Recently upgraded my Galaxy S4 to a Note 8, and since I'm a contractor, well... Felt the need for a solid case that is both dustproof and waterproof. My S4 has spent its life in a Seidio Obex case, and I've managed to keep it fairly pristine because of that fact.
The use case for a smart phone for a contractor pretty much implies that the phone is going to see a lot more abuse than average; the implication that follows is that a solid, waterproof/dustproof/drop-proof case is an imperative. Either that, or a very understanding insurance program...
The lack of seals on the case is a deal-breaker when it comes to ruggedized cases. Because of that, I've gravitated towards the ArmorX case, and ordered one for $59.99. They ship from China, and while customer service is excellent with that company, the delay inherent to shipping led me to acquire a cheapie Lanwow case from Amazon for $21.99 while I waited for the ArmorX. The Lanwow waterproof case is a pretty good value for the money, and appears to maintain the water- and dust-proof integrity that I wanted. If you're looking for something to put your phone in while doing something that would require that sort of protection, I'd suggest it.
What's interesting is that when the ArmorX case showed up, it appeared to be a note-for-note copy of the Lanwow case, which I found somewhat annoying. Closer examination shows, however, that the ArmorX version has a bit more in the way of internal bumpers around the buttons, and it has different moldings for grips on the sides of the case. Who copied who, or what the exact provenance of these two cases are, I can't say, but they're basically very similar: A front half that the phone drops into, with a full plastic screen protector, and a back that has the o-ring seal in it. Port access is virtually identical, and you're going to have a bunch of fun prising the S-Pen out of its happy little home, unless you've got some nice, long fingernails. So far, both cases seem to be very similar in format, with flexible plastic backs and very similar screen protectors. I'm pretty happy with them, although I sort of wonder about the price on the ArmorX--The value the company placed on it for customs was $12.00.
Overall, the sound quality hasn't suffered at all--Both cases allow you to hear the speakers quite well, and nobody has complained about what's coming from my end. After I have a bit more time with this case, I'll update this, but so far, so good.
Time will tell, and I'll update on this case. Several others on Amazon seem very similar in design, to the point where I wonder whether or not the same company is producing them.
I am also somewhat dubious as to the protection and durability factor, what with the flexible clear plastic back. I'd have preferred something a bit more substantial, but you get what you get with this design. A thicker and stiffer back wouldn't allow it to flex enough for it to seal properly.
As is, the case isn't that much bigger than the phone, appears to protect it well enough, and fits into the Night-ize XXL Clip Case Hardshell Holster. Between the two, I think I'll be able to keep this phone protected and working damage-free in a fairly harsh environment.
Ultimately, however... I'm probably going to shell out the $300.00 or so for a Juggernaut case, once they're available, and call it good. A thousand-dollar phone needs solid protection around my workplace, and the investment is more than worth it.
The use case for a smart phone for a contractor pretty much implies that the phone is going to see a lot more abuse than average; the implication that follows is that a solid, waterproof/dustproof/drop-proof case is an imperative. Either that, or a very understanding insurance program...
The lack of seals on the case is a deal-breaker when it comes to ruggedized cases. Because of that, I've gravitated towards the ArmorX case, and ordered one for $59.99. They ship from China, and while customer service is excellent with that company, the delay inherent to shipping led me to acquire a cheapie Lanwow case from Amazon for $21.99 while I waited for the ArmorX. The Lanwow waterproof case is a pretty good value for the money, and appears to maintain the water- and dust-proof integrity that I wanted. If you're looking for something to put your phone in while doing something that would require that sort of protection, I'd suggest it.
What's interesting is that when the ArmorX case showed up, it appeared to be a note-for-note copy of the Lanwow case, which I found somewhat annoying. Closer examination shows, however, that the ArmorX version has a bit more in the way of internal bumpers around the buttons, and it has different moldings for grips on the sides of the case. Who copied who, or what the exact provenance of these two cases are, I can't say, but they're basically very similar: A front half that the phone drops into, with a full plastic screen protector, and a back that has the o-ring seal in it. Port access is virtually identical, and you're going to have a bunch of fun prising the S-Pen out of its happy little home, unless you've got some nice, long fingernails. So far, both cases seem to be very similar in format, with flexible plastic backs and very similar screen protectors. I'm pretty happy with them, although I sort of wonder about the price on the ArmorX--The value the company placed on it for customs was $12.00.
Overall, the sound quality hasn't suffered at all--Both cases allow you to hear the speakers quite well, and nobody has complained about what's coming from my end. After I have a bit more time with this case, I'll update this, but so far, so good.
Time will tell, and I'll update on this case. Several others on Amazon seem very similar in design, to the point where I wonder whether or not the same company is producing them.
I am also somewhat dubious as to the protection and durability factor, what with the flexible clear plastic back. I'd have preferred something a bit more substantial, but you get what you get with this design. A thicker and stiffer back wouldn't allow it to flex enough for it to seal properly.
As is, the case isn't that much bigger than the phone, appears to protect it well enough, and fits into the Night-ize XXL Clip Case Hardshell Holster. Between the two, I think I'll be able to keep this phone protected and working damage-free in a fairly harsh environment.
Ultimately, however... I'm probably going to shell out the $300.00 or so for a Juggernaut case, once they're available, and call it good. A thousand-dollar phone needs solid protection around my workplace, and the investment is more than worth it.
Sprint needs to stuff it.
