Hello,
I just brought a Note 9 and I’m looking to a good case to go with it.
I have been using an Incipio NGP on my last phone but I’m looking for a solid case that does not block the curved edges of the phone.
I have looked at tech21, Spigen, and dbrand Grip cases.
Thank you.
For simple, thin, effective protection I've been using the Spigen Rugged Armor on my Note 9. I also used it on my S7 Edge. It just works! However, I should add that I rarely drop my phone and work in a sales and office environment.
Just scrapped my OtterBox Commuter and picked up a Speck Presidio Grip. I like it a lot, great grip with excellent protection and not overly bulky. Debating a screen protector for the phone now as well.
People complain about it being bulky but I find thick cases make the Note series easier to use because it makes it wider and easier to grip and use the Spen. I have the Samsung rugged case but it just doesn't feel as protective as the Defender when I use it. Also the rugged case being so thin is uncomfortable for me to use for long periods unlike the Defender.
The Caseology Legion is also a nice case as well. Not as bulky but not as thin as the Samsung Rugged.
I alternate my case usage between the official S-View flip cover and the rugged protective cover.
I'm using the flip view right now and it's working well. I also have 2 different VRS cases that I occasionally swap out if I need something more professional looking.
The flip view is a good every day case. I like that you can also use the spen on the cover as well. But the cover is plastic and will scuff or scratch fairly easily but does offer some protection for the screen.
UAG Monarch - I don't like the way it feels. It's nothing like the cases UAG originally made.
Spigen clear TPU - I forget the actual name, but it's the one that's flexible. I don't like it. TPU is not my thing any longer.
Spigen Tough Armor - (2) It is grippy and feels good in the hand, seems like it would provide decent drop protection, I just don't like the buttons. They are flush with the side of the case.
Rhinoshield Solid Suit - I use it for weekend or light duty day carry. It's a bit slippery, but is low profile and slides in and out of pocket easily. The volume bottoms are a bit difficult to operate.
Samsung Silicone Cover - It's very grippy, but because of this collects lint and hangs onto it. I would use this for light duty day carry if it weren't for lint and debris sticking to it. It's called "ocean blue" but does not match the ocean blue Note 9. It's more of a grey.
Samsung Rugged Protective Cover - I like this case. It's very grippy, without being tacky and seems like it would provide good drop protection. Some folks thin it's too heavy. It is a bit heavier than other cases, but if I'm not doing a side by side comparison I get used to it. I actually measured this and the Samsung Silicone Cover on the Note 9 on a kitchen scale and the difference was, with Samsung Silicone 8.75 oz
and with Samsung Rugged Protective Cover 9.55 Oz. I use this case for work day carry.
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WIRELESS CHARGING
Ok, I got my hands on a wireless charger and tested the following cases. All achieved fast charging with screen off only. What an odd limitation to purposely build in. I was testing in order to see if a wireless charging nav dock is an option, but with no fast charge with screen on, the idea is pointless.
UAG Monarch
Spigen Tough Armor
Spigen clear TPU (I forget the name, it's the one that's flexible)
Rhinoshield Solid Suit
Samsung Silicone Cover
Samsung Rugged Protective Cover
I have not measured each one for thickness but I did measure the Samsung Rugged Protective Cover, which I believe to be the thickest of this bunch. The thickness of the back is approximately 3.6mm.
I've read some Amazon sellers state that their wireless chargers will not work on cases thicker than 4mm.