Well, i don't want to tell some quite obvious things in this review like "it fits great" and "just pop it in" or smth. like that. My opinion about case reviews - they should contain huge views of the case itself, to decide whether you like it or not and some pros/cons.
So, #1 - Qmadix Xpression Cover.
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It is made quite like Speck's CandyShell - hard outer shell and soft inner layer. Except Qmadix's inner layer is not so soft as Speck's - it is made of plastic too. That's why they made those cut lines above the buttons.
Pros:
- Extremely durable;
- Very solid;
- Don't add too much thikness;
- Buttons are great and well pressed;
- No space between case and phone for dust and small particles.
Cons:
It really hard to quickly remove it from the case once inserted.
And #2 - Speck FabShell. The review of it will be only partial, because i sold it as fast as possible after realizing what i've bought for $35.
So there will be only a few my photos and two found on Amazon to describe the expression about it.
First of all - it's look cheap. I mean very cheap. You'll definitely regret you've paid $35 for it. Even $15. It's basically the same as any $5 TPU case found on ebay. Thin rubberized borders, thin bendable bottom. It doesn't feel solid at all. The only thing they do to add more "pricey" look is added this print at the back side. But googling same cases for the iPhone 4, i found plenty of them will unstick pretty quick since the backing of this print is paper!
Once inserted - there is plenty space for dust or sand to enter the space between the case and phone. And since it all is flexible, it'll scratch your phone back cover - i have such experience with my previous Atrix 4G and Momax iCase. It have soft silicone borders and hard smooth bottom. The sand goes between them and made hard scratches because of the friction between two surfaces. That's why i should aware you from bying from ebay cases like this:
They will have same cons and will make your photos blinded because transparent matte back on this case reacts like light guide during flashing.
Also, mine Speck was packed inside some kind of "common-sized" blister that in fact was little less than needed and the case was bend inside it.
Once fitted to the phone, right side of it (with USB port) was not in contact with the phone unless i used hairdryer to unbend the case back. But it not the thing you expect from the case that cost you $35, right?
Pros:
- Looks better than $5 TPU cases;
Cons:
- Extremely overpriced;
- All above.
Very nice write-ups, much appreciated! A coupe questions on the Qmadix: The black portion of the shell looks shiny and maybe a bit slippery. Does the red area offer additional grip? How is the button (power, volume) actuation with the somewhat unusual button arrangement on this case?
Again, thanks for the write-up and additional insights.
Ducaticorse said:
The black portion of the shell looks shiny and maybe a bit slippery. Does the red area offer additional grip? How is the button (power, volume) actuation with the somewhat unusual button arrangement on this case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, black part is shiny but i have no problems with that. It have matte black center part that feels rough, as well as all red inner and outer layer - it is matte rough except buttons and prevents from slipping.
Don't understand what do you mean by "unusual button arrangement on this case". The buttons are pressed very smooth and easily, without any problems or added force. Due to noticable spacer between power and volume buttons, they are easily distinguishable by touch.
Small update to the thread. Might be interesting for those of you who drive cars.
Received motorola vehicle dock today and can confirm that it works flawlessly with this case.
You don't need to remove the phone from case or modify anything in this dock. Just plug and go.
Well done, Motorola! How many times i blamed you while removing the Atrix from case before each time docking.
Because of your review, i ordered a qmadix case and got it today. Its really sleek! Really digging it so far
Thanks for taking the time out
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app
Related
Pictorial review of the "Lychee Pattern Protective PU Leather Case for Nexus 7"
The product sells here (SKU #149565) on DX.com, purveyors of "sometimes fine, sometimes crappy, most of the time OK" products from China and Asia.
This product, at $9.80 + free shipping, beats anything I have found locally at Staples, Best Buy, etc. for less than half the price.
The case came in a simple plastic bag with a little foam insert. Simple but effective.
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The "leather" is in fact some kind of (very) thin plastic, heat-glued (my guess) to cardboard. It looks and feel pretty nice however, almost luxurious. I was pleasantly surprised by the feel.
It will, probably, wear pretty quickly, especially at the seams and folds. I saw a tiny spec of wear already. However at that price, I'm not complaining. I'll buy another one in six months to replace this one.
The "top" part of the case (the "cover") is "leather like" and somewhat pliable, similar to a carrying case. It has some kind of felt-like finish, that will indubitably protect the tablet's screen. The elastic band is strong, and keep the case well closed.
The "bottom" part is rigid, it's in fact a plastic case that was covered with the thin fake leather fabric. Nicely done, attention to details is very very nice.
The top part cover is attached to the bottom case by a round plastic ring that allows the cover to be swiveled on any side thus allowing right-handed or left-handed use. The top part cover is also used to position the tablet in viewing mode, the case acting as a stand. There are two grooves that allow two viewing angles. One is too steep for my taste, the other is perfect.
There are cutouts, very nicely executed, with great attention to detail for this price point.
Conclusion: for less than ten bucks, you won't get a better case. Heck, I believe if you want to spend less than $25, then you might as well buy this. Over $30, you start to fall in the category of higher end cases and yes, you will probably find better ones. Even if I believe there are $25 cases out there that will probably be crappier than this!
This time, I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of a product on DX.com that had no reviews...
I have this as well .
I have the same case . exactly in every way.. Mine does not hold on to the device really tight . And i just feel like the plastic that catches the bezel. will cause it to crack worse if dropped instead of protecting it.. So my case identical to that one is ahh well around here someplace. Not going on my nexus. I have the amzer impact resistance case in black. Its better then a tpu case it covers bezel nicely but its not as much protection for the edges as i would have liked.. but still a nice rubber slip on.. It fits in a portfolio type case i have so will use both..
great pictures Hope yours fits better then mine ..
thanks :good:
erica_renee said:
I have the same case . exactly in every way.. Mine does not hold on to the device really tight . And i just feel like the plastic that catches the bezel. will cause it to crack worse if dropped instead of protecting it.. So my case identical to that one is ahh well around here someplace. Not going on my nexus. I have the amzer impact resistance case in black. Its better then a tpu case it covers bezel nicely but its not as much protection for the edges as i would have liked.. but still a nice rubber slip on.. It fits in a portfolio type case i have so will use both..
great pictures Hope yours fits better then mine ..
thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the kind words Renee; yes mine holds it tight. Of course it's new, the plastic could loosen after some time and then it would, maybe, be like yours.
However - and I should have written that maybe in my review more explicitly - this is indeed NOT a case for impact protection. This is more a case for casual protection against scratches; for example to be able to protect the Nexus while in the backpack or the handbag...
Absolutely do not drop the tablet while in this case :laugh: !!!
I'll have a look at the Amzer case... Just in case I need something for more 'heavy duty' protection!
UPDATE! Broke after a week!
Yes boys and girls, the little plastic ring broke, suddenly, by itself, without any pressure having been put on it. It was either super-flimsy or it was defective. See the picture below.
So, you may want to stay way from this product, or maybe I was just unlucky.
Just bought these two Flip Cases to try out:
Black Leather Rotating Stand Flip Case
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Leather-Rotating-Stand-Flip-Case-Cover-for-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-2-II-N7100-/190768597692?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item2c6ab1cabc&_uhb=1
My Review:
Contents: Plastic Case box; Flip Case; x1 included Screen Protector
Build Quality: Synthetic leather, flexible with a nice texture feel to it. The magnet on the flap is nice due to it's length it stays in position when you close the case. There is a hard shell casing for the phone that you would just slide the GN2 right in. The screen protector on the other hand is a simple cheap build quality item I would suggest something better, it however covers about 90% of the surface and leave's a few centimeters of spacing at the edges.
The padding itself in the inside feel's cheap it can get dirty; it uses the same type of cloth as you would find in a glasses case.
3.5/5
Fit: Nice a slim fit, if you stacked two credits cards on each other that's the thickness around the case. Phone fits nice not bulky it just fits very well. Slides in a pocket with ease and stay's put and easy to take out.
5/5
S-Pen Access: Very hard to take out unless you have nails, if you don't use the S-Pen often this won't be much of an issue.
2.5/5
Protection: Good overall protection, on the negative side the top and bottom edges of the phone is exposed however the hard casing that fits the phone provides protection at the corners. The magnet also stays in place due to it's length it doesn't pop the phone case open so easily in my pocket (it fits in my pocket as well) and stays put.
3/5
Overall Opinion: This case is quite nice for it's price tag $9;
4/5
------------------
Black Dolce Matrix Pouch Case Cover Stand
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-DOLCE-MATRIX-POUCH-CASE-COVER-STAND-SAMSUNG-GALAXY-NOTE-2-N7100-ACCESSORY-/330825025753?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item4d06b548d9&_uhb=1
Contents: Plastic Wrapped Case; Flip Case
Build Quality: Hard plastic casing, interior has a silky texture for protection from scratches to the screen. The front cover & flap is a little flimsy and hard to align to the magnet to close the case. Magnet is not too strong but wish it would be bigger for more accurate magnetic case closing like the Black Leather case above.
2/5
Fit: Very slim fit to the phone and barely add's much thickness. Front cover sticks out a bit when closed at the magnet end. Having the phone in stand formation the grip on the sily interior holds the phone up by friction.
4/5
S-Pen Access: Very hard to take out unless you have nails, if you don't use the S-Pen often this won't be much of an issue.
2.5/5
Protection: Decent protection, unlike the Black Leather casing there is more cover area for the bumper's on the top and bottom of the phone. Front cover easily opens due to weak magnet so it won't do too well for a fall. This case is more for scratch protection while storing away via pocket/bag.
2.5/5
Overall Opinion: For $14.95 it's not worth it at that price point, the Black Leather at $8.95 has a much better build. However if your looking for a simple case to protect the screen during storage this would be for you.
2.5/5
------------------
They should be coming in by the end of the week I'll be posting a review about these once I try them out!
First one looks like original Note, although their title says Note 2. I would double check with a seller to be sure its not a typo.
vectron said:
First one looks like original Note, although their title says Note 2. I would double check with a seller to be sure its not a typo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I confirmed with the seller that it is indeed for the Note 2, but I will know for sure once I get my hands on em
PuppetSin said:
I confirmed with the seller that it is indeed for the Note 2, but I will know for sure once I get my hands on em
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like I have the second one but without the fancy print. I like the case very much. It's good protection without adding a lot of bulk.
One drawback though, it is very difficult to get the pen out of the Note while using this case. But I don't use the pen anyway so for me it is not a big problem.
Just got the first case in the mail, updated my review on it via OP.
PuppetSin said:
Just got the first case in the mail, updated my review on it via OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mean to double post just adding that I have received the last case and put up my review, I hope you guy's find it useful if your looking for something cheap on ebay.
Fishbone Cover from MyBat:
----------
Available from Amazon.com (search words: fishbone phone protector marquee)
Price: About $6 US ($3 + $3 Shipping)
Materials: Black silicone cover with hard plastic wrap-around insert. Insert comes in multiple colors/graphics.
Pros:
Compact
Secure around phone
Great fit
Multiple colors/graphics options
Rounded-edges design for easy carry
Price
Cons:
None
This cover, while marketed as an LG LS855 (Marquee) case, fits the Optimus Black/P970 perfectly.
The Fishbone cover, although my second LG P970 case/cover, was my first foray into cases for Android phones. It served me well on a Samsung Galaxy Precedent. My young daughter's borrowing the phone (dumb idea) for photos resulted in it being launched across a room; the phone quickly came to a stop that I heard from an adjacent room. Upon inspection, the only damage to the phone was to the case; one of the hard plastic fingers/tabs broke off. The case, while damaged, was still functional. It was well-worth the $6 investment, and I felt no anger about spending $6 for a new cover.
The well-finished cover consists of two parts: a black silicone case that slides over the back and sides of the phone and a hard plastic "backbone" that wraps around and fits into molded recesses in the silicone. This hard plastic piece has fingers extending from a central section; the overall appearance of the piece looks like a spine with a ribcage. The cover can be purchased in a multitude of colors and patterns. When assembled on the phone and laid on its back, the case lays flat and evenly on a level surface.
There are lightly-raised projections on the silicone cover over the power, "G", volume-up, and volume-down buttons. These projections are readily found during operation, yet are fairly low in profile; the projections don't snag in a holster nor inadvertently get activated. There are the standard opening in the cover for the camera, speaker, charger, microphones, and headphones. Some cases have port covers on the openings; this case has none. I never missed not having port covers.
The silicone portion has a thick, raised-ridge around the face of the phone. This ridge helps protect the glass face from scratches when holstering and laying face-down on a surface. Despite a mild bevel on the interior of this ridge, it will occasionally get in the way of the outermost keys in portrait view. I will stress that this is a very minor gripe, and the ridge is flexible enough to lightly slide it out of the way with a finger tip. Maybe it's just my fat fingers.
This cover has been my primary phone cover for nine months and has been pulled out of and put in a leather case many times on a daily basis. The cover fits the case well and the plastic backbone locks everything in place. The back of the case has a rounded contour matching the P970; it feels comfortable in the hand.
I consider the cover's thickness a good balance between protection and carry. For example, the iPhone Otterbox option takes a slim, elegant phone design and makes it boxy and incredibly thick; for the Otterbox, a holster is a must. The Fishbone cover will fit in pockets and the largest holsters. At $6, this is a great value and purchase for any Optimus Black user.
Rating: 5/5 – A solid, durable, and inexpensive phone cover that protects the P970 well.
Pictures?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Zaihanzainal said:
Pictures?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now, I'll just ask folks to do a search on Amazon with the keywords provided. I'm new to the forums and can't post links yet. I was afraid to try pics. I'll see if I can get some images posted in the next couple days.
androcraze said:
For now, I'll just ask folks to do a search on Amazon with the keywords provided. I'm new to the forums and can't post links yet. I was afraid to try pics. I'll see if I can get some images posted in the next couple days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems like that
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Okay all the cases are now here, I have 4 to compare in total, the Nilkin I got a while back which is now busted from the fall but still useful to compare.
Anyway, here we go. The dimensions listed below are in relation to the gauge I'm using, it's not been calibrated so is slightly out so I've measured the Note II, please use that instead of the official dimensions - If that makes sense.
I received the Tech21 and Flexishield from Gearzap.
Pics
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Nillkin - Flexishield Clear - Samsung Protection+ - Tech21 Impact Snap
Nilkin
Flexishield Clear
Samsung Protection+
Tech21 Impact Snap
Dimensions
Note II, no case:
W 80.26mm
H 149.7mm
D 9.9mm
Nillkin:
W 82.73mm
H 150.95mm
D 11.39mm
Flexishield:
W 83.76mm
H 153.33mm
D 12.05mm
Samsung Protection+:
W 83.75mm
H 154.38mm
D 11.45mm
Tech21:
W 84.63mm
H 151.4mm
D 12.21mm
Thoughts
Nillkin (Under £10):
Looks and feels the best of the lot and is also the thinnest. Ultimately it offers the least protection as I have found just this very week and the half mm chip from my bezel/screen edge will forever remind me of this. As careful as I am with our things things, accidents do indeed happen sadly. The Nillkin has excellent grip.
All of the buttons are very easy to press, no obstructions or issues.
Flexishield (£9.99):
This one is quite flexible and offers some impact protection around all edges. It looks the cheapest though and feels like an eBay case. It does the job but won't make a phone like the Note II, something that otherwise looks very professional, any favours for style. Not as grippy as the Nilkin but still easy to hold and not worry about slipping.
The power and volume buttons on this case don't give enough feedback. It's hard to tell if you've pressed a button or not through it.
Samsung Protection+ (£14.99):
This looks quite good and doesn't make the Note 2 ugly. It feels good as well and has a slightly bigger screen lip for protection. The back is all glossy and because of that I found fingerprints and smudges plastered all over it even with the lightest touch. It will also get that cobweb look over time as it's hard plastic. I feel it offers better all round protection than the Flexishield but it is a bit thicker than the Nilkin.
Grip levels aren't as good as the Flexishield on this sadly because the surround is soft flexible plastic but not matte enough to have decent enough grip. The glossy back helps here though as it's not slippery and your palm sticks to it in a way during use.
All buttons have excellent feedback using this, I was able to press buttons to change track through my front jacket pocket on the way home from work without fail. Samsung have put more effort into this case unlike the Flexishield and others like it.
Tech21 (£14.99):
This looks good and feels good but offers no grip, the whole case is course matte plastic except for the absorption pads on the inside. I've seen youtube videos of how this material reacts to impacts with impressive results.
The Tech21 is a bit thicker than the Nilkin but protects the side bezel only like the Nillkin and equally like it, there are no issues pressing any buttons. This case sits tighter around the phone as well and combined with those pads should hopefully mean it doesn't ping off in the event of an accident.
For some reason I prefer this case over the Nilkin now. Even though it's less grippy I like the way it feels and those absorption pads may become useful.
Price comparison please? Just a thought. Adding it into the review wouldn't hurt.
chrischoi said:
Price comparison please? Just a thought. Adding it into the review wouldn't hurt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added in Thoughts headers
robbiekhan said:
Added in Thoughts headers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but this makes no sense to us. £
Just kidding. Wanted to add that there is a 50% code floating around for Samsung cases.
!!!!!!!!!!!!! <SEE BELOW FOR ADDED CONTENT> !!!!!!!!!!
LUVVITT® CLEARVIEW HTC One M8 Case Clear View | Scratch-Resistant Hybrid Slim Transparent Case/Cover
$5.95 - Amazon (Less Shipping)
Overall the case is what it is. Fit is good except for the top and bottom lips on the screen side but it's not that bad. There are manufacturing seams on the sides but you can't really feel them. The charging port cutout was a little off but I fixed it with a xacto knife. Before the fix I'd have to move the case a little to get the connector to plug completely in. There is what I'm calling a manufacturing defect on the bottom near the charging port. Not sure if this would be present on all of these cases or it's just on mine. No big deal, I'm not looking to win a beauty contest.
The IR blaster works. I've not notice the "flash flare" some have reported with other clear cases. It say scratch resistant but I've not used it enough to tell it that is true or not. The case feels "grippy" in your hand but not enough to snag in your pocket. The back of the case seems like a little harder material than the sides. It goes on and off easily. There is no cutout for the SIM or SD slots so the case will have to be removed to change those. The volume rocker is completely covered so there is minor protection there. I will report back on scratching and yellowing seen in many of these clear cases
If you are looking for a minimal case for $6 you can't go wrong. I'm just using it at work and when I'm out and about as I like the naked feel of this phone and take it off when I'm at home.
My brother bought a Spigen® clear case. It seems to offer a little more protection at the price of bulk. They are comparable but I prefer this one as it feels a little less bulky. Hope this helps.
Pictures:
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Beauty Shots - NOTE - the HTC logo is shown through the case to illustrate the clarity.
ADDED CONTENT:
FYI
Well I've only really used this case for 2 days (first two days back to work after receiving the case) and I just noticed a pretty good scratch on the back of the case. There are also some very small scratches that are hard to see unless you hold it at just the right angle.
I'm not concerned becasue this is why I bought a case. I'm reporting this as the marketing for this case says it's scratch resistant which it is clearly not. I'd expect more than 2 days of use before seeing any significant scratches. Oh well, for $6 I'm happy and it's almost a disposable item if it gets really bad.
Added Content:
Afer a few weeks of use I can say this case is working just fine. I've never had a clear case so I'm not sure how long it takes to discolor but this one is still as clear as the day I put it on. I like to go naked when I'm at home and this case is easy to take off and put back on. The big scratch pictured above is still the only big scratch it has. There are a bunch of small scratches that can only be seen if held at the right angle. So far I am very pleased with this case that I might not even get a Skinomi or other wrap at this time. I have yet to drop my phone with this on (don't hold your breath, I treat this thing like a baby) so Not sure how it would protect if it hit on concrete or another hard surface. I think it would help a little. This case has not scratched the phone and I've not noticed any dirt getting between it and the phone. Whenever I put the case on I use my microfiber cloth to clean the case and the phone before installation.
Recommended :good:
Looks like a case that resemble the case I got from my m8 box. Looks pretty glossy.
Sent from my HTC ONE M8 HK
Great review.. I use this one: Ultra 0.5mm Slim Soft TPU Skin Clear new Case Transparent Cover But you need to buy a dozen or so, if you don't like scratches. This case will scratch up pretty bad.
Great review, that thing in the picture you don't know is probably a remnant of a tab gate. When the injection molding/extrusion happens the plastic goes through the gate, then they break it off of the runner when cured.
TTT - Added Content
Have you guys tried the Baseus Ultra Thin Clear TPU Case? Best looks imo, at the expense of less protection