Manufacturer: Seidio

Model: Innocase II Surface

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back Cover

Website: www.seidioonline.com

Price: $30

Rating:

Seidio offers a wide range of cases for the HTC EVO 4G under its Seidio brand as well as the company’s Perfected Case Chemistry brand, which is sold through Best Buy. In this review, we take a look at the company’s Innocase II Surface case for the HTC EVO 4G.

Appearance:

The Innocase II Surface consists of top and bottom halves that are installed around the EVO 4G. The case has a plain exterior with a matte finish. Although there’s nothing fancy about the looks of the case, it does a good job of hugging the EVO 4G’s form factor without adding a lot of bulk or detracting from the look of the device.

The Innocase II Surface is available in plum, white, grey, champagne, sage, black, blue, pink, amethyst and burgundy colors.

Durability:

The Innocase II Surface is made of hard plastic that appears to be quite tough. We don’t foresee any long term durability issues with this case.

Usability:

To install the Innocase II Surface, you first slide on the case’s top half and then slide on the bottom half. This creates a nice, tight fit. We didn’t notice any significant gaps or wobbling between the case and the EVO 4G. To remove the Innocase II Surface, just press softly on the bottom half of the case and pull off the top half, followed by the bottom half.

The exterior of the Innocase II Surface is quite slick, and it doesn’t provide a very good grip on the phone. It would have been ideal if the case had a slightly spongy texture that would provide a better grip around the device.

The Innocase II Surface provides good access to all of the EVO 4G’s buttons and ports, as well as the kickstand and camera.

Protection:

The Innocase II Surface’s hard plastic shell does a good job of protecting the sides and back of the EVO 4G from scratches, scrapes, punctures and even small falls. The case also has a front ledge that protects the front edges and screen of the device. The inside of the case is coated with felt, which should help to prevent scratches from particles that slip between the EVO 4G and the case.

The Innocase II Surface provides a small amount of space between the EVO 4G’s large, delicate camera lens and surfaces below. This is important, since otherwise the lens of the phone can be easily scratched when placed camera-side down. A larger buffer between the lens and surfaces below would have provided us with more peace of mind, however.

Overall:

The Innocase II Surface fits the EVO 4G nicely. We like how the case hugs the sides and back of the EVO 4G without adding much bulk. This tight fit makes the case feel secure around the EVO 4G and produces few gaps or wobbles. The case’s hard plastic shell will do a good job of protecting the EVO 4G in everyday situations.

We wish the exterior of the Innocase II Surface provided better grip on the EVO 4G, and ideally the case would provide more protection for the device’s large camera lens. Still, these are small weaknesses, and overall we give this case a solid four stars.

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We’ve had a tough time finding a Micro HDMI cable for the HTC EVO 4G.  After multiple trips to EVO 4G retailers, including Best Buy, Radio Shack and Sprint retail stores, we left empty handed.  Sprint offered a time frame of “several weeks” before they expected these cables to be in stock.

Well, the good folks at Amzer have hooked us up with a few micro HDMI cables so we can finally enjoy the EVO’s 720p goodness on a big screen.  It is pretty impressive to see the relatively tiny EVO pump out 720p video and audio on a 42” plasma.  Video quality is decent, as well, although don’t plan on ditching your Blu Ray player just yet.

You can pick up the Amzer cables on the company’s site, here, for between $8 and $20, depending on length.

Manufacturer: Amzer

Model: Silicone Skin Jelly Case

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back cover

Website: www.amzer.com

Price: $10

Rating:

Amzer manufactures accessories for a wide variety of mobile phones, computers and tablets. The company’s products include cases, screen protectors, power cords, batteries and more. This review takes a look at the company’s Silicone Skin Jelly Case for the HTC EVO 4G.

Appearance:

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case has a matte silicone exterior. We’re not huge fans of the look and feel of silicone, but the back of the case does have some texturing along the top, bottom and sides. This helps the case to stand out from other silicone cases. The case slightly covers the upper part of the Sprint and HTC logos on the front of the EVO 4G.

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case is available in black, gray, white, pink, purple, maroon, blue, baby pink, orange and lime green.

Durability:

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case is made of silicone that is reinforced on the back and corners. The silicone is flexible, and we don’t have any long term durability issues.

Usability:

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case slides easily over the back of the EVO 4G. The case’s textured sides provide a good grip and the case fit the contours of our hand well.

The sides of the case are loose, and peel off the EVO 4G too easily. This is an issue we’ve seen with many silicone cases. The Silicone Skin Jelly Case’s textured sides do help to reduce the impact of the loose sides, however.

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case is coated with an Organic Anti-Dust (OAD) coating that prevents dust from sticking to the back of the case. We rubbed some lint on the case, and the OAD coating worked well on the smoother parts of the case. Lint did still get trapped in the case’s textured areas, however.

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case covers the EVO 4G’s power and volume buttons. However, the silicone is thin enough so we didn’t have any issues pressing the device’s buttons.  The case provides good access to the EVO 4G’s other ports and buttons.

Protection:

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case protects all four sides and the back of the EVO 4G. The case is also reinforced on the back and corners. The Silicone Skin Jelly Case will prevent scratches and scrapes, while the thicker silicone provides some cushioning against falls.

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case provides good protection for the EVO 4G’s camera.  The case has a small ledge that prevents the camera from touching surfaces below.  This is important for the EVO 4G, since the camera lens is large and it can be easily scratched.

We don’t like how easily the sides of the case peel off the EVO 4G, however. This can expose the sides of the device when it’s in a pocket or bag.

Overall:

We like the textured sides of the Silicone Skin Jelly Case. This provides a good grip and helps to differentiate the case from other silicone skins.

The Silicone Skin Jelly Case provides decent protection for the EVO 4G. However, the sides of the case are much too loose, and peel of the sides of the EVO 4G easily.

Overall, we give the Silicone Skin Jelly Case three stars. It is competitively priced at $10, and we would suggest it over the Rocketfish Silicone Case for the EVO 4G. However, the case does not offer the protection and security of other more expensive plastic cases that we’ve reviewed.

Notes:

This case was provided to us by Amzer.

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Manufacturer: Seidio

Model: Innocase Active Limited Edition

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back Cover

Website: www.seidioonline.com

Price: $25

Rating:

Seidio sells cases for the HTC EVO 4G under its flagship Seidio brand as well as the Perfected Case Chemistry brand that is available at Best Buy. In this review, we take a look at Seidio’s Innocase Active Limited Edition case for the HTC EVO 4G. This case is available on Amazon.com, and Amazon refers to this case as the Seidio Innocase Active Case.

Appearance:

The Innocase Active Limited Edition case consists of a silicone skin and a plastic skeleton. The skin installs first around the EVO 4G’s back, and the skeleton snaps over the skin. The Innocase Active Limited Edition is a bit more bulky that some of the slimmer plastic shells for the EVO 4G, although this difference is minor.

The exterior of the Innocase Active Limited Edition is matte black. The rear sides of the case have a series of grooves that provide a good grip and give the case a futuristic look. We think this is a nice design element that differentiates the case from more traditional silicone skins. The case is only available in Black.

Durability:

The Innocase Active Limited Edition is very durable, thanks to the combination of the silicone skin and the plastic skeleton. The plastic skeleton helps to hold the silicone skin in place and will reduce stretching over time.

Usability:

The Innocase Active Limited Edition’s silicone skin slides easily over the EVO 4G, and the plastic skeleton snaps firmly into place on top of the skin. We like how the skeleton provides a firm structure that helps to hold the silicone skin in place. The indentations on the back of the Innocase Active Limited Edition also provide a good grip.

The Innocase Active Limited Edition covers the EVO 4G’s volume and power buttons entirely. This makes the buttons a bit difficult to press, especially for users used to using the EVO 4G with buttons uncovered. After a few days with this case, however, we do believe users will get used to the extra force needed to press the EVO 4G’s buttons with the Innocase Active Limited Edition case installed.

The Innocase Active Limited Edition provides good access to the EVO 4G’s ports. However, the case does make it a bit tough for users with thick fingers and/or no fingernails to extend the kickstand on the EVO 4G.

Protection:

The Innocase Active Limited Edition provides good protection for the sides and back of the EVO 4G. The silicone sleeve provides cushioning from falls, while the plastic skeleton provides protection from punctures, while also holding the silicone sleeve firmly in place.

The case provides a decent amount of space between the EVO 4G’s camera and the surfaces below.

Overall:

We like the design of the Innocase Active Limited Edition, although the case does add a bit of bulk to the HTC EVO 4G. The skin plus skeleton construction provides stability and added protection. We also like the indentations on the back of the Innocase Active Limited Edition. This gives the case a unique, futuristic look, while providing users with a good grip on the EVO 4G.

The Innocase Active Limited Edition protects the EVO 4G well. The case also provides a good amount of padding between the EVO 4G’s camera, and surfaces below.

Some users may find it tough to press the EVO 4G’s volume and power buttons through the Innocase Active Limited Edition, although we suspect that most users will get used to this over time. The case may make it a bit difficult for users with larger fingers to access the EVO 4G’s kickstand, as well.

Overall we give the Innocase Active Limited Edition three and a half stars. We like the case’s look, and the case provides good protection for the EVO 4G.  The case is bulky, and it does make the EVO 4G’s buttons somewhat difficult to press, although these will be minor issues for many users.

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Manufacturer: Seidio (Perfected Case Chemistry)

Model:  HEC1OFB

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back Cover

Website: www.seidio.com

Price: $30

Rating:

Seidio offers cases through Best Buy under the Perfected Case Chemistry brand and Platinum product line. We previously reviewed the HEC20SB (and similar HEC1OSL) cases from Seidio. In this review, we take a look at the HEC1OFB case for the HTC EVO 4G.

Appearance:

The HEC1OFB case consists of a back cover and front bezel. The case has a textured back that is soft to the touch. We’re not blown away by the appearance of the HEC10FB, but the case does not detract from the look of the EVO 4G, nor does it add unnecessary bulk to the device. The case is only available in Black at this time.

Durability:

The rubberized material of the HEC10FB is very durable. The bezel that attaches to the back of the case is flexible, although the nubs that hold the bezel to the back of the HEC10FB are relatively thin, and may wear down or break under repeated use.

Usability:

To install the HEC10FB, you place the EVO 4G in the back cover, and snap the bezel of the HEC10FB around the front of the EVO 4G. These pieces fit together well, and there’s little give when you hold the phone tightly.

One of the problems we’ve had with bezel-style cases is that they’re often very difficult to remove. Seidio solves this problem with a coin slot. All you need to do is slip a thin coin, such as a dime, into the slot and twist, and viola, the bezel pops off.

The soft, spongy exterior of the HEC10FB and the case’s spongy back provide a good grip. The inside of the HEC10FB’s back cover is also coated with felt, to protect the back of the EVO 4G.

The HEC10FB provides good access to all features and ports on the EVO 4G.

Protection:

The HEC10FB does a good job of protecting the back and sides of the EVO 4G. The case also has a small ledge around the EVO 4G’s camera, providing users with a bit of peace of mind when the phone is placed camera-down on a flat surface.

The soft exterior of the HEC10FB also provides good cushioning from falls.

Overall:

The HEC10FB is one of the best cases we’ve seen for the EVO 4G to date. The case has must-have features, like an easily removable bezel, good protection for the EVO 4G’s camera and good port/button accessibility.

The case also provides a nice spongy grip for the EVO 4G, although the textured back of the case probably isn’t for everyone. We are somewhat worried that the nubs that connect the bezel of the HEC10FB to the back cover won’t hold up over time, but we’ll provide a more definitive answer after a longer testing period.

We give this case four stars, and highly recommend it for the HTC EVO 4G. At $30, it’s a great investment for the EVO 4G.

Update:  We’ve updated our review.  Check it out below.

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Manufacturer: Body Glove

Model: HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover

SKU/:  CZH5070R

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back Cover

Website: www.bodyglove.com

Price: $25

Rating:

Note:  This review has been updated since it was originally published

The HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover is another one of the few HTC EVO 4G cases available at Sprint stores. Body Glove has expanded its line of covers for mobile devices over the past several years, and the company currently offers covers for a wide range of mobile phones.

Appearance:

The HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover case consists of a thin frame that fits around the face of the EVO 4G, and a large black piece that cover’s the phone’s back. The back of the HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover case has a futuristic-looking gray, lined pattern, surrounded by a glossy back edge. The case barely covers the sides of the EVO 4G’s screen, a nice touch that emphasizes the device’s large screen.

Durability:

The back of the HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover case is made of hard plastic and appears to be quite durable. However, the thin frame that covers the phone’s front is quite fragile. In our testing, this piece broke while we were attempting to remove it.

Usability:

In our previous review, we were unable to remove the front bezel of the Body Glove Cover.  However, some commenters pointed out that the phone has a coin slot on the lower right that can be opened with a penny.  This is not noted in the phone’s documentation, and we missed it.

Even with the coin slot, the front bezel is a bit tough to remove.  It also forces you to put a lot of pressure on the bezel, which is worrisome because the bezel is so thin and fragile in some places.  The bezel on one of our units broke when we were testing it.

Otherwise, the HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover case fits around the EVO 4G nicely. The front frame of the case has a bit of give, but overall this was not distracting.

The texture on the rear side of the case provides a nice amount of grip. Additionally, the inside of the case is lined with felt, which helps to protect the phone and ensure a nice fit.

The case provides access to all needed ports and features on the EVO 4G.

Protection

The HTC EVO 4G Body Glove Cover case is quite firm and provides good protection all around. The case also provides a bit of space between the lens and surfaces below, an important feature for the EVO 4G.

Overall:

The appearance of the Body Glove Cover will probably meet with mixed opinions.  We think the back of the case looks and feels like cheap plastic.

The fragile bezel on the Body Glove Cover makes us worried as well.  Users that frequently open up their EVO 4G to access the battery will need to take extra care with the bezel – it can break easily.

We previously gave this case a 1 star rating, but we’re bumping that up to 2 stars due to the presence of the coin slot.  There are many other better options out there in this price range.

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Manufacturer: HTC

Model: EVO 4G Phone Covers

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back Cover

Website: www.htc.com

Price: $25

Rating:

Sprint stores currently only have a handful of cases for the HTC EVO 4G on hand. The oddly named HTC EVO 4G Phone Covers case is manufactured by HTC itself.

Appearance:

The HTC EVO 4G Phone Covers case is made of plastic that has a slightly cheap look and feel. The device consists of two pieces that fit around the phone vertically. The first side of the case covers about 60% of the phone and has a matte black color and finish. You have three color options for the second side of the case: gray, red or blue.

Durability:

The plastic construction of the HTC EVO 4G Phone Covers case is mostly solid. However, the nubs that connect the two sides of the case appear to be a bit fragile, and it appears that they can break off easily, especially if you change the sides of the case often.

Usability:

It’s a bit difficult to get the two sides of the HTC EVO 4G Phone Covers case to fit together, and once you do, the two sides come part much too easily. It’s likely that the case will break apart if you drop your phone from a high height.

The case does provide all the access you need to the EVO 4G’s camera, kickstand and buttons.

Protection:

The plastic HTC 4G Phone Covers case is durable, and will protect the EVO 4G from scratches and punctures. The case also provides a millimeter or so of protection over the EVO 4G’s camera – an important feature since the phone’s camera sits flush with surfaces below. Our main worry with the case continues to be the ease in which the sides of the case separate from each other.

Overall:

Although the colorful sides of the HTC EVO 4G Phone Covers case is a nice touch, we’re not impressed by the case’s cheap, plastic appearance. This is a matter of taste, however.

We are mostly worried about the ease in which the sides of the case separate from each other. This could be a big problem if you drop the phone. We’re also concerned that the nubs that hold the sides of the case together will wear down or break.

Overall, we give the HTC EVO 4G Phone Covers case a two and a half star rating.

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Manufacturer: Seido

Model: Platinum HEC20SB

Device: HTC EVO 4G

Type: Back Cover

Website: www.seidioonline.com

Price: $35

Rating:

Seidio manufacturers cases for a wide range of mobile phones, including the Palm Pre, Palm Pixi, BlackBerry, and HTC phones. This review focuses on the company’s Platinum HEC20SB Case for the HTC EVO 4G, one of the first cases available for the device.

Appearance:

The Platinum HEC20SB case is made of hard plastic that feels sturdy. The case comes in black, gray or purple (model HEC10SL) colors. The black and gray cases have a non-descript matte exterior, while the purple case has a shiny finish.

Durability:

The plastic shell of the Platinum HEC20SB case is very durable. No issues here.

Usability:

The Platinum HEC20SB case consists of two halves, which fit around the EVO 4G. The case was just a bit too loose for our liking. You can feel the case creak and move around the EVO 4G when you hold the phone tightly.

The case provides access to the EVO 4G’s stand, camera and ports. The Platinum HEC20SB also comes with an optional plastic holster, which holds the EVO 4G with the screen facing inwards. We don’t like this positioning, however, because it leaves the EVO 4G’s camera exposed.

Protection:

The Platinum HEC20SB case protects all sides of the EVO 4G, although it leaves volume and home buttons uncovered. We wish the camera provided better protection for the EVO 4G’s large camera lens. The case keeps the lens only slightly above surfaces. We would have preferred more protection around the lens, so we wouldn’t have to worry about placing the case with the camera facing down.

Overall:

We are mostly pleased with the construction and appearance of the Platinum HEC20SB case. The doesn’t add much bulk to the phone, although we wish it fit just a bit more tightly around the sides of the EVO 4G. The black and gray cases are a bit plain, in terms of appearance, but you can go with the more flashy purple case if you want a bit more color.

We do wish that the Platinum HEC20SB case did a better job of protecting the EVO 4G’s camera, especially when the case is placed faced down on a surface and when the phone is holstered.

Overall though, we’re mostly impressed with the Platinum case and give it a three and a half star rating.

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