Like any other phone release a lot of us order a case before we even get the phone. That didn’t change for me with the S10+. I’m not a fan of big and bulky cases that add weight and in many cases (no pun intended) varying degrees of ugliness. I actually considered going caseless since I have an S10+ ceramic model. The ceramic model back did well in a drop test I’ve seen, however cases do offer protection for more than just the back of the device and the ceramic is still pretty slippery. I generally like the look of my phones so I tend to go with clear cases that don’t obstruct the look too much.
My past experience with clear cases has been varied. I’ve tried most types: TPU, Hybrid TPU sides with hard plastic back and Hybrid TPU sides with tempered glass back. Like many, I do like to switch off, however I keep coming back to my favorite case and that’s a hybrid TPU/Tempered Glass. The don’t yellow or scratch like the TPU style and they don’t scratch as easy Hybrid TPU sides with hard plastic back. The only Hybrid TPU/Tempered I’m aware of is ESR Mimic Series Glass Case.
Now I know what you’re thinking….”a glass case….how durable can that be?” I can’t speak for everyone’s personal experience when I read reviews because who really knows how careless people are, but I can vouch for the one I have been using since release day on my Pixel 3XL. I’ve put that case through 6 months of moderate unintentional durability tests. It’s been dropped on various surfaces without incident and has held up well against scratches. For that reason I reached out to ESR to see what they had for my inbound S10+.
ESR informed me that they had the Mimic for the S10+, however in addition to the clear back they also had a variation called Skyfire Gem whose color fades from blue to pink and adds a real nice accent to the phones original color. I wanted to see it up close, so I asked them to send me both the Mimic clear and skyfire versions. There is also a version with black trim on their website.
The Mimic Series gives me everything I want in a case. Moderate protection that doesn’t kill the look of my phone or add bulk. The tempered glass back feels great just like the phone does naked, however the TPU sides add much needed grip.
The tempered glass is rated with a 9H on the Mohs hardness scale. Keeping in mind that 10H is the highest that is pretty impressive. Realistically it can end up with scratches if you are rough on your devices or stow it with hard sharp objects but I have yet to find a more durable alternative.
The color fade of the Skyfire version adds a distinctive look to the device. Would love to see how it interacts with each of the Prism colors.
Clear installed on my Ceramic white S10+
Skyfire Gem installed on my Ceramic white S10+
The case does add screen, camera and added corner protection. Cutouts and button covers don’t inhibit device functions.
The Mimic cases are fully compatible with wireless charging.
Product Features
Final thoughts:
I obviously love these cases and will continue to use them as my main case. I really like the Skyfire Gem though my daughter thinks it’s too feminine for me. I’m not sure how it will impact the look of the Prism colors or the black ceramic. Though the case offers some screen protection there is not as much coverage on the left and right sides as their is top and bottom. For me the case offers adequate protection, however if you work in a rough environment or are just a complete klutz, I don’t recommend this case for you. If it is dropped keep in mind the tempered glass back can break even though it might save the phone.
The cases retail for 18.99 on their website, however Amazon may have deals from time to time.
ESR makes Cases, Screen Protectors, Chargers, and many other accessories.
To check out all ESR products or for product support, please visit their website
https://www.esrgear.com/
My past experience with clear cases has been varied. I’ve tried most types: TPU, Hybrid TPU sides with hard plastic back and Hybrid TPU sides with tempered glass back. Like many, I do like to switch off, however I keep coming back to my favorite case and that’s a hybrid TPU/Tempered Glass. The don’t yellow or scratch like the TPU style and they don’t scratch as easy Hybrid TPU sides with hard plastic back. The only Hybrid TPU/Tempered I’m aware of is ESR Mimic Series Glass Case.
Now I know what you’re thinking….”a glass case….how durable can that be?” I can’t speak for everyone’s personal experience when I read reviews because who really knows how careless people are, but I can vouch for the one I have been using since release day on my Pixel 3XL. I’ve put that case through 6 months of moderate unintentional durability tests. It’s been dropped on various surfaces without incident and has held up well against scratches. For that reason I reached out to ESR to see what they had for my inbound S10+.
ESR informed me that they had the Mimic for the S10+, however in addition to the clear back they also had a variation called Skyfire Gem whose color fades from blue to pink and adds a real nice accent to the phones original color. I wanted to see it up close, so I asked them to send me both the Mimic clear and skyfire versions. There is also a version with black trim on their website.
Clear
Skyfire Gem
Skyfire Gem
The Mimic Series gives me everything I want in a case. Moderate protection that doesn’t kill the look of my phone or add bulk. The tempered glass back feels great just like the phone does naked, however the TPU sides add much needed grip.
The tempered glass is rated with a 9H on the Mohs hardness scale. Keeping in mind that 10H is the highest that is pretty impressive. Realistically it can end up with scratches if you are rough on your devices or stow it with hard sharp objects but I have yet to find a more durable alternative.
Clear installed on my Ceramic white S10+
Skyfire Gem installed on my Ceramic white S10+
The Mimic cases are fully compatible with wireless charging.
Product Features
- A hybrid structure of 9H tempered glass + a soft TPU frame offer comprehensive protection.
- Mimics your phone’s smooth glass back while offering great grip.
- The 9H-hard tempered glass back is tough enough to withstand the nicks and scrapes of everyday life.
- Soft corner material is better able to absorb shock; protecting your phone’s glass back.
Final thoughts:
I obviously love these cases and will continue to use them as my main case. I really like the Skyfire Gem though my daughter thinks it’s too feminine for me. I’m not sure how it will impact the look of the Prism colors or the black ceramic. Though the case offers some screen protection there is not as much coverage on the left and right sides as their is top and bottom. For me the case offers adequate protection, however if you work in a rough environment or are just a complete klutz, I don’t recommend this case for you. If it is dropped keep in mind the tempered glass back can break even though it might save the phone.
The cases retail for 18.99 on their website, however Amazon may have deals from time to time.
ESR makes Cases, Screen Protectors, Chargers, and many other accessories.
To check out all ESR products or for product support, please visit their website
https://www.esrgear.com/
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