Case recommendation - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all,
Just ordered a new Nexus 4 and am looking for case recommendations. It comes with the stock bumper free, but I want something more I think.
My previous phone was an HTC Inspire 4G (RIP) and I really liked the CaseMate Toughcase for it, which was pretty similar to the Otterbox Commuter cases (hard plastic outer shell, soft silicone inner padding), especially combined with a screen protector.
While I'm not the clumsiest person in the world, I have dropped before, and will continue to drop, on surfaces ranging from dirt to concrete to hardwood. I'm wondering what the best solution for protecting the glass surfaces on my new phone will be, without going for the extreme of the bombproof OtterBox Defender-type cases. I think my ideal would be along the lines of the Otterbox Commuter, along with a good screen protector.
So, recommendations?
Edit: Can anyone comment on the Ionic Guardian Armor Case or the KaysCase ArmorBox Cover Case? Specifically as it relates to protection and ease of use/taking in and out of pockets?

Related

Thin snap-on case?

What is the thinnest snap-on case? I saw a few "hard cover" cases on ebay but I am skeptical if they are junk. I don't wanna spend $30 on a case, but just want something thin that will protect it from scratches and some bumps.
The sticker protectors are ok, but they don't look the best.
I find that the bodyguardz sticker protectors work wornders. Personally I've used it since 2 months after I purchased my fuze and i don't get any scratches at all and they actually get inconspicuous. No one can tell that I have the stickers on it and it feels really good.
I got a great deal on amazon on a clear plastic case, a solid black case and 2 more screen protectors. Came out to around 8 bucks (including shipping). Check out around there and maybe you can find something nice.
got me a pdair aluminium case for the raphael/touch pro, works great!
I'm a truck mechanic, so I can't use anything else!
Regards,
Emile
damn. that aluminum case sounded so cool! Then it turned out to be hinged.
The aluminum case sucks!!! every time you drop the phone it comes flying out of the case. you have to keep bending back the latch for it to stay closed. the screw in clip in the back striped out in a week.
I'm in concrete, so I wouldn't use this if it was FREE!!!

Nexus 4 rear protector recommendations?

After having mine for one day and really enjoying it, there are already two hairline scratches on the back, I'm fairly one of them (about 1mm long under the G under "LG") came with the phone, and the other I have no idea, as most people I've baby'd the device since I opened the packaging so there's something going on.
Regardless, it isn't really an issue but I'd like to get a rear protector to potentially stop further hairline scratches, does anyone have any recommendations as the Spigen dual protector has some awful reviews.
Cheers :good:.
Exact Armor
I spent about $7.95 for an Exact Armor case. Its not huge but has enough soft and hard protection where the back would be reasonably well protected. Any case like it would work, but its price sold me.:victory:
Spigen sgp steinheil screen protector for front and back. I love it!

Case suggestions

Hi,
I'm looking at various cases for the Nexus 4, and wondering what everyone thinks of them.
I've never used a case for any of my phones before, and I've never really minded the scratches, nor have I gotten any cracked screens despite dropping my phones dozens of times. However, the Nexus 4's glass surfaces have got me thinking perhaps it's a good idea to get some protection.
I'm primarily protecting against scratches, and the occasional drop. I'd like the thinnest and most non intrusive case possible, and one with some grip so the phone doesn't fall so easily.
So far, my choices seem to be Nillkin, Rearth, Poetic and Diztronic. I'm leaning more towards hard cases than soft TPU cases due to aesthetics.
Any pros and cons for the above?
Thanks!
This is exactly what we need, there doesn't seem to be much comparision between tpu and hardcases.
How does the S-Line case compare to others say as it's only around £3 which is dirt cheap but is it crap and wouldn't protect my Nexus at all (If it actually arrived that is )
I'm definitely curious to the difference between soft and hard cases. In my experience some hardcases are damaging the phone a little...
DutchDisturbed said:
I'm definitely curious to the difference between soft and hard cases. In my experience some hardcases are damaging the phone a little...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATED 2013-06-07
OK. Let me try since I've tried 9 cases and I'm not 100% happy with any of them. I was spoiled by the Galaxy Nexus Ringke Slim case. Super Slim, all edge protection in a drop and super grippy. Nothing I've tried for the N4 yet has given me the same satisfaction.
These are in the order that I purchased them.
1. S-Line (TPU)
Like: Cheapest of the bunch. The soft rubber gives the most grip of all the cases I have.
Don't Like: IMO it looks ghetto. Poor molding so there are sharp edges everywhere. I guess you could trim this but it already looks like a hack job. The buttons are covered and are difficult to push.
Overall: I tried this for 5 seconds and then tore it off. Garbage.
2. Rearth Ringke Slim (hard case) - MY CURRENT CASE.
Like: Slimmest of all of the case I have. Super tight fit. Looks awesome. Buttons are exposed and are fairly easy to reach. If you want slim, this is a nice case. Judging from the photos I've seen of the Diztronic slim equivalent, it also gives better corner coverage.
Don't Like: Rearth changed the material and design from the Galaxy Nexus which was my favourite case. The material isn't as grippy and offers no protection in a drop to the front/top and front/bottom. The Gnex version was way better as it totally covered the top/bottom front and was super grippy....so I'm super disappointed in the N4 version.
Overall: Even with the negatives I mentioned, I keep coming back to this case for my daily use. It's the best blend of looks, feel (big time) and protection for slim case.
3. Poetic Bumper (Bumper)
Like: Great fit. Looks way better in person compared to photos. Buttons are covered but are very easy to push (this is a big deal for me). Get to see the N4 backing. Good drop protection because all sides are covered. Easy to remove. Of all the cases, this case gives me the most confidence NOT sliding on a slanted surface.
Don't Like: Makes the phone feel wide. There's no backing so it's not as comfortable to hold compared to a case with a backing. This isn't something no one seems to talk about...it just feels odd. Makes one-hand operation tough.
Note: The back of the phone is exposed so you may want to put a rear screen protector or vinyl (i.e. DBrand). I rocked a DBrand vinyl rear cover for a while with this bumper and really liked it. Great way to customize the look of your phone and you're not constantly cleaning the N4's glass back.
UPDATE:. I've realized I don't like bumpers. The feeling of the recessed back kills it for me. This bumper/vinyl combo is excellent for protection, button feedback and looks....but the recessed back is a deal breaker for me. Just a personal preference.
4. Diztronic (TPU)
Like: Feels great in the hand. Solid. Probably my fav in terms of feeling. Great build quality. Confidence in a drop situation. Looks great.
Don't Like: Suffers from the same problem as the Rearth hard case. Material isn't grippy. Feel like it's going to slide off a slanted surface. Buttons are covered and because the rubber is stiff, it's hard to push and there's very little feedback. The lip that surrounds the screen is pretty pronounced... occasionally get's in the way of swiping. Not as bad as the Mercury though.
Overall: Although it has some negatives it the best of the TPUs I've tried.
UPDATE: After reading some other posts on the topic, I used an Exacto blade to put little slits along the edges of the molded buttons and it made a huge difference in button feedback. I really like the case now. This is my "rough activity" case.
5. Official Nexus 4 bumper (Biggest mistake purchase)
Like: Looks cool. Best button feedback (feels like the original button). Good drop protection as all sides are covered.
Dislike: Widest case on the list. The hard plastic sides make it slippery and uncomfortable. Port/mic holes are smaller than the Poetic. The back plastic edge is dimpled which a) is uncomfortable and b) makes it slippery on a surface (or more so than the Poetic). The USB port hole is deep so you need a skinny USB cable end. Oh ya, and the price is ridiculous. After shipping and taxes it was $33.
Note: Like the Poetic bumper the back of the phone is exposed so you may want to put a rear screen protector or vinyl (i.e. DBrand)
Overall: This was my biggest waste of money of all the cases. Far to expensive for what you get. Get the poetic.
6. Meifeng Hard Skin Cover Case (Hard case)
Like: Great feeling. It's a hard case but the coating on it makes it feel squishy. Grip feeling is excellent. Button and port openings are excellent...better button openings than the Ringke Slim. Although I've only had this one for 30 minutes it doesn't appear to be a fingerprint magnet like the Ringke is. Wow. I really like this case. Inexpensive too...$7.
Dislike: Like the Ringke Slim the top/bottom front edges are totally exposed so no protection on those edges. Corners are covered but not as much as the Ringke Slim.
Overall: Want a slim case that feels good that protects the sides and back, this is the case. I'll post some pics in this thread.
eBay Link
7. Rearth Hybrid
I'm a huge fan of Rearth because of my previous purchases. Unfortunately, the Ringke Hybrid is a big miss.
Likes: Very small lip on the holding on to the LCD screen which makes it easy to do edge to edge swiping. The clear plastic (when not covered in fingerprints) looks cool.
Dislikes:
1) The button feedback is almost non-existent so you can never tell if you've pushed them hard enough. You can mod by cutting the button sides but you should have to if it was designed properly.
2) The clear plastic back, although good in theory, is terrible in practice because it's a fingerprint magnet, dirt/dust/fuzz is impossible to keep out so you see it, and I imagine that the first scratch I get will ruin the look of the case.
3) The small 4 feet that keep the back off a flat surface provide no grip. The phone slides very easily. The feet also feel awkward when handling the phone.
4) On my particular model there was a small molding defect. It wasn't a big deal but not in line with Rearth's high quality products.
Rearth took a chance on a unique design so I applaud them for that. But I would not recommend this case.
http://www.rearthusa.com/google-nexus-4-hybrid-fusion-case
Overall: A lot of people like this case but, next to the S-Line, this is my least favorite. Great in theory...awful in practice.
8. Poetic Palette slim hardcase UPDATED
Like: Excellent feeling coating on the plastic. Even better than the Meifeng. It's also grippy in the hand and on flat surfaces. Not as much as the Meifeng but more then the Rinkge. The bottom and top edges of the case cover more than 50% of the top/bottom edge of the phone giving it more protection on those edges than the Ringke Slim and Meifeng.
Dislike: It doesn't have raised corners like the other two so you get very poor screen-down protection. I would never but my phone screen down with this case. Less corner protection than that Ringke Slim but more than the Meifeng. It has the smallest button openings of all the slim cases. They've put slits on each corner to make it easier to take the case off but that gives it a very lose fit. I'm not going to test it but I'm willing to bet that your phone would pop out of the case if dropped. It's also the widest of the hard cases cases I've reviewed making it less comfortable to hold than the other two,
Overall: If you take your phone out of it's case to clean often, this is your case.
9. Mercury TPU UPDATED
Like: Looks. I have the black one and the sparkle effect is really nice. As long as it's somewhat free of fingerprints, it's pretty grippy too. Great protection as the rubber is soft and covers all front edges of the screen.
Dislikes: The button cutouts are the smallest of all the cases making it uncomfortable to push a button. The cutouts for the mics/speakers are a little off. That doesn't cause a function issue but looks ghetto. It's a fingerprint magnet. The overall fit isn't that good so when you grab it from the sides you can see that the case deform slightly. The mold lines bad and noticeable to the touch. Although I don't have a scale, I feels like the heaviest of the bunch. Also the raised front edge the surrounds the screen is big making the screen look recessed and makes it tough to touch the edge of the screen.
Overall: Not recommended. If you want TPU spend the extra few bucks on the Diztronic and you'll be way happier. This is a "you get what you pay" for case.
So my personal ranking choices are:
Slim hardcase: Rearth Slim because of the feeling (almost like there's no case), superior slimness, great button cutouts, full exposed ports, and looks. Meifeng is the runner up because of the cost, great feeling due to grippy coating and big button cutouts.
TPU: Diztronic TPU because of protection, button feedback (after slits made), feel in the hand and looks. Don't bother with anything else.
Bumper: No brainer. Poetic for the button feedback, surface grip due to rubber edges and protection.
goister said:
Hi,
I'm primarily protecting against scratches, and the occasional drop. I'd like the thinnest and most non intrusive case possible, and one with some grip so the phone doesn't fall so easily.
So far, my choices seem to be Nillkin, Rearth, Poetic and Diztronic. I'm leaning more towards hard cases than soft TPU cases due to aesthetics.
Any pros and cons for the above?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are going to have a hard time satisfying all your conditions. The hard cases I have seen do not provide the best protection due to the stiffness of the material. More shock is going to be transmitted to the device and less absorbed by the case. Also many of the hard cases I have seen leave a portion of the bezel open where a drop could damage it. The tpu cases are thicker but that thickness provides protection. The elastic nature of polyurethane provides some shock protection. Also the tpu is much better than the older silicone cases as far as friction being removed from a pocket (also not as bad a lint magnet). It all comes down to how much risk your phone is exposed to and how much you are willing to compromise your desires. Me, I feel this phone is relatively fragile and I err on the side of protection. If you are only concerned about scratches just get a screen and back protector.
AdamUpNorth said:
<snip>3. Poetic Bumper (Bumper) - MY CURRENT CASE.
Like: Great fit. Looks way better in person compared to photos. Buttons are covered but are very easy to push (this is a big deal for me). Get to see the N4 backing. Good drop protection because all sides are covered. Easy to remove. Of all the cases, this case gives me the most confidence NOT sliding on a slanted surface.
<snip>).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I went with the poetic bumper case.I just couldnt get down with spending so much for the official google one. It Should be delivered today. Now if I only I had my nexus 4 already lol:silly:
i have a Rearth Ringke Slim (hard case) and i like very much
I just ordered one from diztronic. Pretty simple basic TPU.
Stanerefor said:
I just ordered one from diztronic. Pretty simple basic TPU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know what you think of it and whether it would survive a drop from say chest height.
On a different note, what do people think of this case, it seems like a hard case with a leather cover over the screen which double up as a stand for the screen. Thinking this would be very useful for watching or reading a pdf off the screen.
What kind of case are you guys thinking, im torn between diztronic, a bumber and the above case.
mufc09 said:
Let us know what you think of it and whether it would survive a drop from say chest height.
On a different note, what do people think of this case, it seems like a hard case with a leather cover over the screen which double up as a stand for the screen. Thinking this would be very useful for watching or reading a pdf off the screen.
What kind of case are you guys thinking, im torn between diztronic, a bumber and the above case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I wouldn't test it, I would say the Diztronic TPU would save the phone in a chest height drop.
The cover case you linked to looks good. For me it's a no go because I look at my phone too many times a day so the cover would drive me nuts.
As promised in post 4, here are some pics of the Meifeng Hard Skin case. Love the feeling of this thing. See my 2 cents in post #4.
AdamUpNorth said:
As promised in post 4, here are some pics of the Meifeng Hard Skin case. Love the feeling of this thing. See my 2 cents in post #4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey is that a glass screen protector you have on? Seems thick, just want to confirm. If so which one? TY
Crisisx1 said:
Hey is that a glass screen protector you have on? Seems thick, just want to confirm. If so which one? TY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's the Rearth Ultimate Clear Plus (link)
The original one without the proximity sensor cut out...although I've never had a problem with that.
It is a little thick but the way the light is catching it makes it look much thicker than it is.
AdamUpNorth said:
No, it's the Rearth Ultimate Clear Plus (link)
The original one without the proximity sensor cut out...although I've never had a problem with that.
It is a little thick but the way the light is catching it makes it look much thicker than it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh gotcha... this is what I just bought: http://www.spigen.com/cell-phone/google/nexus-4/google-nexus-4-screen-protector-steinheil-dual.html
Hopefully its as good.
AdamUpNorth said:
Although I wouldn't test it, I would say the Diztronic TPU would save the phone in a chest height drop.
The cover case you linked to looks good. For me it's a no go because I look at my phone too many times a day so the cover would drive me nuts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this a couple of days ago with my Diz TPU. I was pulling the phone out of my shirt pocket and it slipped out of my hand and landed on the concrete sidewalk face down. As i was going to pick it up I was expecting the worst but when I turned it over not a scratch. The case has a few scuff marks though, I can live with it.
joe rz said:
I did this a couple of days ago with my Diz TPU. I was pulling the phone out of my shirt pocket and it slipped out of my hand and landed on the concrete sidewalk face down. As i was going to pick it up I was expecting the worst but when I turned it over not a scratch. The case has a few scuff marks though, I can live with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good stuff!!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
What about a bumper + a best screens ever screen protector ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Here is the case I bought...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AH86WMU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
Anyone who has bought this, feedback is appreciated
AdamUpNorth said:
UPDATED 2013-02-05 7pm EST
1. S-Line (TPU)
Like: Cheapest of the bunch. The soft rubber gives the most grip of all the cases I have.
Don't Like: IMO it looks ghetto. Poor molding so there are sharp edges everywhere. I guess you could trim this but it already looks like a hack job. The buttons are covered and are difficult to push. Tried this for 5 seconds and then tore it off.
3. Poetic Bumper (Bumper) - MY CURRENT CASE.
Like: Great fit. Looks way better in person compared to photos. Buttons are covered but are very easy to push (this is a big deal for me). Get to see the N4 backing. Good drop protection because all sides are covered. Easy to remove. Of all the cases, this case gives me the most confidence NOT sliding on a slanted surface.
Don't Like: Makes the phone feel wide. There's no backing so it's not as comfortable to hold compared to a case with a backing. This isn't something no one seems to talk about...it just feels odd. Makes one-hand operation tough.
Note: The back of the phone is exposed so you may want to put a rear screen protector or vinyl (i.e. DBrand). I have a screen protector (which is really slippery when finger grease is on it so I've ordered the carbon fiber vinyl back from DBrand..it's in the mail).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the poetic bumper and the TPU S-Line Case and agree with this review. I'm currently using the poetic bumper for the exact same reasons mentioned above. I think I'm going to order the Diztronic Matte Back Black TPU Case since it seems to offer more protection. Has anyone ever purchased accessories from HandHeldItems.com (really inexpensive but not sure if thats good or bad)? I purchased a couple of cases (hard case and soft gel case) and a few screen protectors from them and will see how they are when I receive them.
These are the two cases I ordered:
Black Rubberized Hard Case
Slim Fit Flexible Jelly Rubber Case
AW: Case suggestions
mammenj said:
Anyone who has bought this, feedback is appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could be the first

[Q] How to protect from crack screen

What is best way to protect my S4 from cracking screen. I am scared to crack screen on it.
Any screen protractor like zagg invisibleshield will work ?
Or any slim case and screen proctor combo ?
Only reason i gave up on s3 was crack screen.
My screen cracked even without dropping phone on s3 and replacement phone cracked too by dropping just from my pocket. so I moved to iPhone, but I love android.
Don't drop it or get a rubber case. Screen protectors protect from scratches, not shatter.
JihadSquad said:
Don't drop it or get a rubber case. Screen protectors protect from scratches, not shatter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any suggestion on rubber case ?
I usually don't like full body case but if u have any recombination
I suggest you try the Otterbox Commuter case. I have one for my Evo LTE and I love it. If your really want the best protection available and don't mind the added bulk, then the Otterbox Defender would be the next step up in protection.
Put Zagg on mine - looks and feels nice and protects it
Only other thing is the s-view case or whatever it's called- both together protect is nicely
kool let me look up
dose tpu case any good if ya any suggestion on what brand

Looking for a High quality Case........

Hey guys whats going on, Well Looking for a new case for my galaxy s5.
What do you guys recommend?????
Right now I have a OtterBox Defender case, it is a lil Big and already Broke on me, and the Silicone also has ripped.
Trying to see what everyone is using and what has the best protection. Im a construction worker so I like sumthing really durable. Thanks guys
UAG.
i also have the otterbox but i think it's horrible.. makes the phone twice as thick and much bigger.
now i ordered the ringke slim case, i also had a ringke on my nexus 4 and that one was fantastic.
Might want to check out thewirecutter's guide (no link because I'm new )
thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-samsung-galaxy-s5-cases/
Spigen
Slim Armor
Spigen
Yeah I was looking at the spigen tough armor. Looks good. But I also want something to protect the Glass of the phone.
Why would you 50$ for a phone case? On chinese webshops you can get cases like those for around 3-7$. They may not be of the same quality but in combination with a tempered glass protector you will get protection of around the same level!

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