yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
The case has only been available a few days. It will be a while before anyone can report on its effectiveness for the long run. My case goes on and off fairly simply, just follow the instructions for removing and applying it. It does fit tight and the snaps on the end take a little pressure to open and close them. I think that should be expected for a waterproof case. If you plan on opening and closing (removing) the case on a daily basis to replace the battery, I think it is reasonable to believe that you will wear out your cases effectiveness much quicker than someone that keeps the case on the phone most of the time. The bottom snap does have to be opened to charge the phone (unless a wireless solution is modded to it) so it is reasonable to expect the bottom snap to be opened every 1 to 3 days (depending on use). So really, only time will tell how it will hold up. In a month or two people should have more info about this.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] dmaynard83:
I heard some reports on rattling on the upper speaker. Not sure if anyone else is experiencing the same thing
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] kelmar13:
Not familiar with the oil slicks on the lifeproof but you CAN see fingerprints, swipes, etc very easily on the screen with this case. Do I like that, no but it's a price I'm willing to pay for some added safety and security for my phone.

What do you mean?
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
Read the other "OBEX" thread. There is talk of something similar.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Southern_mind:
Damn that's a big case.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
I don't agree.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] vectron:
Exactly! For the amount of protection it offers I would consider this to be a rugged "slim" case. I'm comparing everything to Note 2 and all the available official and unofficial rugged cases that doesn't even offer the same waterproof protection while actually double the weight and drastically increase the size of the phone. OBEX for S4 is relatively slim.

I hope you guys will come up with some wireless charging mod; it's just asking for it ;) Perhaps some battery cover mod to bring out the inductive charging coil closer to the case cover. In theory, plastic shouldn't block the electromagnetic field, its the relative distance between the charging coil and transmitter of the charging base. So if you minimize the distance enough for an acceptable current rate - you are in business!!!

Btw, I had so much fun dunking OBEX in a water, that continued it with my EcoROX review: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2415199

I wish I would still have my review S4. But now, I have a cool OBEX case and no phone ;)
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] whitlecj:
The oil slicks on the life proof cases is where the phone glass and the screen protector touch and give a rainbow like appearance. In spots the two touch and it almost looks like there is water or oil between the two.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] kelmar13:
Haven't seen anything like that yet (but it's only been one day). If it occurs, I'll let you know.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] oxidant11:
So yes mine does have it a little I can't see it when the phone is on but it does have a few lines, doesn't really bother me, also give ya guys a heads up but mine did not work with wireless charging so yeah really bummed about it but not a deal breaker because it is still an awesome case.

Posted from a Galaxy S4 it was.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] N0obster:
wireless charging

does this case work with wireless charging? i have the og Samsung back cover
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] oxidant11:
No it does not.

Posted from a Galaxy S4 it was.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
Your questions are answered in this thread and the other thread here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2403126

Obex waterproof case now available for preporder

You can hear pretty well, it does distort the sound but not much, screen is responsive, and its not too slippery I never had another obex case to compare it to
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
In the ocean with my phone.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Just ordered mine;)
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] kelmar13:
Beat me to it! Was taking mine scuba diving tomorrow (but would feel safer with it on the boat regardless).
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
Yeah I think its only good to only go so deep

---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------

One of the things I like about the iPhone 5 obex is there are no back or menu haptic buttons. When water gets on the menu and back button on the S4 the buttons activate. Which creates a challenge to take pics while wet
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] torpedohanen:
It is a bit annoying they made the chargingport so difficult to get to compared to the 3.5mm jack and i think the jack extension seems a bit cheep and nasty, it feels like it will break any sec. Other than that it is a really cool case
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
Set one of your volume buttons to take the pic and its fine.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] kelmar13:
Lol, wasn't planning on going THAT deep with it! :)
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
I know that, but that doesn't keep the menu and back buttons from being pressed.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
Yeah it would be nice if it didn't mess with the screen
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
Yep :-\ I'll probably jerry rig something up when I plan to do some under water footage.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
I know this isnt instagram or a pic thread but I wanted to show that it still takes great pics with this case on. It has good glass over the camera!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] planoman:
Nice job on the reviews guys. Thanks for the time to post the pictures. I might pick one up once seidio comes with another coupon or someone else picks it up to sell. It does look large but not any larger than the lifeproof case for the S3 my wife uses. I doubt it would use it all the time just the weekends or vacation as we are usually near water.. The case is too large for me to use all the time. I have been a long time customer of seidio going back several years and many many phones, and like their cases and holsters.

For now, I will keep using my iphone and lifeproof case near and around which so far is the best, slimmest case I have seen which is waterproof.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
I think if you can wait, you should see if Armor or lifeproof come up with a version.

I'm still waiting for my knockoff lifeproof to come from china also.

Quite disappointed myself on the case.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] crazydaftunk:
This case gives me a boner
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] WoodburyMan:
Ordered mine last week. Can't wait to get it!

Going on a trip to the Caribbean. Will be using this to take photos while snorkeling and at the beach. Can't wait!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] bmkindoll:
Just got my Black/Red Obex case today. Have to say, VERY impressed. Screen Protector is really nice, and the buttons are SURPRISINGLY easy to push. As easy as my Official Samsung case. Speaker Volume is 9/10 compared to without the case. Thats more than acceptable for me. And in the phone calls I made today, everyone said I sounded absolutely fine, and I could hear everyone really well as well.

Only knock I have with the case at all is the back is a slippery plastic, and I wish it could have been some kind of rubber, or soft touch.

Other than that, I honestly couldn't be happier. A VERY good purchase.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
Good to hear. Mine should be here tomorrow
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
A word of warning, don't put your phone in your pocket with anything else. The Obex screen protector is soft and will crease against keys or any other object that can put some pressure on it. It will also get abrasions as opposed to simple scratches.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
I don't know if you are talking about the same thing but I thought the screen protector was shot on mine. It looked creased to me, but it was just the protector sticking to the glass between the dots. Somehow it got pushed till it stuck. I wasn't happy at first but it wasnt ruined like I thought. it is a pain cause you have to open the case to pull it away.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
Try using a regular film screen protector on your phone before putting it in the case. I don't think it matter what brand, just not the glass ones. Just make sure it is completely clean (smudge and fingerprint clear) before you put it in the case. It fits great and the touch screen works just fine. I also haven't noticed any screen issues wit the case with the extra screen protector on.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] mikenilson:
I got mine today! I was worried that it would be to big and make my phone feel like a brick. But once I got it in the case and compared it to the case I was using before, my worries were unfounded. Some observations: I kept my Tech21 Impact Shield Screen Protector on. I had no problems with it fitting but because the Impact Shield is made out of plastic there is issues with what looks like the screens sticking together. The area with the dot pattern does not stick but all around it does. It's most noticeable when the screen is off. For now I will tolerate it because I like the added screen protection that the Tech21 Impact Shield adds. Screen responsiveness is excellent with the 2 layers. As stated in other reviews the back is very slick. The phone has almost slipped out of my hands a few times. I've owned other Seidio cases before and all have had that soft touch plastic that is not slippery. I don't understand why Seidio overlooked that on this case. There are some sound quality issues. Sound from the earpiece and speaker is

close

to the same as without the case. My wife say's that there is a muffled echo that she hears in here voice on her phone when I am calling from my phone, only with the Obex case on. Also she says my voice sounds like I am talking through a tin can. Both things do not make conversation impossible only tolerable. I really want to like and keep this case. I had a scare a few weeks ago when I dropped my phone head first into a Vodka Lemonade. It took a lot of drying out, taking apart and cleaning to get it to work again so now I am paranoid and having the Obex case on calms that feeling. I have tested it in water and it lives up to its claims. I have not dropped it yet so I do not know how shock resistant it is, but it seems pretty sturdy. I would like to hear if other users are having the same sound quality issues that I am having. I want to know if my case is defective or if it is a design issue.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] dmaynard83:
Thanks for this review.

Really interested if people are getting similar situations if people are hearing your voices muffled. This is a big factor determining if I am going to purchase this case.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
No, having keys in my pocket with the phone left an abrasion that can be felt with the finger and also a crease in the same area. It's definitely on the outside screen, not internal.

I think this is just normal wear and tear on the phone.

I will try to get some pictures up to show you.

---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------

I have a problem with the speaker itself not so much as the microphone. But you might want to turn off noise reduction as per their recommendations and reinstall it into the case.

I think there's a wave dynamic that's occuring due to how they made the the grill in the back, but not sure if the microphone also has issues.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] mikenilson:
So does the sticking happen all the time? It is not good if this happens with the stock glass screen of the phone and the plastic screen of the case. I am getting pretty annoyed from it happening with my plastic screen protector and the plastic screen of the case. It does not seem to go away. I may want to remove my screen protector but not if it will not cure the problem.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
It has only happened a few times. If you push on the protector with a little force but not from regular touches
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] dmaynard83:
Bump. Anyone else having issues on calls where the person says you sound like you are in a tunnel?

Been debating getting this case but if sound like you are in a tunnel it might be a deal breaker. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
No.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] kelmar13:
Had one report (only iPhone user oddly enough...android users said it was fine). Reseated phone in case and problem was "resolved."
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Mr. bird:
No, sound is really good for having a sealed case.. sometimes I hear a little vibration noise but its faint and I havent had any complaints from anyone else about sound

sent from my jelly bean infused note 10.1
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
That vibration noise is also what I hear mainly with higher pitched noises.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
When opening the charging port, try unsnapping it from one side first and then the other. If you try from the center it can be very hard to do. Of course, be easy with it and only pull / pry until you here it click. Try it this way and see if it is a little easier for you.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
I've asked people several times how the call quality is like and have had no problems
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
I never put anything in my pocket with my phone, especially keys because I know that it heightens the chance of a scratch or damage to be done of some sort. Seems if you are to put items with any case or phone that you are not setting yourself up for success. I say that with no disrespect. I just dont think Seidio is to blame for how the case is handled.

Although I think it would be AMAZING if the OBEX and Vitreo had a baby and created a case that was waterproof with a shatterproof screen guard. That would be epic.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
Yet, I have no problem with my otterbox defender and keys.

I have no problem with cheap 10 dollars 3 pack screen protector and zerolemon 7500 battery backcover.

I have no problem with cheap 10 dollars 3 pack screen protector and cheap 10 dollar tpu case.

I have no problem with cheap 10 dollars 3 pack screen protector and a plastic back plate with 5200 extended battery with or without the hyperion tpu case.

You see I have a very thick wallet due to multiple cards I need to care for work in regards to security and id purposes so it was natural for me to keep my phone with my keys.

I think an 80 dollar case should generally perform better than a 20 dollar option.

It's waterproof. Great. IP-68! It survives a 6.6 drop Mil-G.

What it's not is scratch resistant - lol - Plastic or Screen cover.

This case was supposed to be an all around solution to everything. Now if I don't want to ruin the case, I gotta be EXTRA careful of how it sits or where it goes? Doesn't that somewhat defeat the damn purpose of a case that is marketed like this? This is all about expectations for an _80_ dollar case.

"Protection - anytime, anywhere - water proof, impact proof, dust proof, shock proof"

Look I understand everyone loves their case cause it's the only waterproof one out there. But there's a reason why the obex in general has gotten 3-4 stars over at Amazon.

When the honeymoon period fades with your case, you'll find yourself finding the case a bit less stellar in regards to regular wear and tear from other cases.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
Sounds like you should develop a waterproof scratch resistant case :)

I've had the iPhone 5 Obex since it came out and it still looks good. But the way I treat my items sounds different than the way you handle them.

Knowing the Obex is made from completely different materials than the Otterbox and tpu materials, you have to know what you're getting yourself into.

I'm not here to argue. Just I believe you can't blame Seidio for you making the purchase decision knowing what the material is made of and also how the case is handled.

The term "you" is speaking in general. Not calling anyone out.

I think this is a better build than the last two Obex models. The iPhone 5 Obex screen protector tends to stick to the iPhone screen. But i have also taken the case off and on numerous times and I can't really blame Seidio for that either.

Waterproof cases are still in an early stage of development. I think better things are to come.

My suggestion is to contact companies with your ideas and I am sure they will take note. For example Seidio to combine the Vitreo and Obex would an amazing case.

I don't think there is a picture perfect case that fits everyone's needs.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
I understand where you're coming from and I know what you are saying.

I really don't care much about the scratching on the plastic in regards to aesthetics. I think the scratching on the plastic shows potential wear and tear issues and probably explains why they made the port covers so tight and hard to take off. I do think over a few months, they will considerably loosen. I also don't expect the case to be waterproof forever, 1 year maybe 1.5 years.

I do care about the abrasion and creases on the screen protector; however, this to me is just unacceptable. It is the one thing that really pissed me off about the case. I almost want to put a screen protector on the built in screen protector. If anything this is the deal breaker for me.

Seidio has great customer service and offered to replace on the forums, but I understand this is normal wear and tear and my responsibility - so I don't plan on taking them up on this offer. If I truly blamed them per se, I would, but I don't. It's just how this case is made.

What I can tell you is that from my point of view, if this case was around 40 or max 50, I'd give it better rating. I think at 80, and the way it's marketted, it should perform better.

I had the phone for less than 24 hours. One day with keys in the pocket where it incurred almost all of it's current damage. After I saw the damage, it's been alone in a pocket and not much is more has happened to it.

I gave it a pretty scathing review, but now that I've calm down and it's been a week - I feel the sound and weakly performing screen protector give it a 3/5 right off the bat, looses another 1/2 of star for concern of durability, looses another 1/2 star for high cost and no warranty compared to what I know lifeproof will probably put out.

2/5.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Camboteav:
I had to fill out a lost shipment claim form. My case never came in by usps. Seidio says it was last shown in Orlando FL on Monday which is only 2.5hrs away from where live and it has not shown up yet. Very upset at this point. Now I have to wait for seidio to go through the claim process with usps. Who knows when I actually will get the case in my hands.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
Thanks for the tests and review. I agree with what you said. In my opinion, the differences in sound are completely acceptable for the kind of case this is. I would suggest trying to install one of the sound volume mods (located in the apps section) to see if it increases the sound output if anyone has a problem with it being too low. Of course, to try this you would have to be on MDL firmware and there is always risk. Personally, I definitely don't need a volume boost but people should be aware that having the volume too high can cause problems as well (additional distortion, cracking, etc...).

So, as of now, I am still happy with the case.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
I have the fake lifeproof in addition to the obex. I imagine the real one is in the works and will be out shortly. If you have already bought the obex, I don't think there's any reason to get the lifeproof UNLESS you need to have better sound. The sound if it is like the fake one is doesn't sound anything like the obex and to my non-audiophile ears appears to be about the same as without the case.

It's unfortunate that we have to qualify the cases with "for a waterproof case".

It's "okay" because it's a waterproof case.

Well, I would argue for the purists out there, you're better off getting a very nice water-resistant case, and buying a waterproof jacket for special occasions you expect your phone to go underwater.

Obex is as far as I can tell the best waterproof case right now since the only other options give IP 67 standards (bfree) and chinese knockoffs. That doesn't mean it's a 5/5.

It's like having some special case that has banana scent and saying if you want a banana scent case...well this is the best one and we just have to be happy with it because it's the only company that can make this banana scent coating etc and even though it has problems, for a banana scent case it's the best out there!

I know that's a big stretch but come on. I expect and demand quality and so should you. If it doesn't live up to your expectations, say so! Next time they might actually fix the problems or get a different membrane or work on design - to improve sound issues both microphone and speaker. They improved the Obex from the g3 version with the rubber siding. Seidio is a business and has good customer service. They appear to listen to us. They want the best and will give it to us if we let them know what we aren't happy with. Next version might have different screen protector scheme or have a rubber outer layer...who knows.

It's a case. There are certain expectations an 80 dollar case should have. There are certain things that ip 68 and Mil-G cases are expected to live up to. Etc etc.

Push for perfection. You do nothing for companies by blowing sunshine up their asses when they can improve.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] scott14719:
That's not what I am saying. What I am saying is that even though there is slight sound differences, it is still fine. I'm not just settling for it because it is a waterproof case and therefore I can overlook sound issues, the sound differences (for me) are not noticeable enough to even be a factor. As of right now, the OBEX is the only "Official" branded waterproof case for the S4 so it is reasonable to expect people to say, "it's the best out there for now"...because it is the only one out there for now. Of course, there are the knock-offs, and some of those might work very well, but I'm talking "official" cases. People are also going to pick it (and every other case that comes along) apart. Let's face it, if a case doesn't shoot sunshine out of it's butt there are people that won't be happy. So, for me, it is a good case, that does what it claims. It works very well (so far) and any sound issues are not prominent enough to be a factor. Of course others might feel different, but that is my take.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
I think we all know your position on the Obex. Time to let it go? You have given your experience. Other have given theirs.

No need to be so defensive about it. Just because someone else's view is positive does not mean it's "blowing sunshine up their asses." We all look through things through different lenses. Please consider that rather than making personal attacks against another person's view.

Thanks for understanding.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] Phatdawg:
Cool. Keep in mind the best out there for now doesn't necessarily mean good - it basically means it's your only option. I know where you're coming from and I get it. For the vast majority here, this case will be considered good to great. I can see it and see why.

The You was a general you, no personal attacks there. So if you took it personally, it wasn't meant to be the case and there's no need to be so defensive about it.

I'm fine with people having their opinion on the case.

I'm getting rather sick and tired of hearing the case get a pass for the sake of being waterproof as you're probably sick and tired of me *****ing about the case.

I totally understand that this is a good case for the vast majority of people out there. I am the devil's advocate here. I don't think there's another person in the thread that has given this case and overall negative score.
[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] jkbane:
No offense was taken at all.