My $3 eBay case review w/ pics (recommended)

thatappleguytoday · Dec 18, 2012

Hey guys and gals, I'm sure there's a bunch of you on these forums who know I like to review cases. Well I have spent countless money on brand name cases throughout the years. I tried a bunch for the iPhone 5 as well. I recently retired the black/slate and went to the white version. The white just had the classic Apple feel to it and I loved the mirrored tapered edges. So, I was on the hunt for a case that was minimal and would show off the phone.

I am not one for dropping my phones, so I prefer thin minimal snap type cases. That doesn't mean I'm not a fan of say the Tones case and hopefully the Magpul line soon.

I started with the clear Incase Snap case and it looked great. Then it had me thinking. Why am I still paying tons of money on cases that I'm not going to keep and just going to sell for much less than I paid for. That Incase was $32 with tax, so I returned it. I then went on the hunt on eBay and one case caught my eye. It's only $3 shipped? So I bought 2 (just in case).

This snap case had everything I was looking for. It's beyond slim, it has clear sides, a matte backing to prevent fingerprints, prevents scratching, and it keeps the look of the phone. I was just looking for a case that would prevent scratching the back of the phone when I put the phone down on any surface.

Now I know this isn't the case for everyone, but I wanted to share a few pics of the case and the link. This is a great case for anyone looking for this style case and doesn't wanna spend tons of useless money on just plastic. US seller too and got the case in 3 days. This is NOT my eBay page so don't think I'm promoting my page.

Here is the link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181002449912?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

Here are the pics
Enjoy

Hope this helps others!

JNGold · Dec 18, 2012

Great find. Thanks for sharing. I just put in an order for one just to have around if I ever "tire" of my bumper-style cases.

aphexacid · Dec 18, 2012

2 Questions before i order:

You didn't shoe the top, where the lock button is...Is it open like the bottom?

2nd, it doesn't look like it, but does it have a lip that comes up over/above the glass?

If i can get an answer for those 2 questions, this might just be the perfect case i've been looking for!

I have been using a POS Spigen Ultra Thin air frost. Its such a cheap piece of crap, but i paid $25 for it.

JNGold · Dec 18, 2012

aphexacid said:
2 Questions before i order:

You didn't shoe the top, where the lock button is...Is it open like the bottom?

2nd, it doesn't look like it, but does it have a lip that comes up over/above the glass?

If i can get an answer for those 2 questions, this might just be the perfect case i've been looking for!

I have been using a POS Spigen Ultra Thin air frost. Its such a cheap piece of crap, but i paid $25 for it.

From the pics you can tell that the answer to both of your questions is, "no". It's the typical ultra thin snap on case which pretty much has the same design with minor variations.

neoweapon · Dec 18, 2012

Cool thanks bought one to try out.

thatappleguytoday · Dec 18, 2012

aphexacid said:
2 Questions before i order:

You didn't shoe the top, where the lock button is...Is it open like the bottom?

2nd, it doesn't look like it, but does it have a lip that comes up over/above the glass?

If i can get an answer for those 2 questions, this might just be the perfect case i've been looking for!

I have been using a POS Spigen Ultra Thin air frost. Its such a cheap piece of crap, but i paid $25 for it.

The top looks exactly the same as the top

It comes right up to the glass and no lip or lay on table design. It gives a nice smooth touch right across the glass.

Hope this helps

maliu · Dec 18, 2012

Mine yellowed in about 2 weeks. Just an FYI.

thatappleguytoday · Dec 18, 2012

maliu said:
Mine yellowed in about 2 weeks. Just an FYI.

This exact case? It's not a soft touch matte finish so I can't see it discoloring at all.

aphexacid · Dec 18, 2012

map1978 said:
The top looks exactly the same as the top

Top looks exactly like the bottom you mean?

i ordered 2 of them! Your pic looks sorta like it should be open on top, which is what i want. And i also don't like a lip that comes above the glass, so this should be perfect.

Hopefully it doesnt yellow, that would suck!

Rocko1 · Dec 18, 2012

If this case had lay on table protection I would be all over it.

aphexacid · Dec 18, 2012

Rocko1 said:
If this case had lay on table protection I would be all over it.

This style case with 'lay on table' lip is so much easier to find.

I've bought so many cases looking for one that has ZERO lip, and all of them have had at least a slight lip

bananataffy · Dec 18, 2012

the open top and bottom kills it for me but for 3 bucks and free shipping from the US, i might give it a try.

ViperDesign · Dec 18, 2012

never understood why people would lay their phone face down? Whats the point?

I bought a case like this, but it was just under 5

mysterydate · Dec 18, 2012

ViperDesign said:
never understood why people would lay their phone face down? Whats the point?

Maybe there's sweet laser-engraved art on the back, or lovely bamboo to look at. Just a theory.

bananataffy · Dec 18, 2012

ViperDesign said:
never understood why people would lay their phone face down? Whats the point?

i'm with you on this. i find it really strange many people seem to have this obsession with being able to lay the phone on the screen. doesn't seem practical to me. i'd rather it have no lip, the thinner the better.

SnowLeopard OSX · Dec 18, 2012

map1978 said:
Hey guys and gals, I'm sure there's a bunch of you on these forums who know I like to review cases. Well I have spent countless money on brand name cases throughout the years. I tried a bunch for the iPhone 5 as well. I recently retired the black/slate and went to the white version. The white just had the classic Apple feel to it and I loved the mirrored tapered edges. So, I was on the hunt for a case that was minimal and would show off the phone.

I am not one for dropping my phones, so I prefer thin minimal snap type cases. That doesn't mean I'm not a fan of say the Tones case and hopefully the Magpul line soon.

I started with the clear Incase Snap case and it looked great. Then it had me thinking. Why am I still paying tons of money on cases that I'm not going to keep and just going to sell for much less than I paid for. That Incase was $32 with tax, so I returned it. I then went on the hunt on eBay and one case caught my eye. It's only $3 shipped? So I bought 2 (just in case).

This snap case had everything I was looking for. It's beyond slim, it has clear sides, a matte backing to prevent fingerprints, prevents scratching, and it keeps the look of the phone. I was just looking for a case that would prevent scratching the back of the phone when I put the phone down on any surface.

Now I know this isn't the case for everyone, but I wanted to share a few pics of the case and the link. This is a great case for anyone looking for this style case and doesn't wanna spend tons of useless money on just plastic. US seller too and got the case in 3 days. This is NOT my eBay page so don't think I'm promoting my page.

Here is the link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181002449912?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

Here are the pics
Enjoy
Hope this helps others!

Hey, Map1978, great review! Very informative and insightful. I was curious, though -- does the case protect against small phone drops? Or is it mainly used as a protector against light scratches, abrasions, and nicks?

Thanks in advanced.

cheenofly · Dec 18, 2012

In for 1. Couldn't sleep on that price. I have the Spigen Glas t.R screen protector already and from your pictures, it should still fit. I prefer having my phone naked but rather be safe than sorry.

thatappleguytoday · Dec 18, 2012

aphexacid said:
Top looks exactly like the bottom you mean?

i ordered 2 of them! Your pic looks sorta like it should be open on top, which is what i want. And i also don't like a lip that comes above the glass, so this should be perfect.

Hopefully it doesnt yellow, that would suck!

Yea oops, sorry man! I attached a photo of what the top looks like. Exactly like the bottom.

I'd also, like to add that this case fits perfectly snug and has NO creaking anywhere.

SnowLeopard OSX said:
Hey, Map1978, great review! Very informative and insightful. I was curious, though -- does the case protect against small phone drops? Or is it mainly used as a protector against light scratches, abrasions, and nicks?

Thanks in advanced.

Hmm, I'm not thinking this would survive a fall, but if it fell on a corner, it might absorb enough to save the phone but destroy the case. I think it's more for light scratches and nicks to be honest.

I bought it because I wanted a slim case that kept the look of the white iPhone and not have to worry about scratching the back when I put down the phone anywhere.

Hope this helps

ViperDesign · Dec 18, 2012

mysterydate said:
Maybe there's sweet laser-engraved art on the back, or lovely bamboo to look at. Just a theory.

Very true!

richxps · Dec 18, 2012

Any chance of quick video review.

thatappleguytoday · Dec 19, 2012

richxps said:
Any chance of quick video review.

Sorry, no video for this one
It's pretty straight forward and the pics are enough to explain the case IMO

Rocko1 · Dec 20, 2012

ViperDesign said:
never understood why people would lay their phone face down? Whats the point?

I bought a case like this, but it was just under 5

Stop the screen from being damaged if something drops on it.

bananataffy · Dec 20, 2012

Rocko1 said:
Stop the screen from being damaged if something drops on it.

like an anvil?

Rocko1 · Dec 20, 2012

bananataffy said:
like an anvil?

No, my anvil would destroy the phone no matter the case.

bananataffy · Dec 20, 2012

Rocko1 said:
No, my anvil would destroy the phone no matter the case.

oh okay. i'm wondering what else would likely fall on top of your phone which would damage the gorilla glass and not damage the phone itself, even with a case on.

My $3 eBay case review w/ pics (recommended)

macrumors 68040

Attachments

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 6502a

macrumors newbie

macrumors 68040

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 68040

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 68020

macrumors 6502a

macrumors regular

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 6502

macrumors regular

macrumors 6502a

macrumors member

macrumors 68040

Attachments

macrumors 6502a

macrumors 68000

macrumors 68040

macrumors 68020

macrumors regular

macrumors 68020

macrumors regular

Our Staff