[Galaxy S 4 Active Accessories] bednorem:
Seidio Active Case: Review

I just got the Seidio Active case, which is a two piece hybrid with medium shock protection, a kickstand, and an optional clip-in holster. You can find reviews elsewhere on the web if you search. I've been using the Cruzerlite slim case (has TPU bumper and ABS back). It's been a great slim-line case for me. But I wanted to have a case with more shock protection; hopefully small enough for a daily driver.

I'm really happy with this case on my S4 active. it doesn't add nearly as much bulk as some of the other hybrids. The width and length are about the same as the Cruzerlite TPU, which is critical for me. It's about 30% thicker, but the thickness isn't as important for me. The liner is softer than the typical TPU liner, and has more cushioning. The hard outer shell significantly reduces flex (although flex is not as deadly for LCD panels as it is on the regular S4 Amoleds. Ask me how I know.), covers the corners (critical for me), and is NOT slick (I will NOT use a case that slides around.). It feels good in my hand and I can do all my typical functions without any new restrictions. It is a little slicker in places than the TPU case, but I'm getting used to it. Also, the rubber bumps over the volume and power keys are too easy to press, in my opinion; so I trimmed them off with an Exacto knife and am using them as recessed open ports. YMMV. Access to all the ports is great. Phone quality, speaker quality, and flash are barely affected. For me, I love the appearance with the royal blue shell and black liner. It's classy enough to carry into executive meetings. The lip around the screen is taller than most, which I really like. But it's also the softer rubber, which will compress and move out of the way when I need to get my finger right up to the edge of the screen. The soft rubber also does not push on my screen protector, which some of the harder bumpers will do. It also fits well in my leather horizontal holster, although the rubber edges make it tougher to get it out easily. AND, it slides easily in and out of my pockets; critical to me.

There are two features that I didn't think would be important, but now that I have them, I love 'em!!! First is the built-in kickstand: wow, how did I ever live without this? I'm always using it now, and it lets me easily see my phone on my desk, and makes it so much easier to accurately press the screen. I don't watch many movies, but this would be a "must have" for that. The kickstand has a magnetic "clasp" that securely keeps it closed but makes it easy to pop open. And the spring holding it open is more than strong enough. It works in landscape mode; I'd like it to also work in portrait mode, but I'm finding out that I don't miss that as I use it.

The second bonus is the optional clip-in holster. I've used several of this kind of holster before, and all of them had flaws that kept me from using them often. Number one is when its too hard to get the phone out and in; but this case is perfect. It's also very secure. And (critical to me) I can clip it in either facing out or in. I like facing out for screen access when I run or exercise; but facing in for everyday use. One negative for me is that it uses the "clothes-pin" style belt clip with the hook on the end; not my favorite, but this is a good one. That style of clip will almost always end up breaking off when you hook the case on something that you're sliding past. But the clip rotates 90 degrees to either vertical or horizontal; a big plus.

A slight negative is that the soft rubber lip at the bottom is kind of "floppy", and can be pulled away from the bottom of the phone. I'll wait and see if this is an issue.

My verdict: five stars; this is the best "compromise" case for me of any phone case that I've ever used (well, the iPhone Lifeproof case was pretty close.) It's now my daily driver. Recommended.

Oh, and I bought it from a vendor (DayDeal.com) that I knew carried legit cases. $30 for the combo deal. Beware of Amazon and e-bay! Anyone that discounts this case more than $10 or so is almost certainly an inferior knockoff. and there are many reviews complaining about how crappy those cases are.