Case-Mate Barely There Rubber Case for HTC Desire – Black
Product Description
The Barely There is Case-mate’s new line of sporty cases for the HTC Desire.
These cases are designed to protect the design of the Desire while allowing more of it to show.
- Extremely slim profile
- Impact resistant flexible plastic shell
- Covers the back and corners of the Desire
- Full-Face Screen protection included
- Not compatible with Case-Mate Clear Armor
Having just upgraded to the HTC Desire having dropped my iPhone 3G, royally breaking the screen, I thought it best I preempt my clumsy persuations and protect my new gadget before any damage comes upon it.
Having been into literally every mobile phone shop in Birmingham, I established that there is nothing out there in the shops for this phone at the minute. Which is good, as it led me to searching online and finding this gem of a case.
Having not been a fan of cases in the past, I wanted something that was sleek, and dare I say it… barely there.
It came well packaged, with clear instructions.
The case itself is great. Your phone just pops in there and stays put, it seems really well engineered. It’s actually quite a hard shell as opposed to a rubber/silicone feel which is what I was sort of expecting.
The included screen protector is also great, and fits the screen perfectly. A tip though, dont try and apply it dry, it just won’t work. It took a couple of attempts for it to be perfect for me, but start off by making the screen as clean as possible (hold it in the light at an angle and get off even the smallest fibre of dust). Switch off your phone. Then take the protective covers off the screen protector and give it a rinse under cold water, remembering which side is the sticky one. Shake off as much excess water as you can without getting your fingers on the sticky side and then position on the phone, wiping away any excess water quickly and using a credit card or similar to squeegy out any bubbles or remaining water. Mine is flawless now and you can’t tell that theres a screen protector on at all.
The only downside of the whole thing is how much protection it’d give you if you dropped it hard on the pavement or something. Whilst I’m not going to test it any find out, I suspect any hard knocks would still damage your phone due to the minimalistic design of the case. If you want a big silicone case that’ll bulk out your pocket, but perhaps provide the best protection, then this isn’t the best for you. If, like me, you just want more protection than nothing when you have it in your pocket/on your desk at work/pub etc then I don’t think there’s anything out there better.
Rating: 5 / 5
Having just received this case I am very happy (and would recommend the seller). The case itself feels solid and as well built as a product like this can be (no sharp edges etc). The slightly rubberised feel to the back means that the phone does not become slippy in the hands. It is incredibly thin and does not add much at all to the bulk of the phone which was why I was drawn to this case more than any of the silicone / rubber cases that are around.
My only gripe, which is why it drops a star is that it does not quite raise up enough on the front to give the screen a bit of protection if you did happen to drop it face down. It did however come with a seemingly good quality screen protector, screen cleaner and card for applying the screen protector. Can I give this thing 4.5 * ?
Rating: 4 / 5
This case fits very snugly to the phone, and being semi rigged has to be snapped into place, but once in place you would hardly know it is there. All the edges are nice and smooth and the contours are an exact match for the phone. All in all a very nice case.
Rating: 5 / 5
it’s barely there. very impressed by the quality, the shipping was fast, it came with a protection film for display and a cleaning cloth.
Rating: 5 / 5
Good product. Does the job well without adding bulk. Used in conjunction with a good screen protector the Desire should stay in good condition.
Rating: 4 / 5