Spigen Tough Armor Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus - Black

I got fed up with the official Samsung LED cover/case for my S8+, mainly as I like the stock 'Always on Display' mode and want to see that. So I started to research what cases were available that leave the front of the phone uncovered, while still providing a decent amount of drop protection etc.This research got me down to three cases; I won't mention the others here but they both cost £30 or more. The Spigen Tough Armor case was exactly half of that, which is much more reasonable for what you are getting.And what you are getting turns out to be a really nice case as it happens. The fit is perfect, nice and tight. What's more, it surprisingly doesn't add much bulk to the slimline S8+ device; which remains a slimline device when in the case.The front edges are raised just enough to provide a level of screen protection when you are putting the phone down or should you drop it. Yet, at the same time, not covering the wraparound screen edges.The finish is 'grippy' enough that you don't think the phone will slip out of your hands. An improvement over an uncased device in fact. The back does show some fingerprinting in usage, but not as much as I expected. The cutouts for camera and fingerprint scanner etc on the back don't hinder usage, although the Spigen doesn't physically separate the fingerprint scanner from the camera like the official Samsung cases do, which is a shame as I had got used to that feature. The cutouts on the base don't cause any problems with connecting headphones or USB cable.All buttons function perfectly, and the case has a ridged surface on the 'Bixby' button so you don't accidentally press this instead of the volume down button next to it.My only real niggle with the case would be the kickstand. This is described as being 'reinforced' in the description, but actually just feels like a pretty flimsy piece of plastic to me. Only time will tell how it holds up in usage (no pun intended) but it does support the phone OK. That Spigen devotes most of the instruction leaflet to replacing the stand back into the case should it fall out, suggests the manufacturer knows it isn't quite as good as it could be. For me this isn't a deal break as I don't use kickstands that often anyway. Your mileage may vary.All in all, a very nice case that doesn't add much bulk to phone but does add a lot of protection from knocks and drops. I'm not bothered about a screen protector, the phone has pretty tough gorilla glass which resists scratching after all. I imagine I will be sticking with this case for some time to come, it may even outlive the phone itself...

I've been extolling the virtues of Spigen cases to anyone who will listen since the Galaxy S5 in 2014. The cases are really strong and sturdy. Although they add a little heft they don't add too much bulk, and they're cleverly designed in a way that keeps your phone safe at the vast, vast majority of angles.You could potentially still damage your screen if it was dropped at certain angles onto something sharp that juts out - like the corner of a brick, but I've not had any issues.I've dropped my s8+ onto a marble floor from chest height (by accident) and onto a brick driveway from around waist height a couple of times (on purpose... ok it was also by accident) and I've not had a scratch. They're a very solid build.The moulding for the buttons it really nicely done and the buttons, ports and camera fit perfectly. The buttons feel good to press. The stand is just the icing on the cake. Everyone comments on it when they see it in use.

These are my first impressions before getting my phone, I'll update one it's on my phone (I hate receiving my phone and not having a case ready for it, hopefully this will help others in the same boat)The first black Spigen case I had was for the Pixel XL and I'm pleased the colour is available for the S8+, especially with the black kick stand.Over the years and devices, I've found Spigen to be reliable and their cases have saved multiple phones from numerous drops. The S8+ case looks as reassuringly robust as my previous ones.Appearance - I love it all in Matt black, especially with the black kick stand. With my black S8+, it should tie in nicely.Protection - With a curved screen and glass back (the latter being a fingerprint magnet), like my S6 edge+, I expect this case to give the phone plenty of protection, especially to the edges. There is a raised lip top and bottom so that you can place your phone face down whilst keeping the screen off of the surface it's on.Size - Even though this is the tough armor, it's not too bulky, striking the right balance between protection and appearance/bulkiness. I can quite easily reach opening for the fingerprint sensor, power, volume and bixby(which is ridged so you can differentiate) buttons.One other big bonus for me is that the openings to the base have been rounded. I use my RH little finger to rest my phone on and on my S6 edge+ and Pixel XL, the sharp edges dug in after a while, this seems to have been designed out, with the edges much smoother.The photos show my S8+ case, alongside my Pixel XL (black) and S6 edge+ (metal slate) cases

This is an excellent case. Sturdy and a perfect fit for the S8 but with one shortfall that may be a deal breaker.PROs:- Extremely well made- Great protection from corner impact- Useful phone stand (removable, which minimises stand breakage)- Firm grip from rubberized finishCONs- No protection from direct screen impact- Adds bulk and heft- Not compatible with tge majority of screen protectorsMy biggest issue with this otherwise perfect handset is it's incompatibility with all clear, plastic screen protectors I have tried. Because most screen protectors (including Samsung's) don't fully cover right to the end of the edge screen, the case will cause all corners of your screen cover to lift off. This is made worse when pressing the side buttons.It's a great case, if you're happy not having a screen protector on your phone. Or if you have the skill to trim a screen protector to size so the case won't interfere with it.For ME, this was a deal breaker. I've gone for a different brand case now, but I wish I could use this one. Best I've used, bar it's flaw.