Spigen SGP Neo Hybrid EX Slim Metal for iPhone 5

Today i'll be taking a closer look at another case from Spigen SGP; the Neo Hybrid EX Slim Metal case.  Just how slim is this case compared to their standard Neo Hybrid EX that I previously reviewed? Make sure you read on to find out!

Spigen SGP has recently released a line of "slim" cases and I think it is a great idea that they've come up with.  This particular case is just as protective as the standard edition but with a nice slim form factor - I love it!  The 2 part concept is exactly the same, but the pieces don't add quite so much thickness to the iPhone when installed; as a user of both, I can feel a difference in the thickness in hand.  Due to the slimmer form factor, the silicone fits a little bit tighter and the polycarbonate frame also fits tighter - fitment is almost as close to perfect as you could get.  For those of you who are using tempered glass screen shields, this case works just fine and will sit about flush with the top of the screen shield (not yielding any lay-on-the-table lip on the front).

Like mentioned above, the design is the same as the standard Neo Hybrid EX - same silicone covered volume buttons and sleep/awake button that give excellent user "click" feedback when used.  I certainly do not have any complaints with this case; Spigen SGP has nailed another amazing product.  Pricing of the slim case is $31.99 which includes a Spigen SGP crystal screen shield, crystal back protective film and a set of jelly home button stickers.  If I had to choose between the standard and slim Neo Hybrid EX, it's a no brainer - go for the slim series.  

Ballistic Case Shell Gel (SG) for iPhone 5 Review

Hey guys, tonight i'm going to be reviewing a product by Ballistic Case called the Shell Gel (SG).  I've reviewed some of their products in the past and they've never disappointed.  Will this case pass the test?  Read on for the full review below.  

The Shell Gel (SG) is a newer product for Ballistic and I was very excited to take a closer look at it.  From my initial glance at it, it looked like a competitor for the Otterbox Commuter case and it indeed is the same style of case.  This particular case is built with a 3 layer design.  Layer 1 is ballistic shock absorbent polymer, layer 2 is a tough impact resistant polycarbonate shell and layer 3 is the innermost soft silicone with shock absorbing corners.  Installation is a breeze; the silicone is very pliable and slips right on the iPhone.  The polycarbonate portion fits perfectly into the grooves on the silicone and pops on with ease.  The installed product looks a lot better than an Otterbox in my honest opinion.  

The ports and controls are all easily accessible with the Shell Gel case installed.  Starting at the top, the sleep/awake button is covered by the silicone but provides a nice click when pressed (not so stiff like the Otterbox Commuter).  The bottom of the phone has one large cutout across the width so everything is easily accessed.  The left side of the case covers the volume buttons, providing the same nice click just like the sleep/awake button.  Lastly, there is an ample cutout for the silent switch, no issues accessing that whatsoever.  The rear of the case has a nice dimpled pattern providing a little extra grip on your iPhone.  The cutout for the camera and flash is ample and has a black ring to eliminate camera flashback.  Moving around to the front of the case, it provides a hefty amount of lay-on-the-table lip to ensure lots of protection for your screen.  I only have one complaint and that is the amount of lint and pocket dust that sticks to the soft silicone. 

All in all, Ballistic has built another winner product and is available for only $34.99 (in 7 colors) but is available even cheaper on Amazon here. 

Spigen SGP Neo Hybrid EX Metal For iPhone 5 Review

Hello guys, today i'm going to be taking a look at the Neo Hybrid EX case for the iPhone 5 from the great people over at Spigen SGP.  

It's no secret that Spigen SGP creates amazing products.  The Neo Hybrid EX case is a 2 part hybrid bumper case just like the name suggests.  For users, like myself, who love to show off their iPhone, a bumper case like this is exactly what you need to provide drop protection and still retain aesthetic appeal.  The inner layer is a soft silicone rubber that provides shock absorption in the event you drop your iPhone.  The top layer is a hard polycarbonate frame that installs on top of the silicone to keep the silicone wrapped snug against the frame.  Spigen SGP has designed their case like this so you can interchange different color silicone and frames for a total customized look.  

Moving on to the ports and controls of the device, the case has a rubberized covering over both the sleep/awake button and also the volume buttons which provide nice user feedback when pressed.  There is a nice sized cutout for the vibrate switch so users can easily flip it without having to dig in there with their fingernail.  The opposite side of the case contains the Spigen logo, subtly embossed into the polycarbonate frame.  Along the bottom, there are "metal grate" looking slots so the speaker and microphone performance is not hampered.  The cutouts for the lightning port and headphone jack are rather slim and i'm not confident aftermarket lightning connectors would fit nor would headphone jacks larger than the stock headphones.  A lot of headphones have plugs which are similar in size to the iPhone earpods, so no worries, unless you have fullsize cans which commonly use a huge plug.   

Along with the 2 piece Neo Hybrid EX case, Spigen SGP provides a Steinheil Ultra Crystal screen shield, Steinheil back protection film, a microfiber cloth and 3 home button stickers (black/white/orange).  You can all of this Spigen SGP good-ness for only $31.99 available here.  As of now, this case is offered in Gunmetal, Metal Blue, Metal Slate, Metal Pink and Satin Silver.