Video Review: SGP/Spigen Valentinus Case & Ultra Crystal screenshield - Galaxy Note II Accessories

Hey fellas,
Got a couple of products I wanted to share today - both from Spigen/SGP. The first is the Valentinus Leather case, which is a high-quality case made of genuine leather, as the name states. It's a folio style, meaning it has a front flap that will keep your screen protected when closed. The inside features a plastic cradle where your Note 2 fits snug. All ports and cutouts are easily accessible, except for the S-Pen slot being a little on the tight side. This case offers incredible protection due to its hybrid construction as well.
I also took a look at the Ultra Crystal screenshield, which looks to protect your screen without affecting clarity or quality. It looks nearly invisible and feels just like the glass display - however it is cut short on the sides which I'm not a huge fan of.
Check out the full review below - let me know your thoughts;

I see many arent liking the screen protector being short...however, this is exactly what im looking for. I think paired with most cases that protect the side of the bezel, that particular cut is perfect

erick161 said:
I see many arent liking the screen protector being short...however, this is exactly what im looking for. I think paired with most cases that protect the side of the bezel, that particular cut is perfect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't hate it, but I wanted to point it out because I know a lot of people are paranoid about that. However, if I case is designed correctly, it can have a thick bezel and not bubble up the screen protector, like the CandyShell.

Related

Review: Poetic Affinity case

I just received this case in the mail and I'm already loving it. The case design is really nice. I have the black sapphire phone and received the frosted clear case. It matches really well, but it would probably have matched with the black much better. The clear case shows off the sexiness of the note 5. The branding on the case isn't too overwhelming. There's a P in the middle that is right between the words Samsung and Galaxy Note 5. It kind of looks perfect sitting there. It's also branded with Poetic near the bottom of the case. I kind of wish it wasn't there. Rather it had been clear instead. The name of the case, Affinity, is on the side of the case. The case is nice and grippy and it doesn't hurt the hands at all. The back X design looks like a normal design but it serves a purpose. The corners of the X are used for bumper protection and the lines running up and down the case is used to raise the phone from a flat surface a bit. Most of the cut outs are aligned pretty accurately, with the exception of the bottom speaker. The holes are not quite aligned. I don't think it will take away any sound quality but I'm a stickler for perfection sometimes and it bothered me a little. The frost on the sides of the case kind of takes away the silver metal trimming of the phone, but overall it's still a very nice case. I have had Poetic cases before and have never been disappointed. I can highly recommend them.
Mods please merge these threads.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
drmacrofish said:
Mods please merge these threads.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you find a need to ask to merge thread in every review?.. Everyone has the right to create their review and thread. Is not against xda rules if it bothers you keep scrolling...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
egren58 said:
Do you find a need to ask to merge thread in every review?.. Everyone has the right to create their review and thread. Is not against xda rules if it bothers you keep scrolling...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even the manufacturers of some of these cases that everyone is reviewing here have asked to keep the reviews all in one thread. Just a thought to keep the clutter at a minimum. Also it makes it easier for people who are looking for a review of a case to read through one thread rather than 4 or 5 or 6 or more....
No one said you aren't entitled to your own review. Just don't know why you need your own thread to do so. [emoji53]
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
I received mine as well and I like the build quality of this device. I will say that I recieved this case for free, but I will try to be as objective as I can about the case.
Protection:
Its a step above a TPU only plastic case, with clear material on this less likely contact areas to show off the phone, and black "rubberized" bumper integrated to give more structural protection. Where you might crack the corners on a tpu case, the bumper will protect the phone, offer better shock protection and most likely allow the case to survive some impacts. The bumper also crosses along the back of the case and is raised up a little so that the clear plastic doesnt touch the surface, reducing scratches. The bumper around the screen is raised above the device about 1mm or so, which will provide some additional screen protection. The buttons are sealed inside the bumper case, which is nice to prevent dust build up and also protect the switches from impact.
Look:
I got the black and clear. The clear plastic lets me see the good looks of the phone, and the bumper material gives the case a tougher look.
Function:
Buttons work normally, with no weirdness. The cutouts for the speakers dont seem to be ligned up with the holes on the speaker, but I cant tell if there really is any reduction in sound quality. The cut out for the stylus is open enough to not make it a pain to get the pen, without sacrificing protection, as far as I can tell. mini usb and headphones jacks are also easily reached.
The sides of the case along the sides has textured slashes that greatly improve the grip, which I really like. What I dont like is that compared to a slim case, you are adding some size to the width of the phone, but its definatly a trade off given the step up on protection vs a thinner plastic case, or none at all.
Last, wireless charging worked as normal. Reception for wifi and cell service was unaffected.
Whats good:
Step up in protection from a thin plain plastic case, build quality is great.
Whats not:
Makes the phone larger than naked or with a thin case. A tad heavier than one as well.
I would use this case mostly if I know the device is going to be in harsher conditions than day to day. I use a thin case for work, and I use no case at home.
Here's my review to keep things together and in one place
First off the case itself looks fantastic, perhaps a little light on my black phone but that is personal preference, because it is actually protective and not just a thing clean skin it does show and lightens the color overall. That said the design is good and actually looks nice, it has raised edges that are opaque that will help prevent the rest of the case from scratching and keep its looks.
I actually spent a good five days with the case before writing my review to see how it held up and I am very happy with it so far, I am likely going to keep it on for at least another week and then update this review, of course it may stay on longer than that but I often switch up cases so we will see. The ease of pushing buttons even compared to my Tech 21 case is very impressive.
Pros:
The buttons are very responsive, much more so than the other cases I have tried.
The amount of grip the case adds is great, yet it still slide in and out of my pocket easily.
It will draw looks, the phone already does on its own and this case mostly highlights its features.
Cons:
It would look better on a white note than a black one.
Nothing else I have found so far.
Yeah, received mine yesterday so opinion may change, but here it goes for my initial review.
So far this is one of my top favorite cases that I have. Not nearly as slippery as the Obliq Case that I ordered. The only thing I miss, and this is personal opinion, is a built in kickstand, but I also realize that can add a little on the cost. Either way though the flow and the grip of the case work fairly well.
Pros:
Less slick than the clear Obliq case which is nice considering the other one would just slide right on out of your pocket.
Has nice grip on the sides and the buttons work nicely as well.
Like the clear case with black
Cutouts are where they should be and work just fine
Cons:
None really, maybe a slight concern on being able to see any and all scratches the case gets, but that is what cases are for
One of the best
Here is my review of this case as well copied from Amazon after using the case for the past week.
This is one of the best cases I have used so far for the Note 5, and I have tried/used a lot of them.
Pros:
1. Protective without adding much bulk
2. Cut out for S Pen is perfect
3. Adds much needed grip to a slippery phone
4. Lets the beauty of the phone show through
Cons:
1. Hole cutouts for the speaker holes don't line up perfectly
This case really is a nice one, and for the price, you are getting a great case. I have the clear/black case, and really like the style that it adds to the phone. I have a slickwraps skin on the back of the phone, and it shows through nicely thanks to this design. I absolutely love the little grip edges that they put on this case. It maintains comfort in the hand, while adding some much needed grip. The cut out for the S-pen is ample and makes it very easy to press the clicking mechanism to get the pen out. What makes this case protective is what Poetic has done here with the corners of the case. The corners are nicely reinforced, and should provide some nice shock protection to the phone if it is ever dropped (I hope mine never is, but it is nice to have the protection.) The only real con I could find with this case is that for some reason, Poetic decided to make individual hole cutouts for the speaker section of the phone. For whatever reason though, those holes in the case do not line up with the speaker holes themselves and are off set from each other. Maybe Poetic should have just had one large cutout here for the speaker. Despite that mis-alignment however, the case does not seem to impede the sound at all.
Overall this case is a big win and I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I was provided this case by the manufacturer for review at no cost. However, this has not influenced my review in the slightest, and I do still highly recommend it.
How much actual width does it add to the device? I'm looking to get a Qi cradle for my car and need to know if it will work with this case on.
Someone give it a quick measure for me, please? Thanks in advance!
t.
I sent mine back, scratches just looking at the thing. Really a shame because I actually liked the case.

any clear back case with the back curved in same shape as S7 edge ?

all the cases look like they have a flat back
iwant a case that keep the curve on the back
bloodomen2 said:
all the cases look like they have a flat back
iwant a case that keep the curve on the back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal - I don't think it does curve per se, but it really does feel good in the hand and it is so thin - it is almost like not having a case at all. The case itself is soft plastic so it is mallable - and in a way it does sort of conform to the shape of the S7Edge, but I don't want to overstate it - with the metal frame around it, the frame itself will keep the soft plastic from curving in until your hand puts pressure on the case, if you know what I mean. The firmness of The steel (or aluminium) frame around the case will cause the back to be flat - but because the case is soft, when you hold it it will sort of conform with the shape of the phone. I love it - excellent case- I have always prefered Spigen Cases over the others. Really nice look and feel.
The other thing I like about it - is it makes it easier to hold the S7Edge and type or do stuff and not have the holding hand interfer by accidentally touching the edge.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUORACQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01
mocsab said:
I am using the Spigen New Crystal - I don't think it does curve per se, but it really does feel good in the hand and it is so thin - it is almost like not having a case at all. The case itself is soft plastic so it is mallable - and in a way it does sort of conform to the shape of the S7Edge, but I don't want to overstate it - with the metal frame around it, the frame itself will keep the soft plastic from curving in until your hand puts pressure on the case, if you know what I mean. The firmness of The steel (or aluminium) frame around the case will cause the back to be flat - but because the case is soft, when you hold it it will sort of conform with the shape of the phone. I love it - excellent case- I have always prefered Spigen Cases over the others. Really nice look and feel.
The other thing I like about it - is it makes it easier to hold the S7Edge and type or do stuff and not have the holding hand interfer by accidentally touching the edge.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUORACQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it protect the curved screen enough hows the lip ?
usually buy clear ultra hybrid or ringke fusion both give good protection and clarity for the back
i might also consider UAG they have great cases
Funnily enough, this is what I'm after too. I want a case that has a curve on the back similar to the rear of the phone itself.
mocsab said:
I am using the Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal - I don't think it does curve per se, but it really does feel good in the hand and it is so thin - it is almost like not having a case at all. The case itself is soft plastic so it is mallable - and in a way it does sort of conform to the shape of the S7Edge, but I don't want to overstate it - with the metal frame around it, the frame itself will keep the soft plastic from curving in until your hand puts pressure on the case, if you know what I mean. The firmness of The steel (or aluminium) frame around the case will cause the back to be flat - but because the case is soft, when you hold it it will sort of conform with the shape of the phone. I love it - excellent case- I have always prefered Spigen Cases over the others. Really nice look and feel.
The other thing I like about it - is it makes it easier to hold the S7Edge and type or do stuff and not have the holding hand interfer by accidentally touching the edge.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUORACQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a little bit different one than this from Spigen and it fits great, adds some grip, does not leave finger prints and is very slim. I can't really feel the curve, but it does feel great in hand. There is a slight lip at the top and the bottom of the case, so if you lay it on a flat surface the screen does not hit the surface. The side edges are exposed and it does not interfere with the use of the edge functions. I do think if the phone fell just right on the edge sides it could hit the ground where there is no protection. Hopefully they will make a tempered glass screen protector soon that will take care of this.
http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Spigen..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1SBDDY7TNKRHYPY7TKEB
bloodomen2 said:
does it protect the curved screen enough hows the lip ?
usually buy clear ultra hybrid or ringke fusion both give good protection and clarity for the back
i might also consider UAG they have great cases
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe it offers much protection for the screen - drop the phone screen down and it is likely to break - (depending on how high you drop it and how it lands of course) I think it does offer some decent protection for the phone - the back and the edges - I wish there was a good option for glass screen protectors but I don't think they have perfected that yet for EDGE..for now I am waiting on a pet type screen protector from Skinomi (I think that is how you spell their name).....
---------- Post added at 11:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 AM ----------
kxhaz said:
I got a little bit different one than this from Spigen and it fits great, adds some grip, does not leave finger prints and is very slim. I can't really feel the curve, but it does feel great in hand. There is a slight lip at the top and the bottom of the case, so if you lay it on a flat surface the screen does not hit the surface. The side edges are exposed and it does not interfere with the use of the edge functions. I do think if the phone fell just right on the edge sides it could hit the ground where there is no protection. Hopefully they will make a tempered glass screen protector soon that will take care of this.
http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Spigen..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1SBDDY7TNKRHYPY7TKEB
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Click to collapse
the one you bought looks identical to the one I bought - may be slightly different - I just realized that my case also has a "lip" at the top and bottom of the phone that keeps the screen from touching when placed on it's face. The only difference between yours and mine that I can see is the aluminum is gun metal grey on mine - looks great on the phone....
I got this but not got phone yet so can't comment.
Sorry this
bloodomen2 said:
all the cases look like they have a flat back
iwant a case that keep the curve on the back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 15 cases for this phone right now.
The one I have that fits your description is the Spigen Liquid Crystal.
It is clear and has the same rounded back sides as the phone.
http://www.amazon.com/SpigenĀ®-Cryst...sr=8-1&keywords=s7+edge+spigen+liquid+crystal
otterbox has a crystal case as well I have the item reviewed but here is the link to the product http://goo.gl/vO0KLw
Milimbar said:
I have 15 cases for this phone right now.
The one I have that fits your description is the Spigen Liquid Crystal.
It is clear and has the same rounded back sides as the phone.
http://www.amazon.com/SpigenĀ®-Cryst...sr=8-1&keywords=s7+edge+spigen+liquid+crystal
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Click to collapse
the problem with the liquid is that it doesn't provide enough protection for the screen
so i ordered the CLEAR ULTRA HYBRID in the end
now i gotta find some good screen protector..
Bah, I've used the crystal on 3 different phones and they have survived drops and usage just fine.
But I'm not one to buy a nice phone and wrap it up like an ugly mummy either.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
bloodomen2 said:
the problem with the liquid is that it doesn't provide enough protection for the screen
so i ordered the CLEAR ULTRA HYBRID in the end
now i gotta find some good screen protector..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both are nice cases, you will be happy with either.
I'll probably get the Samsung clear case. I like to keep the phone thin and not hide it in a case. I know it's a risk as far as protection but I'm very careful with my phone. *knocks on wood* I will get something to put protect my phone when I put it in my golf bag though. lol

Recommended cases to protect the sides of the screen as well

Hi
No matter how hard I look for covers, I just can't find any cover to adequately protect both the phone and it's screen sides.
The cases I found so far seems to either adequately protect the phone (Samsung's Protective Stand Cover is the best I found so far but won't adequately protect the sides, what if the surface is not flat?) or questionably adequately protect the screen (wallet type covers like Spigen Wallet S, Samsung official LED Cover and more).
Is there any case that would adequately protect both the phone and its sides?
If not, what would protect it the best?
Maybe I am wrong but I don't think I can rely on screen protectors, they've failed me in the past.
Thanks!
I am doing a search for cases with raised edges. The only decent one I have found so far is Encased Rebel. Don't listen to excuses like "raised edges would decrease edge function". Ask for proof that case edges are indeed raised. The Rebel has edges raised like half a milimeter above the screen. Not much but it is the most I found so far. With a glass screen protector (Whitestone) it is not raised anymore but almost level with the "screen". All the rest I tried leave edges exposed.
notefreak said:
I am doing a search for cases with raised edges. The only decent one I have found so far is Encased Rebel. Don't listen to excuses like "raised edges would decrease edge function". Ask for proof that case edges are indeed raised. The Rebel has edges raised like half a milimeter above the screen. Not much but it is the most I found so far. With a glass screen protector (Whitestone) it is not raised anymore but almost level with the "screen". All the rest I tried leave edges exposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!
This is the first case I saw with raised lips on all edges, It doesn't really look good, is there any other option?
Do you think that wallet cases may do the job?
EDIT: btw, the buttons of the Encased Rebel case aren't good at all.
I haven't found another option yet. Waiting for another case, then I will give up and let the perfect one find me. To me it looks good enough and I don't mind the buttons too much.
mbenji86 said:
Hi
No matter how hard I look for covers, I just can't find any cover to adequately protect both the phone and it's screen sides.
The cases I found so far seems to either adequately protect the phone (Samsung's Protective Stand Cover is the best I found so far but won't adequately protect the sides, what if the surface is not flat?) or questionably adequately protect the screen (wallet type covers like Spigen Wallet S, Samsung official LED Cover and more).
Is there any case that would adequately protect both the phone and its sides?
If not, what would protect it the best?
Maybe I am wrong but I don't think I can rely on screen protectors, they've failed me in the past.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This: https://www.spigen.com/collections/galaxy-note-8/products/galaxy-note-8-case-rugged-crystal
i just want to stay in this thread. i would happily give up edge functions to have a lip that protects the screen along the sides. i just wish there was an option that was also considered "slim" not a fan of bulky cases, let alone bulky cases on a phone this large.
I did you guys a favor and ordered every note 8 case I could find that: *did* look like it might protect the edges and *did not* make me cover the glass or various ports.
I tried:
Spigen Tough Armor
Encased Rebel
TILL Knight Armor
WallSkiN Turtle
Zizo Static
Zizo Bolt
- The Encased Rebel is the only one that truly comes up above the edges at all.
- I had read that some of these tougher cases can break the phone just putting them on, so I was SUPER careful applying each of them... and I could see that if one were not careful, some of them would put a LOT of pressure on the phone during installation. Because of the way the hard shell part of this case comes in two pieces, it did not scare me putting the thing on - yet the hard part does stay well attached to the rubbery bit once you have it on right the first time.
- I don't have a problem with the buttons on mine, but I am careful to make sure the case's button bits are properly seated over the actual phone buttons. If you just slap that baby on, you may have a problem.
- The case isn't bulky
- Cordless charging works fine with this case
Last week I dropped my newly "encased" phone hard while running and while the corner of the hardcase broke, the phone was fine... I called that a win for now and just ordered another one.
AS for how it looks - I love purple EXCEPT for this particular color of purple. I tried to order the navy one but it is sold out. I can imagine that either the navy or black would look pretty good, but my husband has the same phone in a black case so ... I'm sticking with the somewhat lame purple for now - in order to keep peace in our little cellular community.
I figure in a few months I'll do another search to see if a different manufacturer has served this obvious need.
Thank you to @notefreak for your recommendation.
Got the N8 last week. I'm still looking for a good case that would give decent protection - not a fan of the tank cases. From the reads so far - the Patchworks have done a good job wrt to the N8.
Get Rhino shield. I have dropped a couple of times and it really protects my phone from all sides.
Search for venoro rugged note 8 case on amazon. This case definitely protects the sides of the note 8 but it makes it bigger. It doesn't go above the screen but it is quite a bit wider at the sides. It is a bit slippery on the back also. When you get it, it seems pretty cheap and seems like it would not go together correctly. When you snap it together with the phone in it is when it feels sturdier. Cheap.
Just take care of your phone and don't user it like a hook for climbing. I recommend the one provided when you buy the phone.
Captain Droid said:
Get Rhino shield. I have dropped a couple of times and it really protects my phone from all sides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having to. Dropped it one time, device is fine. What i don't like is how the buttons feel and work. Could be better.
Gesendet von meinem SM-N950F mit Tapatalk
Ghostek ultrafit 2. I have had Ghostek for my Note 7, S7 Edge and now my Note 8. They are the only case I could find that actually has the sides that come up higher than the display. Buttons and everything works great.
https://www.amazon.com/Ghostek-Covert-Samsung-Galaxy-Military/dp/B0753N93M1/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1522688607&sr=8-4&keywords=ghostek+note+8
---------- Post added at 11:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 AM ----------

Spigen Liquid Air case first impression

I have the Spigen rugged armour case for Oneplus 5 previously, and this case felt more premium and more sturdy right out of the box. It feels denser as well but it is still TPU so it's still flexible; the design/aesthetics are more refined than the liquid air cases from previous years, offering the same minimalist low profile stealth look. I have to add that the case does add a little more heft to the phone overall, but does not add much bulk.
I've always liked the feel of the Apple silicone cases on my friends' Iphones, and the patterned back on this case feels like a close second. It feels smooth and sleek but does not help in adding friction/grip when holding it on the palm. Rather, the bulk of the gripiness of the case rests on the newly designed grooved sides, which allows more purchase on the fingers/palm.
Camera and screen lip protection is functionally minimal, ensuring that the camera and screen not touch the surface of the table when placed down and not interfere with daily usage such as swiping in from the side of the screen for back gesturing on the new Android 10. I find the corners and edges of this case to be soft and rounded, making it a rather comfortable experience holding the phone at all angles, even against the ear for phone calls.
Now the rest of the details can be expected of Spigen cases like the clicky buttons, easy access to the alert slider and accurate cut outs for the ports and microphones.
To sum up, if you are looking for a case that promises to provide both drop protection, adds little bulk in the process, and fits your 7T like a glove, I can recommend this case. Will update this review later if I find anything noteworthy to add.
:good:
I like the look of this one the most among the Spigen lineup.
Do you have the official screen protector? The other Spigens were confirmed to be not compatible
aleck0112 said:
I like the look of this one the most among the Spigen lineup.
Do you have the official screen protector? The other Spigens were confirmed to be not compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you're right to ask, the official tgsp is not compatible with the liquid air and rugged armor cases.
Case looks very minimal and sleek liked it.
Sent from my HD1901 using Tapatalk
Not sure why Spigen puts out case after case after case that is not compatible with most screen protectors. My first OP phone was the OP5, and this goes back at least that far. I really liked Spigen cases when I was rocking a Google Nexus, but alas I have passed on them for as long as I have been a OP owner. Really disappointing cause others seem capable of designing correctly for this phone.
Using this case since day one with that phone and the original OnePlus screenprotector installed as delivered and got no problems in any way. So many reports claiming about the compatibility, but tried it because of the slim and sleek design and many good experiences with Spigen in the past. Got no regrets till now. It's just a bit more slippery to me as others. Using it for 3.5 months 24/7 and dropped it hard twice with no damages.
has anyone found any glass that works with this case, it even pushed up the corner of the stock tpu protector
Skinpipe said:
has anyone found any glass that works with this case, it even pushed up the corner of the stock tpu protector
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same question, any help? Thanks!
Skinpipe said:
has anyone found any glass that works with this case, it even pushed up the corner of the stock tpu protector
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cleophas said:
Same question, any help? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nillkin CP+ Pro (with covered selfie lens) is the only one that fits because the corners have the wrong radius.

best thin case note 20 ultra with grip

I find most cases get slippery on the sides.
I had speck in the past but it was OK any others that you recommend thanks
From what I've seen so far:
1. Spigen Liquid Air - Seems to have some good grip potential, especially with ridges on the sides. However, the gap around the camera bump is an interesting design choice...
2. Samsung OEM Matte Black Silicone Case - Seems to have a decent grip on the matte finish and very minimal.
3. Pitaka Air or MagEZ Case - While I haven't used them myself, I've heard good things about the grip/feel of the Ipitaka cases.
I'm personally going to try the PItaka MagEZ case when it becomes available (Aug 21st) since I like the idea of having embedded metal so I don't have to stick a scosche metal piece on the back of the case.
Also, just a heads up. According to some initial reviews on the new speck 'grip' cases, they're using a more plastic-feeling material for grips instead of rubberized and people are not happy about it. (I previously used them as well)
I switch phones often, but one thing that remains constant is my Pitaka MagEZ cases. Have purchased well over 10 of them at this point. Wouldn't choose any other thin case
PseudoChris said:
From what I've seen so far:
1. Spigen Liquid Air - Seems to have some good grip potential, especially with ridges on the sides. However, the gap around the camera bump is an interesting design choice...
2. Samsung OEM Matte Black Silicone Case - Seems to have a decent grip on the matte finish and very minimal.
3. Pitaka Air or MagEZ Case - While I haven't used them myself, I've heard good things about the grip/feel of the Ipitaka cases.
I'm personally going to try the PItaka MagEZ case when it becomes available (Aug 21st) since I like the idea of having embedded metal so I don't have to stick a scosche metal piece on the back of the case.
Also, just a heads up. According to some initial reviews on the new speck 'grip' cases, they're using a more plastic-feeling material for grips instead of rubberized and people are not happy about it. (I previously used them as well)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the pitika have a lip to protect the screen? Thanks
magichoward said:
Does the pitika have a lip to protect the screen? Thanks
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The "Air" series cases generally don't rise above the screen.
They do have a thicker "Pro" series option with a raised lip to protect the screen, bumpers on the corners, etc.
Samsung OEM silicon. Can confirm it has excellent grip
seoulbrova said:
Samsung OEM silicon. Can confirm it has excellent grip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cloth one does as well since there's a slim silicone band along the edge.
zedwards said:
The cloth one does as well since there's a slim silicone band along the edge.
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Yes I've seen the one the only concern I've read it's a little difficult to remove the spen.. Your thoughts.
I will never choose Pitaka again.
Edges are rough and the upper part could have covered more
But I especially won't because it damaged my Note 10+ because of a defect in the inside of the case that made a grain of sand sized hole in the back of my phone.
Been using the Zizo Bolt on my Note 10+ for over 6 months. Excellent grip, usability and protection.
Kick stand doubles as a grip; either fully retract/extend it to keep from losing it's pins, if not secured in either position they can work their way out in your pocket! No issues with this case otherwise.
The one for the 20 seems to come with a temper glass screen protector; that may not work so well.
That's not present on the one for the 10.
Presumably you can use it without and substitute one one your choice?
Damn the 20's cam has a big bullseye on it... no likey. Buying a good case for the 10+ was very hard early on, no doubt the 20 U will be harder to protect
https://www.zizowireless.com/produc...axy-note-20-ultra-case?variant=32315584282672
magichoward said:
I find most cases get slippery on the sides.
I had speck in the past but it was OK any others that you recommend thanks
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https://www.amazon.com/JJNUSA-Handmade-Leather-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B08DXWJSQ1?ref_=ast_sto_dp
you know i never thought trying to find a case was going to leave me so hard pressed. note i do not mind the camera bump one bit. but they could have rounded out the camera hump a bit more. not the corners, but where the surface meets the edges and also they could have slanted the sides a bit more angled. who knows they did pull it off pretty good.
still on the camera bump.
note: with JJNUSA leather case you will be covering the mic on the camera bump. if that is a problem for you look elsewhere for a case.
i have received 200 in incentives to order goodies when i got my phone pre ordered and used it to order a few cases.
cases i ordered:
samsung rugged: bulky, heavy, don't like the texture on the back and flimsy kickstands that shoot off when used
samsung leather case: upgrade from last years, 2g lighter. seamless, but warps at the bottom. good cam protection.
samsun silicon: unsure if food grade safe. and slippery as glass
-other cases-
spigen Rugged Armor: oddly best all tpu case with carbon fiber accents. the back is slippery if trying to reach across the screen. side bumpers have one way slip grip and flimsy. camera is well protected. pen cut out too deep corner exposed but covered. top /bottom bumper good but top may block ear piece. 2g heavier then jjnusa leather
...now my official review of the JJNUSA Handmade Leather Case...
NOTE i used amazon prime
don't let the first pic they have on amazon throw you off, but what bothers me is the video they added to the product and it is of the s20 ultra; the camera lens is so scratched. i am still baffled how they did that. then again we will see in due time, because i can not stand the samsung leather case(which got me hooked on leather cases oddly) it is too slippery. the jjnusa case has tpu sides and saddle leather on back with plastic on the inside that the phone rests on. but i will say the leather on the back is so soft i think it sorta makes up for the lack of suede like the official samsung case has. then again the leather is so thick its' edges pop out the mold a teensy-weensy bit, but i doubt with proper use and not picking at it it will survive for a long time. with the 5% off coupon i also got another 1 usd off(who knows if it was the amazon prime). so for 19.95 it is a steal. most other leather cases are $30+. a steal; why may you say? hold on let me get to the rest of it. if we all remember the lg g4 leather back it was a looker. that was it, because it scratched easily and punctured easily. then we go onto the samsung leather case that scratches easily with minimal show. further more i can not say what that will mean over long term usage with this case from jjnusa. treat it lightly and it should be fine. now back to the leather on the jjnusa case. the leather reminds me of the type you get on a saddle and does not separate from itself. that is a plus. but a minus if the antiquing they use comes off very very easily?, and it does(con or not?) i had a cane that had antiquing and it turned my hands black, but after it leveled out it was fine. you know they always slap so much on to fill in the design that almost certainly more then half they put on will rub off. i have rubbed off some already. hence it would not rub off like wow, i had to use my nail. no way does it show like scratches on the samsung leather case. either way the extra antiquing will no matter what fade away over time and settle down to where it should be. i still think it will look good. at the same time the leather is much more scratch resistant then the latter. and the design and the look really grew on me. now on to the sides. the power button and volume are labeled with symbols and i like it even though i will never look at it. what else i like is that they are tpu like the rest of the sides. the tactile of the buttons are sturdy then again not too stiff not too mushy. then there is a bonus or an achilles heal; you move down the same side as the buttons and find a wrist strap punch out so you can add a wrist strap. have not tested it, seems like it should be worthy of use and not fearing. the bonus is removing the phone from the case, it does not shoot out like it does with the samsung leather case does. still it holds it in better. this is where i tell you that the jjnusa case has way better screen protection that leaves a better feel in the hand. the samsung leather case has a squidgy spongy top and bottom. the bottom is already warped and i never used it; i just put it on a few times and took it off. also a fail for the bottom bumper is the difficulty to remove the spen without nails. the jjnusa case is cut out just right and since it is thinner and more stiffer in a good way you can press your thumb or finger and hear that satisfying click to eject it. with that said the top and bottom bumper are raised higher then the samsung to protect the screen. the samsung case is more flush and flimsy.
i am a happy camper and if it fairs well i will update to 5 stars from 4, but i am really thinking at the price to slap down for another. as we all know leather cases do not last as long as other types
the reason i gave it 4 stars is i never really heard of JJNUSA till i saw them on etsy.com and since they where based in china i thought meh. then i thought to ebay's third party cases and said but leather? does not smell much like leather, oddly that is how saddles with the same type of leather smells. or it could be the antiquing they used and the shipping package. it was not shipped in a box or cheap plastic, it was in a cloth sleeve in a sealed padded envelope. JJNUSA do claim Oregon origins... yeah right etsy.com says ships from china.
i have played around with plenty of cases and phones in cases so it's not like i only have really had the note 20 ultra... just do not get one of them ultra thin all tpu cases. i have one for my lg g4 and only really protects the sides and back. busted the screen.

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