I picked up another TPU case for my SGSII, and thought I'd do a review on it as well.
This particular case is the Cruzer Lite Argyle TPU case (I chose red).
I am particularly partial to TPU because it's thin enough where it doesn't add much bulk to the phone, adds a little grip, and does not tend to stretch over time like silicon.
Here are the details (pictures attached as well).
The fit and form of the case is solid and as to be expected from a good quality TPU case. It's very easy to take on and off, and generally doesn't lose shape over time (I've had a similar case on my Capitvate for over a year and still looks like new).
Like most TPU cases, this one is slightly raised on the front and around the camera area on the back, so you can lay it flat without worrying about scratching (provided the surface is clean).
Like my other case (and I've seemed to notice this with several of the SGSII cases I've looked at) the volume buttons are covered but the power button is open. Buttons are easy to press and get access to.
There is a cutout for a lanyard hole - so this case can be used for both the ATT and international versions.
Cutouts for the camera, ports, mics, headphone jack and speaker are all properly placed. I had no problems plugging in the 3 different types of micro usb cables I have laying around with the case on.
The top cutout for the secondary mic is large enough where it does not cover it. So far of the cases I've researched, vendors are opting to do one of three things to make their international cases compatible with our ATT version -- (1) leave the top totally uncovered (seen with some hard cases); (2) poke a second hole for the ATT mic (I believe some silicon cases have done this); and (3) make the cutout for the secondary mic large enough to compensate for both types. This particular case opts for option #3, which is my personal preference from a style perspective. Each way works functionally, it's just a matter of preference.
I've always been a fan of the semi-translucent argyle pattern. It gives a little style, but at the same time you can still see the Galaxy S II logo on the back. The nice thing is that they have several colors available (and I believe a solid black gloss one if you don't like translucent argyle) -- and choices are always good!
Overall: for a little under $9 USD, the build quality, a color I can dig rather than the typical black or white, and the fact I didn't have to "jerry-rig" the case to accommodate the secondary noise-cancelling mic on the top makes this a good value in my opinion.
Picked mine up via Amazon - http://goo.gl/Tq3uR
how does the charger fit? The case won't allow me to completely plug into the micro usb
Warjcowski said:
how does the charger fit? The case won't allow me to completely plug into the micro usb
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Really? I had no problems plugging any of my micro usb cables into the phone with the case on.
I ordered the green one yesterday, showed up this morning for overnight shipping. WOW, I had to take off the other TPU and put this one on. Love it.
sweetboy02125 said:
I ordered the green one yesterday, showed up this morning for overnight shipping. WOW, I had to take off the other TPU and put this one on. Love it.
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Can you upload some pictures?
I picked up another one of these cases in blue, and like the review for my red one, the quality and everything else matches my first one so happy there.
I really like how bright the colors are and seem to "pop" (yeah, I know it's not a scientific term!)
Some pics of the blue one if anyone is interested.
pinoymutt said:
I picked up another one of these cases in blue, and like the review for my red one, the quality and everything else matches my first one so happy there.
I really like how bright the colors are and seem to "pop" (yeah, I know it's not a scientific term!)
Some pics of the blue one if anyone is interested.
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Sorry couldn't add pics to my post above for some reason. Here they are.
pinoymutt said:
I am particularly partial to TPU because it's thin enough where it doesn't add much bulk to the phone, adds a little grip, and does not tend to stretch over time like silicon.
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@pinoymutt,
I'm interested in your comment here. I bought a silicone gel case for my captivate in August last year. I havn't noticed any stretching. In fact, I've been very satisfied with it, and while I've passed the phone on, I expect my wife to get a couple more years use from it. This was, however, my first phone that needed a case, so it was my first experience. Are there maybe differences between different silicone gel cases? What was your experience?
creepyncrawly said:
@pinoymutt,
I'm interested in your comment here. I bought a silicone gel case for my captivate in August last year. I havn't noticed any stretching. In fact, I've been very satisfied with it, and while I've passed the phone on, I expect my wife to get a couple more years use from it. This was, however, my first phone that needed a case, so it was my first experience. Are there maybe differences between different silicone gel cases? What was your experience?
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From my experience with previous phones, at least with the older types of silicon cases, they tended to stretch over time, meaning especially with a lot of on/off removal (esp back in the days when I needed a lot of battery pulls to fix lockups on WM phones). After a while it just seemed to be "loose" on the sides and just didn't have a snug fit. Also, a lot of the older silicon cases tend to pick up lint and dust a lot more easily, and especially if you put it in a your pocket with a rougher surface (like jeans), it would kind of "stick" when you tried to take it out.
TPU on the other hand, tends to be a little thinner and smoother so you don't have many of those issues I mentioned above. To me TPU has always been a good compromise between the protection of a hard case, but the flexibility of silicon.
Now, the reason I emphasized "older" silicon above, is that I have heard that some companies are using newer materials that may be more durable than previous generations and have different surface qualities, so some of what I mentioned above may not be as prevalent anymore.
But with these "newer" technologies, I believe they tend to run a little more expensive. So in the end it really depends on your price point. At the low end (sub $20USD range) my experience is that you can still get a good quality TPU case, but it's really hit or miss with silicon. However, if you are willing to spend a little more, I believe the higher quality (i.e. higher priced) options tend to be quite nice.
I am by no means a case "expert," but just sharing some of my thoughts and observations as I go through different cases.
The plaid looking pattern is too girly looking for me.
Other than that it seems like a nice case.
i have this case in smoke grey the top part is diffrnt though not a big hole for the noise cancelling mic but a perfect small hole it . grabbed it on ebay for about $3-6
That's not a bad price
Related
Hi all, I know there aren't too many ATT specific cases out there yet, but I did want to do a quick review of the one that I ordered from TPU-cases (I got mine off ebay, but they have a regular site as well).
The one specifically I got was the Matte Back Black Flexible TPU Case.
Overall, the case quality is solid -- compared to other TPU cases I've had in the past. It's solid enough to provide basic protection, but not too flexible (like silicon) that you have to worry about it stretching and losing its shape over time.
I opted for the matte black version, but I believe that there are other types to whatever fits your fancy. (I think the matte was/is so popular, it may be out of stock).
The other nice thing is that they throw in a free screen protector. It's a decent clear one (not anti-glare), which is my preference. It's not on par of the quality of let's say a Realook or a SGP, but for free, who's going to complain?
So on to the case review...
1. I've attached a few photos to show the overall fit of the case. It fits well, and doesn't add much thickness to the case at all (which is a huge plus for me).
2. There is a little bit of a "lip" on the front, so it you do place your phone face down on a table, it leaves enough gap to protect the screen (as opposed to laying completely flat).
3. There is a decent size cut out for the power button, but the volume rockers are actually covered. However, no functionality loss on the power buttons -- in fact I think they may actually make it easier to use.
4. There is a cutout for where a lanyard hole should be -- (aka the international version), but no biggie here.
5. On the bottom, standard cutouts for the microusb port and the primary mic.
6. For the back, nice cutouts for the camera and the speaker on the lower right.
Now for the million $$$ question -- is the top aligned correctly for the secondary noise cancellation mic???
Fortunately the answer is YES! I believe this case was originally made for the international version (evidence from the lanyard hole), but the designer -- either in a stroke of pure genius and foresight (or just plain laziness) made the top cutout for the mic large enough where it does not cover the off-center version of our mic. So it looks like it could accommodate either the international or ATT version of the SGSII. I've tried to get a close up of the top so that you can see what I am talking about.
Overall -- for a shade under $9 USD for a nice looking/fitting case and a screen protector - I would say it's a great deal.
As I mentioned earlier, unfortunately it looks like the matte version is out of stock, but the other versions should be just as good.
Site: http://goo.gl/U4KHI (main site) or you can check ebay under the seller "TPU-cases" -- http://goo.gl/kNzh1 (ebay store)
UPDATE: I didn't realize they also have an Amazon storefront, so it's available from several sources: http://goo.gl/ltQnW
I have the same exact case for my international sgs2. It's pretty good, though some micro usb cables don't work with it.
Edit: got mine from their amazon storefront.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Exact same case. Bought from Amazon for 10 bucks, prime shipping. Costly for tpu, but it had cuts for top mic as well. Fits perfectly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I bought this along with the gloss black. I am using the gloss black as I think that it looks better (my opinion) as this matt one looks a little worn out of the box. This is only my opinion.
I was just checking out these cases on amazon and i wonder, is this the closest thing to the flexible TPU case that bodyglove made for the Captivate? It sounds like you may have had the same case for your previous phone, how does it compare?
For those who are wondering, this is the old case http://www.amazon.com/Body-Glove-Mirage-Samsung-Captivate/dp/B0040M7H96. If bodyglove made the same exact thing that fit the GS2 i would buy it in a heartbeat!
If these cases are the closest thing available i might just have to get one to see for myself. How do you like the case now that you've had it for a little while?
ZionExpress said:
I was just checking out these cases on amazon and i wonder, is this the closest thing to the flexible TPU case that bodyglove made for the Captivate? It sounds like you may have had the same case for your previous phone, how does it compare?
For those who are wondering, this is the old case http://www.amazon.com/Body-Glove-Mirage-Samsung-Captivate/dp/B0040M7H96. If bodyglove made the same exact thing that fit the GS2 i would buy it in a heartbeat!
If these cases are the closest thing available i might just have to get one to see for myself. How do you like the case now that you've had it for a little while?
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Actually I did have the BodyGlove case for my Captivate since it was one of the first decent cases to come out. I am not sure if you had this issue or not, but I have some scratches at the top of my phone (small ones though), but I do believe it was caused by the BodyGlove case (perhaps a little too rough on the inside).
But as for the overall material of the case -- yes, the BodyGlove case is also TPU, which is the same material. The only difference is the BodyGlove was solid black with some texturized ridges, and this case is matte black (but they also come in semi-transparent -- just comes down to your choice in visual aesthetics).
If you liked the material of the BodyGlove, then I think you'd be happy with this one as well.
i have this same case, its nice
Ditto, great case for the money. Switched to a mesh cover though as I find it's a bit sleeker, but keeping this as backup.
Love this case...
Although not normally a fan of cases for phones, I've now dropped my Atrix a few times (due to the hopeless shiny back with a total lack of grip) so I've decided I need to get one! Luckily, the Atrix has only been dropped onto carpet so it remains undamaged.
I don't like the silicone cases and I'm not overly keen on the TPU ones either. The 'official' rubberised battery cases looked like the right sort of thing, but after checking the reviews, I'm not keen on the way the side bits on the front can come loose when coming in or out of the pocket.
As I'm looking for something slim/lightweight, I think this leaves me with either the Seidio Surface or the Incipio Feather.
My questions is this: Regardless of the amount these cases protect the phone in case of being dropped, are they actually likely to help me to avoid dropping them? Do these cases improve the 'grippability' of the Atrix?
Any helpful comments are appreciated!
I used the Incipio Feather for a few months. I really liked the "low-profile" but it was very fragile. I ended up cracking two of them just from taking them off to do battery pulls. As far as grip goes, it was generally nice to hold but doesn't offer that much more grip then the phone by itself. I've also used the Ballistic SG and while it was too bulky for me it had excellent grip. I was able to put it on my lap, back facing down, while driving and it never moved.
Currently I use the Speck Candyshell and it holds up pretty well. Grip can become an issue if your palms get sweaty as the exterior is all hard plastic.
Maringer said:
Although not normally a fan of cases for phones, I've now dropped my Atrix a few times (due to the hopeless shiny back with a total lack of grip) so I've decided I need to get one! Luckily, the Atrix has only been dropped onto carpet so it remains undamaged.
I don't like the silicone cases and I'm not overly keen on the TPU ones either. The 'official' rubberised battery cases looked like the right sort of thing, but after checking the reviews, I'm not keen on the way the side bits on the front can come loose when coming in or out of the pocket.
As I'm looking for something slim/lightweight, I think this leaves me with either the Seidio Surface or the Incipio Feather.
My questions is this: Regardless of the amount these cases protect the phone in case of being dropped, are they actually likely to help me to avoid dropping them? Do these cases improve the 'grippability' of the Atrix?
Any helpful comments are appreciated!
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I had the feather. After two drops on different corners, the case had cracks. I expected as much and the case did its job. I got the Incipio silicrylic case as a replacement, which has a silicon cover AND a hard cover. It's slightly bulkier than the feather, but it still looks good and is definitely more sturdy. Case is grippy but not overly grippy where you have a tough time putting the phone in your pocket. I can remove the case without fear of cracking it, unlike the feather.
I had one of the Incipio Feather's also. It lasted about 2 months before it completely fell apart. Is is a nice case and I really liked the feel and look of it and it will fit in the car dock with a little modification. But it is not rugged enough for me to recommend. I am using a TPC case now. Does the job. Easy to remove to put in my Car Dock, LapDock or Standard Dock. It feels much better than the Atrix does by itself. But it is kinda ugly. But I have dropped it a few times and it keeps my Atrix safe.
The Seidio Active was my choice and I like it a lot. Two pieces - rubber with hard shell skeleton protects it nicely.
I can remove it (to dock) in seconds and replace it quickly too. Got it at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WKIEF2/ref=oh_o03_s00_i01_details
That's the sapphire blue one, but they have other colors.
I'm using the otterbox commuter case. I got it off of Amazon.com for only 20 bucks on Saturday. So far it's been amazing
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
When talking about cases, would it be possible to mention (as some of the posts do) which docks these work with (I use all the docks...car, HD/standard docks, lapdock). Also a link to some site with the product or a good enough description that I can google it.
I hate to be a pain in asking for the extrra info, but I'm looking for a case now, too and don't want to have to remove it all the time (especially for the car dock).
Of all the experiences I have read about cases and their compatibility with docks, the only one that I have heard that works is the Incipio Feather (or somehting similar) when taking in the consideration of actually not removing the case.
troycarpenter said:
When talking about cases, would it be possible to mention (as some of the posts do) which docks these work with (I use all the docks...car, HD/standard docks, lapdock). Also a link to some site with the product or a good enough description that I can google it.
I hate to be a pain in asking for the extrra info, but I'm looking for a case now, too and don't want to have to remove it all the time (especially for the car dock).
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Is this the one:
http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-Motorola-Atrix-feather-Ultralight/dp/B004QJPWK4/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
Yes, I have read that people just simply remove the insert that is in the docks and it fits just fine. I have seen pics before too but can't remember where I saw them. Maybe I can try to find them.
troycarpenter said:
Is this the one:
http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-Motorola-Atrix-feather-Ultralight/dp/B004QJPWK4/ref=pd_cp_cps_1
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---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 AM ----------
Here is a thread about a mesh cover (which is essentially the Feather but with a mesh look) and the second link is a post of someone in that thread showing the Atrix in the car dock with the case on.
Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1194096
Post with pics:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16704009&postcount=27
Here is another thread discussing (and maybe confirming) the Feather working with docks:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=982574
The Incipio feather will fit in the car dock with the cardock insert removed, but the latch wont close. It has a ridge that comes over the face of the phone, but sits on top of the feather case. It will work if you make sure you have it inserted firmly all of the way in. I take corners pretty fast and had it fall out a couple of times. I modified mine to make the latch close pretty easily. Put it in the cardock and marked the outline with a X-acto knife. Used diagonal cutters to cut the 2 short vertical cuts. Scored the Horizontal mark with the X-acto knife and snapped the piece off with some lineman pliers. Now that these are $10 apiece I am tempted to get another one (or 2). Just was not worth the 25 bucks I paid 6 months ago.
Thanks for the various comments about cases.
I've looked at the various recommended cases and think I'll probably have to give the Incipio Feather a miss if it is as fragile as others have mentioned. I'm based in the UK so I'd have to order the case from the US (can't locate a UK seller) and this would cost me the equivalent of around US $ 45.00 which is a bit too much for something which won't last long!
Various other hard cases aren't available in the UK either (or not at decent prices) and, for me, the most important thing is to have a case lacking in bulk.
The Otterbox Commuter is the only one I get can get reasonably cheaply from within the UK (about US $ 20) but I'm not taken by the look of this.
Therefore, I think I've settled on the Seidio Surface which looks to have good reviews and will hopefully be the sort of slimline case I can deal with. I can obtain this via Amazon UK from a US seller for a mere US 36.00!
Incidentally, in the monster "Ruggedized battery cover" thread, there was mention that the Seidio Surface fits the lapdock and can be easily removed for the car dock:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16600986&postcount=379
I don't own either dock so this isn't really of relevance to me!
I started looking for a discrete case for the same reason (battery door is way too slippery.)
There were some Chinese-made rubberized battery door replacements that seemed popular a while back. Most of the mobile accessory sites that carried them sold out, though I found and ordered one on eBay. The seller seems to have more:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Back-Cover-...ltDomain_0&hash=item415bd6c69c#ht_2880wt_1085
I just got my yesterday. Fitment is surprisingly accurate, no misaligned cutouts or anything, and the added bulk is acceptable. Feels much better in hand now, too, when typing in landscape mode. It takes a deliberate effort to free the phone from the case, as it has a couple of tabs that clip into the retaining slots used by the factory battery door. Haven't noticed it snagging or coming loose as it goes in and out of my pocket either.
edit:
I just noticed the "dock fitment" discussion going on in this thread. I can't say anything about this case + docks since I don't own any docks.
I fashioned a case out of 3M carbon vinyl wrap. Keeps that Carbon Fibre effect on the back case whilst making it much more grippy (never dropped it since) and much more aesthetically pleasing as it gives off a 3D carbon fibre effect.
I can post pics if you like
Also worth mentioning you can pick this stuff up dead cheap off eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30x20cm-G...arParts_SM&hash=item4cf189dd66#ht_1792wt_1163
This sheet will give you a few attempts at it. It took me 2 to get mine the way I liked it
If you are just looking for grip without affecting aesthetics the Zagg Total protection is a great option. Clear is nearly impossible to tell it is on there. It is the same material and install as the screen protector. So no residue when removed. Make sure you read/watch the install tips from Zagg. I have been using it since April without a drop.
I have; however, decided to get a case and am trying the Seidio Active. The wife got the Incipio Silicrylic. both indeed fit in the HD/Standard Dock with the insert removed, I'm curious about whether there is enough support from the back of the dock though. As mentioned, I'm guessing the car dock will not close due to the extra couple millimeters, but will try it out and reply if it does indeed work.
Well, the Seidio Surface winged its way across the Atlantic reasonably quickly and I received it earlier this week.
It is very slightly bulkier than I expected but it is still very slimline so this isn't a problem as it still fits in my pocket easily. A little more difficult to take the phone out of my pocket than previously but again, not really a problem.
The surface of case itself isn't as 'grippy' as I expected, either, but it is a great improvement to the usual slick battery cover and I haven't juggled with it yet this week! I can now operate the phone using one hand if necessary without fear that I will lose my grip and drop it.
There are a few small imperfections on the back of the case - it would seem as though there were a few specks of dust or some other substance on the case before it was covered with the rubberised coating as a few tiny bumps can be felt. Not enough of a problem for me to bother returning it all the way to the US, however!
It is slightly tricky to take the Seidio Surface off the phone - it seems to come off easily sometimes but remain stubbornly in place at others. I think I'll need to practice taking it on and off the phone a bit more until I get the knack.
Overall, I'm reasonably impressed with the case and would give it an 8/10. It would have received a higher score had it not been so ridiculously expensive for me to buy here in the UK - Amazon.com are selling it at approximately half the price I paid!
I've always been a big fan tpu of cases, and the Cruzerlite cases have always been some of the nicest quality ones. I called them yesterday to see when they are supposed to be up for sale and they told me in the next day or so. Woke up this morning and they were up. I ordered 3 for the price of two with the coupon code "b2g1". Not sure how I feel about there being cutouts where the volume rocker and power button is. I like the raised volume buttons on my verizon tpu case ive been using as my temp. I guess I'll let you guys know. These are pretty cool looking cases. Since I'm a new poster, I cant post the link, but maybe someone else will.
Here's the link http://www.cruzerlite.com/cases/htc/dna/androidified-a2-tpu-case-for-htc-droid-dna
I posted this little review on Amazon, too.
I have been using this case for a couple of days now (the green one). At first glance, it is a sharp looking case. I love the Android mascot on the back cover, it gives a bit of style/uniqueness to the case. However, I could see how some might think it is a bit ostentatious for a phone case. The case itself is clear and tinted in the color specified in the description but the Android on the rear is a solid color (although the clear tinted areas darken significantly once the phone is in the case). And yes, the rear notification light does shine through very visibly (at least on my green one).
The case in pretty thin and does not add as much bulk as most other cases but it still feels solid/reliable. There are little ribbed strips on either side to make the phone easier to grip which is a nice feature as TPU cases can feel slippery to me sometimes. There are cutouts for all the major points of the phone (rear speaker, camera, headphones, etc.).
One drawback is that the buttons do not have molded/raised areas to assist in pressing them. Instead, there are simply cutouts where the buttons are. This wouldn’t normally be an issue but considering the DNA’s buttons are excessively recessed, they can be difficult to press with the raised case around them. Also, the headphone cutout might be too small for headphones with a large plug.
I also have a Diztronic TPU case and, for me, I feel like that one might protect the phone a little better. However, it also adds much more bulk to the phone (compared the Androidified) and does not have the style of the Cruzerlite. Overall, especially for the price, I think the Cruzerlite Androidified A2 is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for a TPU case.
** I will post some pictures later today - I'm at work currently **
The Nillkin Fresh case came about 2-3 days ago and I was quite excited. But that was short lived. The case is a faux-leather flip cover case with a thin plastic shell on that clips to the phone. It looks decent enough, but I have some problems with mine (possibly QC problems):
The case though didn't completely fit!! Along the right side (near the SD/SIM) it is a bit warped - not bad or noticeable unless your looking right at it and for it.
The case is held closed by a magnet, but the magnet on the flip cover is quite small which then requires it to be precisely over the other pole or it does nothing. Not a big deal, but I wish this was thought out better.
Additionally, one of the main features of the case is (link below) how the case being used as a stand. The flip cover is a tri-fold design which should act as a stand but I haven't had much luck with it. The inside of the seemingly leather flip cover is a soft touch, almost suede, material that is quite slippery. This plus the fact that the case seems to be needing to be broken in makes for the "stand" feature unusable... it falls right over currently. (I have tried multiple configurations).
Over all, I bought the case on eBay for $9.99 with no shipping cost (ships from china - companies home country) and it took about 15 days to get here (in the US). Not bad, but I am already looking for a replacement that will make my device feel premium again rather then cheap.
Would I recommend this case? Yes, but only as a temporary case until more come out - like the official Sony cases or a case from Incipio (link below).
** Complete side note: I had a Nillkin case for my old Nexus 4 which only lasted a few short months because the leather started to peel away from the flip cover! I knew this would be a temporary case when I bought it, so keep that in mind!
http://www.nillkin.com/english/proshow.asp?mid=2&sid=0&tid=0&cid=1&scid=13&id=3526&page=1
http://www.incipio.com/cases/smartphone-cases/sony-smartphones/sony-xperia-z-ultra-cases.html
I was fortunate to get to try that case out and many others (being in hk and china) - and I posted about this case. It's unfortunate you didn't read my post and what case eventually went with in the big Z ultra case thread.
This case is definitely not recommended if you want one to work well with desk stand, and want to use the trifold ipad style cover as a stand.
The snap-in style plastic mounts doesn't make it easy to pop in and out of to use the desk stand, and the plastic mounts are shiny thus looks and feels cheap.
Finally, the cover doesn't even come close to the quality and feel of the ipad cover, even the vinyl kind. The material is stiff and plasticky and most importantly doesn't fold together to function as a working stand at all. It will unfold/collapse and fall over.
In addition, there's an issue with the the magnet. With the magnet closed, there is a gap between the last third of the tri-fold cover and the phone's screen. This gap exists because the case (mold or design) is not the right fit - the wider flap makes it essentially unable to align with the opposing magnet. If you try to push the flap down to get rid of the gap, you inadvertently push/slide the magnet off and the cover comes loose. In practice, the magnet will never be engaged because you'll always push the cover down somehow (pocket, bag, stacking something on top).
The only Nillkin I recommend is the http://www.nillkin.com/english/proshow.asp?mid=2&sid=0&tid=0&cid=1&scid=13&id=3516&page=1 shield case. I ended up buying the black one for scenarios where I don't want a flip cover. The fit is good, texture is good (good grippy backside), and it doesn't look too cheap (no shiny plastic). It's decent protection for rougher than usual situations. There are sections where there's a thin piece of plastic on the edge of the phone (like over the usb flap) where it feels weak, cheap and easily breakable. Besides that only issue, I like this case as a back-up.
For a flip cover case that works well with a desk stand, actually stands up, and feels decent quality - I recommend Kaso and Krussell. I went with Kaso as a cheaper alternative for now.
So I guess it's not just me... which is kind of a bummer, but I have already found a replacement. Now if only October 22 was here (my Birthday) I could get a new case!
Thanks for the replay, some good thoughts there!
toonhead85
Funny how the 2 Nillkin cases the OP talks about are the exact 2 I bought online.
I bought the white Fresh, and Yellow leather.
Anyway, after having used both, now I know that flip covers, despite the protection it gives, tend to get in the way of general use. Answering calls involve one extra hassle step.
Taking pictures, you have to roll the flip cover up into the triangle as if you are going to use it as a stand and hold it in your left hand, because simply flipping it and folding it over will obstruct the camera.
Nothing wrong with the build quality...I am sure it is better than most cheapos out there. All the useful ports are left uncovered (one of the reasons why I chose Nillkin...there is actual thought process that has gone into the design). If you want to use the magnetic charging port, not many other manufacturers apart from Nillkin make them uncovered.
The yellow I chose is less vibrant in colour (than what it seemed on screen), and does not go so well with the white ZU I have, so that got retired until the day I get SBH-52 and leave my phone in the bag.
For the Nillkin Fresh, I got in white, and am very happy with it, and currently in use.
It has a nice tight fit, seems to be made of good tough plastic, and the texture on the back helps with general grip.
I did make one modification to it, because even though the magnetic charging port is left open by design, it was impossible to get a good connection while the pone was still in the case. So I cut off the thin strip that runs along the screen side of the mag port. Filed it down with nail clipper file, and now it is perfect. It has not lost structural rigidity.
The number of times that i thought that I had closed the USB port properly, but was still slightly open (thus not making it fully waterproof) has prompted me to get the magnetic charging cable. I knew it was something I wanted while I was out choosing the case, so for those who are still looking for cases, I won't say go Nillkin, but make sure you go for one that has the magnetic charging port uncovered.
Whether you buy DK-30 is a different debate. Some like it, but some find it expensive for what it is. There are not many covers out there tat allow you to dock with it on.
But the USB magnetic charging cable is something I believe every ZU owner should have. For that reason get a cover with the port uncovered.
jewelkobayashi said:
I did make one modification to it, because even though the magnetic charging port is left open by design, it was impossible to get a good connection while the pone was still in the case. So I cut off the thin strip that runs along the screen side of the mag port. Filed it down with nail clipper file, and now it is perfect. It has not lost structural rigidity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we please get pictures of this modification? Keen to replicate. Otherwise attractive looking case, be a shame to waste.
liqn7 said:
Can we please get pictures of this modification? Keen to replicate. Otherwise attractive looking case, be a shame to waste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here u go
jewelkobayashi said:
Nothing wrong with the build quality...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came back to post a quick update about the case I got and this caught my eye... actually the build quality is the reason as well!!
The case is broken ><. On the top left hand side (near the charging port) the case has snapped. A piece is broken clean off and only after about 2 weeks. I know the case was $10, but I also had build quality issues with a Nexus 4 case, so I am going to say the quality is rather low.
With this new information, I am going to say stay away from this case. The long import time (from HK to US), and poor quality aren't worth it. Spend the few extra bucks and get a quality case you will have for more than a few weeks.
Just my 2 cents though...
toonhead85
I did receive this case from Roocase in return for providing a review. That in mind, my initials thoughts were that although it was packaged nicely, in a static-free bag, it looked kind of cheap for the price range (the actual price on Amazon, not the price I paid)... I removed the case from the package and the journey to actually get the case apart and installed on my phone began. Like other reviewers, I had a heck of a time getting the case taken apart and then actually installed on the phone. It took a little bit to realize that you needed to install the front on the phone first, then snap the back into place. To be fair, with a little practice, the installation is not too difficult. A week in, it is still quite tough to remove the case.
I was using this case after using Spigen Slim Armor case. My big gripe with that case is that the buttons are almost impossible to differentiate without looking at them, and I find myself adjusting the volume when trying to wake the phone from sleep. This is definitely not a problem with the Roocase. The button covers are large and well textured. No problem there.
I also really liked that I could see the back of my phone through the polycarbonate back. Nice touch Roocase.
I have never been a big fan of built in screen protectors. I have already installed one on my phone, and while I haven't had the problem of my existing screen protector peeling off at the edges, I have noticed a decrease in the sensitivity of my screen, and I don't like the feel of the plastic screen protector built in to this case.
The port covers are a nice touch, but they are really difficult to get open. The USB cover also tends to cause some of my looser micro-USB cables to fall out while charging (like the one on my car charger), which is a pain. It also increases the security of the connection for some of my cables, so it's kind of a mixed bag there. After having them open for an extended period of time, the covers tend to stay open for a while, and I wouldn't be surprised if the problem only gets worse over time.
The case does seem to be built like a tank. I wouldn't be even remotely worried about dropping my phone with it in this case. I have used an Otterbox Defender on previous phones, and I would rank this one just as high on the protection level spectrum.
Overall I like the case. I like the flat back sometimes, but sometimes I do get a little annoyed by the above niggling issues and go back to my Spigen, or my CM Naked Tough case. If you need something that is built like a beast and like using the Otterbox Defender, then I would recommend the case. Otherwise, I would have a hard time recommending it at this price point ($19.98 plus free shipping).
I gave this 3 stars on Amazon.
Love the pictures.
Pictures? Huh?
Help to remove the roocase of Nexus 6 easily
"A week in, it is still quite tough to remove the case."
How to remove the case with ease? Please advise.