[Nexus 4 Accessories] Uh60m Pilot:
*Updated 9JAN13 last paragraph*

I wanted to take a moment to give review of the Poetic Slimbook Case for the Nexus 4. Their is already a general discussion thread concerning this case located: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2006671. In contrast to the general discussion thread, I wanted to compare the Poetic case to the other possible flip cover option made by Nillkin.

General Description:

The Poetic Slimbook has a smooth textured leather type exterior that feels good to the touch. It is black in color with white stitching. The case has a solid feel and the clasp uses a magnet to keep the case closed. The front cover can hold three credit cards as well as an opening for cash or larger items. Additionally the front cover is reinforced to ensure it retains its shape even when stuffed full. The phone is held in place using a plastic molded holder. This holder has no padding, but does do the job of retaining your phone. The holder is adhered to another reinforced leather type back. The back has cut outs for camera as well as speaker. You have access to your phone's power button when the case is closed. To ensure access to the volume buttons with the case closed Poetic replaced leather on the interior edge with a felt type material.

Price: Currently $10.95 at http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Slimbo...55313&sr=8-1&keywords=poetic+slimbook+nexus+4

The Nillkin case is a stark contrast to the Poetic Slimbook. Nillkin designed this case to be slim and premium. First off it should be noted that this case comes with a front and rear screen protector. I would compare the quality to my Clarivue clear screen protector that I already reviewed on XDA. The case is amazingly thin. Seriously it is as thin as my s-line tpu case. The feel in the hand is very solid and it has a ton of grip. The phone also snaps into a plastic molded holster. The difference is that the plastic holster is a little thicker and has the textured leather backing applied directly to it. The flip cover has a smooth textured felt lining and sits completely flat along the front. It does not have a tendency to flop open when not intended. The front has a cut out for the front speaker. The back has cut outs for the camera as well as rear speaker.

Price: $16.99 (US Seller) at http://www.ebay.com/itm/370717427970?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649.

Comparison:

First I will tell you I did take the time to use both of these cases for a few days before I posted this review. From initial impressions I thought the Nillkin case was a clear winner. It is amazingly thin and feels better than any other case I have ever owned. I love that it has a cut out for the front speaker and I can confirm that it works well closed while on phone calls. Another great feature about the Nillkin case is that it does work with my Energizer Qi charger. The Poetic does not. I can say is that I was shocked how much I liked the Poetic case once I tried is out as my daily. It is extremely convenient to have my cash, credit cards, ID card and drivers license all in one thin location. Fully loaded the Poetic case felt firm, well built and fantastic! I carried mine with 5 bills folded in half. I placed my drivers license in the back large pocket with the cash. I then used 2 credit card slots. It was about an inch thick. I found that if you place 3 cards in the front the case bulges substantially. I would expect this to improve as the case breaks in. I did not have a problem with the magnet keeping the case closed. I would recommend having a front screen protector on when using this case. The credit cards sit directly on the screen.

One thing I found interesting was that I was not able to actually change my volume with the Poetic case closed. It was a combination of not being able to find the buttons, and also the material being to stiff. In contrast I was able to press the volume buttons with the Nillkin case closed. This is not an advertised feature, but it worked well. Another design feature I found to be particularly helpful was the clasp on the Poetic case. When I set the case on a flat surface with the face up the clasp actually leaves enough of a gap underneath to prevent the muffling of the speaker. I know this was not by design, but I did find it helpful.

Which to choose?

When I bought my Poetic case it was $4.95. At that price I would say to without a doubt get both cases. When I am wearing my work uniform I like the Poetic. With jeans on I like the Nillkin. Now that the price is over $10.00 for the Poetic, it is much harder to justify. I paid a little more for the Nillkin case because I wanted it before I left for vacation. I still think it is worth the $16.99 price. Over the next few weeks as more sellers start to sell the Nillkin case I would actually recommend buying the $19.99 actual leather (smooth textured) Nillkin case. It would have the same design with a little higher material choice for a minimal price increase. If you wear loose clothes and can manage the size of the Poetic case it is extremely convenient (or use a back pocket if your ego can handle it). I would just wait for a price drop. If you like minimal bulk and want the screen protected the Nillkin is a great choice.

Please let me now if you would like any different pictures. Hit the thanks if this helped.

*Update* I wanted to give a quick update on the poetic case. I just finished using this case during a 10 day vacation in Hawaii. The poetic case was my daily. It went with me to every corner of Oahu from hikes to dinners to boat cruises, this case was it. I wanted to test the durability of the case as far as wear and break in as well as the strength of the plastic holder. I took the phone out at lease 2 times a day in my condo.

This case is amazing. While the nillkin case is starting to show wear and dirt the poetic case can hold more, and lies even more flat. I carried: 5-6 bills folded, 4 ID's, 1-2 credit cards at all times. This case always remained closed and lied as flat as it did with much less during my initial review. It folds back on itself very well for phone calls and the plastic phone holder is showing no sign of wear. I will post more details when I get back from the airport.