[HTC One A9] fieryfairy:
[img="01 Ringke case for A9"]http://i.imgur.com/SYp836Y.jpg?2[/img] [img="02 Ringke case for A9"]http://i.imgur.com/kIJM0MA.jpg?1[/img] [img="03 Ringke case for A9"]http://i.imgur.com/u7g3LJq.jpg?1[/img] [img="04 Ringke case for A9"]http://i.imgur.com/rzRetZi.jpg?1[/img] [img="05 Ringke case for A9"]http://i.imgur.com/87g47fz.jpg?1[/img]

Hey A9'ers, this is something to check out if you are looking for a nice clear case to show off your A9. This is a review for the FUSION-CRYSTAL VIEW option that's available for $9.99 on Amazon. I have been using it for 2 weeks now. I wanted a clear and minimal case to show off my Deep Garnet A9. I was skeptical about it being made of TPU since I didn't want that tacky/soft/cheap feeling on some TPU cases, and this product did not disappoint.

COMPONENTS:

+1 case

+1 plastic screen protector with instruction manual

+1 DIY template

DESIGN:

The FUSION-CRYSTAL VIEW is very transparent (no frosting) and does a good job in minimizing any sort of obstruction to view through the case.

It fits like a glove; there is nothing loose nor any gaps. Snapping the phone into the case was easy and did not distort the case/phone in any way as I take it in and out of the case (I first slide the top half of the phone into the top corners and then gently push the bottom half of the phone into the case). There's an outer and inner protective film on the case that needs to be removed before using the case, which I respect Ringke for doing to ensure the case doesn't get marked during the delivery process. But be warned that after the protective films are removed, the back panel of the case attracts dust like a magnet and you will need an airduster spray to minimize it before putting the phone into the case.

A small bit of weight is added with the case on but not terribly so. It is minimal enough to slide it in and out of my slim fitting jeans (i don't wear skinny jeans) with ease.

The volume and power buttons are covered (which I prefer) and it was easy to click them. The buttons feel tactile too, which means there is that nice "click-y" sound. One edge of the buttons do feel a bit sharper than the other edges, but that's a minor complaint.

Despite what the description says on Amazon's and Ringke's official website, only the audio jack has a dust cap and there is NO dust cap on the charging port, which I prefer.

The cutouts for the speaker, mic, charging port, and camera lens are very precise and nothing to complain about. My audio plug can easily insert into the audio jack with no problems. There is a bit of a lip around the cutout of the camera lens so that it doesn't touch the surface.

There is a bezel but it's very minimal (about 1 mm) so some may want to consider putting on a screen protector. I don't intentionally slide my screen on any surface, so I have decided to forgo the use of a screen protector as I don't like the look of my screen when there is any type of screen protectors on it and I trust the Gorilla glass, but that's my vain opinion.

On the back of the case, there is a bit of a raised lip near each corner that's also about 1 mm. I suspect this is meant to minimize scratches on the back.

The case provides a better grip on the slippery A9 and gives me more confidence in taking it out of my pocket/purse. It helps to round out feel of the phone's edge which I thought was a bit too sharp in the hand.

There's a strap holder on the lower left side to hold charms and whatnot.

The appearance of fingerprints and dust is very noticeable on the case, but is easy to wipe away.

DURABILITY:

I have not encountered any uh-oh moments yet with this case on. On first impression, it appears it can protect the corners and edges well, but there won't be any protection if the phone was to fall screen side down first due to the case's tiny bezel.

-to be continued later-

OVERALL:

I am quite satisfied with the design/aesthetics of the clear case so far. Its strengths include: high transparency to show off the A9, minimal bulk, perfect fit, easy to take the phone in and out of case, better grip, precise cutouts, and tactile buttons. Its weaknesses include: too little bezel protection on the screen and the easy appearance of dust. More remarks on the durability and protection will come later when I have an uh-oh moment.

Let me know if you want to see more pics :victory:

Edit: Here's the video review to go with it.

[YOUTUBE]fK3v6QGH-oc[/YOUTUBE]