Spigen Neo Hybrid: Silicon vs. Aluminum reviews?

[batmanners]

Hey all, I'm trying to decide on which case I should get for my Space Gray iPhone 6 (4.7 in). The Neo Hybrid from Spigen looks the most aesthetically appealing to me, but I'm curious about the more technical aspects of it and how the silicon and aluminum frames compare.

So far I've heard...

Aluminum:
-Interferes with signal
-Rubber sags around the logo in the back
-Metal bumper warps over time
-Mute button hard to reach

Silicon:
- Fragile
- Buttons are hard to press
- Mute button is hard to reach

I know these are all negative and I'm sure it's a great case, I just tend to read bad reviews since there are a lot of fake 5 star reviews out there (especially on Amazon).

If anyone that has either or both of these cases can post pictures and/or give their reviews below, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, if you bought any of the knock-offs that look similar, feel free to share your experience with those as well.

Thank you! And happy bending

 

[Trebuin]

I tested the phone out on the signal for the aluminum and it won't interfere that much...you'll run into signal issues when 1) you use it like a tablet as opposed to talking, 2) when your source signal is weak, wifi or cell. I found more interference on the cell signal than wifi. That being said, I would not recommend the plastic unless you don't intend to take it off...it's a one time thing for that one. I took my metal off several times using the bottom as the most flexible portion and it has not warped.

That being said, I'm currently back on a ballistic tungsten case because I think it is far more reliable in impact tests...though bulky. My cell also is only 1 bar at home and the metal kills the little bit of signal I have left.

 

[allenyew]

Hey all, I'm trying to decide on which case I should get for my Space Gray iPhone 6 (4.7 in). The Neo Hybrid from Spigen looks the most aesthetically appealing to me, but I'm curious about the more technical aspects of it and how the silicon and aluminum frames compare.

So far I've heard...

Aluminum:
-Interferes with signal
-Rubber sags around the logo in the back
-Metal bumper warps over time
-Mute button hard to reach

Silicon:
- Fragile
- Buttons are hard to press
- Mute button is hard to reach

I know these are all negative and I'm sure it's a great case, I just tend to read bad reviews since there are a lot of fake 5 star reviews out there (especially on Amazon).

If anyone that has either or both of these cases can post pictures and/or give their reviews below, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, if you bought any of the knock-offs that look similar, feel free to share your experience with those as well.

Thank you! And happy bending

This close up video tour on Spigen neo hybrid metal (red) for iPhone 6 might help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-JPCG0kNAI

Personally this is one of the most gorgeous casing I ever seen, but unfortunately signal lost do exist.

Happy case hunting

 

[Shadowbech]

So Spigen finally shipped my Neo Hybrid Metal (I ordered the metal blue) yesterday. I can't wait for this case.

 

[boltjames]

Hey all, I'm trying to decide on which case I should get for my Space Gray iPhone 6 (4.7 in). The Neo Hybrid from Spigen looks the most aesthetically appealing to me, but I'm curious about the more technical aspects of it and how the silicon and aluminum frames compare.

So far I've heard...

Aluminum:
-Interferes with signal
-Rubber sags around the logo in the back
-Metal bumper warps over time
-Mute button hard to reach

Silicon:
- Fragile
- Buttons are hard to press
- Mute button is hard to reach

I know these are all negative and I'm sure it's a great case, I just tend to read bad reviews since there are a lot of fake 5 star reviews out there (especially on Amazon).

If anyone that has either or both of these cases can post pictures and/or give their reviews below, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, if you bought any of the knock-offs that look similar, feel free to share your experience with those as well.

Thank you! And happy bending

First off, you have made a great choice as the Neo Hybrid is one beautiful case design.

Next, what you are calling the silicone version I assume you mean the polycarbonate plastic version. The good news is all three of your callouts are not correct. The buttons are not hard to press with the corrective measures taken in current shipments, and the plastic bumper is not fragile at all for those who know the proper way to put the case on and off. I have very normal sized fingers and have zero issue reaching the mute switch either.

My opinion, the polycarbonate is the better choice especially since it does not put that unattractive hole on the back of the case near the Apple logo. In the three weeks that this case has been out I have only seen one person complain about how sturdy the plastic bumper is and that is because he did not follow the directions on putting the case on and off keeping both parts of the case assembled during the process.

BJ

 

[rGiskard]

Buttons can be fixed easily, just apply thick tape to them. One person had success using Moleskin. Experiment to find what works best.

 

[batmanners]

I tested the phone out on the signal for the aluminum and it won't interfere that much...you'll run into signal issues when 1) you use it like a tablet as opposed to talking, 2) when your source signal is weak, wifi or cell. I found more interference on the cell signal than wifi. That being said, I would not recommend the plastic unless you don't intend to take it off...it's a one time thing for that one. I took my metal off several times using the bottom as the most flexible portion and it has not warped.

That being said, I'm currently back on a ballistic tungsten case because I think it is far more reliable in impact tests...though bulky. My cell also is only 1 bar at home and the metal kills the little bit of signal I have left.

That's good to hear. I do use my phone like a tablet (especially now that it's so much bigger than my previous 4S) so I am concerned with the signal. The signal is pretty good in my area, but I'm worried about getting signal as I travel or at work. I guess I'll just have to have a backup case. Thanks for the help!

This close up video tour on Spigen neo hybrid metal (red) for iPhone 6 might help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-JPCG0kNAI

Personally this is one of the most gorgeous casing I ever seen, but unfortunately signal lost do exist.

Happy case hunting

Wow, can't believe I didn't think to look up video reviews on such a popular case...
Looks like I have to go do more research.

First off, you have made a great choice as the Neo Hybrid is one beautiful case design.

Next, what you are calling the silicone version I assume you mean the polycarbonate plastic version. The good news is all three of your callouts are not correct. The buttons are not hard to press with the corrective measures taken in current shipments, and the plastic bumper is not fragile at all for those who know the proper way to put the case on and off. I have very normal sized fingers and have zero issue reaching the mute switch either.

My opinion, the polycarbonate is the better choice especially since it does not put that unattractive hole on the back of the case near the Apple logo. In the three weeks that this case has been out I have only seen one person complain about how sturdy the plastic bumper is and that is because he did not follow the directions on putting the case on and off keeping both parts of the case assembled during the process.

BJ

Yes, I meant the polycarbonate. Good to hear you don't have a problem with the mute switch. Most of the reviewers in videos I've seen bite their nails and say they can't reach it. Luckily I don't, so I shouldn't have a problem either.

I actually do like the hole for the logo however. I plan to get the gold bumper. I feel like the hole would look good with the gold, space gray and black combo. That, and I like to parade my Apple pride. I'm not to worried about the whole not offering protection or anything like that.

Do you know if the TPU part of the case works with both the metal and polycarbonate bumper additions? If so I might just get both and mix and match, depending which looks better.

Buttons can be fixed easily, just apply thick tape to them. One person had success using Moleskin. Experiment to find what works best.

I think the buttons have actually been repaired now, so it shouldn't be a problem anymore. But thank you!


Based on your reviews, I think the best course of action is to just order both and either return the less desirable one or keep both and use each one depending on the situation. Thank you all for the help, and I will report back when I get them + my screen protector (the 'Best Skins Ever' full screen coverage).

 

[Trebuin]

Edit: deleted due to wrong post

 

[Shadowbech]

Just received my Spigen Neo Hybrid Metal Series (I ordered Metal Blue), so far I like it. It does NOT interfere with any reception issues at all.

 

[Pravda]

Just received my Spigen Neo Hybrid Metal Series (I ordered Metal Blue), so far I like it. It does NOT interfere with any reception issues at all.

Thanks for the heads up.
Can you please post a pic when you have the time?

 

[Shadowbech]

I posted the pic on this thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1807025/

I would have posted here as well but I already posted on that thread and I don't think it's necessary to post another. Post #25

 

[batmanners]

Alright so I just got both the Aluminum and the Polycarbonate Spigen Neo Hybrid cases in the mail. I'm going to post pictures tomorrow night once I've got my screen protector on as well, but here's what I'm seeing so far:

First off I absolutely love both cases. Very sleek design, and it looks like they could take a punch. I got gold on both of them for my Space Gray iPhone 6.

Aluminum:

The aluminum casing is very aesthetically pleasing and makes the case look like it's way more than 20 bucks. It is considerably heavier as you could probably guess, but I don't mind. I particularly like the metal because it feels like you're touching the actual phone while the case is on.

Concerning signal problems, I haven't realized anything worth shouting about. I will need to try it out in different environments, but so far so good.

I do see a slight lift on the back around the Apple logo, but again, definitely not even worth the mention.

Polycarbonate:

This one is the sleeker of the two. It's lighter, thinner, and it actually fits the mold of the TPU part of the case the same way the iPhone 6 screen meets the aluminum backing.

All of the buttons work fine, I would say even better than they do on the naked phone. You can see where they made the necessary improvements. The problem was the metal buttons on the case were too far away from the buttons on the phone, so they added a rubber covering on the inside of the case buttons to give better feedback. You can see they did something similar on the aluminum case too.

Both:

The mute button is pretty deep in both cases I must say. I can reach it fine with my nail and size of my fingers, but if you have large fingers and/or bite your fingernails, you might have a problem switching on and off.
My Earpods fit the headphone jack fine, but it looks like it MIGHT be a little small for 3rd party headphones. Charger port looks big enough for anything.
There is a significant lip that will keep the screen suspended over a flat surface. The back camera is also completely protected.
They are difficult to take on and off, especially the aluminum, so I wouldn't advise it.

At the end of the day I think I'm just going to keep both, but I'll be using the Aluminum primarily. I like the look, the feel and I feel more confident in protection than with the polycarbonate. I also prefer the apple logo exposed, unlike most.

Also, the TPU cases are manufactured differently for the aluminum and polycarbonate cases. So you have to use the aluminum case with the TPU it came with and not the polycarbonate one.

Again I'll post pictures and updates ASAP, but for now, Aluminum it is.

 

[timbib]

I had the Neo Hybrid polycarbonate and did love the look of the slim profile case. The only downside I found was that it is still pretty smooth and felt like it was only slightly better for the grip on the sides, IMO.

However, my case did break within 2 week at the mute button where the plastic "bumper" is especially thin. No drops, just took out of my pocket and was cracked. I'm not hard on my cases and have had a lot of them for past phones (non-iphones).

At any rate I returned the case via Amazon no issues and bought a Tech21 which is a little thicker but provides a much improved grip.

A similiar case, is the Rock Royce case which also is has the poly on the sides (equally smooth and slick as the neo) and has the cutout for the apple Logo. Can't say how durable as I choose to use the tech21...

 

[webworks415]

I have been using the Neo Hybrid polycarbonate version since iPhone 6 release day and I love it. Very sleek and good feel in the hand. I actually prefer the grip of it as opposed to holding the iPhone bare. Like others mentioned, the button issues were fixed. The volume and sleep/wake buttons are now clicky and responsive. The one thing you have to be careful of is removing the case, because like the photo posted, it can break or bend at the button cutouts. If you need to remove it, start from the bottom and you'll be fine.

I ordered an aluminum one to see how it looked. I instantly noticed how the aluminum is shaped more flat around the edges, giving the phone more of a boxy feel like the 5/5s. I also don't like the cutout on the back. So I prefer the more rounded feel of the polycarbonate one, and the completely covered back. Just my two cents in using both. If they made an aluminum one without the cutout in the back and in a more rounded shape, I would consider it again.

 

[iApple_man]

Alright so I just got both the Aluminum and the Polycarbonate Spigen Neo Hybrid cases in the mail. I'm going to post pictures tomorrow night once I've got my screen protector on as well, but here's what I'm seeing so far:

First off I absolutely love both cases. Very sleek design, and it looks like they could take a punch. I got gold on both of them for my Space Gray iPhone 6.

Aluminum:

The aluminum casing is very aesthetically pleasing and makes the case look like it's way more than 20 bucks. It is considerably heavier as you could probably guess, but I don't mind. I particularly like the metal because it feels like you're touching the actual phone while the case is on.

Concerning signal problems, I haven't realized anything worth shouting about. I will need to try it out in different environments, but so far so good.

I do see a slight lift on the back around the Apple logo, but again, definitely not even worth the mention.

Polycarbonate:

This one is the sleeker of the two. It's lighter, thinner, and it actually fits the mold of the TPU part of the case the same way the iPhone 6 screen meets the aluminum backing.

All of the buttons work fine, I would say even better than they do on the naked phone. You can see where they made the necessary improvements. The problem was the metal buttons on the case were too far away from the buttons on the phone, so they added a rubber covering on the inside of the case buttons to give better feedback. You can see they did something similar on the aluminum case too.

Both:

The mute button is pretty deep in both cases I must say. I can reach it fine with my nail and size of my fingers, but if you have large fingers and/or bite your fingernails, you might have a problem switching on and off.
My Earpods fit the headphone jack fine, but it looks like it MIGHT be a little small for 3rd party headphones. Charger port looks big enough for anything.
There is a significant lip that will keep the screen suspended over a flat surface. The back camera is also completely protected.
They are difficult to take on and off, especially the aluminum, so I wouldn't advise it.

At the end of the day I think I'm just going to keep both, but I'll be using the Aluminum primarily. I like the look, the feel and I feel more confident in protection than with the polycarbonate. I also prefer the apple logo exposed, unlike most.

Also, the TPU cases are manufactured differently for the aluminum and polycarbonate cases. So you have to use the aluminum case with the TPU it came with and not the polycarbonate one.

Again I'll post pictures and updates ASAP, but for now, Aluminum it is.

Never saw where you posted pics, but now that it has been months, how is the Neo Hybrid Metal case now? I'm going to get one for about $14. The signal part would be my only draw back, but Verizon is strong out here in WI.

 

[batmanners]

Never saw where you posted pics, but now that it has been months, how is the Neo Hybrid Metal case now? I'm going to get one for about $14. The signal part would be my only draw back, but Verizon is strong out here in WI.

Sorry about that. I'll try to posts some pics with and without it on the phone asap. Overall, the metal case has been pretty much perfect. The signal problem is barely noticeable. I've been able to function in pretty low-signal areas with it just fine. Worst case scenario (no pun intended) I would just slip off the aluminum bumper of the case if signal is weak. I heard people had issues with the metal warping when taking it on and off, but I've been doing that probably about twice a week to clean it and it's just like new.

Very minimal damage to the case and I've dropped the phone a fair amount of times. Zero damage to the phone, which is the important part. There is a significant lip above the screen so you can put the phone facedown without worrying about scratching the screen. I've been using Best Skins Ever's screen protector (not the case compatible one) and it fits perfectly.

Button feedback had never been a problem.

There are 2 problems I've found. One, the grip isn't the best. There's a ribbed texture on the back of the TPU part, but it doesn't help much. Your best bet is to rely on the metal part for grip or to get part of your hand in the hole in the back for the Apple logo. Two, the headphone jack may not be compatible with a lot of auxiliary cables. My apple earpods work fine with it, but chords with a thicker base around the jack may not fit. In that case, again, just take off the metal bumper. For headphones that I wear often that don't fit, I cut off some of the rubber around the jack with a razor and was good to go.

Overall, one of my favorite designs for an iPhone 6 case. To this day, I always get compliments on the case. I still have the polycarbonate case on hand which is just as good. I just prefer the metal one because it seems sturdier, looks more high quality, and is more trust worthy when it comes to taking off the bumper. For $16, it was well worth the buy.

 

[iApple_man]

Wow thanks for the response. Photos aren't needed, sorry. No pressure. Your update about the signal is good for me.

 

[bigdaddy223]

Go with the apple leather case... best case ever..imo

 

[iApple_man]

Already have a black one. Just wanted to see about this option. But your right tho.

 

[jettie1767]

I've tried both. I prefer the polycarbonate because it doesn't get freezing cold in the dead of winter. The metal band gets super cold when you're holding it out in cold weather. Not the most comfortable thing.