Speck Products CandyShell Amped Sound Amplification Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 - Cadet Blue/Caribbean Blue

BACKGROUND:So I absolutely hate when people leave product reviews when it's quite obvious that they just got the item that day and probably haven't even used it yet. That being said, I've had this case for a couple weeks and I got the two-tone blue one. Also, I'm a bit of a klutz with a 3 year old daughter so my review will reflect a significant amount of abuse compared to most of the people I know. Also this is the 9th case I've used with my galaxy s5. I haven't had much luck finding the right case for my needs...until now...and while I'll stipulate that speck could definitely make some improvements, this case is still a winner. When I was looking at this case and comparing it to others I was left with several questions, concerns and clarifications...things that were ambiguous in the product's description as well as it's reviews. Below is a breakdown of this case's assets and attributes as well as the answers to the questions I had before buying it.SCRATCHES EASY:It does scratch really easily but that's to be expected with such a high gloss surface...especially considering the abrasive quality of denim and the fact that most of us spend the day sliding our phones in and out of our jeans pockets.GRIP OR SLIP:The high gloss does make it a little slick especially if you have dry palms like me but as far as slippery-ness goes I'd say it's midrange. It doesn't actually have grips like other speck cases but the high gloss case does provide a certain amount of grip. And it definitely is less slippery than both the lifeproof fre and the OtterBox symmetry cases which have a slightly textured/matte finish which actually makes them slicker. I wish speck made this case with the grippy stripe things like their grip case.SOUND:The amplification part is nice...however it's only slightly louder than my ihome portable speaker. The biggest advantage is the redirection of sound. Not quite perfect since it redirects the sound to the sides rather than the front but it is definitely better than with the sound coming out the back.SIZE:One reviewer complained about the size, she said she couldn't get it in her pocket. I can definitively say she needs to go up a size cause her pants are way too tight if she's having that problem. It does increase the size of the phone but no more than any other impact resistant case...in fact it's actually smaller than a lot of them. It's about the same size as the symmetry and its actually smaller than the fre.SCREEN:Most cases do not provide screen protection and even the ones that do only protect from scratches...they don't protect your screen from cracking. Don't be stupid. Buy a tempered glass screen protector. The case still fits perfect with the tempered glass screen protector. That way you crack the screen protector instead of your screen.

I really didn't expect the level of sound improvement I received after putting this on my phone. It REALLY improved the level and quality of sound. Very well engineered.

This is the first "protective" case I've ever purchased. I previously had a S4 mini, but only had cheapie cases. After getting my S5, and fearing dropping such a big phone, I wanted something more. My husband keeps his phone in an Otterbox because he works in an warhouse and outdoors. I know how much bulk it adds, and I didn't fear dropping my phone from several stories (like he has).This case certainly feels durable, it is hard as a rock! The sound amplification is real. My S4 had the same flaw, and it's quite nice to be able to lie my phone down while playing music and hear it! The screen protector wasn't a problem as other commenters mentioned; I added a Tech Armor Ballistic Glass which I purchased here and it fits great with this case.There are a couple cons... It's hard to reach the charging port; to open it. I feel like I'm stretching that rubber and I'm afraid it will eventually tear. The case is extremely hard to remove. I don't want a case to come off easily on it's own, but it actually has pulled the back of the phone off when I've removed the case. One of the things about the S5 is the removable battery and SD card. I don't access them daily, but I do occasionally. Is it a major problem? Not really... Just a PITA when I do remove the case. Thus, 4 stars.Would I buy the case again? Of course! It's on my phone now, and it's the only one I'm using. In fact, I've considered buying the blue lol!

The color is nice and bright as represented in photo. I wanted a thicker cover for my Galaxy S5. After purchasing one of the low profile covers, I found I like a little bulk. Not to say this is bulky. Certainly not like an otterbox defender case. The feature of this case is the increased volume obtained and I feel it meets my needs in this area. Not a huge increase, but does elevate volume levels, through holes on sides of case. I was afraid it would be too slippery due to how shiny it is, but haven't found that to be true. I haven't dropped my phone with this case as of yet, so I can't really review how protective it is. There is a nice sized lip around edges to protect the face of the phone. The charger cover of Galaxy S5 is a little difficult to access, due to thickness of case. If you do not have nails or if you have really big fingers, I can see where this might be a problem.

So far so good.

The case is bigger but it takes a lot of abuse and the sound is easier to hear from the sides instead of the back

Todo excelente, llego en tiempo exacto, y la calidad es como esperaba. los terminados son de buena calidad, producto recomendado