This is a review of Seidio SURFACE case and holster for Galaxy S5. SEIDIO | SURFACE Case & Holster Combo for Samsung Galaxy S5
It has been almost a tradition for me to review Seidio cases with every new phone or tablet. So, keeping up with a tradition I would like to share with you their latest SURFACE case for Galaxy S5. If you are already familiar with Seidio line of these slim cases, also known as Platinum in Best Buy, there is not going to be too many surprises since it still fits like a glove and offers a basic light duty protection. But nevertheless, let's take a closer look at what I have found.
SURFACE is the slimmest case in Seidio collection, but contrary to some other slim cases it actually offers an acceptable level of protection (both scratch and drop) for everyday use. Designed as two interlocking sliding pieces, it offers a unique way to go on the phone and to take it off without pulling/stretching the edges of the case. Once both of the halves put together, it stays securely intact even if you drop it down. Made out of hard plastic material, it's lined with a soft felt layer inside to keep your phone from scratches and for extra shock dampening. Outside surface has a very soft rubberized coating to improve the grip, and to add extra friction once you put it on the surface - it will not slide if you bump it off any surface. Also, it provides a lip to put the phone face down without worrying of scratching it's display and allowing extra space margin for screen protector. It actually worked well with my tempered glass screen protector. Assembled, it feels very solid and secure in your hand, rubberized finish is very nice to the touch and at the same time will not pull your pants pockets once you take your S5 out.
Thought S5 camera bump is not flush with a battery cover surface, I was pleased to see Seidio came up with a groove in the upper half of the case so that camera doesn't get scratched during assembly, and once assembled nothing sticks out beyond the case surface. Also, all the cutouts are perfectly aligned and easily accessible. There are no sharp edges, every cutout has a nice rounded finish. I especially liked the generous opening for power and volume buttons allowing easy access to otherwise shallow buttons. It also provides an extra room around the flash to slide your finger to heart rate sensor. You will not have any issues accessing a cover of the charging port, and even should have plenty of room for headphones with larger plugs.
Of course, the review of SURFACE will not be complete without mentioning of their unique kickstand - one of the best built-in kickstand available with any of the cases. It's not some cheap plastic after-thought addition, but rather a high quality metal kickstand with magnetic mechanism to snap it back when not in use and without any interference with phone functionality. The kickstand can only be used in landscape view which is very convenient when you want to enjoy watching videos on your S5. And to complete this package, you also have Seidio's holster with one of the best in class spring loaded latches. If you prefer to wear your S5 with SURFACE on your belt, this holster will be the best solution for it with inner felt-lining to protect the display from scratches, clip that swivels in 7 angles, and easy to access latch that keeps phone secure in while also allowing one handed operation to remove the phone.
Overall, if you are looking for a great minimal case that offers both scratch and drop protection (although not as much of heavy duty drop), and a convenience of solid kickstand and holster - SURFACE is the top candidate in that category. Also, keep in mind that once CONVERT shell is available, you will be able to add another layer of heavy duty protection on top of SURFACE.
Here are the pictures.
It has been almost a tradition for me to review Seidio cases with every new phone or tablet. So, keeping up with a tradition I would like to share with you their latest SURFACE case for Galaxy S5. If you are already familiar with Seidio line of these slim cases, also known as Platinum in Best Buy, there is not going to be too many surprises since it still fits like a glove and offers a basic light duty protection. But nevertheless, let's take a closer look at what I have found.
SURFACE is the slimmest case in Seidio collection, but contrary to some other slim cases it actually offers an acceptable level of protection (both scratch and drop) for everyday use. Designed as two interlocking sliding pieces, it offers a unique way to go on the phone and to take it off without pulling/stretching the edges of the case. Once both of the halves put together, it stays securely intact even if you drop it down. Made out of hard plastic material, it's lined with a soft felt layer inside to keep your phone from scratches and for extra shock dampening. Outside surface has a very soft rubberized coating to improve the grip, and to add extra friction once you put it on the surface - it will not slide if you bump it off any surface. Also, it provides a lip to put the phone face down without worrying of scratching it's display and allowing extra space margin for screen protector. It actually worked well with my tempered glass screen protector. Assembled, it feels very solid and secure in your hand, rubberized finish is very nice to the touch and at the same time will not pull your pants pockets once you take your S5 out.
Thought S5 camera bump is not flush with a battery cover surface, I was pleased to see Seidio came up with a groove in the upper half of the case so that camera doesn't get scratched during assembly, and once assembled nothing sticks out beyond the case surface. Also, all the cutouts are perfectly aligned and easily accessible. There are no sharp edges, every cutout has a nice rounded finish. I especially liked the generous opening for power and volume buttons allowing easy access to otherwise shallow buttons. It also provides an extra room around the flash to slide your finger to heart rate sensor. You will not have any issues accessing a cover of the charging port, and even should have plenty of room for headphones with larger plugs.
Of course, the review of SURFACE will not be complete without mentioning of their unique kickstand - one of the best built-in kickstand available with any of the cases. It's not some cheap plastic after-thought addition, but rather a high quality metal kickstand with magnetic mechanism to snap it back when not in use and without any interference with phone functionality. The kickstand can only be used in landscape view which is very convenient when you want to enjoy watching videos on your S5. And to complete this package, you also have Seidio's holster with one of the best in class spring loaded latches. If you prefer to wear your S5 with SURFACE on your belt, this holster will be the best solution for it with inner felt-lining to protect the display from scratches, clip that swivels in 7 angles, and easy to access latch that keeps phone secure in while also allowing one handed operation to remove the phone.
Overall, if you are looking for a great minimal case that offers both scratch and drop protection (although not as much of heavy duty drop), and a convenience of solid kickstand and holster - SURFACE is the top candidate in that category. Also, keep in mind that once CONVERT shell is available, you will be able to add another layer of heavy duty protection on top of SURFACE.
Here are the pictures.
Have you tried any Spigen cases? I've looked at a couple of those.
