[Google Pixel 3 Accessories] 2LoT:
Hi,

We renewed our phones plan and got 2 Pixel3. For cases, my initial plan to order 2 Spigen rugged armor on Amazon (2 x $13). Not in a hurry, I wanted to check out the quality of cheap cases. For the same amount of money I can buy a lot of cases on eBay ans still have enough money for some screen protectors. I spent sometimes to review images of the cases on eBay, mostly to avoid the crappy ones (like hard cases) or very expensive or weird looking. Sorry I prefer to avoid giving the eBay link I bought. You can find out easily by searching for Pixel 3 cases. Here is the quick summary of my "cheap case" experiment.

I don't do any drop test. However, with common sense, I think we can feel a below or above average protection. I think the cases I tried are as good and some could even be than the Spigen RA I got on my Pixel1. In my opinion, there is not a lot of hitech in a case. After all, brand name cases are probably also manufactured in China in anyway.

More expensive doesn't mean better. In fact the best is the cheapest ($1.75)

Avoid the multiple layers case with a hard polycarbonate shell (#5 in photo below). They are heavy, bulky and slippery

Plan in advance! Fastest delivery is 3 weeks (ship from China to US), probably 5 if non-US. The colors of the cases shown in eBay photos are not always accurate.

My criteria of a good case is modest: good protection (corners, raised lips to protect camera and screen) and hold well in hands (no bulk and not slippery). I am not very concerned about the look. Colors is the only fancy factor. The photo above shows the models sorted by most preferred to least. Here is the rational of my ranking.

Rank #1: This case is incredible. I can't believe the cheapest case could be that good. I would even say I like it better than the Spigen rugged armor on the Pixel1 I got in the past. Very well thought, minimal bulk. I like the chamfered edges and the sanded surface on both side edges to increase grip. In spite of the glossy surface of the back, this case is NOT slippery. I am not sure how to explain that, maybe this has something todo with the Van der Waals force. The 4 corners have subtle raise to lift slightly the case/phone above a flat surface. If you knock the corner of the phone on a hard surface, you will hear a slightly muffled sound. While cases 2, 3, 4 you will hear a harder sound. Those air bubbles are not just for show.

The material is a TPU slightly harder and thick enough. Not like the softer rubbery TPU I got in the past with cheap $1 "crystal" cases. This case will turn slighly smoke/yellow in time. Personally this yellowish thing is not a problem at all. The buttons are slight hard, but fortunately I don't use that much. The case don't pick up too much dust entering by the back of the case.

Rank #2: Feel harder and slightly heavier. Add 1 millimeter in width and height compare to Case #1. The raised lip above the screen is slightly shallower than case #1. There is barely enough room for a glass screen protector. The buttons are very clicky and responsive. The button "click feel" is the best among the 5 models I tested.

Rank #3: Same dimensions as case #1 without the bubbles at the corners. The look maybe nicer if you don't like transparent case. The faux leather texture "seems" to increase grip. Actually this case is more slippery than case #1 (and also #2). This case has lower ranking simply because I feel that it's protective property is inferior. In case you are interested in this case, be aware that the colors is not always accurate on eBay. I ordered a light coffee color and got a dark gray instead. The photo above shows the navy blue model.

Rank #4: Minimal protection, barely a skin. The TPU is slightly thinner than Case#1. But still not rubbery. No raised grooves (as in case #1) to lift the case above a flat surface. Overall sloppy design, money wasted.

Rank #5: In terms of protection, this case is the best. The light gray rubber layer is not only a soft rubber but has ample air space to absorb shock. I use this case a few minutes and got immediately annoyed. It adds almost 10 millimeters to both width and height. Once the case is on, it becomes very hard to operate the phone with one hand. The back looks nice, it's a hard polycarbonate shell. But it is super slippery. I am certain I will drop the phone all the time with that case. Maybe this case is designed for rock climbers, but I really don't like it. Personally, it confirms a weird trend, each time I buy a multi-layered case, I always regret it. This one is the worst in particular, very bulky, slippery and a fragile assembling mechanism.