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Accessories Case Mate Tough Case review w/ pics

BzB

Android Enthusiast
Oct 6, 2009
521
106
Recently picked up the case mate tough case for the incredible. First thing I'll say is this is an excellent case. It comes with a silicon sleeve with a hard plastic shell that fits over it, basically the exact same setup as the seidio active case. I currently have the black seidio active case and comparing the two I'd say this case is definitely the better of the two. It's the details that make it better. Both the sleeve and the hard shell have a smooth satin like feel and doesn't feel as rubbery as the seidio sleeve. The power and volume buttons are more recessed than the seidio case yet the buttons are more responsive and don't take as much effort to register a press, especially the power button. The headphone plug has a better cut-out. The hard shell has raised texturing that make it feels good and also gives a more confident feeling of grip. Honestly the only reason to choose the seidio case over this one would be if you really want a color other than black. If case mate offers theirs in different color then seidio might as well stop making theirs, the case mate case is that much better and it's the same price. Any questions let me know. On with the pics...




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I currently have the black seidio active case and comparing the two I'd say this case is definitely the better of the two. It's the details that make it better. Both the sleeve and the hard shell have a smooth satin like feel and doesn't feel as rubbery as the seidio sleeve. The power and volume buttons are more recessed than the seidio case yet the buttons are more responsive and don't take as much effort to register a press, especially the power button. The headphone plug has a better cut-out. The hard shell has raised texturing that make it feels good and also gives a more confident feeling of grip.

... Honestly the only reason to choose the seidio case over this one would be if you really want a color other than black. If case mate offers theirs in different color then seidio might as well stop making theirs, the case mate case is that much better and it's the same price.

You have told me EXACTLY what I wanted to know about the differences between the two. I'll be ordering one once my pay check clears (woot!), thanks a lot.

Oh quick question: How long did shipping take? I'm moving on Saturday and need to decide what address to send it to.
 
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The real question is how does the Tough Case compare to the very much M.I.A. Otterbox Defender and Commuter?

That case looks very nice but I wonder if its anything close to the defender as well. My friend has one. When I asked how good it was he threw his phone against the wall. Needless to say the wall was damaged and his phone was not.

Edit: he has the iphone
 
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Good review and pics. Quality really does look top notch. How is the thickness of this case versus that of the seidio active case?

i'm impressed with the quality. it does seem a slight notch above the seidio active case imo. they are pretty much the exact same thickness wise. the case mate does have a more pronounced lip around the front of the phone which gives more clearance between the screen and a flat surface when laid screen down.

The real question is how does the Tough Case compare to the very much M.I.A. Otterbox Defender and Commuter?

it looks to offer comparable protection as the commuter case, but not as robust as the defender.

price difference considered, the case mate case may have a slight edge on the commuter case. from the otterbox pictures of the commuter case, i'm not very fond of how far the volume and power buttons stick out. of course, no final say until the otterbox cases are actually available.

Does that cutout at the bottom interfere with using the optical joystick?

so far it doesn't. the cutout actually creates more space as to not interfere with the optical joystick.
 
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I LOVE the CaseMate Tough case. Wonderful feel, especially for my slippery fingers. No sacrifice at all on the optical joy stick, on/off and volume buttons, camera function. Shipping was lightning fast even with standard (free) USPS.

Since it's a rubbery, textured surface (which I love) it does attract lint and dust, but it blows off easily with a puffer. Some context: I work with horses, sooo ... dust, mud, animal hair, dander, you name it, is in my environment.
 
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Thanks for review, I was sold on the Seidio Active but this looks great. I like that there is more of a lip on the front, but not too much. It also looks like the camera lens is recessed a tad more than with the Seidio, is that right?

both of them have the lens recessed quite a bit. to be fair, i can't really tell if one is recessed more than the other.
 
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I received mine today. You're review is spot on. This case is extremely nice compared to the rocketfish soft case I tried originally. I was very surprised by how responsive the power/volume buttons were with the Tough Case on, especially considering how recessed they are to prevent inadvertent pocket presses. It also has a great grip and feel, and it came with a bonus screen protector. The only thing I can't speak to is the protection it would provide in the event of a fall. I'm in no hurry to conduct that test. ;)

Thanks again for your review!

kisby: the case doesn't have a belt clip. I'm not sure if it would fit any currently produced clips.

wcx86: My case was shipped from Tucker, GA 30084
 
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Glad to contribute to the group. Without user reviews purchasing stuff is more of a crap shoot. If you get one hope you like it as much as I'm liking mine. With a good case the incredible is much more enjoyable to hold and use. Feels more substantial and durable compared to no case at all.

Can you clip it to your belt or did I miss that? Thanks!

No clip supplied. From the pictures you can also see there's no where to attach one either. You'd probably have to go with a pouch of some sort if you want it on your belt clip. I just carry mine in my pocket.

How hard is it to remove from jean pockets? That's usually the deciding factor whenever I buy a case.

Not hard at all. I carry mine in my pocket and it comes in and out several times a day. No problems.
 
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