GS3 Case discussion thread

[PaxtonPetty]

Rugged Samsung Galaxy S3 Cases | OtterBox.com

I have the Commuter series and I love it.

 

[Ballymoss]

Have a look at this one GRIP S LINE GEL CASE FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 + SCREEN PROTECTOR & BIG STYLUS PEN | eBay and select "Blue" colour"?

 

[xpavar]

hows the fit with the dualpro? like say, is there room for a full body phantomskinz (or similar product) application within the silicone sleeve? i was thinking of a liquipel+phantomskinz+dualpro setup...

and i might just go with the turquoise dualpro from t-mo, since thats my carrier, and it would probably match the pebble phone better

Mine fits snugly. I have a sgp nano screen protector and it works well with the Incipio case.

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

I currently have the Silicrylic DualPro on my S3. Wifi works fine. It's a nice case, reminds me of the OB Commuter I had on my DINC, with less bulk. -Edit mine is the nonmetallic version, not the shine version.

Ah, yeah I'm speaking about the aluminum finish version.

 

[anna_p]

Disappointed to hear what you guys think about the silicylic, mine is on its way.

Is the otterbox super bulky? I'm considering the commuter. Do you guys think a wrapsol case could fit under it?

 

[dillon24]

Rearth Samsung Galaxy S3 Ringke SLIM Lite Kit

This is the one I ordered, Ill have to let you know when it arrives

 

[artman540]

Disappointed to hear what you guys think about the silicylic, mine is on its way.

Is the otterbox super bulky? I'm considering the commuter. Do you guys think a wrapsol case could fit under it?

The Commuter is the same thickness as the Silicrylic but it is heavier.

 

[DaddyCee]

interested in one of the armband variety for the gym, any decent ones that people have used before?

 

[BloodKil]

Personally i hate Defender cases. Why would you want the silicone on the outside? I always recommend the Trident Kraken for those that want ultimate protection.

Sorry, but I just watched a review on the kraken for the note and there is no F'ing way you can consider that ultimate protection compared to the Defender.

Samsung Galaxy Note Trident Kraken AMS Review @DayDeal_com - YouTube

First off the defender uses a dual layer over the entirety of the phone (and additional foam padding inside the polycarbonate)

Kraken on the other hand seems to have a rather lacking polycarbonate frame, which leaves the corners and parts of the side exposed with only a single layer of protection (silicon)



Secondly defender uses built in screen protector which makes it hard for sand/water/goop to enter the case.

Kraken uses a self applied screen protector which exposed areas all over the perimeter of the front of the phone to the elements



Third where the hell is the protective film for the camera on the kraken???? Missing thats where

Otterbox Defender has one...



And my final "big" issue with the kraken is the barely there holster, that would be relatively easy to bump and dislodge your phone out of and if you need ultimate protection it could very well be that fall will be of a considerable distance (not to mention it only works facing in and doesnt add an extra layer around phone)

Otterbox defender wraps around 3 sides of the phone, allows for out/in facing of the phone, and will more than likely take the holster and all (as opposed to just the phone) if you get it caught on something or bang it really hard, which in the end adds a 3rd layer of protection for drops (poly holster/silicone shell/poly shell)



TL/DR

OB defender > Trident Kraken by a lot when it comes to protection.

 

[herdroid]

Rearth Samsung Galaxy S3 Ringke SLIM Lite Kit

This is the one I ordered, Ill have to let you know when it arrives

I have the black Rearth and it's a nice case. I'm still looking to get a more protective case and armband - am thinking about these:

Tune Belt - http://www.tunebelt.com/ab85

Otterbox Commuter

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

interested in one of the armband variety for the gym, any decent ones that people have used before?

I'm holding out for a release by Tunebelt (I was told that it will be inevitable but the company hasn't received any of their units yet).

At this point in time I'd probably give my money to Belkin: Amazon.com: Belkin EaseFit Plus Armband for Samsung Galaxy S III / S3 (Black / Lime): Cell Phones & Accessories

Someone on XDA mentioned purchasing this one and said it was decent for the money: Amazon.com: CrazyOnDigital ACTIVE Sport Armband Case for New Samsung Galaxy S3 (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon) (Black-Silver): Cell Phones & Accessories

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

I have the black Rearth and it's a nice case. I'm still looking to get a more protective case and armband - am thinking about these:

Tune Belt - http://www.tunebelt.com/ab85

Otterbox Commuter

I actually have that case for my previous device (Droid X) and can tell you it does not fit comfortably, in fact the top portion sticks out from the protective cover. Not to mention the holes for inputs is incorrect. Read my post above, but I contacted Tunebelt about a possible S3 armband and told me they haven't received their devices yet, but feel confident they will release a product in the near future.

 

[artman540]

Sorry, but I just watched a review on the kraken for the note and there is no F'ing way you can consider that ultimate protection compared to the Defender.

Samsung Galaxy Note Trident Kraken AMS Review @DayDeal_com - YouTube

First off the defender uses a dual layer over the entirety of the phone (and additional foam padding inside the polycarbonate)

Kraken on the other hand seems to have a rather lacking polycarbonate frame, which leaves the corners and parts of the side exposed with only a single layer of protection (silicon)



Secondly defender uses built in screen protector which makes it hard for sand/water/goop to enter the case.

Kraken uses a self applied screen protector which exposed areas all over the perimeter of the front of the phone to the elements



Third where the hell is the protective film for the camera on the kraken???? Missing thats where

Otterbox Defender has one...



And my final "big" issue with the kraken is the barely there holster, that would be relatively easy to bump and dislodge your phone out of and if you need ultimate protection it could very well be that fall will be of a considerable distance (not to mention it only works facing in and doesnt add an extra layer around phone)

Otterbox defender wraps around 3 sides of the phone, allows for out/in facing of the phone, and will more than likely take the holster and all (as opposed to just the phone) if you get it caught on something or bang it really hard, which in the end adds a 3rd layer of protection for drops (poly holster/silicone shell/poly shell)



TL/DR

OB defender > Trident Kraken by a lot when it comes to protection.

You're judging based on case made for the most specialized phone out. The Kraken I have on my Galaxy Nexus covers everything but the corners where its reinforced with rubber to absorb shock. My Defender was a POS by comparison.

 

[herdroid]

I actually have that case for my previous device (Droid X) and can tell you it does not fit comfortably, in fact the top portion sticks out from the protective cover. Not to mention the holes for inputs is incorrect. Read my post above, but I contacted Tunebelt about a possible S3 armband and told me they haven't received their devices yet, but feel confident they will release a product in the near future.

Do you have the AB85? I have the IPhone version that fits my Incredible with a case fairly well. I'm really looking for an armband that doesn't require taking the case off to use. I was hoping the AB85 would allow me to keep the Otterbox on.

Does anyone have the Commuter that can post the measurements? The AB85 lists maximum length as 5.5 inches and maximum circumference as 7.5.

 

[diirk]

Got my phone last night. Threw the Speck Candyshell on it immediately. Perfect fit. All the buttons wroks great. Openings line up perfectly. And the overall size is fairly slim for something that provides this much protection. Couldn't be happier.

 

[BloodKil]

The Kraken I have on my Galaxy Nexus covers everything but the corners where it has silicon only

Fixed that for you.... (its not reinforced rubber btw its silicone)

Now if you look at my post you will see I already pointed that out.

Dont get me wrong Im not hating on the kraken, in fact I think its a great looking case.

I love the fact it can be used as a silicone only case, and I love the power/vol button style on the kraken compared to OB Defender.

Unfortunately though looks alone will not win a ruggedness/durability contest and you said you recommended it for those who wanted ultimate protection. OB defender still wins out there.


(as a side not I looked at kraken for GNEX and a few other phones as well... they all have the silicon only corners and other issues when it comes to protection, so idk why you think the note case was somehow specialized in that fact)

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

Do you have the AB85? I have the IPhone version that fits my Incredible with a case fairly well. I'm really looking for an armband that doesn't require taking the case off to use. I was hoping the AB85 would allow me to keep the Otterbox on.

Does anyone have the Commuter that can post the measurements? The AB85 lists maximum length as 5.5 inches and maximum circumference as 7.5.

Actually I have the AB83 and being the dunce that I am realized I was attempting to insert the S3 into one of my older Tunebelt armbands for an iPod Touch :banghead:

I tracked down my other case (that I used previously for my DX) and what would you know, it actually fits pretty well. Unfortunately the cutouts are again incorrect (though it might be an easy fix by just cutting out a small portion of the neoprene at the top to access the audio jack). Guess I'll be using this until Tunebelt releases a proper armband that caters to the layout of the device.

 

[Wizard Prang]

There have been many great ideas and tons of beautiful screenshots, and I am grateful to all of you.

Having said all that, my case needs are different to many. I am relatively new to smartphones, having had a Droid X2 (don't titter, you in the back!) since it was launched just over a year ago. I use two cases with it; one is the two-part "official" Verizon case - I use this for "rugged" situations, such as yardwork and working on my car. Most of the time, however, I use a simple plastic clip that holds the bare phone on my belt at home and in the office. Curiously, I have not seen such a clip for the SIII on sale. If you find one, let me know.

Shock horror! A bare phone! With not even a screen protector! Three people in the front row just passed out... Pass them the smelling-salts and let me explain why...

• I rarely drop my phone. During the year I have had it I may have dropped it perhaps once or twice, and never outdoors. There is no noticeable damage and the phone looks new.
• At work, the phone sits in a cradle on my desk, playing music through my computer.
• I swap batteries often. I have a second battery and two chargers, one at home and one at work. When power is low it is often easier to slam in a fresh battery. Depending on my usage, I may need to do something similar with the SIII. As best I can see, a wrap-around case would make this inconvenient or difficult.
• Most of the cases that I have seen protect the back and sides, but provide only limited protection to the front. I am not particularly concerned about the back; that can be easily replaced - and probably will be anyway when wireless charging becomes available. To protect the screen adequately I would need a hefty, bulky "does-this-make-me-look-fat?" case, and I am not sure that I would want to go that far. Gorilla Glass has been more than enough for me. Besides, that's what insurance is for...
• I am not fond of the belt-mounted leather pouches being sold on eBay, or the cases that use a flap to cover the screen, gorgeous as some of them are. I need the phone on my belt, close enough for instant response - not in my pocket with my keys, and certainly not in a handbag, rubbing shoulders with God-knows-what. Yes, I'm a guy. And no, I don't have a handbag.

I guess the moral of this long-winded tale is to know your requirements and understand what kind of punishment your phone is going to take, and purchase accordingly. My SIII arrived yesterday and I am awaiting a cheap $8 two-piece belt case that should arrive tomorrow. I may go for a different solution once I have had the phone a while, but that will have to do for now.

Besides, if the phone lives up to its expectations, prices will come down in time.

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

Similar to 2horses, I decided to go with an Elago case, yet I chose one from their "breathe line". Furthermore I decided to go with a white case to spruce up the Indigo Blue housing of the device.

Pros:
*Reasonably priced (I paid $8.99 shipped with Prime - Amazon.com: elago G5 Breathe Case for Galaxy S3 (Fits Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and other Carriers) - Glossy White - ECO PACK: Cell Phones & Accessories
*Available in numerous colors - Galaxy S3 Case | elago
*Mesh backing prevents device from becoming overheated.
*Hardshell casing ensures case will not easily crack, bend, or break.
*Slim fit ensures no bulk and contours perfectly to the shape of the device
*Simple and to some degree Eco-Friendly packaging

Cons:
*Offers minimal protection / top and bottom of device is not protected
*No lip around the circumference of the front of the case, thus offers little to no screen protection if device is placed screen down on flat/rough service.
*Does not include extras (some manufacturers include screen protectors, stands, cloths, etc.)
*Possible to find similar or better protective cases for the same price or cheaper.

Given the sheer size of the S3 and the ability for this case to add little to no noticeable bulk makes me a big fan of this case;more so then I had originally expected I would be. I plan on purchasing an SGP Curved Crystal protector once it is released, to remedy the lack of screen protection because of minimal lip.

 

[Bearcat37]

Hey I was wondering if anyone put a black Otterbox onto a blue Galaxy S3, I'd really love to see a picture to see how much the blue differs from the black. I really wish Samsung would have put out a black option or Otterbox at least make a case that's the same color.

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

Hey I was wondering if anyone put a black Otterbox onto a blue Galaxy S3, I'd really love to see a picture to see how much the blue differs from the black. I really wish Samsung would have put out a black option or Otterbox at least make a case that's the same color.

Even better, a video!

Samsung Galaxy S3 OtterBox Commuter Case - YouTube

 

[Veritas4420]

Looked through about 8 pages and did not see anything about a case with ID/credit card holder built in. anyone know of anything like that? I had one from Speck for my 4s and loved it.

 

[CyHawk]

Rearth Samsung Galaxy S3 Ringke SLIM Lite Kit

This is the one I ordered, Ill have to let you know when it arrives

I ordered the same for the wife and me.

 

[Wizard Prang]

Looked through about 8 pages and did not see anything about a case with ID/credit card holder built in. anyone know of anything like that? I had one from Speck for my 4s and loved it.

No ID card holder, but...

www.pielframa.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-cases-red.htm

Only

 

[bennybbc]

samsung phones are manufactured in south korea

Wrong. The box and behind the back cover clearly states that it's made in China. That's why I said that it was made there.

Benny