I actually used an incipio feather on my galaxy S2 when it was out. I drop it 1 time in a store on a hard floor and the screen popped out from the side of the frame. I've never looked at them cases the same since.
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My final case setup, all first party ones this year.
Yes, they mostly protect against scratches and dings. The better aramid fiber cases are very stiff though (even these ultra-thin designs), so they do also increase the structural rigidity of the case/phone combo. That said, to me the biggest advantage is that they provide better grip than the bare phone.
I’ve tried skins a few times over the years and never liked them for various reasons. They’re certainly a viable option if you like the feel and are not worried about dents/dings (as opposed to scratches), which I think these aramid shells better protect against.
I should mention that if I had a phone with an aluminum outer body (as opposed to titanium), I would use a more protective case.
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Techwoven cases are amazing! I have blue and am already looking into getting more. That sienna is so nice
It was hard to choose, I really like both the blue and green as well. I might wait until they turn up on eBay cheap later in the year before getting anymore. The black looks way nicer in person, it's more of a deep charcoal grey, which compliments the silver perfectly as there is not too much contrast.
I was intrigued by these “phone back” cases as I have never tried them before. So I went ahead and ordered a couple.
Matter Wood Fiber Carbon
49 grams
No grip at all but definitely looks nice
Here are a few photos:
Matter Cactus Leather
44 grams
Decent grip due to leather and looks good too
Here are a few photos:
If I had to choose one it would definitely be the Cactus leather as it just feels nicer in hand, has more grip, looks more premium and is lighter in weight.
These phone backs make the phone feel back heavy since the 40+ grams is distributed purely in the back of the phone. They are also pretty thick in my opinion and again the thickness is just distributed in the back which is an interesting feel in hand with the added weight as well. I’m glad I tried them but they’re definitely not for me.
I will be sticking to Pitaka ultra slim. The weight on the Pitaka is 21 grams. I also prefer the protection, coverage and grip the Pitaka provides for my personal preference.
Matter Wood Fiber Carbon
49 grams
No grip at all but definitely looks nice
Here are a few photos:
Matter Cactus Leather
44 grams
Decent grip due to leather and looks good too
Here are a few photos:
If I had to choose one it would definitely be the Cactus leather as it just feels nicer in hand, has more grip, looks more premium and is lighter in weight.
These phone backs make the phone feel back heavy since the 40+ grams is distributed purely in the back of the phone. They are also pretty thick in my opinion and again the thickness is just distributed in the back which is an interesting feel in hand with the added weight as well. I’m glad I tried them but they’re definitely not for me.
I will be sticking to Pitaka ultra slim. The weight on the Pitaka is 21 grams. I also prefer the protection, coverage and grip the Pitaka provides for my personal preference.
Nice write-up! I am still digging my Siti silicone Alpine Orange for 17 pro. It’s definitely heavier than it needs to be. This may be due to the MagSafe magnet, which is very strong. Yeah, you are right on about the back heaviness, but that wore off after running it. They are thick but the Suti integrates (curves) with the edges better than the others.I was intrigued by these “phone back” cases as I have never tried them before. So I went ahead and ordered a couple.
Matter Wood Fiber Carbon
49 grams
No grip at all but definitely looks nice
Here are a few photos:
Matter Cactus Leather
44 grams
Decent grip due to leather and looks good too
Here are a few photos:
If I had to choose one it would definitely be the Cactus leather as it just feels nicer in hand, has more grip, looks more premium and is lighter in weight.
These phone backs make the phone feel back heavy since the 40+ grams is distributed purely in the back of the phone. They are also pretty thick in my opinion and again the thickness is just distributed in the back which is an interesting feel in hand with the added weight as well. I’m glad I tried them but they’re definitely not for me.
I will be sticking to Pitaka ultra slim. The weight on the Pitaka is 21 grams. I also prefer the protection, coverage and grip the Pitaka provides for my personal preference.
I see how you can get used to the feeling. I have been running the cactus leather one all day and I can see myself getting used to that feeling. I have to say the cactus leather one is definitely nice for anyone who likes these types of cases I’d recommend it for sure. Also no magnet gap issue on these.
I prefer the open plateau so I may order the Matter HT Snap in ice (clear). I want to run the Suti more to determine if the phone back will be in my regular rotation.
This made me cringeWatch this guy pry that camera protector offthis gave me nightmares
I was pretty bummed to open my Olde Dublin Nomad case and see this. I get some variation in color since its leather but this is a pretty big difference lol.
I got Olde Dublin last year and got pretty much the same dark brown colour as you. Some pics on reddit are much lighter and redder.
I got the new burgundy this year but honestly it looks almost the same. Has a dark purple tone but only visible under direct sunlight.
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Idk... Purple on deep blue what do you guys think?
Now this is what UAG SHOULD BE. Supcase has made some nice improvements since last years edition… put the 16 series next to this years and UAGs 60 dollar case next to it for reference… $25 bucks… can’t beat it.
This is my favorite case looks wise this year. Makes the silver look almost like natural titanium color. The Ghost is slightly more comfortable in the hand around the edges, but I prefer the feel of this frost back.
This is my favorite case looks wise this year. Makes the silver look almost like natural titanium color. The Ghost is slightly more comfortable in the hand around the edges, but I prefer the feel of this frost back.
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Does the Olde Dublin lighten over time as it patinas or does it get darker?
They told me a cpl days ago it'll take 2 weeks for them to get shipment to the US. They're shipping from Asia i think at the moment.
It’s a weird leather. It lightens over time at touch points for some reason.
I left it on the shelf for a month or two and big blotches of lighter colour appeared. I didn’t get a pic but once I started using again, it turned to the original darker colour.
The 17 series are shipping from their international hub wherever that is. This past Friday, they sent an email out stating within the next 2 weeks, they hope to have the 17 series shipping from the US, but since you’re not in the US, you may be fine.
I have this one in blue for my 17PM.Anyone seen this case for the 17 Pro Max yet? The one I had for my 15 Pro Max was branded as an Anker MagGo but its a generic OEM ready-to-customize case and I've seen several variations for the 15 and 16 under different brands.
View attachment 2559656
This TORRAS case is one of those variations for the 17 but doesn't have the textured sides which I really liked. But the fact there's one out there for 17 gives me hope there are others.
TORRAS Stronger Magnetic & Shockproof for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case, Fit for MagSafe, Military Grade Drop Protection, Camera Control, DIY Button, Slim for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case Translucent Matte Black
1. Compatible with Magnetic Accessories: This case for iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with a built-in magnet that aligns perfectly with magnetic chargers, ensuring strong attachment and efficient wireless charging. Equipped with 38 powerful N56 magnets, it provides a secure hold for all your magnetic ac...www.amazon.com
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Quoting myself but Nomad has sent me a replacement leather back for free. Will report back if it's any different and whether it lies flat. I doubt it would.