Any pics of the real vs fake? I'm interested in seeing how they copied it. I'm surprised it didn't affect your 3G or cell signal but did to the wifi - I thought its always hand-in-hand?
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Element Vapor Case
- Thread starter johnnybgood15
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Any pics of the real vs fake? I'm interested in seeing how they copied it. I'm surprised it didn't affect your 3G or cell signal but did to the wifi - I thought its always hand-in-hand?
OEM spectra pro
Here're some pictures of the knock off spectra pro.
The design is copied off the First Edition pro in which the polymer cap is shorter than the Black Ops/Spectra. The font for 'vapor pro' is also based on the FE & there's and 'E' engraved on the cap just like the Black Ops. The transparent cap has a gold fillling at the back. The aluminium quality is acceptable considering the price of only usd 36+..
Here're some pictures of the knock off spectra pro.
The design is copied off the First Edition pro in which the polymer cap is shorter than the Black Ops/Spectra. The font for 'vapor pro' is also based on the FE & there's and 'E' engraved on the cap just like the Black Ops. The transparent cap has a gold fillling at the back. The aluminium quality is acceptable considering the price of only usd 36+..
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Thanks Ronny for the pics and the detailed review. It does seem like a high quality case to me, and I'd trade wifi capability for GPS.. since my phone is always on 3G I can deal with wifi, However GPS is a daily use, and with some people reported to locate them 1 block off is just unusable.
I'm giving the OEM one a try.
OEM doesn't mean what you think it means...
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer
OEM would mean that you bought the real McCoy and not the copy...
I received my Vapor Pro "Knock off" today. I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality on it (though there are a few edges that are a little scuffed). It fits much better than my knock off vapor4, and the weight difference is incredible. My Vapor 4 knock off felt very heavy (though I liked the weight it added), while the Vapor Pro knock off must be just aluminum.
I purchased from aliexpress (Linda Huang's store), for about 1/4th the price of the real thing. It came with everything the Spectra comes with, with the exception of the velvet ear piece and backing (so included was the carrying zip case, the speed wrench, 6 additional screws, and a carbon fiber backplate). The box/packaging and materials all look genuine. One difference I did notice is that the part that's supposed to be polymar material seems to still be aluminum, and it does not rest flush with the blue portion. [edit: just undid it and tried to adjust it, and while it can be removed and repositioned, when rescrewed, it still sticks out just a bit].
The printed words look spot on (though probably painted), but show up a clear, crisp white, and not semi-translucent like what's shown on aliexpress.
I was a little sad that my mobile headphones plug still doesn't fit with the "wider" headphone jack. Dock connector is a bit bigger now. One other thing that's kinda annoying is the included power button rattles just slightly if shaken (aluminum/metal button touching the aluminum frame, sigh).
Over all, I'm very impressed. It feels sturdy and a good build quality with just a little imperfections. Seems to be no issue with wifi, cellular/phone signal, or gps data.
Pictures below.
I purchased from aliexpress (Linda Huang's store), for about 1/4th the price of the real thing. It came with everything the Spectra comes with, with the exception of the velvet ear piece and backing (so included was the carrying zip case, the speed wrench, 6 additional screws, and a carbon fiber backplate). The box/packaging and materials all look genuine. One difference I did notice is that the part that's supposed to be polymar material seems to still be aluminum, and it does not rest flush with the blue portion. [edit: just undid it and tried to adjust it, and while it can be removed and repositioned, when rescrewed, it still sticks out just a bit].
The printed words look spot on (though probably painted), but show up a clear, crisp white, and not semi-translucent like what's shown on aliexpress.
I was a little sad that my mobile headphones plug still doesn't fit with the "wider" headphone jack. Dock connector is a bit bigger now. One other thing that's kinda annoying is the included power button rattles just slightly if shaken (aluminum/metal button touching the aluminum frame, sigh).
Over all, I'm very impressed. It feels sturdy and a good build quality with just a little imperfections. Seems to be no issue with wifi, cellular/phone signal, or gps data.
Pictures below.
Attachments
That's my concern as well. While I may not use it on a daily basis but I do use it
Wait ...you say OEM? OEM means origianl ...this is not orginal or? The quality looks indentical to the spectra....
Nice knockoff ....it's indentical , but dont know is it anodized and how it is protect from scratches?
my bad.. should've used knocked off
.. edited my text but couldn't do it for the headinganyway the seller said the case's finish is anodised..
another guy I know of had the color scheme of the FE, his 'vapor pro' font was half scrapped off upon arrival and he proceeded to scrape the reminder off lol
another thing was upon opening the knock off zipper case to take the case out for the first time & consequently, there was a strong pungent smell coming from it. sort of like the smell of paint or something (seems to contradict the seller's above claim?)
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So I've had my Vapor Pro Black Ops edition for a few days now, and I've decided that it's not the case for me.
I really loved the case itself - very sturdy, and incredibly beautiful. Very well done. The packaging was awesome, everything worked properly - with one exception.
My 3G and Wifi signals did not seem to suffer any ill effects, but GPS reception was a different story. I used Navigon, and it caused Navigon to report that I was about a block behind where I actually was if my speed was low. (for example, in city driving). Once I got on the expressway and raised my speed, GPS seemed to get a better lock on where I was.
But for me, I do use GPS quite a lot - so that was the true dealbreaker for this case.
I got an RMA from them and will be sending the case back in this week.
Pity, because it's such an awesome looking and feeling case - I really loved it. But I can't deal with the GPS anomalies.
I really loved the case itself - very sturdy, and incredibly beautiful. Very well done. The packaging was awesome, everything worked properly - with one exception.
My 3G and Wifi signals did not seem to suffer any ill effects, but GPS reception was a different story. I used Navigon, and it caused Navigon to report that I was about a block behind where I actually was if my speed was low. (for example, in city driving). Once I got on the expressway and raised my speed, GPS seemed to get a better lock on where I was.
But for me, I do use GPS quite a lot - so that was the true dealbreaker for this case.
I got an RMA from them and will be sending the case back in this week.
Pity, because it's such an awesome looking and feeling case - I really loved it. But I can't deal with the GPS anomalies.
Hmmm. Mine was from the same seller, but had the semi-translucent printing rather than the sharp white on yours. I had no problem with the pieces resting flush. I did have the button rattle, as well. As I noted, my wifi got completely hammered, but was fine with the case off (or my other case on). Interesting to me that you had no problem.
Did you use the case with or without the back protector provided? Is there any chance that could disrupt wifi reception? I removed everything when I took off the case, and never attempted a test with and without the back protector.
For those asking, sorry I have no pictures. I took several but a family member cleared the memory on the camera before I did my write-up and by then, I already given the case away.
If the back was true carbon fiber, then there is a chance it could hurt wireless performance. True carbon fiber is VERY harsh on RF (wireless) signals, and even the true carbon fiber back stickers (like Atomic and Lucky Labs sell) make a huge hit on my reception, to the tune of about a 12-14dB drop (that's a touch over a bar drop), plus messes with my GPS. So it is possible that just a back "sticker" could affect wireless performance, but I'd think you'd see it in all aspects of RF performance, not just wifi (cellular reception and GPS as well). I've got a VERY thin full carbon fiber snap on case that essentially renders my iPhone 4 useless...reduces my cell reception by over 40dB (about 3 and a half "bars"). So carbon fiber (if that back sticker was true CF) could hurt any/every aspect of wireless performance.
Thnanks Kenji458 and randallw for the pics and your thoughts on the knockoff. They look good enough to me. Now, i can look forward to receiving mine, cheers.
BTW, Im not expecting all signals to be intact on installing the knockoff......but at that price I can live with the signal degradation.
BTW, Im not expecting all signals to be intact on installing the knockoff......but at that price I can live with the signal degradation.
I've got a "knock off" Vapor Pro coming (should be here literally any day now) and can compare it for you side by side with the real Vapor Pro if you'd like. I'm curious to see how its wireless performance stacks up to the real thing.
Thanks mate, look forward to your review, appreciate your help. Mine should be here in 10 days as well. cheers
Strange. Maybe the lettering had to do with a certain color run?
Re: wifi signal and carbon fiber back piece, I am using the carbon fiber back piece that was included with the purchase, but I'm also using a non-standard backplate too (it's a brushed aluminum backpiece from sw-box. Made for AT&T iphone, but I adjusted it for my Verizon iPhone). That could be a difference as well, as I'm on the Verizon iPhone (which has a slightly altered antenna band), and I'm also using a "carbon fiber fake sticker" that goes on the edge of the iphone (similar to that etsy seller/company).
Is there an app that will show the signal strength? Cydia app even? I know the GSM iPhone has some "Field Test Mode" but it was changed for the CDMA iPhone. [edit, the Signal.app on Cydia does nothing on the CDMA iPhone as well]
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Help me choose - I cannot decide
So I'm kind of tempted for the Vapor pro case, yeah its outragiously expensive but I'm leaning towards getting one.
Anyways, I cannot decide which one
I like the looks of the Red and Black
But the black ops looks sharp and it includes the transition kit.
opinions?
So I'm kind of tempted for the Vapor pro case, yeah its outragiously expensive but I'm leaning towards getting one.
Anyways, I cannot decide which one
I like the looks of the Red and Black
But the black ops looks sharp and it includes the transition kit.
opinions?
I look forward to the review. Are you all getting them from Linda Huang's store, or other outlets.
How does this Escrow service payment work, I have never used it before just curious are you still protected similar to Paypal.
You can always upgrade your order to include a transition kit. I say pick the one you like best. I got the Black Ops myself as I prefer a matte finish to glossy. Which ever combination you choose, it will stand out amongst the sea of silicon molded cases. Be aware that the case does have a negative effect on GPS.
I would probably go for the Black Ops or an all silver myself. I'm not a fan of the "half and half" look with two different colors. If you want to see more of the black and silver one I reviewed, I just added the link to my review in my signature. If I had to do it over again, I'd have gone with the all silver. It should hold up much better over time.