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Review of Trident Aegis S4 case with lots of pics!!!

twister6

Android Expert
Jul 30, 2010
2,247
928
This is a review of Trident Aegis case for S4: Aegis Case for Samsung Galaxy S IV/i9505

Having tested Aegis for N2, I was a little surprised about design change for S4 where instead of a dual injected layer (two layers combined) they went back to 2 separate layers design. After testing this case with my display model of S4, I quickly realized - this is a good change! Let me start first by actually taking a note of the packaging box Aegis came in. I just think it's totally awesome how this company embraced the image of Trident and different mythological creatures for every case in their series, and how it gets reflected even in the packaging cardboard box it comes in. Of course, the display package looks cool too. In addition to the case, Trident also included a screen protector and a pocket catalog with all of their cases with installation instructions for each. Obviously I didn't install the screen protector, but it doesn't feel flimsy like some of those cheap ebay ones. Something that I found very useful, their protective layer which you peel off before installation has a guiding dotted line which makes it very helpful with alignment during the install. I think it's a nice touch to include a bonus free screen protector considering not too many case company do that anymore.

Now to the case itself. It consists of two layers, inner shock-absorbing silicone layer and outer hardened PC plastic shell. Aegis series was always considered for casual use, but this S4 version stepped it up to a very decent rugged use. According to Trident website, this case actually meets Military standards (MIL-STD-810F for vibration and drop), and it sure feels like it. Inner silicone layer has nice textured thicker back padding and also a thicker all around bumper with enhanced corner protection. The screen bumper is raised so there shouldn't be any issues placing the phone down on the screen. It also has attached port covers for micro-usb and headphone ports. I do have to mention because this is silicone material there is some pull around the edges. At the same time, I have not noticed it being lint magnet, and it felt pocket friendly. Outer PC shell wraps around the back with extra top/bottom protection and 4 side grips to keep inner shell from sliding off. Also, it has a dust cover for the speaker. Both shells interconnect with a precision and wrap around S4 to give a solid protection. In addition to covering headphone, micro-usb, and speaker ports, power/volume buttons are covered as well and have a very nice tactile feedback feel. The camera/flash is one common opening, and with border lining of inner silicone layers it makes sure your don't get flash reflection which often a problem on white cases where pictures get overexposed.

Overall its a very impressive case which should be considered for both casual and outdoor use, and will definitely give you a piece of mind if you drop the phone. Not to mention that it also comes in 5 different colors. What makes it totally insane is that on Amazon you can get it now for about $17 shipped, and that includes screen protector!!!

Here are the pictures for your enjoyment:

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I almost pulled the trigger on the Aegis case, but held off.

Hey twister6, reviewing your case reviews (for the GN2), I see you have evaluated the Seidio Active, The UAG, and the Aegis (to name but a few). I don't recall if you've reviewed the Speck CandyShell or not.

I currently have the Speck CS and like the size, but find the case a bit too slick for me. If I have it laying face down on a flat surface, I find it difficult to pick up.

The above mentioned cases are under consideration to replace the Speck, but I'd like your insight since you've seen/tested the GN2 equivalents. I had the Seidio Active case for the GN2, but dumped it when I swapped out the GN2 for the GS4.

I want a case that will let me either slip it in my back pocket or carry it in a belt holster/pouch... oversized enough to accomodate the GS4 with whichever case I end up with.

How would you rate the Seidio Active vs the Aegis vs the UAG? I know the Active case has enough silicon outside the hard plastic shell to give me enough to hold onto when I pick it up. But I don't particularly care for the kickstand feature and how it adds bulk to the overall case.

I like the size of the Speck. If it had some of the lighter gray material on the sides to help with grip, I would probably keep it. But that gray material is only on the buttons and around the lip /face of the phone. Also, I find the Speck volume/power buttons very easy to work which is a big plus.

Bottom line, I'd like to hear a comparison of those 3 cases in terms of size (additional bulk), button operation, and case slickness when picking it up from a face down position... and anything else you might think pertinent.

Thanks!

Edit 1: Here's a holster/pouch that I might be interested in if the GS4 and one of the above cases is a good fit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/V078-Large-Oversize-Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Vertical-Phone-Case-Pouch-Rotating-Clip-/171026541586?pt=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&hash=item27d1f9ec12

Edit 2: According to this page, the Aegis measures 5.80 x 3.10 x 0.6. I'm not sure it will fit comfortably in this case which says it accommodates 5.75 x 3.0 x 0.75 dimensions. It may be close, but it may be tight hindering access. If this is true, how does the Aegis case compare in size to the others?

http://www.tridentcase.com/shop-pro...i9505/aegis-case-samsung-galaxy-iv-i9505.aspx
 
Upvote 0
twister6, thanks for the tip. A timely review!

However, I find some critical info missing from your otherwise excellent review. What are the overall dimensions of the case? Is the case material slick making it difficult to pick up the S4 from the sides when face down on a flat surface?

I don't find the dimensions listed on the UAG site either. I think it will fit in the vertical case linked above, but am not sure.

So I'm still interested in your comparison of the Active, UAG, and Aegis cases for the criteria I've outlined above.

Thanks!
 
Upvote 0

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