Today we’re looking at a couple of cases from Incipio’s current lineup for the Galaxy Note 2. The Leather syled flip folio called LGND, and the 2 piece brushed aluminum and silicon DualPro SHINE.
Click here to see a video slideshow of the cases
These two cases are both well made using premium materials, they aren’t outrageously priced, and they provide decent protection. All that in common, these are still two very different cases. One case shined… but one had an issue that could be a deal breaker.
LGND – A black leather style folio case with a nylon elastic band mimicking the classic style of the moleskin writer’s notebooks. The cover is still and well stitched. The case offers a very professional look overall. Beyond that, there is some added functionality. The phone rests in a rubber coated plastic shell (plextonium) which easily props up into two notches in the microsuede-lined inside cover. Each provides a slightly different angle of view. The kickstand functionality that actually works well in practice can be elusive but this system is well designed. It’s coated enough to stop the phone from slipping during use. It uses a unique among the market cutout system for the kickstand pieces. This allows the functionality of the kickstand without adding a lot of bulk. Great case overall, very sturdy and durable. Highly recommended if it fits your style.
DualPro SHINE – I was initially intrigued by this case and honestly I was excited to test it out. I’m a person that sees a lot of cases so that’s saying something. The style and protection seemed top notch. Dual layered protection that makes you think of the Otterbox style cases but with style and less bulk. In reality, there was one glaring issue. The case is well made; the cell signal wasn’t disrupted by the aluminum, nor was NFC. Incipio uses a “radio transparent material” for the outer cover. The dual layer protection was real and very effective. Hard shell Plextonium outside and silicon inside with real protection from drops and bumps. True relief in your hand in the age of $700 retail phones. What I didn’t expect was the installation and removal to be so stressful. Installation was very difficult to do properly, the silicon slips right on without a second thought. Fitting the plastic/aluminum outer shell over the silicon proved uniquely difficult though. It was hard to line up the camera and branding pop outs especially. They just didn’t want to slide through and line up. The outer shell was too rigid I suspect. Eventually I got very close to perfect and I figured that maybe the case just needed an initial “breaking in” more or less. Unfortunately this was only the beginning. When time came to remove the case I nearly shattered my phones screen. It just doesn’t feel as though this case was thoroughly tested with a Galaxy Note 2. Incipio makes great products. They use nicer materials and their design aesthetic is among the tops for technology accessory makers. The DualPro SHINE, in my experience, was a rare hiccup in that tradition. The style will tempt you, but you will probably need to pass on this case. If you do go forward, proceed with caution. Take your time during install and removal. You’ve been warned. The DualPro SHINE is available in 4 colors, you can see them here
Thank you again to Incipio for supplying their product for review.
How much: Both $34.99 at Incipio.com
If you haven’t, click here to see a video slideshow of the cases
ENJOY YOUR GADGETS!
@ExaminerPhil
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