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Incipio NGP Matte Smoke Review (possibly best case)
- Thread starter thadoggfather
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Hmmm...I bought the Incipio NGP at Wally World on Saturday. I wanted a clear hard case to minimize masking of the phone's slick design. But after seeing this Incipio, I began to rethink that decision. The smoke tint won't show scratches nearly as easily as a clear case whether hard or soft. Also, clear TPU cases have been accused of yellowing with exposure to UV light. The smoke color should hide any discoloration a bit better too. And I've seen lot's of reviews of all sorts of early iPhone 4 cases complaining about button pushes or silent switch accessibility. This case has none of those problems. Volume and power switches operate like there's no case at all with one hand. The silent switch is easy for me to operate. The TPU material has a little tack to it for a decent grip but not enough to hang up in a pocket or suck up dryer lint from your jeans. The case design has a nice fat lip around the front side that should give some protection in a drop or sliding across a desktop. And lastly, this case was $20 while the Belkin Grip Vue was $25.
So why am I not happy? I don't think it's the case. I think it's the phone. My 3GS felt comfortable in my hand or pocket with its iFrogz Luxe case on even though it's a thicker phone. The naked iPhone 4 feels comfortable without the case due to the slimmer profile. But put a case on, any case, and it suddenly feels chunky in my front pocket. The squared corners of this phone create sharper corners without the taper that made the 3GS easy to forget. Put a case on an iPhone 4 and those extra 1-2 mm make the phone feel like a blocky little brick that signals it's full dimensions with those sharp corners.
I think I'll keep the Incipio NGP as it seems to be a damned good case at a good price. But I think my iPhone 4 will spend a good deal of it's time naked if I'm not carrying a backpack or briefcase. This design is not pocket friendly with a case.
So why am I not happy? I don't think it's the case. I think it's the phone. My 3GS felt comfortable in my hand or pocket with its iFrogz Luxe case on even though it's a thicker phone. The naked iPhone 4 feels comfortable without the case due to the slimmer profile. But put a case on, any case, and it suddenly feels chunky in my front pocket. The squared corners of this phone create sharper corners without the taper that made the 3GS easy to forget. Put a case on an iPhone 4 and those extra 1-2 mm make the phone feel like a blocky little brick that signals it's full dimensions with those sharp corners.
I think I'll keep the Incipio NGP as it seems to be a damned good case at a good price. But I think my iPhone 4 will spend a good deal of it's time naked if I'm not carrying a backpack or briefcase. This design is not pocket friendly with a case.
I tend to agree with this. I've been using the phone with only the Waterfield Ultrasuede Jacket, so once I started fiddling with both my free PixelSkin HD and Incipio NGP, I realized just how much bulk those cases add. Don't get me wrong: the NCP is a very nice case, and I'm sure the original PS HD is too, but the phone simply doesn't seem slim anymore with either one of those cases on it.
-HM
*EDIT* So MY APOLOGIZES it was my otterbox knockoff scratching the stainless band from repeated use.
For $20 this case is pretty awesome. Only a few cons I have is I wish the inside top edges were just a bit smoother and same thing all TPU type cases have along the bottom, is it being a bit flimsy right above the 32-pin jack. Lastly, yes it seems slightly slippery but you adjust quickly to holding the phone different, and I wonder if the slipperyness will go down after a month of use thinking it might possibly just be some of the oils from the mold release.
The buttons work greAT!! The Sleep/Wake button doesn't have much feel for locating it but just press and it works no problem.
I feel pretty confident this case could take the impact from normal low drops (hands infront of you,not from your head) without to much worry.
It looks great too in my opinion, the silver apple logo clearly cuts through the hazy transparent smoke color this case has.
I must say, I'll jump on the bandwagon for those looking for a cheap case for normal daily use!
I do have 1 question, Does anyone have any Flash reflection problems? I took 1 test photo(1 with case, 1 without) and all was fine.
For $20 this case is pretty awesome. Only a few cons I have is I wish the inside top edges were just a bit smoother and same thing all TPU type cases have along the bottom, is it being a bit flimsy right above the 32-pin jack. Lastly, yes it seems slightly slippery but you adjust quickly to holding the phone different, and I wonder if the slipperyness will go down after a month of use thinking it might possibly just be some of the oils from the mold release.
The buttons work greAT!! The Sleep/Wake button doesn't have much feel for locating it but just press and it works no problem.
I feel pretty confident this case could take the impact from normal low drops (hands infront of you,not from your head) without to much worry.
It looks great too in my opinion, the silver apple logo clearly cuts through the hazy transparent smoke color this case has.
I must say, I'll jump on the bandwagon for those looking for a cheap case for normal daily use!
I do have 1 question, Does anyone have any Flash reflection problems? I took 1 test photo(1 with case, 1 without) and all was fine.
Sooo I went and bought it and I'm taking it back, It is scratching the freakkk outa my WAS perfect stainless steel band. Kinda pissed but grrr o well damnit.The top is the worstttt geez.
To bad too because I reallly love the way the back looks with this case on.
For $20 it was a nice case if it wasn't so damn sharp on the edges.
I would be taking this case off and putting back on often, everyday. As I use a otterbox knock off for work. Nice simple decent design with 1 MAJOR flaw, no way, it has to go back.
weird, mine hasn't scratched my steel band at all. Didn't think TPU could do that. I've taken my case off repeatedly.
It's the edges that cover over ontop of the screen. That feels much harder and stiffer then the rest of the case.
*EDIT* So sorry, I take this back, i felt that i looked closely at my phone before, since I use it so much Out of the otterbox knock off.
But I believe I am wrong, after close inspection of the inner hard shell for my otterbox knock off I believe this is what is causing the scratches(and im sure real otterboxes most likely will do this). Infact im pretty positive is the otterbox knock off hard shell(inner layer)
When I press the hard shell pieces together to close it, it slides across the stainless steel, since Ive been doing this for over a month easy working 5 days a week, its wear from pressing the pieces together, and its a very tight fit since i have a zagg installed.
My appologies. May I do like this case, and will keep it!
(though without an invisible shield I worry about the rough edges coming in contact with the screen for those who are interested who do not use a shield, rub your finger along the inside top edges.)
I agree completely. The phone just does NOT feel good in the hand with the unrounded edges. Still for $20 it can't be beat.
I still can't decide between keeping this or going with my case-mate barely there, which literally feels barely there.
I still can't decide between keeping this or going with my case-mate barely there, which literally feels barely there.
Picked up the ngp matte last night at walmart. I really like the feel and the finish, but I got used to my iPhone being naked so I'm not sure if I'll use it all the time.
My main gripe: it seems as though the LEFT lip has a lot of play. The right side lip is perfectly snug and doesn't interfere with my ghost armor. But the left side can be maneuvered and has been snagging and pushing on my ghost armor causing minor peeling. I have to keep repositioning the left lip, pulling it over the armor.
Has anyone else had this issue? Could it be the volume button covers causing the extra play? I'm going to exchange it hoping I just got a lemon one, because I love the case otherwise. Any input would be appreciated
My main gripe: it seems as though the LEFT lip has a lot of play. The right side lip is perfectly snug and doesn't interfere with my ghost armor. But the left side can be maneuvered and has been snagging and pushing on my ghost armor causing minor peeling. I have to keep repositioning the left lip, pulling it over the armor.
Has anyone else had this issue? Could it be the volume button covers causing the extra play? I'm going to exchange it hoping I just got a lemon one, because I love the case otherwise. Any input would be appreciated
so after using the NGP case for a week, then taking it off to switch to my Barely There Case-Mate case, I decided to stay with the Case-Mate.
The NGP really adds a LOT of bulk to the phone. It definitely feels protected, but it is too thick in my opinion.
The NGP really adds a LOT of bulk to the phone. It definitely feels protected, but it is too thick in my opinion.
Picked up one of these cases at Walmart today and this really seems to be almost exactly what I have been looking for! I've tried about 6-7 cases and haven't been happy with any of them.
Seems to be an all around moderate, middle of the road case which is what I wanted. Semi-soft/rigid, lip protection, big cutout for the flash, not super bulky but feels like it offers protection, all the holes and button covers fit correctly, I don't have to make any modifications so it fits or sand down sharp edges, fits over my SGP skin just fine... I'm happy so far!
Not entirely sure I will end up liking the translucent color, but if not I can always order another color online. I do notice the fit of the case on the left front side near the buttons isn't as good as the other side, but I think I can live with it.
Seems to be an all around moderate, middle of the road case which is what I wanted. Semi-soft/rigid, lip protection, big cutout for the flash, not super bulky but feels like it offers protection, all the holes and button covers fit correctly, I don't have to make any modifications so it fits or sand down sharp edges, fits over my SGP skin just fine... I'm happy so far!
Not entirely sure I will end up liking the translucent color, but if not I can always order another color online. I do notice the fit of the case on the left front side near the buttons isn't as good as the other side, but I think I can live with it.
I picked up one after reading this thread. I love the feel of the case and my only complaint is it makes the phone thicker than I would like. Going to hang on to it until Switcheasy brings out the Neo or Rebel line to the Iphone 4.
I'd love to get a smoke NGP case. I currently have the black one. Unfortunately I live in a Walmart challenged area (NYC). If a forum regular happens to be in a Walmart and see one, I'll gladly pay pal you for it, + tax and shipping, and toss in $10 for your trouble. Pm me if interested.
*EDIT* one is on the way to me...thanks to those who offered!
*EDIT* one is on the way to me...thanks to those who offered!
Good news if you don't like near a wallmart
Just got this ..
Thank you for your reply. We are expected to release the Translucent Mercury NGP case for iPhone 4 on our site by the end of this week
Just got this ..
Thank you for your reply. We are expected to release the Translucent Mercury NGP case for iPhone 4 on our site by the end of this week
How does this case play with screen protectors? I have Power Support on the front and back and my PixelSkin HD bubbles the front.
I've got one of these, NIB. Opened it, didn't like it, and packaged it back up, but discarded my receipt. Will gladly sell to anyone, just PM me.
I'm using an SGP Steinheil Anti-Fingerprint film on the front of my iPhone 4 with the Incipio case and I don't have any bubbling issues at all.
I was near a wally world today and stopped in and got one. I like the feeling a lot and it does buttble my PS anti glare a little, but thats probably because I have a rear sheild on and I wasn't perfect putting the front one on, I'm going to try to reapply it, if not I can live with it because I like this case a lot.
EDIT: Reapplying the screen protector did the trick. I like this case a lot, the buttons are really easy to push, it fits well, and the smoke color looks real nice.
send me an Incipio NGP Translucent iPhone 4 case?
Hello
anyone here that would like to sell and ship me a " Incipio NGP Translucent iPhone 4 case " the kind thats exclusive to Wall Mart...
this is the case " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ8QxHs5Dg8&feature=channel "
pls pm me with how much dollar$ u want, everything included (shipment, tax + whatever) it should be sent to Sweden
I'm in, got an NGP on the way to me in Belgium thanks to a fellow member here...
Hello
anyone here that would like to sell and ship me a " Incipio NGP Translucent iPhone 4 case " the kind thats exclusive to Wall Mart...
this is the case " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ8QxHs5Dg8&feature=channel "
pls pm me with how much dollar$ u want, everything included (shipment, tax + whatever) it should be sent to Sweden