven't yet bought a screen protector for my phone but feel I should do at some point.
KEYofR said:
My screen is so hard it doesn't pick up scratches. Extra layers are just extra junk. Now if it provides some protection from breakage that would be useful. If I drop it on the ground is it any less likely to crack?
I don't disbelieve the article though. They have been working on self healing films for a few years. You can get self healing clear coat and paint on some cars. Maybe this would be useful for a construction worker who has to touch his screen with abrasive sandy grit. That WILL scratch our screen even though car keys and normal handling doesn't.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
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I think that it is great that you don't pick up scratches but some people keep the phone in their pocket with keys, coins and other crap so something like this does make sense. I may try to go to a T-Mobile store and check it out.
DocEsq said:
I think that it is great that you don't pick up scratches but some people keep the phone in their pocket with keys, coins and other crap so something like this does make sense. I may try to go to a T-Mobile store and check it out.
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So do I of course.
Keys and coins don't hurt this screen.
They haven't hurt most screens the last few years. My og evo after 2 years of rough careless handling with no case or screen protector was scratched up but only lightly and not enough to matter. That is, a lot of fine scratches but none of them deep, and the screen is still clear so they don't matter in any functional way. And it took 2 years to even get that way and it's not worth anything by then to try to sell it even if it were new and never used. My evo lte after 1 year of the same did even better and is almost unblemished. Only 1 year but it looks better than the og evo did at 1 year. My girlfriends iphone4 after 2 years of the same looks almost unblemished, although she handles hers a little more carefully than I do, but still, no screen protector and it rubs up on keys and hair clips and paper clips and coins in her purse and in the cup holder in the car.
The lest few years of hard glass screens are very hard just for this reason and they work pretty well.
The reason I mentioned sand is that sand or other hard mineral abrasive will scratch it. Most metals won't. Especially not chrome plated brass keys or copper/silver alloys in coins. My stainless steel multitool doesn't even. The tungsten carbide cutting wheel of a glass cutter would with enough concerted pressure.
Ordered this case after seeing it on amz traders, figured I would try it. Here's my amazon review.
Great protective case, honestly it's probably the most protective I have ever used. It includes a thick, seems to me, plastic screen protector that's glued in, has covers over all the ports and a swinging mechanism over the 3.5 jack. I have large hands and had to struggle a bit to remove the S-Pen but not horribly, the charging cover is a bit stiff requiring several attempts to get it open in order to charge the phone. I do not have wireless charging currently so couldn't test that.
The buttons all work properly, a bit stiff but imagine they will break in a bit over time. It takes a bit to get your phone in this case, 4 screws and several minutes, it is not a quick change case. You put it in this case when you know you'll need it, hiking, constriction work, biking etc.
Lastly is the weight, it's heavy. Double the weight of the phone heavy. With all that said, for a protective case you are not going to beat it, it's that solid. It sounds like I don't like the case but I do, I wouldn't call it an everyday day case with the weight but I am certain it would protect my phone in all conditions I could find myself in. I did not remove my tempered glass screen protector prior to putting it in the case which I am sure probably make things a bit tighter but most of my cases do not have one built in so I'll keep it on.
Link to amazon
I noticed the Amazon listing mentions a tempered glass screen protector but you said it's plastic.
Sziehr said:
I noticed the Amazon listing mentions a tempered glass screen protector but you said it's plastic.
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Yeah, I think it's plastic tho. It's pretty thick, doesn't sound like glass when tapping my fingernail.
Holy crap that thing is ugly. Looks like it was take right from a Transformers movie. Why buy such a sleek and nice phone just to slap it with so much uglyness?
They might rule in advertising, but I would bet Spigen sells a lot more cases than Otterbox does. I see hardly anybody with an Otterbox, but people who do have them it is very obvious and noticeable because they're enormous and look absurd, especially large phones like the Note. It looks different than a normal case that most people have, which is why it's a conversation piece and people know the name. However, even with the size, at least Otterbox makes decent looking cases of high quality. This thing is fugly with those black accents and ugly 5ive logo printed on.
Is there even access to the s-pen?
Sent from my SM-N920S using Tapatalk
cajunaggie87 said:
Is there even access to the s-pen?
Sent from my SM-N920S using Tapatalk
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Yes, the red lever thing swings open and allows access. Honestly, I sent it back to amazon. It just made the phone too heavy to actually use, intact it fell out of my hand because of the weight. It's a shame because it was definitely a change from the normal cases on the market.
flintston314 said:
Holy crap that thing is ugly. Looks like it was take right from a Transformers movie. Why buy such a sleek and nice phone just to slap it with so much uglyness?
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LOL, I didn't mind the look so much as I wanted protection. I work in construction and welding, lost several phones to drops that normal cases just can't protect from.
Ducter said:
LOL, I didn't mind the look so much as I wanted protection. I work in construction and welding, lost several phones to drops that normal cases just can't protect from.
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Thanks, that makes absolutely sense. I absolutely understand that for some users it is imperative to have protection and that looks are 100% secondary.
I just don´t understand most people that pack their phones into such things while sitting at a desk the whole day.
In your case, 100% agree.
Ducter said:
Yeah, I think it's plastic tho. It's pretty thick, doesn't sound like glass when tapping my fingernail.
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I ended up getting this case thru AMZ. I took a very sharp knife point to the screen protector and couldn't scratch it, so it may actually be glass.
I got this too, but haven't actually received it yet. shipped from china and its taking forever to get here!!
This is my review for the Armadillotek Vanguard case for the Note 20 Ultra. This review will also apply to the Note 20 Vanguard, as they are basically the same case. Note I received a free review unit direct from Armadillo; however, there were no requirements for a positive review. The opinions here are my own.
Summary: An extremely high quality case that looks great, offers rugged protection, with a couple compromises. At this price point, you would have difficulty finding a better quality case. Even at higher price points, Armadillotek hold their own against the competition.
I will preface this review by saying I don't typically use rugged cases. I always end up buying one for those times when I feel I may need some extra protection, but I usually use slimmer cases for scratch protection every day.
But for Note 20 Ultra and the Note 10+ last year, Armadillotek has been my go-to rugged case for the times I did want that extra reassurance, and here is why:
The Vanguard is a high quality case at almost any price point, buy for $19, it's a surprisingly high quality case. The first thing I noticed was how smoothly the hard rubber sides blend into the protective back plastic plate. There's no noticable sprue marks or mold lines. No rough edges, or anything that would suggest this was a cheaply made case.
The fit is superb, and the corners all have an air space to act as a cushion during drops. The two piece design securely holds the phone, with no worries at all about it coming off. It can be a little difficult to install and remove, but I'll trade that for a secure fir any day.
The case covers the sides well, and offers a lip around the screen to keep it off the ground when placed face down. And surprisingly, it's compatible with many different brands and styles of screen protector for that added protection.*
The kickstand on the back is solid and clicks into place very well. The only issue is it can be a little difficult to pry up, but again, those tight tolerances seem to be a sign of quality and tight fit.
The only real complaint I have about this case is the large opening for the S-Pen. It's a bit of a double edged sword. It's nice to be able to easily retrieve the S-Pen; however, this also leaves a large gap in protection on this corner.
The other complaint is the case interferes with wireless charging and wireless power share.
Neither one of those are really the fault of Armadillotek, and are more or less necessity of the case. It needs to be somewhat thick to offer the military grade protection. And as long as Samsung continues to out the S-Pen in the corner, that corner will always be exposed and vulnerable by cases.
Interesting side note, I also reviewed a similar ruggedized case by another manufacturer. The Schnaul Titan for the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra. I say similar, because they are almost identical, minus.a few minor aesthetic design choices. But they are shaped identically and even have the same exact inner front frame as part of the two piece case design. The wording and font style on some stickers is the same on both cases.
The website for both companies is nearly identical in design and aesthetic choices, down to the same yellow themed coloring and a stylized sillouette of their mascot (armadillo and a snail).
Both cases arrived with a photocopy of a handwritten letter, purported to be from someone born and raised in Texas; and each offers gratitude for your purchase and a brief backstory to the company. It's a nice touch, and the letters are done very well; however, careful reading detects the author's first language is not English. There's subtle nuances in the author's dialect that tells me they were not born and raised in Texas, or in the US. And there's close similarities in the word choices and phrases in the letters from both companies, which leads me to believe they were written by the same person.
Now, none of that takes away from the quality of the case, or the very responsive customer service. And the cases both shipped from Texas (both from the same city, but different address), so I can assume they are US-based. I just found the similarities very odd, and I would not be surprised at all to discover if Armadillotek and Schail are both just US fronts for the same oversead manufacturer.
In conclusion, I can HIGHLY recommend this case, if you're looking for a ruggedized case. You get the same quality as that other animal that comes in a Box, but at least than half the price.
Photo album of the cases are here on imgur
http://imgur.com/a/wicISY4
Commercial review...?
Nope... Amazon review...
LoL
Excellent review
That type of two layered protection is excellent.
Reminds me of the Bolt case except the spen is better protected.
Customers with fat clumsy fingers complain if there isn't a huge opening:laugh:
I've noticed my 10+ wuvs to corner hit if dropped and the spen corner is it's favorite corner to land on... I replaced one case already over concerns of possible fatigue after a couple repeat hits there.
Manson79 said:
Commercial review...?
Nope... Amazon review...
LoL
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Its basically a copy and paste from my Amazon review, which I don't think is up yet. It usually takes Amazon a day or so to approve them.
Didn't see any reason to rewrite it for here.
blackhawk said:
Excellent review
That type of two layered protection is excellent.
Reminds me of the Bolt case except the spen is better protected.
Customers with fat clumsy fingers complain if there isn't a huge opening:laugh:
I've noticed my 10+ wuvs to corner hit if dropped and the spen corner is it's favorite corner to land on... I replaced one case already over concerns of possible fatigue after a couple repeat hits there.
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My SPen would almost always come loose and go flying when I dropped my Note 10+. I think it did the same with my Note 9.
Not that I dropped them all the time, but like at the gym, they would slide off the bench and make a soft 18 inch landing. But sure enough, that SPen would sometimes shoot out like a missile, LOL.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
My SPen would almost always come loose and go flying when I dropped my Note 10+. I think it did the same with my Note 9.
Not that I dropped them all the time, but like at the gym, they would slide off the bench and make a soft 18 inch landing. But sure enough, that SPen would sometimes shoot out like a missile, LOL.
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The 10+ is notorious for that.
Yeah it doesn't have to be a huge impact:laugh:
I learned to look before I leaped to avoid accidentally stepping on it after a drop or leave it behind.
I go for months sometimes without dropping it but without a good case it be KIA by now.
The spen corner is the weak spot in many cases.
Is this the brand the legendary @zedomax threw off his two story roof ?
Bought one (Armadillo) from Amazon.com.
Fits perfect on the left and right side, but there is to much play in the case lengthwise and it can be even heard when holding the phone and shaking it slightly (and no this noise isn't coming from th camera objectives).
You can easily slide it with your thumb up and down in the case.
If there comes dust in the case this play will definitely scratch the sides of the phone.
Not sure if i keep it.
Limeybastard said:
Is this the brand the legendary @zedomax threw off his two story roof ?
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Yes, Zedomax loves the owner.
normandyhouse said:
Yes, Zedomax loves the owner.
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Wow. That was a post from a while ago. His YouTube page hasn’t been updated for ages. Hope he’s ok.
How is the case holding up
Limeybastard said:
Wow. That was a post from a while ago. His YouTube page hasn’t been updated for ages. Hope he’s ok.
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His is in Korea now and focus on 3d printing
Benoregontrail said:
How is the case holding up
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I'm wondering the same. They're releasing them for many of the newer phones and they're in my radar for a new case. I change cases almost as often as I change my socks.