Let's talk cases for the HTC EVO 3D.

[Groty]

I'm coming from the HTC Hero. I've always had the gel case that I bought with it. It's done a great job of protecting it, though I'm definitely not rough with the phone.

I've been wondering which way to go with the Evo 3D case. A lot of folks on here have the Evo 4G, so any input would be appreciated. I'm pretty much leaning toward another gel case unless a very thin version with a kickstand is released. I'm hoping to protect it from general use without making it too bulky and ultimately retain as much trade-in value as possible in a year or two.

So who's leaning is which direction and for what reasons?

 

[RedWingsFan]

I don't like cases on my phones. So I plan on doing what I do for my EVO 4G.

A leather holster/pouch to slip it in to and a screen protector.

 

[ArmageddonX]

I want a kickstand but I don't normally put cases on my phones. I usually have a pouch. So we'll see. Plus, I always get the invisibleSHIELD screen protector too.

 

[ebolamonkey3]

I want a case for my phone just to protect the back cover from scratches and such. But w/ the 3vo, I'm considering getting a belt clip instead b/c of the bulk it might add.

That way, I can get a nice case w/ a kickstand and not worry about it not fitting comfortably in my pocket.

 

[RedWingsFan]

Deal on screen protectors from XDA Forum:

Got Some Nice E3D Screen Protectors - xda-developers

Must Say, These Are Nice. 2 For $11. W/ This Coupon: clear630

http://www.clarivue.com/htc-evo-3d-s...protector.html

 

[bobby2478]

I don't like cases on my phones. So I plan on doing what I do for my EVO 4G.

A leather holster/pouch to slip it in to and a screen protector.

I like that case, do you know if this pouch style case have a clip on the back? I want to get a leather pouch case just like this for the 3D, but I want one WITHOUT the clip on the back of it. That way it's easier to fit in my pocket and will prevent it from getting dinged by keys, change, etc.

 

[RedWingsFan]

I like that case, do you know if this pouch style case have a clip on the back? I want to get a leather pouch case just like this for the 3D, but I want one WITHOUT the clip on the back of it. That way it's easier to fit in my pocket and will prevent it from getting dinged by keys, change, etc.

The picture I posted above is the case I currently use for my EVO 4G. Since the EVO 3D will be a little longer, I'm not sure how well it would fit in that particular case.

And no, there is no clip. It is a great leather pouch and I have two of them (because I always misplace one). I've had it for almost a year and they have not chipped, cracked, peeled, etc. Really high quality.

I bought it from here: http://shop.htcpedia.com/

 

[ArmageddonX]

I want something slim too... nothing too bulky. Like this:
Smartphone Experts Pocket Pouch for HTC Inspire 4G, Thunderbolt, Desire HD, Evo 4G - Android Pocket Pouches - Android Central Store

Or even a cloth/microfiber type pouch would be nice. I like to carry my phone in my pocket and I want it to feel comfortable in my pocket but also be safe.

 

[Mauddib]

I am hoping that Amazon will sell the case with a kickstand.

 

[bobby2478]

The picture I posted above is the case I currently use for my EVO 4G. Since the EVO 3D will be a little longer, I'm not sure how well it would fit in that particular case.

And no, there is no clip. It is a great leather pouch and I have two of them (because I always misplace one). I've had it for almost a year and they have not chipped, cracked, peeled, etc. Really high quality.

I bought it from here: Buy HTC Accessories, HTC Phones at HTCPedia Shop

Thanks! I'll keep my eye out for a version tailored specifically for the 3D, and will likely get one of those. I tried a few other cases like the Innocase and Innocase Active for the original Evo 4G, and I just didn't like either. At the end of the day, I feel a solid screen protector and a slim pouch style case like this is all I'll need. It will actually protect the entire device (including face) while in your pocket, and the screen protector will protect it while it's in use.

 

[RedWingsFan]

Thanks! I'll keep my eye out for a version tailored specifically for the 3D, and will likely get one of those. I tried a few other cases like the Innocase and Innocase Active for the original Evo 4G, and I just didn't like either. At the end of the day, I feel a solid screen protector and a slim pouch style case like this is all I'll need. It will actually protect the entire device (including face) while in your pocket, and the screen protector will protect it while it's in use.

The only thing you'll have to be careful of is dropping it while in the pouch. The top of the pouch is open so if it were dropped the right way, the phone could get damage on the corners. I've dropped it a couple of times so I have a couple small little chips in the phone.

But i agree, all you need is a pouch and a screen protector and you should be fine. Unless you work a job where you really need more protection. I am an office jockey so it doesn't get beat up.

 

[falconey]

I always go with hard belt clip cases. For the Evo I have the platinum brand that Best BUy sells which is supposedly a popular rebrand of XXXX (i forget the name). I hate crap in my pocket so I'll be going for a belt clip case once again. It's already a big phone so a lil more bulk is nothing compared to the security of a hard case and the phone being attached to my belt. That's my opinion although I can see why people choose other options.

 

[deltatko]

I don't really like cases too much, my last 3 phones I've had Invisible shields on them, but I might go with the kickstand case. I use it all day and it will be missed. I don't think I'm going to jump on anything right away though, I want to see how the texture on the back feels first.

 

[nothing]

First android phone for me. I'm going with white Nillkin based on this review for Galaxy S II.

****The Official Samsung Galaxy S II ACCESSORIES Thread*** - Page 2 - Overclockers UK Forums

Discount Nillkin Ultra Slim Hard Shield Faceplate for Htc Evo3d [nn013 Evo3d case skin]- US$9.99 - OBOstore.com

I also got the clear protector from the same store.

I usually get Invisible Shield but it always end up looking yellowish couple of months into it so I'll do something different this time.

Coming from a TP2.

 

[jerofld]

I have an invisible shield on both my iPod Touch and my Droid X, neither have gone yellow. My iPod even sits in the car 24/7, as well. Neither are new (10 months on iPod)

Weird that yours seem to turn yellow.

 

[Groty]

I don't really like cases too much, my last 3 phones I've had Invisible shields on them, but I might go with the kickstand case. I use it all day and it will be missed. I don't think I'm going to jump on anything right away though, I want to see how the texture on the back feels first.

I've never seen the invisibleSHIELD before. How tough is it to install the Full version? What isn't covered by the "Full Body Easy Install"?

Here's what I'm seeing for the Evo 4G.

HTC EVO 4G Screen Protector | invisibleSHIELD by ZAGG

 

[cobalt]

So about the screen protectors: Last time I saw someone with one and actually used their phone for more than a few second, it made the screen look grainy. I also don't like the touch feel as much with a protector on, and it also seems like it's harder to get the screen as clean with one on.

Are some brands better than others, and how do I tell before actually trying one? Any specific recommendations for quality (i.e. ignoring price)?

(Background: Ive been using a belt clip pouch case, no screen protector, and my screen is still in pristine condition. This is the Samsung Moment, which I don't believe is gorilla glass or anything special. So as long as I use a case for the 3vo, I'd expect it to hold up pretty well. Also, I'm slightly concerned that the 3D effect would get messed up with even minor distortions from a screen protector....)

 

[bobby2478]

I've never seen the invisibleSHIELD before. How tough is it to install the Full version? What isn't covered by the "Full Body Easy Install"?

Here's what I'm seeing for the Evo 4G.

HTC EVO 4G Screen Protector | invisibleSHIELD by ZAGG

The install for the full kit (protecting sides, back etc) can be quite tricky, however it's not impossible.

I installed one on my old BlackBerry, and it was a P.I.T.A. but protected nearly the entire phone.

The main thing I didn't like about the invisible shield, especially for a touch screen phone, is that it has a somewhat grippy and rubbery feel to it. Which is fine for all around the phone, but my fingers didn't slide as easily across the touchscreen when swiping etc. Because of this I will elect to stay away from it for the 3D. That's my only complaint though, from a pure protection standpoint they are great. I just wish the screen protector was more slick so your finger could glide over the phone more easily and not be as sticky.

 

[nothing]

Yea, only the one that I put on for Blackberry Bold didn't do that after couple of months. Maybe it's the way you put it on, I don't know. In total, I brought 5 of IS protectors since 08. If you google Invisible Shield Turn Yellow, you'll get a lot of results.

 

[NeoteriX]

First android phone for me. I'm going with white Nillkin based on this review for Galaxy S II.

****The Official Samsung Galaxy S II ACCESSORIES Thread*** - Page 2 - Overclockers UK Forums

Discount Nillkin Ultra Slim Hard Shield Faceplate for Htc Evo3d [nn013 Evo3d case skin]- US$9.99 - OBOstore.com

I also got the clear protector from the same store.

I usually get Invisible Shield but it always end up looking yellowish couple of months into it so I'll do something different this time.

Coming from a TP2.

That Nilikin looks almost exactly like my Case-Mase Barely There case on my Evo 4G...

edit: now reading reviews, I'm almost positive the Nillkin is a clone of the Case Mate Barely There series. I'm probably going to go with the original model.

 

[Jackietreehorn]

Deal on screen protectors from XDA Forum:

Got Some Nice E3D Screen Protectors - xda-developers

Any idea if these cover just the screen area, or the whole face (buttons and all type of thing)? Also, anyone tried these or the Steinheil crystal? Any comparisons?

 

[bobby2478]

Any idea if these cover just the screen area, or the whole face (buttons and all type of thing)? Also, anyone tried these or the Steinheil crystal? Any comparisons?

I installed Seidio clear protectors on my Evo 4G, and the edges kept peeling off shortly after install, all around the screen. These protectors covered all buttons on the bottom, only cut out was for the front facing camera i believe. This happened on both protectors, so I got a refund and instead got the Steinheil crystal, which appeared to do the same thing (although not as bad as the Seidio ones). Steinheil didn't have any cut outs, and was one solid piece with covered the entire face of the phone. Personally I prefer this over a cut out, the cut out can collect dust etc and be harder to keep clean, I didn't see any distortion from having a clear protector over the front camera.

I took extreme care when applying (washed hands with soap to remove oil, installed in bathroom after having shower on so steam could reduce dust etc, so that couldn't have been the problem.

From a visibility standpoint, both protectors were very clear with no distortion whatsoever. They both were also very slick, so you can swipe your finger much easier then with a Invisible Shield (more grippy feel).

I'm not sure if it was just a problem with the specific Evo I had or what, so hopefully with the 3D whatever screen protector I get doesn't have this issue.

 

[deltatko]

I've never seen the invisibleSHIELD before. How tough is it to install the Full version? What isn't covered by the "Full Body Easy Install"?

Here's what I'm seeing for the Evo 4G.

HTC EVO 4G Screen Protector | invisibleSHIELD by ZAGG

The full version is pretty tough to put on and the sides end up coming off. I'm going with just the screen this time and it isn't hard to put on at all.

The main thing I didn't like about the invisible shield, especially for a touch screen phone, is that it has a somewhat grippy and rubbery feel to it. Which is fine for all around the phone, but my fingers didn't slide as easily across the touchscreen when swiping etc. Because of this I will elect to stay away from it for the 3D. That's my only complaint though, from a pure protection standpoint they are great. I just wish the screen protector was more slick so your finger could glide over the phone more easily and not be as sticky.

It is fairly "grippy" and I think that is one of the things I really like, especially on the back, it makes the phone very hard to drop on accident if you are just lightly holding on to it.

The screen does get a little different feel with it on. I got a replacement 4G a couple months ago and never put the screen protector back on and I can tell the difference in feel, but the main thing is without it, i feel like the finger prints are WAY worse without it. That is the main reason I'm getting one for the 3D, I'm not worried about scratching the screen so much as I want to cut down on the smudges and finger prints.

 

[bobby2478]

...It is fairly "grippy" and I think that is one of the things I really like, especially on the back, it makes the phone very hard to drop on accident if you are just lightly holding on to it.

The screen does get a little different feel with it on. I got a replacement 4G a couple months ago and never put the screen protector back on and I can tell the difference in feel, but the main thing is without it, i feel like the finger prints are WAY worse without it. That is the main reason I'm getting one for the 3D, I'm not worried about scratching the screen so much as I want to cut down on the smudges and finger prints.

I agree, the "grippy" feeling of the Invisible Shield for the back of the phone would be good to help it from slipping from your hand. The only area I had a problem with it was on the touch screen. I really didn't like how my finger would stick to the screen more, making using the touchscreen much more difficult. I just wish they'd offer a similar product where the finish on the screen protector was less rubberized, allowing your finger to glide across it like it does on the screen with no protector.

Note there are screen protectors that specificly target fingerprints, however they do appear to obstruct the screen clarity somewhat. So they help eliminate fingerprints, but then your screen doesn't appear as clear, which kind of defeats the purpose anyway.

 

[Emblazon]

Personally, I can't stand using screen protectors--it takes away from the feel of the screen too much, especially when playing games. The last touch device I put a screen protector on was my DS. The glass technology for these devices have come a long way, and so long as you don't live with your phone in the same pocket as your keys or some razor blades, your screen should be fine. The way I organize now around my phone, is that my wallet and keys go in my left front pants pocket, and my phone goes by itself in the front right pocket. Haven't ever had any issues with scratches.

My question regarding the cases is this--will the official kickstand case allow you to dock the phone in the new landscape orientation dock without removing the case from the phone? The company Switcheasy makes iPhone cases that come with dock adapters so that you never have to remove their case in order to dock the phone into any compatible i-device radio. It would be nice if HTC (or whichever company makes the official cases/docks) has enough foresight in mind so as to make the kickstand case compatible with the dock... especially considering you can't charge the phone while using the kickstand (or, not without risking breaking either the cable or the connection).