[Q] Case-Mate Tough vs. Otterbox Commuter - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Which one is better in terms of:
protection against drops
durability
No guesses, only experience please.

I use a black CaseMate and I have no problem at all....I use it for 6-7 months and it looks as new......and it fits perfect on my phone and the protection is very good....and in my oppinion it is much more stylish than Otterbox Commuter.

hmm thanks,
the only difference seems the thick silicone layer at the corners instead of a closed hard cover all around.
I guess it is better to have silicone at the corners to reduce shock but in the long term it will deform faster, what do you think?

Case-Mate

Im loving my Otterbox !!!

hmm I guess I'm liking the looks of Case-Mate Tough more than Otterbox.
buut will it protect well?

I was looking at both the Case Mate Tough Case and the Otterbox Commuter. I ended up going for the Commuter because I think it has better protection. From what I've read on here the Commuter is a bit thicker (more protective) and it's hard shell is made from Polycarbonate which is better than ABS for high impact resistance, which is why PC is usually used in protective gear. It's more expensive than ABS, and the Tough Case and Commuter are in the same price range...so I went Commuter. Happy with the decision so far.

Related

Matty mo's review: Seidio active case (black)

So I wanted to start out this review by saying, that when I originally bought my Evo 3D, I had purchased an Otterbox case which they sell at Sprint for it as well. I am a bit neurotic when it comes to my phones and always have to have them protected. I had the Otterbox on till the day I received my Seidio Active case from the great people of Seidio to try out. To be honest, I was actually going to use the Seidio case for a week and then go back to the Otterbox, but actually I just got back from Sprint, I just returned the Otterbox.
I have to say that in my opinion this Seidio case has the Otterbox beat hands down. The grooves that the Active case has for your fingers and the material they use for the silicone underlay just feel better. I compared the Otterbox to the Active case and when it comes to size, the Otterbox in my views is bigger and bulkier, but it seems that the Seidio case more protection. The silicone on the Otterbox feels like its half the amount used on the Active case, it’s a flimsier feel then Seidio’s. Now you would think because the Seidio case is smaller, it would give you less protection, but I feel that my phone is much more protected.
Another benefit with the size of the Seidio Active case, is that it feels much better in the pocket, however with both phones there is a bit of resistance when taking it from the pocket due to the silicone, but it happens with all silicone based cases. The only real downside I have seen with the Active case when using it for the past couple of days is that the silicone attracts lent from your pocket, but can easily removed with a wipe of a cloth.
The main thing that I am happy about, and have read in other reviews of the case is the protection the case provides to the camera. I had recently bought a TPU case from online and returned it immediately after seeing that the case lined perfectly with the camera casing, leaving it open to scratches and marks.
Another big thing that is a benefit with this case, compared to the Otterbox, is that all the cut outs for the power button and charging ports line up perfectly. I noticed that on the headphone jack on my Otterbox it was cut out incorrectly leaving me to have to jam the headphone jack into place. Not with the Active case, everything lines up perfectly. The silicone is cut to an exact precision. I know that the ports don’t have a cover like the Otterbox, but I actually prefer this, its an easy access and most of the time, I am prepared for those covers to break off in time, giving the phone a cheap look.
I know that some are disappointed that the case doesn’t come with a built in screen protector like the Otterbox but not I. I love that it doesn’t, I feel that the built in protectors have a more rubbery feel to them then other protectors. I would personally recommend the Screen Guards from Seidio; they are smooth like glass and fit to a tee.
In an overall judgment I give the phone a 10/10. There is not one thing I would change about this case, I love it more then anything. It looks great and feels even better. I would highly recommend this case to anyone who is in the market for a new case. Not only are you buying a great case, you are buying it from a great company that is willing to go that extra mile and help you out when it is needed, whether it is a return or replacement, and this type of customer service just gives me that little extra push to buy Seidio then any other company.
Looks just like the Innocase Rugged( minus the inner 2-piece hard shell) that I used on my Evo 4G before going to the Ballistic HC. How much is this case and who all sells it? Hope to be getting my 3D in the next couple weeks and may just get this case to go on it. My Innocase Rugged held up great, just replaced it with the Ballistic HC based on looks....
Still torn though honestly, I like the fact that the Otterbox covers the camera area better
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Matty Mo said:
So I wanted to start out this review by saying, that when I originally bought my Evo 3D, I had purchased an Otterbox case which they sell at Sprint for it as well. I am a bit neurotic when it comes to my phones and always have to have them protected. I had the Otterbox on till the day I received my Seidio Active case from the great people of Seidio to try out. To be honest, I was actually going to use the Seidio case for a week and then go back to the Otterbox, but actually I just got back from Sprint, I just returned the Otterbox.
I have to say that in my opinion this Seidio case has the Otterbox beat hands down. The grooves that the Active case has for your fingers and the material they use for the silicone underlay just feel better. I compared the Otterbox to the Active case and when it comes to size, the Otterbox in my views is bigger and bulkier, but it seems that the Seidio case more protection. The silicone on the Otterbox feels like its half the amount used on the Active case, it’s a flimsier feel then Seidio’s. Now you would think because the Seidio case is smaller, it would give you less protection, but I feel that my phone is much more protected.
Another benefit with the size of the Seidio Active case, is that it feels much better in the pocket, however with both phones there is a bit of resistance when taking it from the pocket due to the silicone, but it happens with all silicone based cases. The only real downside I have seen with the Active case when using it for the past couple of days is that the silicone attracts lent from your pocket, but can easily removed with a wipe of a cloth.
The main thing that I am happy about, and have read in other reviews of the case is the protection the case provides to the camera. I had recently bought a TPU case from online and returned it immediately after seeing that the case lined perfectly with the camera casing, leaving it open to scratches and marks.
Another big thing that is a benefit with this case, compared to the Otterbox, is that all the cut outs for the power button and charging ports line up perfectly. I noticed that on the headphone jack on my Otterbox it was cut out incorrectly leaving me to have to jam the headphone jack into place. Not with the Active case, everything lines up perfectly. The silicone is cut to an exact precision. I know that the ports don’t have a cover like the Otterbox, but I actually prefer this, its an easy access and most of the time, I am prepared for those covers to break off in time, giving the phone a cheap look.
I know that some are disappointed that the case doesn’t come with a built in screen protector like the Otterbox but not I. I love that it doesn’t, I feel that the built in protectors have a more rubbery feel to them then other protectors. I would personally recommend the Screen Guards from Seidio; they are smooth like glass and fit to a tee.
In an overall judgment I give the phone a 10/10. There is not one thing I would change about this case, I love it more then anything. It looks great and feels even better. I would highly recommend this case to anyone who is in the market for a new case. Not only are you buying a great case, you are buying it from a great company that is willing to go that extra mile and help you out when it is needed, whether it is a return or replacement, and this type of customer service just gives me that little extra push to buy Seidio then any other company.
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Looks nice man love the otter box defender keeps the ports covered . I was thinking about the convert combo looks cool tho heard bad things about the rebrand from breast buy folks said it was cheap feel and broke at times for folks camera flap was kinda gay folks were sayin it had a bad feel .
If u test the convert combo out let me know to me the otter box defender looks way and feels better then what breast buy has out sexy and smooth.
When trident and ballistic come out with the kraken and aegis from trident will be sweet and the tank from ballistic will be sweet .
Yeah, i like the port covers but on the otterbox case i had for less then a week, the port covers already started to rip before returning it which is a downside... thats why i like having no port covers, its in preparation of when it does fall off!
and just so you know, this is the Active Case, made by Seidio.
Agree 100% with OP. Returned Otterbox Defender (too bulky, hard to type) returned Otterbox Commuter (felt thin, cheap, low quality, rubber not tight)
Bought Seido rebranded as Platinum from Bestbuy same as OP (except mine is black rubber with white back.) Rubber is almost TWICE as thick as Otterbox, way tighter on phone and just feels much much better. Better grip, better weight (and +1 on appearance)
it was $37.88 at bestbuy, same price as my Otterbox commuter refund.
Totally satisfied, would recommend 100%, would buy this PT/Seido again tomorrow if I had to.
Edit...and no power slot cover which is a +1 since it eliminates the extra step pain in the a.. and seemed unnecessary anyway. Can of aerosol air blast removes and dust or lint from that port in 2 seconds
...nice upgrade from hero
I'm a Seidio fan.
The only problem I ever saw personally with the active case was the corner pieces breaking easily. I had a couple of them and experienced the same problem. Otherwise...nice case.

Seidio Active vs Case-mate Tough

hi
I bought this nice phone, but it looks kind fragile so I wanna buy a case.
but because I'm from czech republic and there are no shops where I can try these cases [how they fit and how I feel them in my hand]. I really need your help, which one to pick. I'll buy the case from ebay.
I watched some videos and both cases look fantastic. But I can't judge how nice and tight silicon fits. Which case is smaller. [better for me] and which has batter grip
btw I hate touching my camera on evo [big,cold, sharp edges - really wanna get rid of this!!!]
seidio has the camera "in hole"
and Tough has silicon over it
I love to carry my phone on belt, is there some usable holster for Tough case ?
Go for case mate its tight from what I have seen.
and case mate looks like it also has a better grip.. but only thing which stopped me to buy it is that I don't know how can I attach it to my belt? Is there any compatibile holster or someting similar to use ?
cajhaj said:
and case mate looks like it also has a better grip.. but only thing which stopped me to buy it is that I don't know how can I attach it to my belt? Is there any compatibile holster or someting similar to use ?
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Seidio is alright overpriced and tends to break . They have holsters for there cases. That always is a pain for me to find a good case and holster. I went and bought a trident kraken case and I'm more then happy with it comes with a holster . Get them on eBay cheaper then from trident site.
The case is light and solid. Anyways hope you find something a lot of cases are good.
Most big companies have holsters for the cases they make.
I saw some videos with kraken and it's superb case with best features,like kickstand and belt holster, which is the most I can imagine from a good case. But its really huge, expensive case.. class of otterbox defender rather than midsized case like what I want.. but great case,no doubt.
I really can't make decision which case to buy
Is there any midsized case (can be even just silicone if fits tight) which is great in other written aspects and has belt holster option?? Maybe I overlooked something.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using Tapatalk
cajhaj said:
I saw some videos with kraken and it's superb case with best features,like kickstand and belt holster, which is the most I can imagine from a good case. But its really huge, expensive case.. class of otterbox defender rather than midsized case like what I want.. but great case,no doubt.
I really can't make decision which case to buy
Is there any midsized case (can be even just silicone if fits tight) which is great in other written aspects and has belt holster option?? Maybe I overlooked something.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using Tapatalk
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Look at the kraken thread I have pics of my case and there is one with a pic of the defender case next to it. Kraken isn't as big as folks think its smaller thinner then otterbox defender . To me its slim prefer it over the defender and seidio also over the others I have used.
EBay u can snag a kraken for 25 bucks on there free ship too.
I don't know of anything else that is worth having to keep your phone protected to the max with anything slimmer that has a good holster .
I have the Case-Mate Tough Case. Love it. Very tight fit. Been dropped a couple times and it is good to go. I even put an Invisible Shield screen cover on it. Fits very well with case. Best combo yet! Even fits perfect in my Seido desk cradle and iGrip car mount kit.

Are these Defender look a likes any good?

I've seen these before. Apparently made in China they're basically Defender knockoffs but look to the exact as a Otterbox except for the stupid belt clip which hardly anyone uses. Anyone try these before? It looks like they're either made in the same factory as the Defender or an exact clone. Everything looks the same as my Defender for S7. Worth trying to see if the screen protector is better than the Defender?
https://www.amazon.com/ToughBox®-Sa...tag=androidcentral00-20&t=androidcentral00-20
No ! Get the Lovemei with built in Gorilla Glass.
I ordered one a few days ago from Amazon along with a cheap tempered glass screen protector that will be here tomorrow. J. Williams has the Note 5 one and it is very similar he claims to Otterbox. A customer at my work a few months ago had one on their Iphone 6plus and said it was the same as Otterbox. I figured if the screen protector is crappy on this then I'll just rip it out and used the tempered glass on it that way I don't ruin my otterbox.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI1xiRTTHcU
Update on the case. The material is very similar to the Defender. Also the inner shell has a tighter fit so it doesn't creak, and the protector is a lot better than the Otterbox. It fits a lot tighter to the screen and is more responsive. For the negatives the port covers are a bit more flimsy and they're hard to push in as they're cut slightly wide so you have to use some force and the shell the edges are a bit rougher, sharper than the defender because not quite as precise.
Overall for $17 it's a very good case otherwise. Personally I will probably go back to my Defender but this is a good case for the price and if you don't want to pay otterbox prices I say go for it.
I don't get it how all these generic companies like Supcase, generic otterbox cases all have screen protectors that fit more flush and are more responsive and Otterbox has a garbage screen protector despite costing more.
saaron272 said:
the nice looking only black red, red white or black, others seems the color not match... I will test try for it, how about this melkco double layer case, do you ever review / experience using it?
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That looks like it would be similar to an Incipio Dual Pro. Doesn't look bad though but doesn't look it would offer the same protection as a Defender.
I need a hip / belt holster for my new S7 Active with the defender case. Can any one suggest a holster that will fit with the defender on the phone. I need a very touch case. I work outdoors alot.

What Case Has Provided The Best Protection? This is For The Regular S7.

Was just Wondering What Case Has Provided You With The Best Protection With Your Phone? Was Just Wondering Cause I Have The Otter box Commuter And Just Wanted To Make Sure I Chose The Best Case That Will Protect My Phone. Thanks for the feedback! I will hit that like button.
Any cheap rubber or plastic case that is higher on all four sides than the screen will protect the phone amazingly. After that it is just a matter of style and materials to your preference IMHO. A 1 dollar case off ebay or aliexpress will protect the phone fine. It might look like crap but it will protect the phone AFAIK.
Do you care only for protection or also for compactness?
First of all make sure the case you want to buy is military grade tested.
For pure protection you should buy a case with a front tpu cover like poetic revolution, otterbox got one i think as well.
If you care for protection but also for compactness then i would go for UAG, Evutec or otterbox symmetry or spigen slim armor if on limited budget. There are more, i am just naming a few.
Go with the "Unicorn Beetle" case. It's compact and hugs the phone great. Great protection, screen protector and comes with a strong holster. I've had this case for all of my phones. Great product and the price is right on ebay for about 17 to 25 dollars!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPCASE-Uni...172310?hash=item2caedb5b16:g:ifEAAOSwgY9Xd~CX
amirprog said:
Do you care only for protection or also for compactness?
First of all make sure the case you want to buy is military grade tested.
For pure protection you should buy a case with a front tpu cover like poetic revolution, otterbox got one i think as well.
If you care for protection but also for compactness then i would go for UAG, Evutec or otterbox symmetry or spigen slim armor if on limited budget. There are more, i am just naming a few.
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I just want protection.
HolyGhostBoy1 said:
I just want protection.
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Then aside of defender i'd check these as well (full protection):
http://www.poeticcases.com/revolution-59
http://www.lovemeicase.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=87_165&product_id=55357
http://www.lovemeicase.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=87_165&product_id=55346
midnightrider said:
Any cheap rubber or plastic case that is higher on all four sides than the screen will protect the phone amazingly. After that it is just a matter of style and materials to your preference IMHO. A 1 dollar case off ebay or aliexpress will protect the phone fine. It might look like crap but it will protect the phone AFAIK.
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I completely agree with you. My case who had raised sides, protected my phone from a 2 ft drop on tiled floors. Dropped on bottom left corner first, then stopped screen down. To my amazement no crack or scratches on the front & back glass.
My case:
https://www.amazon.com/Ringke-Snug-Fit-Tailored-Ultra-Thin-Coverage/dp/B01ACAUFR0
I use the incipio dual pro on mine and it has survived many accidental drops Adds a tiny bit of size but I personally like the grip and size much more with the case on. Also power button and volume buttons on the case feel great and I never accidentally press them.
https://www.incipio.com/cases/smart...ries-case/dualpro-samsung-galaxy-s7-case.html
I got pelican voyager, paid too much for it but it's all I'll need
+1 on the Incipio DualPro.
I also like, in no particular order, the Vena Tough Armor Wave; Diztronic Voyeur Series; Spigen Tough Armor; and the OtterBox Symmetry Clear Series.
djh816 said:
I use the incipio dual pro on mine and it has survived many accidental drops Adds a tiny bit of size but I personally like the grip and size much more with the case on. Also power button and volume buttons on the case feel great and I never accidentally press them.
https://www.incipio.com/cases/smart...ries-case/dualpro-samsung-galaxy-s7-case.html
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you made a good choice! I use my Otterbox Commuter every day. It's always my first choice of case when I get a new phone. Great protection, but not as bulky as a Defender case.
RebDovid said:
+1 on the Incipio DualPro.
I also like, in no particular order, the Vena Tough Armor Wave; Diztronic Voyeur Series; Spigen Tough Armor; and the OtterBox Symmetry Clear Series.
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Spigen tough armor are awesome cases. I had one for my S5. Love it.
I have a Rugged Armor for my S7 and love it as well.
I've personally been using a case-mate tough. Pretty good and the buttons feel great.
I'm using rhinoshield with no regrets
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Puregear extreme dualtek
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Hey, personally, I'm using this Spigen case:
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/aw/d/B01A7ICWTQ?ref=olp_product_details
Really great and give a good protection for the phone.
Envoyé de mon SM-G930F en utilisant Tapatalk
Actually Commuter is a very protective case for your S7. I'm using it too. But you know that there is another series from Otterbox that is more protective but also more bulky than Commuter, that is Defender.
I have an Artech21 Little Rock for my "rugged" case. It's "Military Grade" and whatever other fancy catchphrases you wanna use. But I don't put much stock into those phrases... It's fairly difficult to install/remove. Because of that, the phone won't pop out, even if you were to throw it as hard as you can across the room (that's not to say the phone would survive inside). But the case IS plenty strong. Honestly, my only 2 complaints are that A) the tempered glass is like a half inch more narrow than the screen (but at the time of purchase, not a single tempered glass screen protector covered edge to edge flawlessly (loss of sensitivity, haloing, etc.). And, B) I'm not a big fan of the designs. When other models like the Vivid Arkansas look so damn unique good. The Little Rock just looks super plain. Of the cases I own, the Little Rock is easily the strongest, while the Vivid Arkansas is much thinner, it looks MUCH better. And it still provides plenty of protection itself. And I can't speak for cases I don't own. But the Little Rock is easily the toughest. The Vivid Arkansas looks the best. And while it doesn't provide the hardcore protection of the Little Rock, it has saved my phone on a few drops, one I expected to be bad. But not a scratch

best rugged case?

i do construction and just got the note 8 . looking for the best heavy duty/rugged case
i wanted the otterbox but read really bad things about it so i dont think ill get that
i . was looking at the spiegen tough armor its pretty cheap looks good and seems good
any suggestions?
So Here is my 2 cents.... The Tough Armor is a great choice BUT... only works well with a small number of CASE FRIENDLY screen protectors.... I am currently rocking the SAMSUNG BRANDED RUGGED CASE and I LOVE IT! Tough Armor will probably provide a little better DROP PROTECTION ( I'm guessing because of the 2 layered protection) but the Samsung seems tough enough and works with a FULL SCREEN PROTECTION FILM PROTECTOR, and LOOKS GREAT TO ME.
Ghostek Nautical... hands down thee best. I've dropped this thing from atleast 15 feet up and not even a scratch on the bumper! Also waterproof to 20 foot down.
I have the Urban Armor Gear Monarch, I like this over the Ghostek, a little more $$ but definitely worth it. I have a case friendly screen protector film on it too.
Second on the Urban Armor Gear it's a great case from my experience from them. I however am rocking a clear Spigen case.
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro
It is a very good price and good feeling.
Protects and feels better than the otterbox, lasts longer than the otterbox, protects better than the otterbox, has a belt clip, has a screen protector unlike the otterbox, WAY less money than the $70 otterbox, Wireless charging and NFC work through it, It is decently slim and easy to fit in mounts.
I have this case and have dropped my phone 9+ times and it sounded very soft when it dropped so it was good protection apparently
Around $7 to $12.

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