Seidio Surface Case and Holster Review
About 2 years ago I started looking into a new phone and found the android based HTC Hero. I was amazed in how far android had come since the G1. As the time went on, I decided I wanted to find a case for the phone. I found a review for a Seidio case on this forum and ended up joining AF so I could see the pictures of the review because I hate trying to buy something without knowing what the product is.
When I saw that Seidio was releasing their Surface Case and Holster I wanted to be the first to get pictures and a review up on the forum so that I could help someone the same way that I was helped a few years ago! Without further ado...here it is!
Packaging:
OK, seriously.... who cares what the packaging is like. As long as the product gets to you in one piece, what else matters! For those who do care, the product arrives in a professional package with basic instructions. No issues here.
The Case:
I've owned Seidio cases for the CDMA HTC Hero, HTC Evo and Samsung Epic. Initially, when I saw that the case for the Charge was the "sandwich" style case that sat under the phone and over the top of the phone I was slightly worried. I quickly realized that this concern wasn't needed and that the case appears very well designed and has multiple clips that hold it together. Additionally, the back inside of the case is felt lined to prevent scratching.
I was curious how the case would hold together WITHOUT the phone in it. I'm was glad when I found that it actually clipped together and stayed together fine!
As is the case with all Seidio products, it is made from their signature soft-touch, high quality, plastic. It is, in my opinion, a huge improvement over the slick and slippery feel of the back of the phone and makes pulling the phone out of a pocket much less of a dangerous task.
Installation:
Installation is a breeze. Seidio provides instructions just in case though.
- Place your device into the bottom piece of the case.
- Align and snap the top pieces onto your device. Ensure that all clips are firmly attached.
I found that the image above was the only spot that needed pushed a little bit harder to fully latch. Once it did though, it held great!
Seidio also includes directions to remove the Surface Case. We can all figure that out but better safe than sorry!
- Use the opening slot to loosen both pieces. Once loosened, remove case from the device.
The opening slot is located slightly below the HDMI cover on the right side of the phone and can be seen in the photos below.
The case has a minor creaking sound where the opening slot is when resting your thumb on it when in a call. It does not, however, interfere with either camera, the sensors, charging port or the hardware keys!
The Holster:
The Surface case must be used with the holster. The holster is, by far, one of my favorite items from Seidio. When the Surface Case is on the phone, it can be used in combination with the holster to store the phone quickly and easily and SECURELY on your belt. It stores face-in to help prevent any damage to our beautiful screens! The actual belt clip is heavy duty and swivels and "snaps" into 7 different possible positions so you can keep the holster vertical or horizontal (at either direction).
At the top of the holster, the spring loaded latch holds the phone in place and takes more than a solid tug to get it out. You won't have to worry about it falling out of the holster! You'll quickly be able to "pop" open the latch and pull the phone out in a fluid movement with a bit of practice and time. The top latch at the top of the holster doesn't even interfere with the headphone jack!
When the phone is in the holster, the charging port is still accessible! The hdmi-out port, however, is not quite usable (you could probably safely sand down the holster without an issue).
The Surface case is available in multiple colors and both items are listed as "Now Shipping" on Seidio's website.
If anyone needs more information or pictures, let me know!
