Having second thoughts on a curved back phone

[Ron Iovine]

Had my Moto X for about a week, really like it so far except for one issue. This is my first phone with a curved back, and while it feels nice to hole, it makes it virtually impossible to use it when it's laid down on a table, it will just spin at the slightest swipe. Of course this is obvious in retrospect, but I was wondering what other folks thought about this who like to sometimes like to use their phone laying flat down. Unfortunately, a lot of the phones have curved backs these days, HTC, LG etc. Samsung has a flat back, but I don't like their phones, the Turbo has a flatter back, but damn, I really like this phone otherwise.

 

[Ron Iovine]

Just to follow up, does anyone know of a case for the X that has a flip up stand that might alleviate this issue?

 

[itinj6]

I know its not for everyone but the Otter box Defender minimizes the rocking and spinning when using on a table. I guess any case with a rubberized back might help alleviate the issue.

Another reason I hate the curved back is that it's hard to find a car dock that this phone will sit in nicely. Curved against flat doesn't mix

 

[pistos]

I understand your problem and concur to some extent. However, any phone that has a "camera bulge" in the back is subject to the same and/or worst problems when trying to use it laying flat. For example, the iPhone 6 is ruined for use on a flat surface, unless you have a case on it. The Samsung phones suffer the same problems if you don't have a case on them.

I would rather deal with the Moto X (2014) with a curved back but no camera bulge, over the frustration of using the other phones mentioned. One of the things I really like about the Moto X design is the recessed camera.

 

[Ron Iovine]

I understand your problem and concur to some extent. However, any phone that has a "camera bulge" in the back is subject to the same and/or worst problems when trying to use it laying flat. For example, the iPhone 6 is ruined for use on a flat surface, unless you have a case on it. The Samsung phones suffer the same problems if you don't have a case on them.

I would rather deal with the Moto X (2014) with a curved back but no camera bulge, other the frustration of using the other phones mentioned. One of the things I really like about the Moto X design is the recessed camera.

Good point, I'm coming a Razr M with no camera bulge and a completely flat back, so it will just take some getting used to.

 

[natehoy]

Good point, I'm coming a Razr M with no camera bulge and a completely flat back, so it will just take some getting used to.

I picked up this cheap case, and I've been thrilled with it. It has a basic kickstand that works reasonably OK for both portrait and landscape, and it keeps some of the curve (at the edges) while providing a wide flat surface so the phone sits firmly on a flat surface and doesn't rock at all. It also makes the edges significantly thicker which (in my opinion) makes the phone easier to hold.

It's a hard-plastic-over-rubber case so it feels like it can protect the phone against drops. I've done a couple of drops onto a hard floor (one 4-foot, one 5-foot), both of them landing face-first, and no sign of any issues - though it's really hard to say whether I would have had problems without the case I suspect I probably would have.

For me, it adds some heft I feel the phone needs, respects the ergonomics of the little "M" dimple as a grip point and makes it even more effective, adds a handy-dandy kickstand, and allows me to drop the phone on a table and not have it rock around and skitter about as I try to use it.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PWYLUIK/

 

[Ron Iovine]

Thanks, that is exactly what I'm looking for, I'm now trying to see if they make it with just a plain color or clear back, no disrespect to Vincent

 

[reepS]

Evocel has cases make it flat too. I threw a qi charger in one and it works great.

Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk

 

[natehoy]

Thanks, that is exactly what I'm looking for, I'm now trying to see if they make it with just a plain color or clear back, no disrespect to Vincent

Durocase makes a line of them, so I'm sure you can find one with a plain color back. I've used the company for cases for a few phones, and they are cheap but reasonably well-built and protective cases.

Probably not clear, though, since it has a kickstand and I don't know anyone who makes a clear case with a kickstand, since the mechanicals of the kickstand would show through the plastic (I think this would be cool, actually, but...).

 

[TBolt]

Looks like this became a case thread, but my useless response to the problem is that, with both the 2013 & 2014 moto Xs, I never found the curved back to be a problem while the phone is on a desk. I would not describe myself as someone with a light touch either. I am glad I don't have to deal with the iPhone's protruding camera, too. Haha.

 

[Ron Iovine]

Just wanted to give a quick update, I ended up going with this case:

http://www.amazon.com/DuroCase-Motorola-Moto-Kickstand-Bumper/dp/B00PWYQFOY/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A2TVN9999W35N6

The back pattern is not too gaudy, I did not get a custom back, so I did not mind covering it up. It solves the rocking problem when laying it flat on the desk, the kickstand is also very nice, although I wish it had a wider base and maybe a rubberized edge. When using it in portrait mode, if I don't use a light touch, it will sometimes tend to rock & slide, but not too bad. I also like it better than my naked tough clear case, which I found too slippery (as was the naked phone itself). The DuraCase adds a little depth & with the rubberized corners makes it easier to hold & less prone to slip out of your pocket, so far, so good, thanks for the tip Nate.

 

[PeninaD]

Here's a case/holster combo that's worked well for my last 3 phones...have not tried it yet for the MotoX (2014), but it appears to fit the criteria.
I may see if my CaseMate Naked Tough case will work in the holster.
Verizon OEM Shell Holster Combo Case Clip for Motorola Moto x 2nd Gen X2 XT1096 | eBay

 

[Max Haase]

Round back is such a stupid idea that makes me wonder how they even made more than 1.

 

[TBolt]

Round back is such a stupid idea that makes me wonder how they even made more than 1.

It feels better in the hand, which is what most phones are designed for.

 

[chin kim]

Motorola did a disservice for the curved back on Nexus 6. Can't find no car mount for using it for GPS.