DBA CASES 639713195316 Complete Ultra Package Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 - Retail Packaging - Snow/Black

For 6 years I delivered pizza and was very rough on my phones. My past 3 phones were in Otterbox Defender for ultimate protection. Last year I got an office job which meant that my phones went through much less abuse. So, when I got a new phone I thought I could get away with a sleeker case that didn't add bulk. Turns out I was right.GOOD- The case goes on very easily and is secure on the phone without being difficult to remove.- It doesn't add much size or weight. My wife even commented on how it was still basically the same size and look.- All of the access holes are in the right spot so most headphones and chargers work fine, as well as access to the buttons.- There is a surprising amount of protection. I have dropped the phone from waist high, and once more recently from chest high and the phone is no worse for the wear. If it wouldn't have had the case on it there would definitely be some damage done to the phone.NOTESI didn't wan't to call this part 'BAD' because they are more 'for your information' than they are necessarily bad.- There isn't much depth over the screen, so I would be hesitant to set it face down on anything other than a smooth surface.- Because there isn't any screen protection, I added a ZAGG Invisible Shield screen protector. The case pressed on it a few small places, so I had to trim the screen protector with a razor blade. If you are careful you can easily trim the screen protector without damaging the phone.- The case can be a little slick if your hands are dry. The texture on the sides helps, but the back, top, and bottom are smooth so you have to hang on tight. I would imagine it would be the same for any case made of the same materials.OVERALLOverall I'm happy with this case. It doesn't add much bulk but still provides a moderate level of protection. If you are a landscaper or construction worker, get a big, bulky, strong case. But if you work in a bit safer place and can be a bit more careful with your phone, this will provide protection for the occasional drop as well as scratches and bumps from being in your pocket or center console.

So like you who is reading this review, I was reading reviews, surfing the net, trying to find the perfect case for me. Everyone has their own preferences. I wanted something thin, effectively protective (all corners covered), affordable (was trying to stay under $20-$25) and not some weird color. So after reading like 19 reviews that were rlelatively positive I chose this one. I liked the overall thinness - and overall the whole combo hard/soft type of cover appealed to me. The materials seemed pretty good and the matte finish was cool. It is a tight fitting cover but that was fine with me too. And I even dropped it maybe once about 1.5 ft off the ground and it protected the phone fine. However, there are times that you will want to open the back. I for one like the option to exchange batteries. I even take the microSD card out time to time for different reasons. My phone developed a crack right at the corner and I believe that it developed because I took the case off maybe a dozen times in the first month. Now, I thought I was being careful when I took off the case and maybe there is a more effective technique that avoids bending or something like that - but the case is a bit tight as others have called out. Last, I know for a fact that the impact on the ground had nothing to do with the corner because it didn't land anywhere near that corner, the impact occurred weeks prior to the crack developing and my explanation above makes sense. I would not purchase this one again simply due to the fact that I don't think it is flexible enough to be removed at the frequency I'm looking for....

This review covers both part of the DBA Ultra case: the Ultra TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) & the outer Ultra PC (Polycarbonate) shell. Both parts are needed to build-up a proper case. This review has been copied to the entries which make-up both parts of the case.It might be a little confusing that you have to order two separate parts to build-up a case, but the big advantage is you can choose the colors for each part and get just the look you desire. You can also order additional individual parts and change the look without buying a whole new case. Well worth it in my opinion.This is my third case for the S3 having first used the Spigen-SGP Neo Hybrid and then the Incipio Silicrylic Hard Shell Case which is also two parts, but with only pre-configured colors. The Incipio uses a silicon/PC combo whereas the DBA is TPU/PC. The DBA is more form fitting, a bit less bulky, but still just as easy to install and remains in place better than the Incipio. Both cases offer good protection, in all the same areas. Both come up over the top of the front bezel offering some protection for the top side as well. The DBA seems to cut into the top bezel a bit less than the Incipio. There is much discussion of some cases interfering with the fit of screen protectors on the S3, so the DBA may have an advantage here depending our your particular screen protector. The Spigen-SGP Neo Hybrid was returned as it was unusable. With this case the volume-up button was always actuated no matter how you tried to fit the case to the phone; a complete failure.The reason I originally looked for a different case is because I was forever accidentally hitting the volume buttons with the Incipio. The Incipio has silicon coverings over the volume and power buttons. It makes them easy to actuate, which is good, but also has the side effect of making them too easy to press accidentally. This is exasperated because I'm left handed so hold the phone in my right hand. This is more a design compromise with the phone itself, but lefties are always learning to make the best of different design consequences. In contrast, the DBA has openings in the TPU piece around those same buttons so the actual buttons are recessed vs. sitting above the rest of the case with the Incipio. I still accidentally hit the volume buttons, but much less frequently.All the openings in the TPU part line up nicely with the features on the phone. The size of the openings for micro-USB and the headphones connectors fit the cables I own, however the over-molding on one USB cable from Monoprice just fits by a hair. The PC part also fits over the TPU part well. In use, the TPU part gives a secure grip on the phone. So far, the PC part (white color) has stayed clean whereas the Incipio PC (also white) seemed to pick up some black discoloration in spots which wouldn't come off (only time will tell how the DBA does in this regard). Overall, this is the best case I've used for the S3.