Hello,
I just ordered a tab s4 and have been looking for a suitable case that has a flip style cover which does not interfere with the S-Pen's magnetic field.
I know that I can just buy Samsung's Book Cover, but it is expensive compared to other cases I have seen for the tab s4.
I haven't been able to find much info about which 3rd-party covers with magnets are good and which covers are harmful for S-Pen's magnetic field.
I would like to know if anyone here who has been using a 3rd-party flip cover for a longer period of time can provide their experience with their cover and the S-Pen.
The issue that I am taking about consists of cases with magnets causing the S-Pen to not work in some parts of the screen (probably close to where the case's magnet is).
This can lead to dead spots where the S-Pen either doesn't work or its pressure sensitivity is off. I'm not sure whether the issue is permanent or temporary.
It seems like a good test for this issue would be to write all over the screen with the S-Pen and see if anything is off.
Thank you in advance,
wis123
wis123 said:
I would like to know if anyone here who has been using a 3rd-party flip cover for a longer period of time can provide their experience with their cover and the S-Pen.
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From what I researched this was a problem on the S3. That's what made me buy the S4.
I have not read people complaining about it on the S4.
Anyway, I'm receiving a poetic folio case in the next weeks and will report after some use.
However, if I have any problem I will use my warranty.
Yes, magnetic cover may interfer with the S-Pen, there was a Spigen case that had that issue, they made changes to make it don't interfer with the S-Pen but I can't find it now, maybe still have some issues
I got this one from Spigen without magnet and it is really good
Galaxy Tab S4 Case Stand Folio
Related
** 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.
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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.
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Here u go
jewelkobayashi said:
Nothing wrong with the build quality...
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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've read through a lot of the posts regarding cases, and have been considering the Logitech keyboard case, but honestly, the reviews aren't very good for the case as far as securing and protecting the device. I'm mainly concerned about the screen getting cracked or scratched during transit. My pro will spend most of its time on my desk but will have a lot of time in my backpack between classes. At the moment it's sharing space with my Mac Book Air in a soft briefcase-type of thing. I was hoping for something a lot like the Zagg keyboard case I have for my iPad 4. I don't care much about the keyboard since the Zagg pairs nicely with my Pro, and I plan to use the stylus 99% of the time.
Any recommendations or ideas? The Zagg for my iPad is pretty low quality as far as the keyboard is concerned but I've never worried about traveling with my iPad when it's in that case. It's a real beast!
Although I don't have one, my vote goes to the Speck Stylefolio .
1. You say you don't need a keyboard since you already have one that works.
2. Having the flip cover protects the screen while in your bag.
3. The flip cover does not have any magnets which means no interference with S-Pen functionality.
OtterBox. Period. Adds some major weight and size, but if you truly want what you're describing - in regards to the most protection any case out there can offer - then there you have it. It's also $130. Best $130 you'll spend on your nearly $700 tablet. A little steep, but your investment is just a tid-bit steeper, don't you think?
I purchased this one off a recommendation here. It protects it nicely but I will be trimming it around the buttons as it covers them slightly. And annoys the crap out of me.
Exact Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 / Tab Pro 12.2 Case [FLIP Series] - Folio Case for Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 / Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 (SM-P900 / SM-P905 / SM-T900 / SM-T905) Black
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-P907A using XDA Free mobile app
muzzy996 said:
Although I don't have one, my vote goes to the Speck Stylefolio .
1. You say you don't need a keyboard since you already have one that works.
2. Having the flip cover protects the screen while in your bag.
3. The flip cover does not have any magnets which means no interference with S-Pen functionality.
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I do have the Speck Stylefolio, and it provides great overall protection with minimal bulk, and securely holds the Note Pro. Quality materials, worth the cost.
=GO=
You can find iPad Case at www cell-phonecover com.
I have both the Samsung flip cover, which has no bulk and the Samsung Keyboard case. Had the logitech, and it damaged the corner by the spen by chipping the finish off the tab.
The flip cover corners have cracked and kinda fits looser. I only use it if I'm doing a site walk outside for work. Other than that, if it's on your desk most of the time, I would recommend a stand of some sort that doubles as a cover.
I'm looking for a case that attaches at the four corners and has a raised lip/bumper at the top and bottom of the phone to protect the screen when the phone is face down. Attaching at the corners provides drop protection since those are the most vulnerable spots on impact and being recessed at the sides will add minimal bulk when holding and using the phone without getting in the way of sliding in from the edges. In a nutshell, like the S7 edge cases, but for my S7 regular. I've spent hours browsing amazon, ebay, google and searching through forums and I'm hoping someone knows of a case with these features.
Starting from my Nexus 4, then my Sony Z3, then my G4, I've always had to settle or customize (cut) cases but I'm hoping I don't have to do that for the S7. Does anyone know of a case like I described?
Thanks!
Hi, I'd be interested in this too. I've done a lot of research but with no luck either. I suspect nothing like this exists for the S7.
I emailed Spigen and got this response.
Currently, we do not have definite plans to have cases with recessed sides for other cases.
However, we will definitely consider your interest and pass it along to our developers! Thank you for the suggestion.
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I didn't get my hopes up. I'll continue to keep my eyes out, but have ordered the VRS Design Verge from amazon now. At $7, I don't mind cutting into it. The polycarbonate is recessed on the sides, even though the gpu doesn't. I'll be taking an exacto knife to it as seen below. I'll probably see how well the buttons still work and then try cutting it deeper to where I'll be accessing the original phone's volume/power buttons. I'll post pictures as I go along for anyone interested.
After trying over 10 branded cases my vote goes to Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/262301410361
The Turata Slim Fit case has a minimal lip, but does not satisfy your criteria because it still covers the left and right edges:
http://amzn.com/B01D4JM16E
lost_ said:
The Turata Slim Fit case has a minimal lip, but does not satisfy your criteria because it still covers the left and right edges:
http://amzn.com/B01D4JM16E
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It looks so good, have bought one
I have been a fan of otterbox cases for a long time, and used them exclusively until this case. The construction is generally what you would expect from Otterbox, but there are two issues with the case:
1) The case itself is very recessed from the edge of the phone. The phone itself sticks up above the case by a couple of millimeters, and the fit is not very snug/secure. This also means that the edges of the phone are very exposed, and I could see a side drop off of a desk or table as potentially disastrous.
2) This is my biggest complaint and a clear lack of QA. The cutout for the S-Pen covers the pen itself. Because of this, it is a chore to remove the pen from the case. The edges of the cutout are very high and not tapered at all, which means you can't just idly reach for the pen and let the case guide you in. This coupled with the fact that the case covers the port on the pen means that you have to put in some effort to even get the pen out of the case. To be clear, the pen will still come out, but you have to pull it past/around the soft rubber of the case. I confirmed this was a design issue by testing 3 other symmetry cases, all of which had the same flaw.
At least the case works with wireless chargers and Samsung pay, so that is a bonus. Will I use Otterbox products in the future? potentially, but not this one.
[URLhttp://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/symmetry-series-case/sam28-galaxy-note8.htmlURL]
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Just got one from Wal-Mart and order 2 other cases on eBay. The otter box feels cheap
Yeah I finally got rid of mine I found it quite disappointing
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I'd be pissed about a $50 case that seems to work as well as my $4 case (discounted from $15)
how responsive are the buttons? I had this case for my s7 edge and they required some force to get feedback. they weren't tactile at all
mrcartagena2000 said:
I have been a fan of otterbox cases for a long time, and used them exclusively until this case. The construction is generally what you would expect from Otterbox, but there are two issues with the case:
1) The case itself is very recessed from the edge of the phone. The phone itself sticks up above the case by a couple of millimeters, and the fit is not very snug/secure. This also means that the edges of the phone are very exposed, and I could see a side drop off of a desk or table as potentially disastrous.....
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I can confirm 100% that this is an issue, 3 days after I got my Note 8, which due to tmo sending early, was 5 days before official launch, My note 8 suffered catastrophic damage WITH this case on.
I put the case on it at the store, before it even left the table.
I have not needed a screen protector or ever needed to utilize my handset insurance as long as I've owned cell phones(nearly 15 years).
Moved into a new place with stone counters just a week before.... fumble phone, instead of letting it fall to the ground and hit the area rug, which would probably have done no damage at all. I tried to catch the phone and instead bopped it, it rolled over face down and slide across the edge of the stone counter across the exposed portion of the screen...
It took me a week and a half of fighting with insurance company to cover it because as far as they were concerned i was lying about the phone i owned because it hadn't been officially launched yet.......
I have this case as well... it's causing my screen protector to lift up, so far on #3. It's protected my phone several times from falls although. The buttons seem to stick on occasion as well. Also, the rubber after pulling it on & off several times is becoming loose. Overall ****ty case
I have used Otterbox cases for years. Until meow, my only beef is the built-in screen protectors. It appears that the newer models have omitted, because of their lack of effort/curved screens.
The OB Defender looks decent, but lacks screen protector and still has a holster, which I need/want.
However this is the first time in years that I have gone with something different.
I am using the Supcase Unicorn Beetle case. IMO< just as good, if not better. The stock screen protector fits nice and seems to be made of decent material. Does not have the annoying gap/super plastic feel like the OB has.
It also costs half as much.
I'm going to be using dbrands case w/skin there's no question there for me, so with that I decided to find a magnet that I can put on the back of the phone that will use magsafe accessories.
I found this, link and while I'm not fan of anker I know it's a good brand. I read the questions and reviews and it does work on samsung s22 so I assume it will work on the s23u as well. Now for my question, I need to find where the coil is in the s23u so I can stick the magnet in the best location. So far I found these pics (see attached) of a case designed for s23u that has the magsafe in the case and it claims it's location is perfect but can anyone tell me if that's true or a better guide or teardown where the coil is?
Spens don't like magnets. I would avoid that.
blackhawk said:
Spens don't like magnets. I would avoid that.
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Then why did samsung launch this official magnetic gadget case for the s23u ultra that is clearlya magsafe ripoff?
spart0n said:
Then why did samsung launch this official magnetic gadget case for the s23u ultra that is clearlya magsafe ripoff?
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Google it. One way to find out for sure...
I think the camera bump would interfere with anything you would attach to the magsafe ring?
PITAKA Case for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, 6.8 Inch, Compatible with MagSafe, Slim & Light Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Case, 600D Aramid Fiber Made [Fusion Weaving MagEZ Case 3 - Rhapsody] https://a.co/d/0x3fPhm
blackrubi said:
I think the camera bump would interfere with anything you would attach to the magsafe ring?
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There are MANY cases with it built-in so it should work on the back of the phone itself.
zoetrope said:
PITAKA Case for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, 6.8 Inch, Compatible with MagSafe, Slim & Light Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Case, 600D Aramid Fiber Made [Fusion Weaving MagEZ Case 3 - Rhapsody] https://a.co/d/0x3fPhm
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I've already got a case I'm going to use and that isn't changing otherwise I would have just bought a magsafe case.
Also I think I found the coil, I think. In the teardown skin for the s23u on dbrands site (which I believe is accurate). I think the side of the coil is where that one cable is curved where I drew the red arrow
spart0n said:
Then why did samsung launch this official magnetic gadget case for the s23u ultra that is clearlya magsafe ripoff?
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Samsung gadget case is not Magnetic , it attaches accessories by some locking mechanism, & yes magnets interfere with Spen untill you gen a magnetic sheilded case like UAG or pitaka
hoss_n2 said:
Samsung gadget case is not Magnetic , it attaches accessories by some locking mechanism, & yes magnets interfere with Spen untill you gen a magnetic sheilded case like UAG or pitaka
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How does the interference manifest? I have a basic Spigen clear rubber case with magsafe and have yet to experience any S-pen problem.
fortuneman said:
How does the interference manifest? I have a basic Spigen clear rubber case with magsafe and have yet to experience any S-pen problem.
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It's not the magsafe case that causes issues, it's when you attach certain Magsafe accessories that the issue arises.
I have 3 magsafe accessories using a Mous case and none of them seem to affect my s-pen. One of them is an Anker 633 powerbank and it still doesn't affect it even while charging from it.
video
I found this video and i think I can find a magnet and accessories that don't affect the spen pretty easily especially with Amazon's easy returns.
The matter of my original question still stands. How can I find the optimal place to put my magnet? Is there any teardown that shows the location of the coil in the s23u?
video
spart0n said:
I found this video and i think I can find a magnet and accessories that don't affect the spen pretty easily especially with Amazon's easy returns.
The matter of my original question still stands. How can I find the optimal place to put my magnet? Is there any teardown that shows the location of the coil in the s23u?
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You can see where the charging coil is in Jerry's video:
It's basically dead center
Get whatever case you ideally want, attach ESR halolock ring to the back of the case and done. Very easy to align and attach.
The ring has the strongest connection amongst all rings and cases.
If you don't want to attach a halolock you could buy a case you like with a ring built into it from ESR, Spigen and a bunch of others.
The spen interference is real but it's not because of the ring or the case. It's when you attach a magsafe power bank above a certain magnetic strength and try to use the pen at the same time. Only in this setup will it skip line where the magnetism is strongest. Detach the power bank and pen works without issue.