yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
I think pretty much you summarized it very well in your post :) The only other thing I can add that CONVERT works with Sweet Armor bumper.

Sorry, with so many posts and so many reviews on this forum, I lost a track of everything. That's why I started a summary post with all my

reviews in one post to keep track of it. Plus, I no longer have some of these cases I reviewed, so won't be able to confirm. For example I don't recall if Ballistic will fit with Active since it has pretty thick bumpers and in general thicker due to 3 layers; perhaps it could work with Convert.

CONVERT - UAG, Sweet Armor (was confirmed by others)

ACTIVE - Tough, Pop (need to double check since Pop is a bit thicker), Commuter (was confirmed by others)

SURFACE - probably any slim tpu case or one of those plastic slim skin cases
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Phone just slipped out of my hand grabbing it off the ledge above the shower (stupid spot I know) and fell to the tile floor ~7 ft below. Phone is miraculously fine. Thank you case-mate :thumbup:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] kikoexe:
after weeks of using the casemate tough, i noticed that black skidmarks started to appear on the rubber bumper (i got blue/gray).. i tried washing it with soap but its still there.. im planning to buy a black/black just to get the black rubber bumper and use it together with the blue casing.. do you think it will look good? i have a blue note2 by the way.. :confused:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Just got a blue tough and a Pop case. Will make another review thread on the team site soon with pics etc
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Edited...Expired
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
Pop is OK for someone who needs a kickstand, but other than that I would stick with Tough as well. Reviewed and compared both (among my review links in the signature), Tough is still one of the best slim cases wit a real protection! But overall, Case-Mate support is bar none!!! Even so my cases were sent to me as review samples, after a rubber kick-stand tip got ripped on my Pop! case they rushed me a replacement one right away. Great company that cares about it's customers, top class support, and some of the best product quality I have tested.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] MiguelHogue:
Got my casemate in the mail today (tough)

And it's great.. Slim, grippy, and protects the phone very well..

-TeaM VeNuM Like A Boss :flipoff2:

-SoA: Son's of Android™
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bocaccio:
Where is the best place to buy it at and does this fit in a docking station? I have looked on amazon but not sure if I am finding the one you all are discussing. thanks
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] opasha:
black/grey casemate tough:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galax...7692841&sr=8-1&keywords=casemate+tough+note+2

blue/grey casemate tough:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galax...7692841&sr=8-2&keywords=casemate+tough+note+2
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bocaccio:
Yeah i found those two before but wasn't sure if its the one you all are talking about. Not complaining but wow its on the inexpensive side compared to my commuter. Does it fit a docking station?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] opasha:
yeah, they've come down in price...very solid cases. great company as well. it's fairly skinny...not sure about docking cases...doesn't hurt to try. the other thing you could do is buy the DBA Cases Six Abundant Case...that's like a spg ultra thin/elago slim case but with better protection and definitely fits docks.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bocaccio:
Umm thats a good idea but I just purchased the black tough case mate and I have the commuter. A third case would be overkill.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ursoouindio:
Very good value on Amazon. Its a pitty it wont ship to Brazil. Any suggestion of other retailers? Ebay?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] opasha:
you could call or email casemate directly. they are very courteous and would let you know where you could buy if they can't ship it to you, but i'm sure they would.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bocaccio:
just got mine in today. it seems too good to be true as thin as it is. However I do love it. I haven't put it to the test to see if it fits my docking station yet. Nor a drop test; heh. Probably won't be putting my commuter back on any time soon.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] DocEsq:
The case seems very similar to the Ionic Guardian though is only a bit more expensive.

Doc
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] opasha:
how? they're very different. ionic looks thicker, and it is shaped more like the UAG because of the 4 corner bumper style. ionic also looks like a 1 piece like the UAG. the case-mate is 2 pieces.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Optimistic Pessimist:
From the video I saw on Amazon, it's a two piece case, with a rubber/silicone inner and a plastic/polycarbonate outer case. It's design is somewhat similar to the Ballistics case (not aesthetic wise).
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] opasha:
oh ok, interesting. in terms of tpu/strong outer shell, DBA Ultra and Case-Mate Tough are worth the money.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] DocEsq:
The outer shell is very strong and for me the corners having extra "rubber" have been very nice. The Ionic has saved my phone a number of times.

Doc
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Have a good promotion going through case-mate if anyone needs a case, and Gonna be doing an in depth review of the custom case too, got one and am very impressed, looks sweet! told them we should have a coupon code to go with it :)

http://www.teamvenum.com/

writing up the review, have all the pics, but code/link should be good til I do. will have a giveaway Team Venum case too! not sure how we'll do it, but it will be free of course :thumbup:

just gotta come up with some type of fun drawing or something, Pics of that upcoming too.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Optimistic Pessimist:
Thanks, checked the link and found the promo code.

However, after inputting shipping details to Australia, have noticed that shipping isn't free, as is stated on your site. Wondering if the free shipping is only available in the US or that the code isn't applying the free shipping option.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
I'm sorry unfortunately it probably is only US free shipping. I can ask next time for a code possibly that is good for shipping elsewhere, but this one kinda just fell in our lap. I have no idea if it'll happen, but I can always try :)
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Optimistic Pessimist:
All good, just thought I'd inquire. Still pretty awesome 30% discount. Thanks for this great offer!!!:good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
I'm just passin it along :)

and just posted a review of the Custom case with pics, check out the custom ones too. You lose the cool grippy diamonds of the Original Tough, but I haven't been slippin around yet
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
Can't wait for review and pictures!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Re: Now Available - Casemate Tough Case

My apt has the worst lighting, tryin to set this up for some pics...

Uploading pics to Team Server. Took a whole bunch so am gonna post them on the Team site and create a new thread. Will link in OP. That way I don't feel bad litter the thread with tons of pics :)
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Posted the link in the OP, whipped together a quick review and put a bunch of pics on the team site, might add more etc tomorrow

http://www.teamvenum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=686
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Pompsdai:
nice review :bigthumb:

would you say its in the otter commuter category as well? is there sagging along the lip or is it snug enough not to let particles in?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
The lip around the screen seems much smaller than the commuter and overall I think is below the commuter in terms of overall protection.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] zkyevolved:
Now I'm stuck between UAG and this case :s
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] jackwins:
Order them both, that what I did :)

FYI, you can get 50% off ($20) of the case-mate with the "FRIENDS50" promo code.

Your welcome :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] LaDoyers:
How are the edges for the PC portion of the case? The tough case I had for my S2 had pretty sharp edges on the bottom portion, ended up sanding it down a bit. No other gripes though, slim case with dual layer protection had survived numerous drops. :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
To answer a few of the questions, and ill try to update the review so its covered.

The machining and edges are good. They are exact and dont have sharges pieces/areas. Im actually surprised how well the plastic hugs the corners and is flush with the tpu inner.

The rim hugs the phone very well. Since they used a harder material than silicone it does not pull up, and wont let particles in. The one place they can slightly is by the camera, as seen in the pics. But only for about 1/2 mm before it is flush again.

One thing I love, which I def will add to the review, is how solid it is everywhere. There isnt a creak or movement of any type, without feeling too tight like the incipio (imo). With how much this phone creaks holding it naked, the case feels like its holding the phone together
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sooby77:
If it's anything like the previous Tough Case, the rubber will stretch allowing you to push the headphone plug in just fine. I have the Westone UM3X and it has a lip that won't fit in hard cases, but works fine in my previous Tough Case for my Galaxy S2.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Well it is slightly dif than previous models. The inner layer is nit as pliable. Only minimal movement. But it is a large opening.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
If you will get around updating your original post on your team's webpage, can you add comments next to a few of those pics with names of cases you comparing it to? I guess Incipio is white/silver one? It got a little confusing with other ones since you mentioned about throwing Ballistic and Trident in the mix?

Also from the pictures (which are great, btw!!!), I also noticed a shallow lip. That usually worries me.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Yeah I will, was getting late last night and had to just get it out, mean to have more details. Will try to update later. Also, I dont think the shallow lip matters as much since the material is stiffer. I mean, what type of fall would it protect better for? The commuter and ballistic actually pull off the corner a bir if it were to fall face down on the spen corner, this is stiff and tight enough not to, so it certainly may make up for its depth
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] heyodee:
@ sleshepic

From the pictures you posted, it appears you have:

■ incipio

■ balistic

■ otterbox commuter

■ case-mate tough

Which in your opinion is the overall best in design, protection, etc?

Thanks
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Well I don't have the commuter anymore to compare side by side, that was the only case I got in store, and I returned it. To answer which is best is tough. I'll just say, that if a bunch of people were given each of those cases for a day each to use and choose which they liked, that most would choose the tough case. Its a great combo of everything. Only small complaints I have so far is the power button is harder to press than I'm use to, but i can totally deal with that as im thrilled with the rest of the design and function of it.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] arjun90:
I had several Casemate Tough Cases for the Samsung Galaxy S2, and I have to say, the fitting was seamless around the silicon (but dust attractant), however, the Hard Plastic Piece which is put on after the Silicon, does not make both layers of protection seamless. Though, the fitting is definitely snug, after a month of use on my S2, I had creaking problems from the bezel, back-cover, battery compartment, and the chassis. I bit to tight, perhaps. I might consider the Tough Case again for Note 2, but please let me know if any of you are experiencing the symptoms I described for the S2, thanks. :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Thats strange, cus the case for my S2 is what made me like them so much. It was perfect. Guess we'll just wait til other have it to chip in
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] arjun90:
I did like them for about a month, though a bit tight, until I removed the phone and noticed the chassis squeaking in particular areas like the battery compartment and area above the microSD slot.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Updated the review with a few tidbits, and labeled the pics. There was a request for the side by sides to be named etc.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] LaDoyers:
For some reason the half off code ended up not registering after submitting the order. I had to call 1.866.689.3432 to get the $20 credit back. Anyone who might be ordering from the states, it might be safer to just call and place the order with the "FRIENDS50" code. 9am-7pm eastern.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] amadeus303:
Shleshepic...

Uber thanks for this quick review. I'd been lurking on the Case Mate site for the last few weeks waiting for the Tough case to become available. In the meantime, I picked up the Pop... any experience with it (or anyone else on the board), and how it compares to this new verson of the Tough case? Most of the key elements seem to be fairly similar, and the Pop case was also redesigned like the Touch --- minimal bulk, full coverage around perimeter, lay flat protection, etc. The biggest differences to me appear to be the kickstand (Pop) and the full grip (Tough) vs side grip (Pop).
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Tough case is gonna be more shock absorbing with it's inner layer also. Don't think the Pop would protect against drops and slides the way this would
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Just ordered a dif color (wish they had a black and red), the FRIENDS50 code still works. $20 shipped
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] amadeus303:
Theoretically, you could buy the pink one and use the inner red piece with your current black one, couldn't you?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] zkyevolved:
Yup, that would work.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] heyodee:
Kick stand should be the opposite angle and it is very very fragile.

Back scratch easily
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Sweet :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] amadeus303:
I haven't used the kickstand enough yet to comment on its durability, but I've come to appreciate its placement. At first I felt the same way as you do, but then I realized that if it were on the opposite side, I wouldn't be able to turn the volume up or down without picking up the phone... and power button doesn't work when you're watching a video unless you stop it (at least on the Verizon version).

Back on topic - I emailed Case Mate yesterday about the differences between the Pop and the Tough, and they said that outside of the obvious differences, they are a very similar from a drop/shock standpoint with the Pop integrating both layers together. They also noted that reinforcements around some of the openings is a little more robust on the Tough.

With the coupon, I think I'm going to pick 2 up and do some mix-and-match too :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] jackwins:
Just put my case mate on my GN2 and its GREAT!!! Like others have said the inner lining is more of a TPU material instead of the soft pliable rubber we are used too. Its not a negative though. I also like the lay on the table design and how the volume rocker and power button are covered. Albeit with the harder TPU like material, making the buttons harder to push. Lastly, the grip is great but doesnt attract lint.

All and all I really like the case. Highly recommended.

Jackwins
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Maybe it is just me but I always thought that the tough case for S2 and now Note 2 is really ugly and boring. Can someone post a full frontal and a full back photo?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] jackwins:
These are the best pics I could take with my iPad.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] heyodee:
Just got mine, highly recommended

Best I've used yet.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
I think its actually a classier look than most, I think too many lines and curves can make something look cheap really quick.

Right? So its not just me, I love this thing. Cant wait til my red liner comes. Will update with pics
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] heyodee:
The whole profile just freaking rocks

Protect while keeping it slim
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Flame red inner layer should be coming today. Can't wait to see it paired with the black shell. Will update with pics
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
First of all thanks for the pics. Is it possible to upload some with better light amd resolution? Also how bigmis the lip protecting the screen? It looks smaller compared to the commuter one.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Lol, light maybe, but they were taken with a 14gb camera and uploaded at full resolution. Don't think that's gonna go up much.

Also the lip isn't as big, but it is stiff and protects just as well as other cases. And collects no lint. And doesn't pull away anywhere. Don't think there's any case that can say that
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] hyjkim:
I just got my tough case in the mail today. Got it for $20 with the promo code posted earlier in the thread.

To be honest, when I first put the case on the phone I didn't like it. After having used the phone caseless for months, the added thickness and weight was unappealing. Naked, the note 2 is svelte. With the case it becomes rugged and durable.

I've been using the phone with the case for a few hours and it's grown on me. The texture makes it easier to grip and the bezel let's me finally hold the phone without touching the back or menu buttons. The only problem I have with it is that the power button is hard to find and press. The volume buttons are fine though.

Overall I am happy with the case. I will miss the sleekness of the naked phone though.

Pros:

Great build quality. Excellent materials. Rugged. Very slim for a case.

Cons:

Adds thickness and weight to the phone. Looks generic.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] coiledwire:
Surprised with the stiffness of the inner lining, especially the button covers. Any suggestions for making the buttons easier to press?

Sent from my SPH-L900
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] amadeus303:
Where are the pics, man? I'm trying to decide whether to pick up the pink one to get the inner red too :D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Theyre on my camera at home, at work til tonight though. Will try to get em up. It looks sweet
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gasolin:
I have one for my sgs 3 (have a note 2 N7100 as my main phone), i like it, BUT it doesn't make it look good,rather pay about 33 euros then a new screen.

(the tough case makes it easier to hold and more protection then the normal slim case from case mate)
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
Here's a few with the red liner. The sun was beaming right on it in a few of them, and makes the red look lighter than it is.

EDIT: and people keep mentioning how it looks boring or generic, that depends on what you consider to look good. Personally I pay extra money for good clothing and gear that DOESN'T turn me into a walking billboard, or have rediculous markings. I find often in life the highest quality brands don't spend time plastering their damn logo ALL OVER a product and adding useless lines all over the place. All these cases now try to make your phone look like a cyborg, I'm all set with that. I don't think it looks boring at all, I think it looks and feels like quality, and looks professional and sophisticated. Which it is. Also if people are going to complain that the case adds weight and size to the phone over naked, I just don't know what to say. OF course it will! this is a comparison over other cases not over naked, geez lol
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
How would you compare the inner silicone to the Otterbox Commuter? Is it softer, harder or the same? Also the lip protecting the screen. Is it bigger, smaller or the same?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] cardinalryan:
I've got the Tough...silicone is harder than the Commuter, the lip protecting the screen is smaller.

Overall, the Tough Case has a smaller footprint than the Commuter. The Tough, IMO, is easily the better option.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] kikoexe:
before i go ahead and order one, does this affect nfc/sbeam?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Brad.S.:
No.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] jlczl:
Has anyone successfully used the friends50 code recently?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] wase4711:
I think I saw some one say they used it a couple of days ago successfully
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
I called my order in cus it wouldn't take at first on the site. But they're really helpful and quick on the phone. Friends50 code was taken and was $20 shipped, got to me from Georgia in 2 days
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] JGoN86:
Hey man I called and said I wanted to use the coupon code AND they honored it plus free shipping
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] amadeus303:
Awesome - looks good. Thanks for the pics.

Anyone get the blue version? If so, any pics? I'm liking that one too... I guess I may end up with every color :eek:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] LaDoyers:
Just received mine today. Took about four days to ship from Georgia to California. It's a slightly darker shade blue then the painters tape. I'd rather have it come in the PlayStation blue instead but overall I'm satisfied with my purchase. Extremely good build quality.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gasolin:
That looks great, but how come the first layer is not covering the hole back of the phone like on the sgs 3?

2'nd picture http://www.teamvenum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=686 does the freind50 still work?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
If you look in the review pics you'll see in one of the pics. The back shell now has an integrated layer of padding. Between the new bumper system and the cutout they saved some valuable space, and I don't feel like I'm losing protection in a bad spot or anything
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] MoHoGalore:
Thanks for this thread, Sleshepic. Currently have the defender on mine and due to your review I'll be ordering this today.

Very helpful.

Sent from my GN2 or E4GT
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gasolin:
Wouldn't that mean theres like 0.5-1 mm of space,air between the hard black shell and the back of the phone?

---------- Post added at 09:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 AM ----------

The FRIENDS50 code dosn't work for me and shipping is 12.75 to denmark :(

In denmark i costs at mytrendyphone what is equally to 50.18 dollars
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sleshepic:
No there's a layer of padding on the shell that keeps it flush with the back of the phone

It was each being fussy on the site the other day, you could try calling it in. Worked when I did and it was quick
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Albinobear:
Got this today! Love it so far.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Static-Noise:
sleshepic, Thank you for the fantastic review. It is great to see another fantastic contribution to the XDA Community.

I just want to recap, plain and simple: aside from the fact that the case and cover was free, would you say that it delivers the best protection compared to the majority, if not all, of the other popular cases on the market? I am buying the Note II online SIM Free today, and a very strong- but acceptable- case is needed to ship at the same time with it.

I ask the above as you listed the other cases earlier in the thread, and you say that most people would 'probably go for it'.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gasolin:
I have the tough case on my sgs 3 and it gives me much better grip then without any case,cover, the back does not attract finger prints, like the smooth back of the standard sgs note 2 cover from samsung. I am 100% shure that the tough case is bigger the my std samsung cover for my note 2, mabye it would look better on the note 2 because it's a big case for an even bigger phone then my sgs 3, i think the ratio,difference between how big a note 2 is and the cover ís better then a sgs 3 and therfor woulds feel o big