yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] CHUUZE:
Element Case Review + Pics

Alright here are the pics...and small review:

Pros:

Just FYI, I am using a replacement back that gives the S4 a few more mm of thickness. This did not affect the fit of the case due to it being made with TPU material. Also, I have iloome tempered glass installed as well. That being said, even with both on my phone, the case still fits great and I still have protection if I set my phone face down on a flat surface. The Sound Boost System sounds great and is the best and only thing going on this case. It is as you expect with the speaker sound being redirected to the front of the phone. I absolutely love this feature on this case and am torn on whether or not I will keep or re-sell it. The cutouts are great and Element did a good job on the accuracy of them. The fit for the case is also spot on and it feels like it would do a decent job on drops but I'm not as willing to test this as I am with the Tech21 cases. The lanyard is a great addition if and can be easily excluded if you are not interested in having it attached.

Cons:

The case feels smooth but materials that Element used felt a little cheaper than I expected. The TPU feels and works great, but I thought the glossy trim was aluminum or plastic and held the carbon fiber to the case but it is just glossy TPU unfortunately. The "carbon fiber" material feels like just cheap film and I was under the impression it was genuine carbon fiber and would be rigid...not the case. The power button is absolutely horrible in my opinion and are waaay too sensitive, the power button constantly turns my screen off and on when lightly brushed up against. Volume rocker isn't too bad with responsiveness and I can feel them better than I can the power button. I wish the power button would have the same kind of responsiveness as the volume rocker but this is not the case for me. I have tried putting on the stock battery cover and testing the buttons to see if there would be a difference but the power button is still a hot bag of garbage. This one thing is my biggest gripe and brings me to the to the fence of keeping or re-selling the phone.

Overall:

Still debating on whether I will keep or resell the case being as it did not feel worth the $60 I paid for it.

---------- Post added at 01:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 PM ----------

sorry I got caught up with unforeseen issues going on in my apartment after the crazy storm I had at home...but I posted them just now...
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
thanks for the pics!My element eclipse case will be delivered tommorrow and am looking forward to it and the kickstand.I think the atom looks great too. hopefully i don't have any button issues like you do.I currently switch between the otterbox commuter and uag scout right now. the uag has been the best case for me so far for my s4 and also when i had my s3. it's just a good case overall in every aspect. I hope the element case is worth the $70 i paid.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Fanaticalism:
Thanks for the pics!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] CHUUZE:
I shaved off a tiny bit of the power button with a nail file and the tpuch sensitivity is more reasonable and actually has a clickiness now... I'm satisfied with my case now I wish Element would have made a better power button...

Sent from the CHUUZ3D Galaxy via XDA Premium
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
I actually hardly use my power button as I use the home button to turn on the device and a screen off button to turn off the phone

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.kixx.tool.offwidget
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] pixelsquish:
thanks for the pics! mine arrivs tomorrow. im guessing you shaved a bit off the power button from the inside of the case?
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] CHUUZE:
The button is easily removable so I took it off the case first then I shaved it

Sent from the CHUUZ3D Galaxy via XDA Premium
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Aldiggi:
Nice app thanks for that. Case is great to me some getting used to. It really does make the s4 feel super solid. It's good to see element support the gs4.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Just got mine. Love everything about it except the power button is a little hard to press but I usually use my home button to turn on and screen off button app to turn off my phone. I thought it would be thicker than my uag case but it actually is a smidge thinner. It feels good in the hand and I just think it looks bad ass. My wife likes it too.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
A few more
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] pixelsquish:
got my Atom. indeed the power button sucks. first it was too easy to press. i shaved a little bit off the button, now it's too hard to press. either way, it's just not nearly as good as the UAG case which has a perfect clickiness to it.

on the atom i like the shiny black part on the back being TPU rather than metal, it makes the case 'stickier' when the phone is on its back. the biggest complaint i had of the UAg is that it is slippery in the rear. the Atom solves that. but my god, how bad is that power button? it bothers me that a $60 case has this flaw. it's the basics.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] CHUUZE:
What I still cant understand is how they made the volume buttons work fine but completely eff up the power button... I mean seriously...

Sent from the CHUUZ3D Galaxy via XDA Premium
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] pixelsquish:
agreed. and the lip is a bit too small as well. the UAG lip is not all that much but definitely 2x bigger than the Element case
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] sohail99:
Hope the charger cable doesn't have any probs going in as others reported!? :confused:
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
It doesn't go in all the way but still charges .I can deal with that.

---------- Post added at 06:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 AM ----------

I sawed the bottom part of my charger off with a kitchen knife and a razor blade and it fits fine now. I don't care what my charger looks like
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] pixelsquish:
after a couple days with the case, I do like it (the Atom). it has a very solid feel to it, makes the phone feel very solid in the hand. it looks great on the phone - makes it look rather sophisticated and would look good in casual business settings as well as a night out at a nice restaurant.

and i like that the back shiny material around the carbon fiber is somewhat plasticky in that it will provide some grip if you lay the phone down on a slippery surface.

i do believe the lip over the screen is a bit too short, both in how much it covers the screen as well as how high it goes. i would have preferred more. for days when you may be taking your s4 out on athletic activities, it might be good to have a second more robust case (in regards to front facing lip) for things like hiking, biking, camping, etc....

the buttons have a rather mushy feel to them. no clicking going on. UAG has figured out the buttons quite well. best of any case i have ever used on any phone. it is a big deal really, for a case of this price. i will be letting their customer service know and see what they say.

the key winning feature, besides the overall solid feel and good looks is the sound channeled to the front of the case. it does work. it's a great little innovation for phone cases it seems - which makes me wonder if they can conceive and execute things like that, why are their buttons so damn terrible?
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] sohail99:
I'll wait for them to correct the eclipse case before I go ahead with my purchase!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Gam3r 4 Life:
Thanks for the info. I bought the eclipse for the S3 awhile back and returned it. The main reasons I returned it was because I didnt like the silver, and it didnt seal properly. There were gaps between the bezel and TPU part no matter what I did. And after inspecting it I noticed that the TPU was warped in one corner causing the gap. I also remember how the buttons just didnt feel right. That is one of my main things I look for with cases. So far the best I have felt are the UAG like you mentioned, and the Neo Hybrid. So I also will wait and see if they ever fix it, and maybe by then the price will have dropped. I dont mind spending a lot on case if its worth it. But for $80 it better be perfect.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] CHUUZE:
For those of you who bought the Atom case, did it break NFC for you? Mine doesn't seem to be working anymore...:( I just noticed it when I went to use my NFC "work" sticker and I'm surprised that it doesn't work... Yep...just checked with my case off and it works now... TPU should not affect NFC so the carbon fiber I thought to be vinyl or similar is actually a flimsy carbon fiber? If it affects the NFC why didn't they harden it a bit to provide more protection rather than give me a flimsy carbon fiber sticker on top of TPU...Or they could have went with something that had the look and gave us NFC...damn you Element!!! For the price I payed for a "quality product" they sure did miss a few marks... However, they were smart enough to give us a front facing speaker on the GS4...these b******s gave me something that I don't want get rid of but give me crappy buttons and flimsy carbon fiber that nerfs my NFC...end rant
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] pixelsquish:
never used NFC.not sure if it works or doesn't because of the case.

i gotta say this case does feel great on the phone. very solid. the buttons do work ok after you tweak them. i filed mine down, a bit too much, then rebuilt it with some hardened gorilla glue. it's pretty good now but not clickable like UAG at all. just a shame it doesn't have more of a lip to protect the front screen because the case feels so good in hand.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Fanaticalism:
Atom

This is by far the most ergonomic case I've had on my S4. It looks great and feels fantastic in my hand. The buttons have been discussed already, but are in no way deal breakers for this case at its current price.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] i3monkey:
it is Real nice case

It is really nice case......strong design,just wish the price is more lovely
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] flipq88:
Damm it I really want the Eclipse. But fuuuudge $80.

Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Get it at casemotions.com with coupon code casemotions10save to get 10% off and it's free shipping too there too.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] qum:
That's a cool case :D
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] FinancialWar:
Uag is better
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] i3monkey:
80 bucks for a case

we can buy a real phone at 80 bucks lol
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] j76ms:
Anyone with the galaxy S3 Eclipse compare the gs4 Eclipse? It looks to have a much improved kickstand (more durable) but I want to verify before I purchase.

Thanks in advance!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
I have both. The uag has better buttons that click. I like the designs of both but I like the look of the eclipse case better and it has the kickstand and the sound boost to the front. To me the uag looks good when the phone is lying face down but bland from the front. The eclipse to me looks good from front and back.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] flipq88:
Is the Atom a one piece case? The more I see it the more I like it.

Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] CHUUZE:
Atom is one piece if u don't count the lanyard it comes with

Sent from the CHUUZ3D Galaxy via XDA Premium
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] v3rn:
Anyone know if wireless charging will work through the case? I want to get wireless charging, but not if it won't work with the Eclipse.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Electronut:
Thanks buddy. Your pics and input comparing to the UAG case were key for me. Its actually considerably thinner than the UAG.

Can someone confirm if wireless charging works with the Eclipse? NFC as well though not as important to me. I do need wireless charging though. If that works, Im getting this bad boy. Dissapointed with all the reviews on the SPG Neo which was my first choice.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
[/COLOR]Wouldn't buy from them guys..

http://forums.wpcentral.com/nokia-l...hings-dx-box-before-they-have-neat-cases.html

http://www.scamadviser.com/is-dx-box.com-a-fake-site.html

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/DX_BOX
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Android'sFinest:
I'm pretty sure you could make it work, I use a nexus charging orb and a wireless charging pack that fits under the battery cover of my S4 and ive been using it for a while now. It's great, and even with really thick cases like the Trident Aegis and OtterBox Commuter I didn't have any trouble, I'd say that the range is probably around half a centimeter. That might depend on what you use, but my guess is that case should work fine. I'm not sure about how the aluminum will effect the range, but because its on the perimeter of the device it shouldn't interfere. Hope that helped!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] junkimchi:
Here's the thing about knockoffs.

Chances are, the expensive as freak "legitimate" Element cases are probably made in China also. So if the chinese factory decides to overproduce a bunch of them and sell it on a wholesale website like the one posted above, are they real or fake? Most often the ones that are not "official" have poor quality control issues and obviously don't have the kind of support, however I have purchased some bootleg Element cases in that past that came with alarmingly similar packaging and build quality. Since they're so cheap, try it for yourself and let us know.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Gam3r 4 Life:
Wow, this is one of those too good to be true things. Eclipse S4 for $18.89? Im hoping someone here orders one and then can update this thread when they get it. I would love to get one, but just not ready to drop $80 on one. Ive already bought way too many cases for my S4. ;) I did find this thread where someone ordered a NEO Hybrid from them and get a (NED) Hybrid. So my guess is that the "Element Case" Logo on it will say something like "Elenent Case" changing one letter to not get sued. I sent them a message to ask if it was an official Element case, or fake reproduction. Will see what they say.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] vincientjames:
Trying to order mine but I'm not seeing anywhere to add a coupon code. Am I missing something??
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Right here
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Wouldn't buy from these guys..

http://forums.wpcentral.com/nokia-l...hings-dx-box-before-they-have-neat-cases.html

http://www.scamadviser.com/is-dx-box.com-a-fake-site.html

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/DX_BOX
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jrb7561:
I ordered an eclipse case from case motions. With the discount it came out to about $71 which is not too bad with free shipping. I ordered it on Tuesday and it's supposed to arrive today here in socal so the shipping was not too long.

I ordered one for my wife who has a white S4. Not sure which color combo would look the best with white and I ended up ordering the silver on grey. I don't think anyone here has ordered that color combo so I'm hoping it looks nice. I'll let you know.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] j76ms:
Please post pics when you get it. I would like to see the silver/grey on a white phone.

Thanks!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
If you get a scalpel and cut below home button and volume buttons it makes it a little easier to press. That's the only con for me, otherwise the case is sexy in every way.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] vincientjames:
Thanks, I found out that if you click the pal pay button instead of add to cart it actually skips that screen, so thats what was messing me up. Thanks though.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Electronut:
Just ordered mine!:good:
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] vw671:
I'm a sucker...I ordered the knock off Eclipse..crossing my fingers. I'm hoping it's "gray" product...but we'll see.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Gam3r 4 Life:
Let us know. Hope its legit.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] vw671:
Even if it's a knock off..the Element S3 knockoffs look pretty good...hopefully this one is the same.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2251149&page=8
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] flipq88:
^^^^^^ what's with the spam lately on xda

Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] vw671:
LOL..how else you going to sell ass ugly cases?
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] IIIPowerIII:
Ordered one from case motion. I can't wait to see it.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jrb7561:
Hey guys. The case finally came in today. I ordered the grey/silver color to go on my wife's white S4. Hadn't seen this color combo before. I'm happy to report that it looks really nice. My wife is very happy with it. Looks particularly nice from the front side. Since it looks like the all white element case never made it to production, this is probably the next best thing. Like others have pointed out, about the only con I can find with the case is that it does make the power button a little difficult to press. I may look into cutting a slit under it like some have recommended. Overall a super nice super premium feeling case. I recommend it. Here are some pics.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jrb7561:
Oh and in case anyone is wondering, NFC works just fine with this case. I had no problems beaming photos back and forth between my Note 2 and the wife's S4.

---------- Post added at 01:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 AM ----------

Do you mind taking some pics of exactly where you made your incisions? Looking at the inside of the case I wasn't quite sure where I should cut. Thanks in advance.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
There is only one place you can cut the buttons because the anterior line of the buttons meets the aluminum plate. Easier to cut from the outside so you can follow the lining of the button easier. Make sure you have something sharp like a scalpel bc the tpu is really tuff. Leave just the top and the bottom portions of the buttons not cut so you don't cut the whole button off by accident because the anterior side if the button is not attached to anything. Hope this helps and makes sense

---------- Post added at 02:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 PM ----------

Looks great on the white with that combo
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jrb7561:
I'm sorry. My reading /comp skills this morning are a fail. Still not exactly sure where to cut. Am I just making a longitudinal incision along the center of the volume keys as I've marked in the photo? Thank you for your patience.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jrb7561:
Or should I cut from this angle with the marked incisions? (the more I think about it, it's probably this 2nd one)
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Noooooo. Not on the button. That would look ghetto. Where the outer line of the button is. The ridge.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jrb7561:
Okay I made some incisions to the tpu as recommended and it did loosen up the buttons. It's still not perfect per se but it's a lot better than before. Thank you for the tip. Other than that aspect, it's such an awesome case. Jealous of the wife. I wish element made something like that for my Note 2.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] BIGSx420:
Just experimenting. Wanted to see how this case would look with matte black. This is plasti dip. If it doesn't turn out good it peels right off. People mostly use it for car rims and stuff. Just thought I'd check how it looked.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] thrawnTHX:
I picked up the Element Eclipse mostly because it looks nice and because it routes audio to the front. Also like previous posters, I can confirm that it makes the buttons ridiculously difficult to press. Also, I don't know what an 80 dollar case should feel like, but this ain't it.

In other words, you might think this case is lust worthy, but it isn't. Save your cash and get a Spigen or UAG, both of which I still prefer.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Electronut:
Unfortunately no. I didn't see anyone reply to this question and I went ahead and took the plunge and bought the Eclipse. I got the Black Back with Silver frame for a White S4. I can tell you the look is very sexy. Cool damn case. My wife even liked it. Classy touch.

Here is my issue and its a big one for me. Wireless charging does NOT work which I want. I hope we can find a way to get around it and would be great if folks on this thread can help out.

1. I have the black think Fonesalaesman receiver which works quite well. HOWEVER the receiver is not strong enough to pull in the current to charge the phone through the Eclipse case. It starts to but then disconnects and won't reconnect unless you move the phone a little on the charging plate but then only to disconnect again. I am using a DT-900 charging plate. Have 2 of them and the same result on both.

2. I also tried using the Samsung OEM Wireless Charging cover and that works with this case! Problem is the case will not fit and shut correctly due to the added bulk this cover gives the phone.

So the way I see it is I have 2 or maybe 3 options here.

A. Perhaps there is a stronger charging plate I can use besides the DT-900 that can work and get to the Fonesalesman receiver. What can folks here recommend for me to purchase? I'd rather get the best one and not skimp. I read good things about the new Samsung charging plate. Let me know.

B. Change to a different receiver but I read up a lot on this and don't feel like getting any others that don't work and also cause bulging which could be a problem anyway with this case and may not close correctly. The case has very little "give".

C. Return the Eclipse and get the damn SGP Neo but would rather not.

***Update - I just ordered the Samsung OEM Charging plate for 50% off direct from Samsung. I'll see if that helps. My get tells me it wont since the DT-900 was always a good quality charger but we will see anyway. I think the aftermarket receiver is the issue especially since the Samsung OEM Wireless Cover did charge with this case on using the DT-900
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Gam3r 4 Life:
Thanks for this post, I bought the same one for the S3 and wasnt all that impressed, so when it came out for the S4 I wasnt going to rush in and buy it until some reviews said it was awesome. Maybe down the road if they release a revised version with the buttons fixed, but for now Im happy with my UAG's, and all my Neo Hybrids.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] yeroc1982:
I was planning on picking up an atom for my s4, but now I'm unsure. On my s3 I had a UAG case and had no complaints at all! Buttons worked good, was a nice tight fit. It would cost $54 plus another $30 shipping to Canada. Almost $90 for a case that everyone seems to complain about??
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] IIIPowerIII:
I don't know where you're ordering but my eclipse is at 79,99 and in the end, it cost me 95$ everything included to canada from case motion. Almost same price as you for the most expensive version :P
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] yeroc1982:
Right from element site. EBay is same price but $5 cheaper shipping. Still not convinced that its better than UAG though.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] IIIPowerIII:
I'll tell you that next week. I've received my UAG last week and I'll receive my element next week ;)
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] yeroc1982:
Sounds good!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] thrawnTHX:
I just want to reiterate what I had said earlier--the case buttons are garbage. I've seen better button responsiveness on cheap 5 dollar cases. It's nothing but a quickly executed cash grab from a company more concerned with selling $200+ iPhone cases.

Also, it looks better in pictures than in person. The carbon fiber on the back of the Eclipse is nothing more than a sticker with sloppily applied adhesive. I typically love wasting money on a ton a of cases, but this one didn't leave me with the warm and fuzzies.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] motorsports601:
Let us know if u recieve it . I also want to order one of the knockoffs
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Electronut:
Whew!!!! Confirmed working with the Samsung OEM charging plate :good: Whoo-hoo! It's particular to placement on the pad but works!

Now I am a happy camper! The Eclipse case is bad ass!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] yeroc1982:
Meh...I think I'll just go with a UAG, I know I'll be happy with it.