What is the best case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3? (must be ultra slim, high protection)

[ship69]

Hi

What is the best case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3?

Criteria:
- Must have a lid to protect screen when not in use (i.e. "flip lid"?)
- Must be as thin as possible (to stay pocket sized & fit into car holder)
- Must have protection to sides in case it gets dropped onto hard surface

A really nice tactile feel would be good.
A colour other than black or white would be good (help me find phone fast).
A built in 'stand' would be a bones but only a small one.

Cost is not much of a consideration.

Any suggestions?

J

 

[SkyJackpot]

Hi

What is the best case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3?

Criteria:
- Must have a lid to protect screen when not in use (i.e. "flip lid"?)
- Must be as thin as possible (to stay pocket sized & fit into car holder)
- Must have protection to sides in case it gets dropped onto hard surface

A really nice tactile feel would be good.
A colour other than black or white would be good (help me find phone fast).
A built in 'stand' would be a bones but only a small one.

Cost is not much of a consideration.

Any suggestions?

J

I'm not sure but i have seen some nice cases which have varying degrees of ruggedness and style in the phone cases thread. I was looking at a nice waterproof case the other day actually, it seemed very nice but probably not suited for your usage at this time.

Maybe take a look in the cases thread and then you can have a detailed look at some of the options available

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3/775408-note-3-cases.html

 

[ship69]

Waterproof could be a life-saver (I lost my Note 2 in a canal last w/e!). But do they add much bulk? I am keen to stay 'pocket-sized' if humanly possible...

 

[SkyJackpot]

Hi

What is the best case for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3?

Criteria:
- Must have a lid to protect screen when not in use (i.e. "flip lid"?)
- Must be as thin as possible (to stay pocket sized & fit into car holder)
- Must have protection to sides in case it gets dropped onto hard surface

A really nice tactile feel would be good.
A colour other than black or white would be good (help me find phone fast).
A built in 'stand' would be a bones but only a small one.

Cost is not much of a consideration.

Any suggestions?

J

A user her has reviews of cases of all kinds with lots of accompanying pictures inside the threads so that you can also look at them. Click the Web link below to see those threads or search this forum for "twister6"

http://androidforums.com/search.php?searchid=13176791

 

[ship69]

A user her has reviews of cases of all kinds with lots of accompanying pictures inside the threads so that you can also look at them. Click the Web link below to see those threads or search this forum for "twister6"

http://androidforums.com/search.php?searchid=13176791

Thanks. Yes, I had a quick look but most of her emphasis was more towards greater protection more than ultra-slim protection and staying pocket sized.

I think I am leaning towards having a lid of some sort (flip lid?) so as to make sure that metal objects (e.g. house keys, coins etc) do not scratch the screen...

 

[SkyJackpot]

Thanks. Yes, I had a quick look but most of her emphasis was more towards greater protection more than ultra-slim protection and staying pocket sized.

I think I am leaning towards having a lid of some sort (flip lid?) so as to make sure that metal objects (e.g. house keys, coins etc) do not scratch the screen...

Hmm I've heard of people who want screen protection choosing screen protection such as the one in the web link below. Or you can search online for "screen protector" & find out more.

When I first received the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 I was thinking about buying a screen protector, but then decided to always put it in a pocket of its own when not at home so it has remained pristine condition since then.

Galaxy Note 3 Screen Protector | SAMSUNG UK

"Protects your smartphone screen from scratching, scraping, and abrasion that results from every day use. And its high quality adhesive means the protective film won

 

[ship69]

Thanks. However I dont think a screen protector on its own will protect very well against keys and coins in the same pocket. Also I need something to protect the sides if/when I drop the thing onto a hard surface...

 

[SkyJackpot]

Thanks. However I dont think a screen protector on its own will protect very well against keys and coins in the same pocket. Also I need something to protect the sides if/when I drop the thing onto a hard surface...

Unfortunately as I don't use a case I can't help but hopefully someone else can, as I also mentioned that I have heard of many people using screen protector underneath or with a case . If you don't receive a reply you could try and search for more online. I've seen some nice super slim ones many months ago and I have seen a few with stands too, & will be getting one with a stand soon.

 

[AnonGuy]

I use one of the thin Spigen cases. I don't use a screen protector.

The only reason why I use a case is to keep the camera lens off of a potentially rough surface and avoid scratching it when the phone is lying/slid on its back.

 

[Stang70Fastback]

The Spigen Neo Hybrid is flipping fantastic. I had it for about a year until I got an extended battery.

 

[ship69]

The Spigen Neo Hybrid is flipping fantastic. I had it for about a year until I got an extended battery.

It doesn't seem to have a lid and so will fail to protect the screen from keys in the pocket. No use to me.

J

 

[SkyJackpot]

It doesn't seem to have a lid and so will fail to protect the screen from keys in the pocket. No use to me.

J

What about this one in the web link below? Greetings

ROCK Elegant Side Flip Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - Azure Blue

 

[ship69]

What about this one in the web link below? Greetings

ROCK Elegant Side Flip Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - Azure Blue

I was wondering about those Rock things. What I can't tell though is:
A) How much protection there is (if any for when it's dropped) to either
a) the sides
b) the ends

B) Is there anything to keep the lid shut? I can't see any sign of a magnet. And this means that stuff in you pocket might get between the screen and the cover, no? And if gets dropped the lid might flap open and the phone's screen would suddenly be unprotected, no?

J

 

[SkyJackpot]

I was wondering about those Rock things. What I can't tell though is:
A) How much protection there is (if any for when it's dropped) to either
a) the sides
b) the ends

B) Is there anything to keep the lid shut? I can't see any sign of a magnet. And this means that stuff in you pocket might get between the screen and the cover, no? And if gets dropped the lid might flap open and the phone's screen would suddenly be unprotected, no?

J

I dont have any extra details regarding what or any type of method it uses to clip together, as is understandable only the website or manufacturer would know that if they don't put that type of information in the description.

The description does have some information regarding the protection:

"Imported high grade PU with super fiber surface cover lining

It may be elegant in design but offers strong protection to your phone. The hard case is made from imported PU and high quality polycarbonate material. The front cover is lined what ultra-soft ultra-fibre that gives gentle protection to help deter any unwanted bumps or scraps"

Unfortunately not any information about protection from drops, but I think in this case, unless anyone on the forum has any specific knowledge on this or similar slim case then it would definitely be more ideal to contact them directly so that any specific concerns can be addressed live in real time, and they can give you valuable additional information that someone experienced with cases can offer you

The Spigen SlimArmor case that I bought earlier this year after getting the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is supposed to have impact protection but to be honest I'm not too confident in any of them, and the Spigen Neo Hybrid D just feels and looks like a fashion case, in my humble opinion, but maybe some people have good experiences to tell about Spigen, as I have only tried them on a couple of times many months ago & never put them back on as I like the stock phone dimensions much more without a case.

Greetings.

 

[RandyBoyz92]

Case-Mate Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Tough Cases (Case-Mate GXNOTE3-TUF), Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Cases | Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Covers | Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Accessories | Case-Mate

I use this, it has saved my smartphone many times.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Generally, the larger the case the greater the protection so its pretty difficult to meet all of your criteria as the phone itself is already pretty large.

I imagine most flip lid cases pop open if/when the phone is dropped so I can only second the suggestion of a Spigen Neo Hybrid case. I also use a Spigen Glas T tempered glass screen protector. I've been using this set up for about a year now and so far so good (although the phone has never been dropped on tarmac or concrete).

My only other rule is that I never put it in my pocket with anything else because:

1. Coins, keys etc may damage it.
2. In my experience, there just isn't room for anything else in your pocket (well, jeans pocket at least) when the phone is there.

 

[ship69]

Case-Mate Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Tough Cases (Case-Mate GXNOTE3-TUF), Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Cases | Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Covers | Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Accessories | Case-Mate

I use this, it has saved my smartphone many times.

Am I correct in thinking that it has not lid, though?

J

 

[ship69]

Interesting.... Yes. Spigen Glas T tempered glass screen protector + Spigen Neo Hybrid sounds like a good logical option BUT it is starting to add both bulk and weight.

I had a quick look online but I cant find how much these things actually weigh but people do comment on it.

On my Galaxy Note 2 I had a Samsung flip case that replaced the back of the phone and the flip lid. This meant that I didnt need to worry about coins and small keys being in the same pocket. The down side was that the whole case came off far too easily and the materials didnt last very well. But at least it protected the screen (in the pocket - tho probably not in the drop!) and was LIGHT.

J

 

[Silver Surfer]

Well, I believe that the Galaxy Note 3 weighs in at 168g.

My setup with Neo Hybrid case and tempered glass screen protector weighs in at approx. 220g so there is an inevitable increase in weight. As for bulk, it does make the phone slightly larger but it is still pocketable.

How much actual protection it provides is debatable (I've yet to truly test it) but the phone itself is unmarked when I remove the case (it has suffered a couple of waist high drops onto wooden floor and carpet) and the screen protector is still pristine.

In any case (if you'll excuse the pun), I'll be upgrading to a Note 4 in a few weeks and I'll probably be looking to use a similar setup on that.

Good luck with your search.

p.s. have you seen the Spigen Slim Armor View case?

 

[SkyJackpot]

Thanks. However I dont think a screen protector on its own will protect very well against keys and coins in the same pocket

Interesting.... Yes. Spigen Glas T tempered glass screen protector + Spigen Neo Hybrid sounds like a good logical option BUT it is starting to add both bulk and weight
J

Indeed & I think you may have to settle for a compromise between weight & strength, just as was the case with your Samsung Galaxy Note 2, as I don't think you will find any slim ones that provide the drop impact protection you want while staying slim.

My unused Spigen SlimArmor definitely feels more protective than my unused Spigen Neo Hybrid, but the only thing "slim" about the SlimArmor is the name.

I did note that as you mentioned money being no object I thought of carbon fiber being extremely light and protective, but it turns out that even the most expensive ones are named "carbon fiber" in name only, to describe the pattern effect, while the actual "materials" are listed as hard plastic & some metal mixed with other materials.

Greetings

 

[ship69]

Hmm... 168g ==> 220g is a full 35% increase in weight. That's a LOT.

Distilling my thoughts I think what I need is:
a) A replacement back [to minimise weight gain]
b) that comes round to the sides too [to protect sides from a drop]
c) with a flip lid [to protect front from drop/keys in pocket]

I have searched online but I cant find such a thing.
Perhaps it doesnt exist. :^/


Btw, it turns out the insurance company is now going to give me a new Note3 after all. The trouble is that I have now already bought a new Note3 because, for business reasons, I was in a hurry. (I did this at vast expense from my mobile phone operator Three, when I spent over GBP610 on it last weekend !)
What is the best way to get sell my spare Note 3?
e.g. Could I sell here or would eBay be better? I also have a personal friend interested but I don't want to rip him off accidentally either...

J

 

[DirtyDee]

Swappa over eBay

 

[paulw035]

Btw, it turns out the insurance company is now going to give me a new Note3 after all. The trouble is that I have now already bought a new Note3 because, for business reasons, I was in a hurry. (I did this at vast expense from my mobile phone operator Three, when I spent over GBP610 on it last weekend !)
What is the best way to get sell my spare Note 3?
e.g. Could I sell here or would eBay be better? I also have a personal friend interested but I don't want to rip him off accidentally either...

J[/QUOTE]

Isn't there still a 14 day cooling off period with UK retailers? take it back and get a full refund.

 

[ship69]

Isn't there still a 14 day cooling off period with UK retailers? take it back and get a full refund.

I just spoke to the Three shop (in Gloucestershire) and to their central phone number and they say that "there is no cooling off period" because I bought it from a shop! i.e. If I had bought it online then I would have a 14 day cooling off period.

I now feel like a total idiot for buying from Three. They charged me GBP 649.99 (i.e. call it

 

[paulw035]

I just spoke to the Three shop (in Gloucestershire) and to their central phone number and they say that "there is no cooling off period" because I bought it from a shop! i.e. If I had bought it online then I would have a 14 day cooling off period.

I now feel like a total idiot for buying from Three. They charged me GBP 649.99 (i.e. call it £650) for a Galaxy Note 3.

Whereas you can buy them from multiple *reputable* places for GBP200+ less that that!
e.g.
Amazon (GBP 429.99)
or Play (GBP 449.90)
eBuyer (GBP 503.99)

...And that's before going to eBay

P.S. In fact on eBay, this eBay Premium Service is charging just £374.99... and it turns out that they are only quoting a RRP of £429.99 ! (Which is £200 less that I actually paid the lovely people at Three)

Boy, do I feel like an idiot for buying from a Three shop. :^(

Have you checked the contract? I thought it was still illegal to not have a cooling off period.