SPIGEN SGP SGP10033 Neo Hybrid EX Slim Metal Case
First impressions: The packaging is very good and strong. There is no way the bumper could get damaged unless it was run over by a vehicle. Inside the packaging are the silicone and plastic bumpers pieces, Steinheil Ultra Crystal Screen Protector, Back Protection Film, and Jelly Bean Home Button stickers. There were two clear dot stickers holding the packaging together. Once removed, it was hard to open the case.
Packaging Pics:
The installation: The one downside, right out of the box, was there were no installation instructions. I installed it on my iPhone 5 remembering what I read on the web. The silicone bumper was installed first without a hitch. The plastic bumper piece had to be installed with the buttons side first and than pulled over the rest. It was a little bit of a task, but it went well. Than I made sure that it was centered on the silicone piece. I do recall one location that it was not and I just popped it into place. I did not install the screen or back films, as I already have the Ghost Armor on the front and back, which I will also review in another thread.
The Use of the buttons: There are zero issues pressing the volume or sleep/power buttons unlike some bumpers. I've been using the bumper for 7 days now. The indent for the vibrate switch is a little tough to get to if you have big fingers and no mails, but it's acceptable to me. But, this is something to expect with a two piece bumper.
The Appearance: The white and silver blends in with the white iPhone 5 I have. It actually looks like it's part of the phone. I am glad I chose this color combo.
The port holes: The charging hole will only accept the OEM Apple charging cable. It will not accept the 30-pin to Lightning cable. The headphone will also accept the OEM Apple headphones. I have not tried out any other headphones. My Bose Ear buds barely fit. If you hit the plug, the sound cuts out and the music stops.. I purchased one of those Bluetooth adapters to send music to my Bose Sounddock Portable, so I don't need the Lightning adapter. I will review the Bluetooth adapter, when I get it and try it out.
The fit: The fit is snug. I've only had it on for 7 days, but it's been in and out of my pocket at least 10x/day and the fit is the same as the day I put it on.
Protection: I have not had the opportunity or instance to drop my iPhone and don't plan on doing so, but with the silicone and outer plastic piece construction, I'm sure that any drops on any of the edges, the iPhone will be fine.
Conclusion: I think this is a very good minimal protection case. I have only tried out two other cases. The SwitchEasy Tones Hybrid Case and the Ballistic Every1 case. The former one I still have and it gets high review marks from the site admin chris.
Rating: 8 out of 10. Due to the charge port size and the vibrate switch that is a little hard to reach with big fingers.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this bumper to anyone who wants to show off their iPhone 5 without adding extra weight. Or, for someone that doesn't want a case, but wants some protection. I do recommend that if you use this bumper, that you do use some sort of front and back film. This is the closest thing you get to going naked and keeping the original appearance of the white iPhone 5, in my case.
Note: This review will be added to or edited as new items arise.
First impressions: The packaging is very good and strong. There is no way the bumper could get damaged unless it was run over by a vehicle. Inside the packaging are the silicone and plastic bumpers pieces, Steinheil Ultra Crystal Screen Protector, Back Protection Film, and Jelly Bean Home Button stickers. There were two clear dot stickers holding the packaging together. Once removed, it was hard to open the case.
Packaging Pics:
The installation: The one downside, right out of the box, was there were no installation instructions. I installed it on my iPhone 5 remembering what I read on the web. The silicone bumper was installed first without a hitch. The plastic bumper piece had to be installed with the buttons side first and than pulled over the rest. It was a little bit of a task, but it went well. Than I made sure that it was centered on the silicone piece. I do recall one location that it was not and I just popped it into place. I did not install the screen or back films, as I already have the Ghost Armor on the front and back, which I will also review in another thread.
The Use of the buttons: There are zero issues pressing the volume or sleep/power buttons unlike some bumpers. I've been using the bumper for 7 days now. The indent for the vibrate switch is a little tough to get to if you have big fingers and no mails, but it's acceptable to me. But, this is something to expect with a two piece bumper.
The Appearance: The white and silver blends in with the white iPhone 5 I have. It actually looks like it's part of the phone. I am glad I chose this color combo.
The port holes: The charging hole will only accept the OEM Apple charging cable. It will not accept the 30-pin to Lightning cable. The headphone will also accept the OEM Apple headphones. I have not tried out any other headphones. My Bose Ear buds barely fit. If you hit the plug, the sound cuts out and the music stops.. I purchased one of those Bluetooth adapters to send music to my Bose Sounddock Portable, so I don't need the Lightning adapter. I will review the Bluetooth adapter, when I get it and try it out.
The fit: The fit is snug. I've only had it on for 7 days, but it's been in and out of my pocket at least 10x/day and the fit is the same as the day I put it on.
Protection: I have not had the opportunity or instance to drop my iPhone and don't plan on doing so, but with the silicone and outer plastic piece construction, I'm sure that any drops on any of the edges, the iPhone will be fine.
Conclusion: I think this is a very good minimal protection case. I have only tried out two other cases. The SwitchEasy Tones Hybrid Case and the Ballistic Every1 case. The former one I still have and it gets high review marks from the site admin chris.
Rating: 8 out of 10. Due to the charge port size and the vibrate switch that is a little hard to reach with big fingers.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this bumper to anyone who wants to show off their iPhone 5 without adding extra weight. Or, for someone that doesn't want a case, but wants some protection. I do recommend that if you use this bumper, that you do use some sort of front and back film. This is the closest thing you get to going naked and keeping the original appearance of the white iPhone 5, in my case.
Note: This review will be added to or edited as new items arise.
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