This is a Review of Seidio OBEX Combo case for Note 3. SEIDIO | OBEX Combo for Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Let me first start by saying HOW jealous I am this case was only developed in time for Note 3. It was always my dream to have an ULTIMATE protection case for my Note 2, but that dream came true for Note 3 users (and of course S3, S4, and probably S5 as well). The challenge of being able to have a fully certified IP68 case wasn't easy for Note phablet due to s-pen and other port covers, but here it is - finally resolved! I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but it's really not a hype. Nothing currently available for Note 3 will come even close to be 100% Waterproof (continuous submersion), Dust proof, Impact proof, Snow proof, Exceeding MIL-STD-810F standard, and IP68 Water and Dust tight certified - all that in a slim design. Here is more about this wonder case.
Arrived in a nice packaging, once you take a tour of all of it's features listed outside of the box, you quickly realize that Seidio guys thought of every possible doomsday scenario. It can also give you a wrongful impression of some bulky over-sized brick to accommodate all that, though a sneak peak through the box display shows a slim profile of black and red design. Out of the box, the case by itself feels super lightweight at only 75g. It has an excellent grip and doesn't feel in your hand wider than a typical slim case. I have to note that my review is based on using a display model of Note 3, but it still gives you a very accurate assessment of the fitment. OBEX will completely seal your Note 3 from outside world. Every port, every button, every opening, and the display will be covered. At least right out of the box, it was a bit of a challenge to separate top and bottom of the case, but this is actually a good thing. You want to be sure that no matter what happens to this case, if you drop it or compress it - it will not come apart and the internal seal will keep any moisture from getting inside of it. As a matter of fact, it exceed MIL STD certification of up to 6ft drop. The material used in this case is high quality combination of PC and Thermoplastic Silicon Vulcanizate to protect it from any direct impact. The built in screen protect has 4H hardness rating and sealed to protect from any moisture. Internally, you have waterproof membranes to protect microphone and speakers without reduction of sound quality. Also, they used a special anti-reflection glass for camera lens protection so it doesn't interfere with a picture quality. Sealed power, volume up/down, and home buttons have a very nice tactile response. For a more commonly used S-pen and headphone jack covers, Seidio used an easier to access hard rubber flap, while for other top/bottom ports it was partitioned with a hard plastic flap with rubber stoppers. You can still get to your usb charging port, but you need to use your nail and apply a bit of force.
Though I wasn't able to verify this because I only have a display model, Seidio guarantees in it's product description that case will not interfere with radio signals, bluetooth, or NFC - it's all plastic, so shouldn't be a problem. I also have a feeling that wireless charging shouldn't be a problem either. As an additional accessory, it also comes with a waterproof headphone adapter which screws right into the port. But in general, the case is fully functional for everyday use without any limitations of it's functionality. True, it's 2-piece design is not very easy to take apart and you will need to use both hands for that, but that's the whole intent of ultimate protection. In addition to the case, you also get a heavy duty holster with a belt clip, a typical design from their CONVERT series. OBEX can go into that holster face in and face out, and the spring loaded latch has a sliding lock to keep it secure. With face out, you can actually lean your Note 2 in landscape so you can use the holster/clip as a kickstand. The belt clip has a heavy duty durable spring, and it's actually removable to work with Seidio Quest Mounting system to attach to their car mount, bike mount, as well as armband mount.
Overall, if you are looking for a maximum protection of your Note 3, to withstand any and every element of nature and still look cool while doing that - there is nothing else out there that can do a better job than Seidio OBEX case. Don't let the price scare you away, just visit Amazon where you can find this case at a much better deal. To come up with this level of protection for Note 3 was really a challenge that neither Defender nor LifeProof would even touch, but Seidio OBEX nailed it with flying colors!!! Highly recommend this one!!!
Here are the pictures.
Let me first start by saying HOW jealous I am this case was only developed in time for Note 3. It was always my dream to have an ULTIMATE protection case for my Note 2, but that dream came true for Note 3 users (and of course S3, S4, and probably S5 as well). The challenge of being able to have a fully certified IP68 case wasn't easy for Note phablet due to s-pen and other port covers, but here it is - finally resolved! I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but it's really not a hype. Nothing currently available for Note 3 will come even close to be 100% Waterproof (continuous submersion), Dust proof, Impact proof, Snow proof, Exceeding MIL-STD-810F standard, and IP68 Water and Dust tight certified - all that in a slim design. Here is more about this wonder case.
Arrived in a nice packaging, once you take a tour of all of it's features listed outside of the box, you quickly realize that Seidio guys thought of every possible doomsday scenario. It can also give you a wrongful impression of some bulky over-sized brick to accommodate all that, though a sneak peak through the box display shows a slim profile of black and red design. Out of the box, the case by itself feels super lightweight at only 75g. It has an excellent grip and doesn't feel in your hand wider than a typical slim case. I have to note that my review is based on using a display model of Note 3, but it still gives you a very accurate assessment of the fitment. OBEX will completely seal your Note 3 from outside world. Every port, every button, every opening, and the display will be covered. At least right out of the box, it was a bit of a challenge to separate top and bottom of the case, but this is actually a good thing. You want to be sure that no matter what happens to this case, if you drop it or compress it - it will not come apart and the internal seal will keep any moisture from getting inside of it. As a matter of fact, it exceed MIL STD certification of up to 6ft drop. The material used in this case is high quality combination of PC and Thermoplastic Silicon Vulcanizate to protect it from any direct impact. The built in screen protect has 4H hardness rating and sealed to protect from any moisture. Internally, you have waterproof membranes to protect microphone and speakers without reduction of sound quality. Also, they used a special anti-reflection glass for camera lens protection so it doesn't interfere with a picture quality. Sealed power, volume up/down, and home buttons have a very nice tactile response. For a more commonly used S-pen and headphone jack covers, Seidio used an easier to access hard rubber flap, while for other top/bottom ports it was partitioned with a hard plastic flap with rubber stoppers. You can still get to your usb charging port, but you need to use your nail and apply a bit of force.
Though I wasn't able to verify this because I only have a display model, Seidio guarantees in it's product description that case will not interfere with radio signals, bluetooth, or NFC - it's all plastic, so shouldn't be a problem. I also have a feeling that wireless charging shouldn't be a problem either. As an additional accessory, it also comes with a waterproof headphone adapter which screws right into the port. But in general, the case is fully functional for everyday use without any limitations of it's functionality. True, it's 2-piece design is not very easy to take apart and you will need to use both hands for that, but that's the whole intent of ultimate protection. In addition to the case, you also get a heavy duty holster with a belt clip, a typical design from their CONVERT series. OBEX can go into that holster face in and face out, and the spring loaded latch has a sliding lock to keep it secure. With face out, you can actually lean your Note 2 in landscape so you can use the holster/clip as a kickstand. The belt clip has a heavy duty durable spring, and it's actually removable to work with Seidio Quest Mounting system to attach to their car mount, bike mount, as well as armband mount.
Overall, if you are looking for a maximum protection of your Note 3, to withstand any and every element of nature and still look cool while doing that - there is nothing else out there that can do a better job than Seidio OBEX case. Don't let the price scare you away, just visit Amazon where you can find this case at a much better deal. To come up with this level of protection for Note 3 was really a challenge that neither Defender nor LifeProof would even touch, but Seidio OBEX nailed it with flying colors!!! Highly recommend this one!!!
Here are the pictures.
