So I finally got both cases in and here's my nickel review. As noted, my goal was for a clear-ish case, not too thick, and good grip. First, the Ringke Fusion, Crystal view. I really like the clear, and shows off the aluminum style of the phone. An added bonus I've noticed is that if I set the phone down on its back, the sides make it easy to find if I'm looking for the phone later (unlike a dark or smoke cover (see below)). I will admit that the clear does show more fingerprints, but it's not as if the smoke doesn't show any, the smoke just does a better job at hiding a few of them. To me, this issue is not a deal breaker one way or the other, as I'm sure I'll be wiping the front and back of my phone often. The Ringke also has good solid corners which doesn't seem to add to the girth too much and the back feels really solid, again without adding too much depth. I also like the hingeable cap on top for the headphone jack. Another point in comparison to the Redshield is that the side buttons are set up like the phone. In other words, one size button for the power, and one large button for the volume rocker. My biggest complaint with this particular case is that it doesn't get grippy on the back. And the sides, while it is much better than stock, could stand to use a little more grip in comparison to the Red Shield.
Which leads me to the Red Shield, Smoke TPU case. Starting with what I like. I tried both cases for a while back to back. To be sure, I asked my wife her honest opinion, based on feel alone, and we both agreed that the Red Shield has just the right amount of grippiness to it. I felt like I would have less chance of dropping the phone with that case over the Ringke. Both cases had smooth backs, but the Red Shield felt just a teeny bit more tacky. On the negative side, compared to the Ringke, this felt slightly less "solid." I feel like the Ringke will last several years, and this one not quite as long. Of course, one advantage with the smoke color is fingerprints and potential scratches should be less noticeable. As noted above, one difference also is that the volume has two buttons. Some may prefer the feel of two volume buttons, while others may prefer the feel of the different size buttons just so you can feel the difference when not looking. I'm just barely on the side of the former, but it would not be a deal breaker. My biggest negative with the Red Shield is the smoke color. It is much darker than advertised. While I can see the NEXUS logo on the back without a problem, it is much darker than I expected, and certainly much darker than the online Amazon photos. I was wanting to order a clear when I got this but it wasn't available then (it is now).
Verdict: Slight edge to the Ringke (for now). Its looks and solid build outweigh its ever so slight more slippery feel (Mind you, I'm not saying it's slippery, just more than the Red Shield). [I should probably note that I have Nexus protect which also gives me a little more personal reassurance which may allow me to take more chance on the Ringke]. Further, both cases are equal when it comes to adding size which was a big concern for me, and I don't feel like either added anything significant. In fact, with the case, I feel much more at ease using this large phone. It is possible that I may exchange the smoke for the clear Red Shield which seems to be back in stock, but based on the two choices I have as of today, I'll use the Ringke for now.
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