[Galaxy S 4 Active Accessories] WinterEternal:
I tried 3 cases total, in no particular order, including this one that isn't listed on here yet:

1. Artistic Design Hard Protector Cover Case + Capacitive Stylus Pen

http://tinyurl.com/oohbbj6

and...

2. TUDIA Ultra Slim Melody Series TPU

3. Diztronic Matte Back Black Flexible TPU

First off, The Diztronic Black

I don't understand why everyone griefs the Diztronic when it has the obvious sales to back it up. If you let someone talk you out of this thin, secure TPU case, get your head out of the dirt. It's slick, minimalistic style, ALL the ports are accessible with every 3.5mm jack / charger I've tried which can't be said about most thin cases. It also sports a little 1mm pair of ramps to help the sound escape the back of the phone if it's laid down. I like that it protects the chrome camera ring, but can see where a style would be nice when eliciting pictures from others.

9/10, -1 for lack of style,

BUT I like gunmetal colours and it's the closest thing there is, trust me... I've checked. So reconsider that -1 if that's your bag.

***

Second, the TUDIA Melody

Neither an upgrade nor downgrade in protection and the case being secure against the phone. A reference to all the Diztronic comments "it is flimsy" etc... well BOTH cases are very secure and snug and I have had no issues with this flimsy talk. Sure it's not a waterproof seal or hard case clamped down, but it's a TPU case, c'mon...

Now the differences - the Melody doesn't have the audio bevel the Dizzy does, which is ironic for something named related to music. But the camera is accentuated more and the back of the case brings a style into play only outmatched by the final case I'm reviewing.

The grip factor on this case is crucial, and pocket draws are always going to be a nightmare in a pinch, so don't fault grip for that.

9/10, where it makes up for style...

it does not fit older (larger) 3.5mm jacks AND the TPU is NOT as high quality as the Diztronic! 10%~ish more flimsy / wimpy if I had to scale it.

+ + + I use this one the most - thinnest, still secure, style + + +

***

Finally, the Artistic Design Hard Case

I had already weighed the TPU cases out, and wanted a more 'rugged' case as it became a common term in this world.

What really sold me was that it came with a pen. I thought perhaps it would be better if I could get used to it, but when you zoom in and out all the time on web sites, it kinda becomes pick-and-choose moments and digging the pen out kills the saved time to me, so what's it to you?

It's a hard case, like all the others, with a superior and highly detailed design. The main difference besides the material is the button exposure, which I was more than willing to try compared to the TPU cases always covering my buttons. I like pressing on the case more than the buttons, but this will not affect the final score as it is a personal preference.

The real kicker is the variety of designs available for this case, and that variety (being the spice of life) really sold me on this, because a case is a case is a case, but a design is a form of expression and has relevance in our highly customized capitalist market today.

8.7/10

-0.3 for style, not being symmetrical and not framing the gorgeous artwork as well as expected

-1 for honestly feeling kinda cheap for it being so bulky, compared to a quality otterbox or superior hardshell case