[Galaxy S III Accessories] aturyan:
Smartphones these days are not only “smart,” but extremely thin. Why cover up a thin phone with a bulky case when you can rock the phone naked? For protection of course. But maybe you’re one of those people who want protection while maintaining a sleek profile. Thanks to companies like SlickWraps, you can now enhance both the looks and protection of your Samsung Galaxy S III. Today, I’ll be covering the Blue Carbon Fiber Skins by SlickWraps. Retailing for a measly $19.95, the Carbon Fiber Series Skins come in 7 different carbon fiber patterned colors and offer near full body protection. Read all about them after the break.

Video Review

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Installation

I’ve tried carbon fiber vinyls like these for other devices(i.e: iPhone 4), and they were simply fantastic. Whether it be installation or looks, they just worked. I can’t say that at all for the Carbon Fiber skins from SlickWraps for the Galaxy S III. Installing these was not only challenging, but mind wrecking. I’m not really OCD, but I like things to look good if possible. I tried my best to install the skins perfectly, but I found out they weren’t 100% accurately cut like they say. As a result, I had issues getting a perfect installation done. When I had some things perfectly aligned, the skin was disproportionate in another area. I watched all the tutorials and nothing! On the installation video, SlickWraps used a Pebble Blue S3 and the same Blue Carbon Skin. Because blue and black blend well with each other, imperfections aren’t easily noticed. With the Marble White S3, however, the blue carbon fiber contrasted well with the white. Since this is the case, any imperfections stood out. Even after having read all instructions, at the end, I realized that installing these perfectly is simply impossible. It may just be that the Galaxy S III specifically is a bit harder to design for when it comes to skins.

Protection

The skins give an almost full body coverage. Unfortunately, the side pieces don’t go all the way up around the chrome top or bottom of the phone. I don’t know why they decided to this, but this leaves the areas most likely to be dropped on, unexposed. A phone, if dropped, usually lands on the corners, but the fact that they’re exposed is not great protection wise at all whatsoever. Also, these skins are relatively thin. Meaning, shock protection is nonexistent. The only protection you’ll be getting with these skins is basic scratch protection on the areas it covers.

Modifications

I made some modifications to the back portion of the skin. When the cutouts for the camera, led flash, and speakers were aligned, the skin was unbalanced. To remedy the issue, I used some little scissors to trim a bit of the skin around the edges. I also took the side pieces off because they didn’t align or match well with the back and front piece at all. Having done these two mods, the phone looked much better than previously. If you’re coinsidering buying a set of SlickWraps for the S3, taking some modifications like I did, may improve your experience.

Sensor Issues

As I said before, the cutouts aren’t perfect. When one cutout is aligned, another one may not be. On the front skin, when everything is fully aligned, the sensors are not. A little portion of the skin will cover the sensors, so using the phone during a call will be an annoying experience. If you need to press speaker or use your phone at all, you won’t be able to. The screen is pitch black until your phone call ends. Also, you can’t end it yourself…

Design

I absolutely love how these look despite its flaws. Carbon Fiber just looks great and adds a nice touch to any device in my opinion. Specifically, the carbon fiber in blue just looks sparking. Literally. When the surface of the skin hits a light source, it shines and looks phenomenal. The patterns just strike at you. Overall, the skins look great.

Conclusion

After taking everything about these skins into consideration, I really can’t recommend them. If you wouldn’t mind making some mods like I did, it’ll become much more usable. But honestly, they are more hassle than pleasure. For $20, you’d be better off getting a functional case, even if bulk may not be your thing.