Review of Artech 21 [Vivid Arkansas Series] Ultra Slim Dual Layers Case for Note 5

I purchased this case to see if I liked a slim, low profile case instead of the larger bulkier cases that I normally used for my premium devices. My first thoughts were that this is too thin to be great benefit, but after using and handling it for a while I found that I really liked the fit and feel of it.

The silicone liner fit well and made a uniform appearance while maintaining a snug grip on the phone. The texture of the exterior was comfortable and felt grippy in my hand while still sliding into and out of my pants pocket and cargo pockets easily. The access holes for the headphone and microUSB are stretchy to a degree, so bigger cable grips can be better accommodated. The case is thin enough that wireless charging works readily, tested with 2 off brand charging pads and with the new round Samsung branded pad.

Not tested: I didn't drop my phone to test its impact protection, but I wouldn't do that even with the most expensive of cases... No need to tempt fate.

All in all this is a great little case for much less than what the typical cases go for.

Review: Artech 21 Slim Protective Case

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0130B94AC



This is my brief review of this case.



First the Good: Overall this case is pretty nice. The grooved back provides nice grip. The cutouts all line up really well. There is some nice attention to detail in the form of the case in that there is a little dip down on the bottom lip of the case flattening the area near the home button to make it easier to lay your finger on the home button for finger print reading. There is also a nice depression in the case near the heart rate sensor on the back of the case as well to make reading the finger easier. The case should provide some overall solid drop protection. There is a slight lip on the front that comes up above the glass, even with a glass screen protector on the phone, allowing for a lay on the table design, if you do such things. (I don't) The buttons for volume and power are easy to press and responsive. Not as clicky as I would like them to be, but they are responsive.



Things I don't like: The color. In the pictures online on Amazon, and even here, the red of this particular case looks much more deep and vibrant. In reality, it is a lighter red color. Also, the gold trim seems a bit cheap looking. I don't really know how to describe it other than that though. I was hoping for an Iron Man theme here, but not so much. The one thing that really bugs me is the molding line that runs around the perimeter of the case. This is something that really bugs me when they manufacture cases like this. They need to make sure the mold line or injection point is hidden or smoothed out as best as possible. In this case (no pun intended) they didn't meet this criteria.



Overall though, this is a pretty decent case for the price. Provides good protection without adding a lot of bulk. Probably would look good in the red/black version, or the black/gold version. I don't really like the color combo I got though. Adds nice grip to the phone too. 7/10 in all.