So I got a little carried away and bought three cases for the Nexus 4. Wanted to give my review of all three.
OEM Bumper - I was sad that they were sold out for so long so when they restocked them I jumped to buy one even though I had two other cases. It arrived quickly but I think I am going to sell it or return it. I like how the glass backing is still visible as the reflection glass is a very nice part of the phone. However, the bumper adds too much width and although it only adds thickness on the sides, it makes it feel as if the entire phone is 30% larger and bulky. It would give good protection since it is soft but it just feels awkward in the hand. The boxy gate at the bottom also feels strange when it rests on my pinky finger. Any one want to buy a bumper?
Rearth Ringke Slim - I received this case from their botched first batch but also just received the second run. Pretty stand up company.. they shipped me a replacement for no additional cost. The second run is much better. The case is VERY thin and the second run fits the phone a lot more snug. The case is fairly difficult to remove once on the phone. This may keep it on better but was more of an annoyance than a benefit. This is def the most minimal hard case you can get. It would give some protection but mainly is to prevent scratches. The back of the case is very smooth and doesnt add the much needed grip that I was looking for. If you want the thinnest case and that is priority #1 then this is the case for you. The case is a bit rough on the edges and just feels like it was rushed and doesnt have the polish the Nilikin does.
Nillkin Hard Case - I have mentioned in other threads that this case is great. It is similar to the Rearth case but it has grip on the back and is slightly thicker in the right places. The added thickness does not make the phone feel any bigger than the rearth but feels much more solid and the textured back grip is awesome. I would say this is the best overall case if you do not mind covering the back of the phone. I really wanted the bumper to work out as I love the nexus logo and back but this case feels so much better in hand.
So which case am I going to use on a day to day basis? NONE. I have gotten over the fear of the glass back and am going to rock the phone naked the majority of the time. I will throw on the Nillikin when i feel like i need some additional protection when I am hiking or going to a concert or something but I think that people over stated how fragile the glass back it. The phone feels too good in hand to warrant using a case if I feel I dont have to.
Edit : after further analysis the Rearth case has grown on me a bit. I feel like it doesn't provide as much protection and it's back lacks the texture, but the case doesnt come up as far on the sides which is better for gesture typing. It instead has a lip on the four corners to keep the phone locked in and elevate the screen a tiny bit when set down face first. I'd still say Nilikin is my fav but I think they are both reasonable options
OEM Bumper - I was sad that they were sold out for so long so when they restocked them I jumped to buy one even though I had two other cases. It arrived quickly but I think I am going to sell it or return it. I like how the glass backing is still visible as the reflection glass is a very nice part of the phone. However, the bumper adds too much width and although it only adds thickness on the sides, it makes it feel as if the entire phone is 30% larger and bulky. It would give good protection since it is soft but it just feels awkward in the hand. The boxy gate at the bottom also feels strange when it rests on my pinky finger. Any one want to buy a bumper?
Rearth Ringke Slim - I received this case from their botched first batch but also just received the second run. Pretty stand up company.. they shipped me a replacement for no additional cost. The second run is much better. The case is VERY thin and the second run fits the phone a lot more snug. The case is fairly difficult to remove once on the phone. This may keep it on better but was more of an annoyance than a benefit. This is def the most minimal hard case you can get. It would give some protection but mainly is to prevent scratches. The back of the case is very smooth and doesnt add the much needed grip that I was looking for. If you want the thinnest case and that is priority #1 then this is the case for you. The case is a bit rough on the edges and just feels like it was rushed and doesnt have the polish the Nilikin does.
Nillkin Hard Case - I have mentioned in other threads that this case is great. It is similar to the Rearth case but it has grip on the back and is slightly thicker in the right places. The added thickness does not make the phone feel any bigger than the rearth but feels much more solid and the textured back grip is awesome. I would say this is the best overall case if you do not mind covering the back of the phone. I really wanted the bumper to work out as I love the nexus logo and back but this case feels so much better in hand.
So which case am I going to use on a day to day basis? NONE. I have gotten over the fear of the glass back and am going to rock the phone naked the majority of the time. I will throw on the Nillikin when i feel like i need some additional protection when I am hiking or going to a concert or something but I think that people over stated how fragile the glass back it. The phone feels too good in hand to warrant using a case if I feel I dont have to.
Edit : after further analysis the Rearth case has grown on me a bit. I feel like it doesn't provide as much protection and it's back lacks the texture, but the case doesnt come up as far on the sides which is better for gesture typing. It instead has a lip on the four corners to keep the phone locked in and elevate the screen a tiny bit when set down face first. I'd still say Nilikin is my fav but I think they are both reasonable options
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