[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] HiredGUN.45:
I have had the Cruzerlite 'Bugdroid Exo' for a few weeks and would like to share my thoughts about the case. I am not associated with Cruzerlite nor have I been compensated for this review in any way, all opinions are my own. For additional info, colors options, current pricing, and availability please contact them directly: http://www.cruzerlite.com/cases/samsung/galaxy-s-iv/bugdroid-exo-for-samsung-galaxy-s4 I previously reviewed the 'Experience' case ( http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2371846 ) so those with a TPU can compare it with this style of case to see if it meets your needs.

I got 2 Exo Bugdroid cases, the Blue/Red and Black/Black colors. A color comparison with the stock S4:

The Blue/Red case immediately made me think of Spiderman colors! The Exo is made of 2 parts: polycarbonate shell and a TPU case. The advantage with buying 2 of these is that you can swap out the 2 parts to have more color combos (Black/Black, Blue/Red, Black/Blue, and Black/Red). Here's the TPU only portion of the Exo:

and the 2 polycarbonate shells ( I'm guessing from the design that this is why it's called the 'Exo'):

You will notice that the TPU case has a bugdroid theme on the raised portions:

For contrast, here are various angles of the red one:

The top and bottom bugdroid patterns are different:

Installation of the Cruzerlite Exo is simple, you slip on the TPU portion first, just like any other TPU/Silicon case:

I carried my S4 as is without the polycarbonate back when I needed some protection but wanted a thin profile while wearing dress slacks. While it doesn't offer the full protection, it did the job. You can easily take it on or off depending on your needs.

Once on the S4, you can see that portions of the Exo's TPU is cutout for the polycarbonate frame:

To attach the Exo hard plastic portion just snap it over the TPU:

Once on, it was secure and firm enough to stay on but came off easily when needed. Pictures of the Cruzerlite Exo fully installed:

The 2 materials (TPU and polycarbonate) lined up:

At first I thought parts of one of the cases was slightly misaligned but I realized that I didn't quite pull the TPU over the S4 correctly, once I moved it into the correct place, everything matched up perfectly.

Let's take a look at the ports, this is the cut out for the camera:

I used the depth gauge function of my calipers and it is approximately .107" deep

Next we take measurements of the TPU to polycarbonate frame, it's design is approximately .012" different in height:

As for overall thickness, I took measurements with the Exo case on. You can click here for my review of the Cruzerlite 'Experience' TPU case for comparison ( http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag23/HiredGuns45/IMG_0052_zps0ece4dc1.jpg ):

The alignment of the ports were perfect. I use Etymotic and Monster iSport earbuds but just picked up the Monster Inspirations, all fit without any clearance issues:

The rear speaker cutout was centered correctly:

The charger port had plenty of clearance for the OEM cable:

The Power and Volume rocker buttons are exposed, as with the 'Experience' case this is a design that I prefer. The recess of the Exo case is deep enough to prevent accidental pressing of the buttons but wide enough to easily active the buttons.

Last week I was out in Moab, Utah for some hiking so I got to use the case in a rugged outdoor environment. Fortunately I did not drop my phone to test the case but I felt that the Exo had a great grippy texture when my hands were wet or sweaty. Even though the phone was in my pants pocket my dslr and backpack would bump into the phone. It held up and protected the S4 without any issues. As I was exposed to a high temperature environment, I checked to see if there was any condensation that could have developed on my outings but everything seemed dine.

Overall I am happy with the case. I'm glad I got two different ones as I can interchange to have some more color combos. It's not too thick or overly bulky but a definite step up in protection from a regular TPU only style case. The major advantage to this is also in the corners where one would expect the most impact and potential damage that can occur. The Cruzerlite Exo Bugdroid design has the polycarbonate covering the all important corners to absorb such impact. Black/Black is a cool color but I'm liking the Black/Blue combo. For a full list of color options: http://www.cruzerlite.com/cases/samsung/galaxy-s-iv/bugdroid-exo-for-samsung-galaxy-s4 . IMO if you are looking for a relatively thin yet durable and protective case, check out the Exo.