Upgraded to a Nexus 4. Case and other Accessory recommendations?

Crow550

Platinum Member
Oct 4, 2005
2,381
5
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I'm retiring my Samsung Exhibit II / Galaxy Exhibit. I took it as far as I could with tweaks and such.

So I decided on a 16GB Nexus 4. It's coming with a free Bumper but I have had items leave my hand. So I think a case to protect the glass from cracking would be in order. I was using a rubber back for my Exhibit II: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which it saved my phone a few times. I have dropped it on cement once or twice and it flew out of my hand once. LOL! :p That case has helped the phone as it's still like new. Even used a screen protector for it.

I do have a 9000mAh backup battery for the Nexus 4.

I assume with Gorilla Glass 2 on the front I don't need a screen protector? I know the back is the weakest part for cracking.

Should I just go with a case that has like a flap for the front of the screen when I put it in my pocket or in a side belt case.

Just wondering. Thanks!

Now time to gather up my Exhibit II stuff and put it up for sale. :D
 
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Ksyder

Golden Member
Feb 14, 2006
1,829
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I recommend the vinyl skin for the back of the phone as seen here
http://www.androidcentral.com/dbrand-vinyl-skins-lg-nexus-4-review

It makes the phone much more comfortable to hold by giving it some grip on the back.

There is a long xda thread about it and there is a small discount code floating around in there if you are so inclined. They are in Toronto so thats where they ship from. I'm in Ohio and I got mine in less than a week.
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
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The Diztronic TPU cases work well and are dirt cheap. I've had one on my last two phones and plan to continue. In the case of the Nexus 4 it allows the phone to slide easily in and out of a pocket independently vs the back glass sticking to my leather wallet.

http://www.amazon.com/Diztronic-Matt...dp/B00A55Q2HA/

Screen protectors are personal preference, but I can't stand them. Bare glass is a much better tactile experience vs the rubbery garbage. Whenever I run into someone with a screen protector on their glass faced smartphone I show them that car keys won't scratch my phone. I've yet to harm any of my phones and I've been doing this since my first Gorilla Glass phone.

Yes something like sand will still potentially scratch your phone. If you're around that kind of thing a lot it might be worthwhile. I'll take my chances without.

Viper GTS
 
Feb 19, 2001
20,155
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The Diztronic TPU cases work well and are dirt cheap. I've had one on my last two phones and plan to continue. In the case of the Nexus 4 it allows the phone to slide easily in and out of a pocket independently vs the back glass sticking to my leather wallet.

http://www.amazon.com/Diztronic-Matt...dp/B00A55Q2HA/

Screen protectors are personal preference, but I can't stand them. Bare glass is a much better tactile experience vs the rubbery garbage. Whenever I run into someone with a screen protector on their glass faced smartphone I show them that car keys won't scratch my phone. I've yet to harm any of my phones and I've been doing this since my first Gorilla Glass phone.

Yes something like sand will still potentially scratch your phone. If you're around that kind of thing a lot it might be worthwhile. I'll take my chances without.

Viper GTS

The Diztronic one is nice but unfortunately you can't see the back. The Ringke fusion is a nice compromise. I have both cases so I think they're both great. The first generation of the Ringke fusion has buttons that are hard to press. Don't settle. Make sure you get the updated one which is 10x easier to press.

As for screen protector, I tend to prefer screen protector for lack of scratches. I do agree it's far easier to touch glass and its easier to clean off for grease/fingreprints. Regarding scratches, it's not just keys. Sand will scratch your screen. I have a few microscratches on my iPhone 5 for example because just 1 grain of sand can screw you over.
 

Crow550

Platinum Member
Oct 4, 2005
2,381
5
81
Thanks for the suggestions. I don't mind hiding the Nexus 4 back. I always figure out of sight, out of mind for would be thieves.

Looking at the suggestions.... The ArmourDildo I mean ArmourDillo Hybrid Protective Case for Google Nexus 4 looks pretty cool. So does the Diztronic Matte Back Black Flexible TPU Case for LG Nexus 4 .

However the Hybrid Hard Case & Vinyl looks cool too.

Decisions, decisions.

I will also snag a screen protector. Better safe than wiping something stuck on the screen or my finger and putting a scratch in it.

I swung by my local T-Mobile store and they gave me a mini sim. Should have the phone Tomorrow. Goodbye Exhibit II. :p

Also need a good belt case as I like to keep my phone at my side. Which the ArmourDillo might make that problematic....

I'm sure I will enjoy the Nexus 4 going from this Exhibit 2 but man being cased in glass while looking sexy is kind of pain in the arse. However for me the Nexus 4 is right between performance and price. I know the Nexus 5 "may" be coming sometime between October-December but I can wait as they did make minor revisions of the Nexus 4.

I will leave the plastic on the screen and use the bumper on the phone till I find the right case and screen protector and carrying case....
 
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ScoobMaster

Platinum Member
Jan 17, 2001
2,528
10
81
I just got my wife a Nexus 4 and she opted for the Diztronic flexible case linked above (she opted for the sparkle blue). It is a nice case if you don't mind hiding the back.

She does want to get a screen protector too, so I am curious to see what you opt for, OP. Can you update this thread with your choice and your opinion of it when you get it?

I am jealous of her Nexus - I am stuck on a work-provided iPhone 4. then again, it is work paid-for too, so THAT aspect makes it easier to live with ;)
 

Chocu1a

Golden Member
Jun 24, 2009
1,386
79
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Bought my wife a Nexus 4 a couple of weeks ago. Got her this case off Amazon. Good protection & nice design
 

Crow550

Platinum Member
Oct 4, 2005
2,381
5
81
Alright for screen and back I went on another forum member recommendation and got it at XtremeGuard.com and saved 70% with a coupon.

For a case I went with the JKase DIABLO Series Tough Rugged Dual Layer Protection Case Cover with Build in Stand for LG Google Nexus 4: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which is a clone of the ArmourDillo Hybrid Protective Case.

Also got the Google Nexus 4 Vertical Bergamo Leather Case with Fixed Belt Clip: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now just waiting for Monoprice to get some of there premium slim usb cables in stock: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=9762&seq=1&format=2

Also have this 9000 mAh charger: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10831&cs_id=1083110&p_id=9531&seq=1&format=2

Think that should do it. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Hope the usb port on the Nexus 4 is tough. I kinda almost tried to plug the usb cable in upside down when I was half asleep half awake. Whoops. :p Well I did try it the correct way first but being new it was still a little tough the first few times plugging it in.

Considering one of those usb docks. Unless there is any cheaper wireless chargers out there?
 
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papaschtroumpf

Senior member
Mar 5, 2003
879
5
81
I am done with turning slim-ish devices into bricks by adding layers of rubber and assorted materials.
My N4 has been naked since release day and so far so good.
I don't care so much for the glass back though, slippery and heavy.
I still regret trading my Galaxy Nexus for the N4, it was lighter, thinner, felt better in hand and supported OTG..