Do I need a case?

[jboku]

I've dropped my old Galaxy Nexus more times than I can count over the past 2 years and i've ever got a scratch on it (at least one that stands out). I've also never used a case or screen protector on it....

Now I have the Note 3 and I noticed a few things from reviews / videos.

1. The chrome plating on the sides chips EASILY

2. The face down screen drop from 5' shatters the screen.

Now to my questions:
1. Is this screen / phone more fragile than the Galaxy Nexus?

2. Will a screen protector be enough to protect the screen from shattering when dropping in real life situations?

• Which ones are the best / what grade should I look for (H3, H8+ etc...)
• Which ones are the clearest (I hate when covers take away from the vibrancy -- Also the orange peel effect is always a fear)

3. Which case do you recommend if I get one? I don't want to turn my phone into a wallet and I don't want to add much more bulk to it .

Currently when I picked up my phone I got the Incipio case which is nothing special and not worth the $25 (I plan on returning it). Over all it's fine but for $10 on amazon I can get a similar case.

Thanks!

 

[sib0rg]

For major protection a lot of people for for the Otterbox cases (commuter or defender), I don't think they're quite out yet for the Note 3.

The S view cover provides minimal protection from drops but will help against scratches/chips and adds functionality

 

[toddnbrown]

I've dropped my old Galaxy Nexus more times than I can count over the past 2 years and i've ever got a scratch on it (at least one that stands out). I've also never used a case or screen protector on it....

Now I have the Note 3 and I noticed a few things from reviews / videos.

1. The chrome plating on the sides chips EASILY

2. The face down screen drop from 5' shatters the screen.

Now to my questions:
1. Is this screen / phone more fragile than the Galaxy Nexus?

2. Will a screen protector be enough to protect the screen from shattering when dropping in real life situations?

• Which ones are the best / what grade should I look for (H3, H8+ etc...)
• Which ones are the clearest (I hate when covers take away from the vibrancy -- Also the orange peel effect is always a fear)

3. Which case do you recommend if I get one? I don't want to turn my phone into a wallet and I don't want to add much more bulk to it .

Currently when I picked up my phone I got the Incipio case which is nothing special and not worth the $25 (I plan on returning it). Over all it's fine but for $10 on amazon I can get a similar case.

Thanks!

Galaxy Nexus was the most fragile phone I have ever known. I broke the screen on it like 4 times. Anyways, the question "do in need a case" is something only you can answer. The Note 3 is no more fragile than most phones out there. If you're someone who drops their phone a lot, I'd get something.

 

[dustwun77]

I got a Bodyglove case. Think it was like 25 bucks. It is better than nothing. I would hate to drop it though.

I saw a guy with one from, Incipio, I think it was. basically the same idea as the bodyglove, kind of like an Otterbox Commuter.

It would make the phone much bulkier, but I think I will have to put a Defender case on this as soon as possible.

 

[PrinceOfDorne]

Galaxy Nexus was the most fragile phone I have ever known. I broke the screen on it like 4 times. Anyways, the question "do in need a case" is something only you can answer. The Note 3 is no more fragile than most phones out there. If you're someone who drops their phone a lot, I'd get something.

Nothing can be more fragile than Xperia Z Ultra.

To the OP, I find the Note 3 a solidly built device. I've already dropped mine waist-high and it didn't suffer any damage.

 

[Simon_Gardner]

I find the Note 3 a solidly built device. I've already dropped mine waist-high and it didn't suffer any damage.

 

[MISS DIVA]

Stroll over to XDA Devs - Galaxy Note 3 Accessories Section. Huge amount of info on what toys your can buy for your Note,especially cases/protectors.

 

[chimphappyhour]

The 3rd party case and screen protector vendors say yes, yes you need them. That said, I went without a screen protector on my Note 2 and will do so on my Note 3. I did however invest in a case for my Note 2 and have done so for my 3 also. A small $30 investment isn't too much to ask when you're looking at a $700 phone. Even if you have insurance on your phone, I would think $30 or so would be better than the time and money involved in dealing with an insurance company.

 

[mastacow53]

I decided to go with THIS. It's nice and slim and protects the back, sides, and corners from little drops. It's also has a tiny ridge on the front and back that protects the screen & camera when lying on a table.

Anything larger/more protective wouldn't fit in my pocket.

$10

 

[veccster]

I love the Diztronic cases and had one on my GNex the moment it came out - though they took a couple tries before getting the cutouts correct.

I dropped my GNEX quite a bit as well - and have 2 kids (now 6 & 2) who have thrown and dropped the phone for 2 years. No scratches and never broke a screen.

I'll probably get Diztronic again for my Note 3. It's slim. For a couple weeks, I'll enjoy the faux leather and slimness of the phone.

 

[Omicron Note 3]

I went with the Seidio Surface Case and Holster combo.

Gotta have that non-slip surface since the Note is so wide plus I'm used to having a kickstand for reading. And the Note 3 is perfect for reading from tabletops.

Gotta have a holster to carry the Note 3 since I don't want that awkward pants bulge.

 

[Kaosuonline]

Does anyone here have an opinion on Spigen Cases? I've been looking at the SPIGEN Note 3 Neo Hybrid Slim Fit for my Note 3. But I'm going completely by aesthetics.

 

[Verks]

The Neo Hybrid is a very nice case. I had it on my S4. As for as protection I'm not sure as I never dropped it. I did though order the same one for my Note 3.

 

[Omicron Note 3]

I went with the Seidio Surface Case (with kickstand) and belt Holster combo.

Note - Seidio's customer stinks big time, just get the product and hope you'll never have to deal with those ass-clowns. They said thet don't price match, so I email them a copy of their low price guarantee... "kcuf -em", I got the damn caes and hiolster.

SEIDIO | SURFACE with Metal Kickstand Case & Holster Combo for Samsung Galaxy Note 3