This is a review of Seidio CONVERT case with a holster for Galaxy S5. SEIDIO | Convert Case & Holster Combo for Samsung Galaxy S5
For those familiar with Seidio line of smartphone cases, once SURFACE and DILEX (former ACTIVE) are introduced, you know that CONVERT is going to follow! Typically there are no surprises with these cases since they follow a proven formula of if it ain't broken (and selling well) don't fix it, but still with every new scaled up (or down) model release I find a slight tweaks and slimmer profile without sacrificing durability and protection.
The CONVERT case itself is designed as two cases in one. A lot of you might be familiar with Seidio SURFACE, also available as Platinum case from Best Buy, and Seidio DILEX (former ACTIVE). Now imagine two of these cases combined together with over-sized DILEX as an additional protection layer on top of SURFACE - and you will get CONVERT. Since I already reviewed SURFACE for S5 (http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/845623-review-seidio-surface-holster-s5-w-lots-pics.html), I will not go into details again of this hard rubberized "slim" case with a unique interlocking two-half design and spring loaded magnetic kickstand. So let's look into details of CONVERT "conversion".
To take it to the next level, you get a soft silicon layer which goes right over SURFACE case. Beside offering an extra layer of shock absorption and corner protection, it also adds a decent grip and port covers for micro-usb and headphones as well as sealing off volume/power button. Since its a silicon layer, power/volume buttons are easy to press and you get nice tactile feedback. Another unique feature - camera/flash gets a port cover as well. The camera port flips back and locks into the outer exoskeleton so you can take pictures without holding it down with a finger or a hand. Plus, there is a cutout for SURFACE case kickstand to open up without any obstruction. I do have to note - soft silicon is a lint magnet, not because it's sticky but rather due to a build up static. That's something you will have to live with, and I often consider that as a "signature Seidio" feature lol! Although silicon layer goes on SURFACE with a tight fit, you get another hard plastic outer shell on top of it. That shell offers cutout for kickstand and camera/flash port cover, as well as offering additional side protection for the case.
And to top it off, you get a custom fit CONVERT holster to accommodate the phone facing with a screen in or out! Just like on S4 (though it wasn't available back then for Note 2) keeping S5 facing out while leaning on the back against a clip props it horizontally for watching movies/tv, etc. It's a heavy duty plastic holster with a signature spring loaded mechanism which as a bonus offers a latch to lock it for extra security. Furthermore, there is another locking mechanism in the middle of the holster behind the belt clip which allows for a belt clip to be removed. That works great with Seidio QUEST interlocking system of various accessories such as car mount, armband mount, and bike mount. Last, but not least, Seidio included a screen protector which is a nice bonus.
Overall, this is a VERY impressive case design with a major bonus of two cases in one where you can choose what level of protection you would like for your S5. With addition of very robust (landscape only) kickstand and best in class holster - I would highly recommend CONVERT!
Here are the pictures.
For those familiar with Seidio line of smartphone cases, once SURFACE and DILEX (former ACTIVE) are introduced, you know that CONVERT is going to follow! Typically there are no surprises with these cases since they follow a proven formula of if it ain't broken (and selling well) don't fix it, but still with every new scaled up (or down) model release I find a slight tweaks and slimmer profile without sacrificing durability and protection.
The CONVERT case itself is designed as two cases in one. A lot of you might be familiar with Seidio SURFACE, also available as Platinum case from Best Buy, and Seidio DILEX (former ACTIVE). Now imagine two of these cases combined together with over-sized DILEX as an additional protection layer on top of SURFACE - and you will get CONVERT. Since I already reviewed SURFACE for S5 (http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/845623-review-seidio-surface-holster-s5-w-lots-pics.html), I will not go into details again of this hard rubberized "slim" case with a unique interlocking two-half design and spring loaded magnetic kickstand. So let's look into details of CONVERT "conversion".
To take it to the next level, you get a soft silicon layer which goes right over SURFACE case. Beside offering an extra layer of shock absorption and corner protection, it also adds a decent grip and port covers for micro-usb and headphones as well as sealing off volume/power button. Since its a silicon layer, power/volume buttons are easy to press and you get nice tactile feedback. Another unique feature - camera/flash gets a port cover as well. The camera port flips back and locks into the outer exoskeleton so you can take pictures without holding it down with a finger or a hand. Plus, there is a cutout for SURFACE case kickstand to open up without any obstruction. I do have to note - soft silicon is a lint magnet, not because it's sticky but rather due to a build up static. That's something you will have to live with, and I often consider that as a "signature Seidio" feature lol! Although silicon layer goes on SURFACE with a tight fit, you get another hard plastic outer shell on top of it. That shell offers cutout for kickstand and camera/flash port cover, as well as offering additional side protection for the case.
And to top it off, you get a custom fit CONVERT holster to accommodate the phone facing with a screen in or out! Just like on S4 (though it wasn't available back then for Note 2) keeping S5 facing out while leaning on the back against a clip props it horizontally for watching movies/tv, etc. It's a heavy duty plastic holster with a signature spring loaded mechanism which as a bonus offers a latch to lock it for extra security. Furthermore, there is another locking mechanism in the middle of the holster behind the belt clip which allows for a belt clip to be removed. That works great with Seidio QUEST interlocking system of various accessories such as car mount, armband mount, and bike mount. Last, but not least, Seidio included a screen protector which is a nice bonus.
Overall, this is a VERY impressive case design with a major bonus of two cases in one where you can choose what level of protection you would like for your S5. With addition of very robust (landscape only) kickstand and best in class holster - I would highly recommend CONVERT!
Here are the pictures.
