SPIGEN Ultra Hybrid, Neo Hybrid & Slim Armor

[raichur0xx0rz]

Anyone with the Neo Hybrid have tips on how to remove the thing? I have the white Nexus 5 and left the factory stickers on the sides of the device, so perhaps it is every so slightly too wide now, but it was a pain to even install the bumper. Then, of course, when it was on, I realized I hadn't put in my SIM card.

The bumper just feels very flexible/thin, which doesn't instill confidence when installing/removing it. Just doesn't seem like there is an easy way to remove it. My power button also fell out when I was first trying to install the bumper... not sure how that happened.

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It's a very tight fit, and depending on which screen protector you have (or if you have one), it may bubble up on the edges. Mine is perfectly fine, but it could come down to the brand or the actual installation, like if you don't have the screen protector perfectly aligned. I liked how tight of a fit it is, but there is a bit of flex in the bumper on the sides, probably because I was struggling with installation. I'll most likely be finding a different case to replace it. Just don't like how difficult it is to remove nor the feel of the back. Diztronic's TPU cases have a slightly grippier texture on them, and this case is a bit too slippery for my tastes.

I also needed a headphone adapter (to turn a right-angle headphone jack into a straight/taller one) for my car adapter due to the depth of the hole for the headphone port. Not a big deal, as Trident sent me like 6 of them a while back, but just a heads up.

 

[bunique4life05]

SPG Slim Armor Case (Smooth Black)Review

Initial Impressions (Without Nexus 5 installed in case)

When I first receive my spg slim armor case I was astonish by how light the case was and as well uniform the two pieces of case came together. The sheer weight and appearance of case was very appealing. However I question the integrity of case for being so light but actually ply pressure and working in case to my surprise was reassure the case solid with little flex. Comparing the case to a otterbox commuter and a seido active the concept is the same but level of protect is different. To be fair the commuter and active are not ultra slim category as slim armor is so obviously so threshold to damage is higher in the otterbox and seido. Simply because those to cases have more material for protection. Though I am confident when get my Nexus 5 the slim armor case will handle common minor falls and bumps they may occur. Example falling out pocket or nightstand or in hand use drops.

Appearance and Ergonomics( With a Nexus 5 installed)

The smooth black slim armor case looks almost as gorgeous as the phone. The smooth mid hard plastic out shell is actually very "smooth" and soft without being slippery at all. I found myself rolling phone within one hand because just felt that nice. Working case in one was not difficulty at all and I have average hands. Actually the one handed use with case is testament to ergonomic of N5 and spigen retaining that within their case. I previously came from S3 and though both are very similar in dimensions. The S3 was not balanced in my hand and thin sharp round corners made the phone hard to hold comfortably. S3 in a case seem to be only moderately better in hand. Speaking of the S3 without case feels about the same to my N5 in the spg case in terms of weight. The N5 with the spigen case still very pocketable and as well very retrievable with out drama. Since the case does not add much weight I hardly notice the phone in pocket. It felt same as having my S3 in my pocket without having case bit much N5 is much easy again to get out the pocket. Since nothing is perfect the case does has it's flaws.

Flaws

The spigen slim armor case has a few flaws. The number one flaw is cases edges are to define and annoying apparent in your hand. The edges disrupted smooth soft back of case and around corners. The edge are not a deal breaker but minor annoyance in other wise great case. Second flaw the case is fingerprint magnet at times but simple swipe of shirt and palm then the case is good as new. Final flaw the minor very minor is the power button is litter thicker then volume buttons giving you an unsure feel when turn screen on off. The power button click is not as crisp with too much travel between a press of the button.

Final Statement
The best case I have used in a while and looking forward to more spigen's products in the future. Hopefully Spigen will make a slim version of the ottorbox defender and slim life proof cases.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[iamyourdemize]

What about the Ultra-Hybrid Bumper case? How does it feel? The latest 2 reviews(which are probably seems to be genuine as they are given very recently with one of them was posted by the user just few hours ago) on Amazon gave a big thumbs down. Especially, the last user who said he bought because of his pleasant experience with Spizen cases but he said he is very disappointed with the quality & feel of the case. Does any body bought here? Can you let us know your experience?. Oh, I forgot to say, he is also said that the screen protector which comes with this Ultra-hybrid bumper case is also a crap(with lot of bubbles even after drying it for two days).

I just received it and it is terrible. The bumper itself is fine but the back plastic is extremely cheap and scratched immediately. I thought maybe it was a streak so i wiped it with a microfiber cloth. now it is basically all scratches. I will be adding a review to Amazon about this as well.

 

[chadthebuilder]

I just received it and it is terrible. The bumper itself is fine but the back plastic is extremely cheap and scratched immediately. I thought maybe it was a streak so i wiped it with a microfiber cloth. now it is basically all scratches. I will be adding a review to Amazon about this as well.

I was wondering if you saw a removable film on wither side of the plastic back. One of the reviewers mentioned that it was hard to remove, but once done, it wasn't easily scratched. If not, then it is a bummer on how easily scratched it is.

Posted from the awesome new Nexus 7

 

[footysr]

Slim Armor in white. Great looking case, very nice fit, scary slick. My review.

 

[raichur0xx0rz]

Oh, I forgot to say, he is also said that the screen protector which comes with this Ultra-hybrid bumper case is also a crap(with lot of bubbles even after drying it for two days).

I don't think the screen protector that it comes with is a wet-apply. It's just a clear basic screen protector. I believe I found the review you are referring to, and since it isn't a wet apply, he probably just did not install it properly and has dust under it. And if he did apply it with water, then I don't know what to say to that....

 

[iamyourdemize]

I was wondering if you saw a removable film on wither side of the plastic back. One of the reviewers mentioned that it was hard to remove, but once done, it wasn't easily scratched. If not, then it is a bummer on how easily scratched it is.

Posted from the awesome new Nexus 7

Whelp, there was a film. You really cant see it, I tried a third time to grab something just because I felt like there had to be on it. I specifically looked for the film a couple of times, it even mentions it in the instructions. It is very hard to remove.

That said. Decent case. Back does in fact seem scratch resistant and it fits nicely.

 

[chadthebuilder]

Whelp, there was a film. You really cant see it, I tried a third time to grab something just because I felt like there had to be on it. I specifically looked for the film a couple of times, it even mentions it in the instructions. It is very hard to remove.

That said. Decent case. Back does in fact seem scratch resistant and it fits nicely.

That's great to know, since it's a great looking case, and I was really hoping performance was on par with looks.

Posted from the awesome new Nexus 7

 

[junglejunkie]

Whelp, there was a film. You really cant see it, I tried a third time to grab something just because I felt like there had to be on it. I specifically looked for the film a couple of times, it even mentions it in the instructions. It is very hard to remove.

That said. Decent case. Back does in fact seem scratch resistant and it fits nicely.

Man, I have been using this case ALL DAY and never knew that there was a film on both the inside AND outside! Thanks for that info.

I do have to say though, I prefer the feel of the phone naked vs in the hybrid bumper case (the case feels too angular) ...But I can't imagine dropping and damaging my shiny new Nexus, so I guess I will deal with this case until I find something that feels better.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[ocostich]

Which case is better, the neo hybrid or the slim armor?

Here's what I got from SPigen about that:

The dimensions of each case is about the same. The real difference is the placement of the TPU and polycarbonate of the case.
The Neo Hybrid looks more sleek on the phone. While the Slim Armor looks a little bulkier due to the lines and angles of the edges.
The Neo Hybrid is covered with the TPU but with a polycarbonate bumper that wraps around the side. While the Slim Armor is also covered by the TPU but the back of the case is polycarbonate.
I would recommend the Neo Hybrid because it is usually the sides that get banged and bruised. While the back is usually protected safely.

 

[ocostich]

Or you could do your own homework. Email Spigen, I'm sure they know.

Spigen's turn around on questions is about a week. And they have no phone number.

 

[ocostich]

Just order the SPIGEN Google Nexus 5 Ultra Hybrid - [Black] Was listed at 14.99 and thought I would wait...refreshed the page and it was 4.99...couldn't pass it up at that price. Anyone in Canada want to order one as well, the link is below. Don't know it was a error or not but you mite want to move quick on this.

SPIGEN Google Nexus 5 Case Bumper **NEW Release** [Ultra Hybrid] [Black] Air Cusioned Protective Bumper with CLEAR Back Panel for Nexus 5 - ECO-Friendly Packaging - Black (SGP10609): Amazon.ca: Electronics

Not only is it an error but they are refusing to honor the orders that got through. Add another strike to their already awful customer service.

 

[anon(5857193)]

Spigen's turn around on questions is about a week. And they have no phone number.

Not only is it an error but they are refusing to honor the orders that got through. Add another strike to their already awful customer service.

Spigen support replied to my email in 17 minutes with a solution to my problem. My Slim Armor case has a little issue with button fitment and they're sending me a replacement and free screen protector for my trouble. You really can't hold a refusal to honor a pricing error against them... To do so would be a bit silly. These things just happen sometimes. Also, I don't think that is any indication of the quality of their customer service.

In my dealings with Spigen customer support, they've been fantastic.

(Oh, and you can find their phone number with just a little searching...)

 

[flipped4dinc]

I got my Nexus 5 and Slim Armor case today. The case fits perfectly. No issues, no defects, no dreaded power button issue. It's quite unobtrusive and non-bulky, so we'll see how well it protects the phone. As for Spigen customer service, everything I've seen on amazon is that they respond promptly to reviews and replace defective cases no questions asked.

 

[Chad H]

I got my Nexus 5 and Slim Armor case today. The case fits perfectly. No issues, no defects, no dreaded power button issue. It's quite unobtrusive and non-bulky, so we'll see how well it protects the phone. As for Spigen customer service, everything I've seen on amazon is that they respond promptly to reviews and replace defective cases no questions asked.

Have you tried the armor with a wireless charger yet?

 

[flipped4dinc]

Have you tried the armor with a wireless charger yet?

Wireless charging, what's that? Seriously though, you're talking to a guy who just replaced an HTC Incredible (at least it's rooted and CM7). Short answer, no I haven't but looking into getting one. Have any suggestions?

 

[qnet]

What about the Ultra-Hybrid Bumper case? How does it feel? The latest 2 reviews(which are probably seems to be genuine as they are given very recently with one of them was posted by the user just few hours ago) on Amazon gave a big thumbs down. Especially, the last user who said he bought because of his pleasant experience with Spizen cases but he said he is very disappointed with the quality & feel of the case. Does any body bought here? Can you let us know your experience?. Oh, I forgot to say, he is also said that the screen protector which comes with this Ultra-hybrid bumper case is also a crap(with lot of bubbles even after drying it for two days).

The Ultra hybrid is really nice. The other reviewers are right about having to remove the protective film. It's stuck on there real good and can be easily mistaken for being part of the case. I have several cases and the buttons work the best on this case.

 

[Mystichrome447]

I bought the slim armor and I really like it, I only used the stock bumper on my Nexus 4.



I wish they made a real bumper for the Nexus 5.

 

[dylan808]

Got the Neo Hybrid in Champagne Gold yesterday. I really like the look of it. And it fits the phone really well. Really appreciate a case that ADDS to the aesthetic of a phone.

Main gripes are it adds some bulk to an already borderline big phone. and having small hands its uncomfortable to hold at times. It's also a very slippery case. not much grip at all.

 

[DefinedByClass13]

Damn it, now I can't decide between the Spigen Ultra Fit crystal shell, or the Ultra Hybrid. I already have a Diztronic black matte case, which I'm going to return because I had found a clear TPU flex case locally before the Diz arrived and I want to show off the white back side.