[LG G5 Accessories] schwartz.matthew.e:
I'd like to thank Poetic for the opportunity to review their Affinity case. Without their offer, I honestly would have never tried this case (just being honest). I am very picky about cases and I usually end up just tearing the case off and going caseless after a short period of time.

Look and feel:

When I first saw this case a while ago, I chose not to buy it because it looked plasticy/cheap with the hard back edges. It looked like a bland case and likely a cheap one that I would just toss out after using it for all of two seconds. Now, I actually like the hard plastic a lot! I especially am enjoying the side grip edges (although I sometimes confuse the edge for the volume button).

The case is made of soft touch silicon with which we are all familiar. Every part of the materials of this case remind me of the cheap store bought (likely Walmart bought) cases. But, this case doesn't feel cheap. I can't quite figure out why it doesn't feel cheap but it doesn't. The layout of the case is really good. The top of the case even grips the slope of the phone.

Update: the buttons on side are some of the best feeling buttons on a case. I hate the feeling of trying to search for a button or not knowing if it was really pressed.

Fit, finish, and durability:

The fit is tight as others have mentioned. It was slightly difficult to get the phone in the case. However, once in the case, the fit is spectacular. The edges next to the screen are far enough that LMT launcher works without it being set to more than 35 for width. That is huge to me. Also, when sliding for a menu, like in Google Play, you can do that without clicking on the hamburger menu. That last detail seems trivial, but when you constantly are trying to slide over and the freekin case won't let you get it right, you want to curse the world. This is a place where many cases fail.

Update about fit: I think the tight fit goes back to the stiff material used for the bumpers that also prevents much shock absorption. Taking the case off is a bit of an Olympic event without feeling like you're going to break something.

Finish is lacking that "premium" appeal and look. Maybe Poetic can add some sort of larger logo or design to the case to give it some flair? I guess what I'm trying to say here is that it doesn't LOOK premium or unique. If you're someone who wants a case that the world looks and says, "i want that case", then this case isn't for you.

Durability of the case feels iffy, but I really can't point to anything appearing to be made cheaply, ready to fall apart. A la the Nexus 6 back cover issues. The glue seems strong etc. Only time will tell otherwise, however. I personally am going with the case being well made as everything points to that direction.

As for drops, I haven't dropped my phone in the case, nor do I plan to, *crossing fingers*. That being said, the cases by Tech21 have a satisfactory bounce when you lightly drop the phone in the case on a table etc. This case doesn't really have a bounce. The sides do have a slight bounce, but not much and the top and bottom don't have any bounce. In other words, if you drop your phone in this case, it's less absorbing than it is shear hard impact deflecting. So, if you drop your phone in this case, it's a possibility that the case won't absorb enough shock to really protect your phone. I wouldn't recommend more than a 1-2 foot drop with this case and that fear will concern people. Most drops are from 4-6 feet.

I would like to see Poetic do some thinking on the material. Or, maybe there is something I'm missing about the design and I am grossly wrong. But, I doubt that I'm too far from the truth.

Overall thoughts:

Despite my dislike of the plain and outdated design as well as the drop durability concerns, I do like this case a lot. It feels better than any other of my cases which include another slip on case as well as a case with a screen protector built in. The other cases feel far bulkier and less comfortable. I enjoy a "naked" feel to my phone and that's why I don't usually have a case on for very long. I cycle cases all the time. But the Poetic Affinity case provides a naked feel and I really do like that. The grip is great and the feeling of the case is very satisfactory despite its looks.

No case is perfect. That being said, if you want a naked feeling case that gives some protection as well as a great feel and grip, then this case is definitely one of the better options and it's the best I've tried thus far. If you want a case to protect your phone or look stylish, then I would recommend looking elsewhere for a case.