Spigen Tough Armor Designed for Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Case (2018) - Coral Blue

Shopping for a case for my new S9 Plus, I was attracted by the understated design,slim fit, and the Spigen reputation, of course. I have not been disappointed. Delivery was prompt, no drama, as I have come to expect from Amazon.I'm not a bling guy, so the tasteful, neutral color (graphite gray) and smooth, functional design were important to me. Very much form-follows-function, there are no gratuitous "design elements" to detract from the appearance. Materials are top quality and well-finished.Initially I was skeptical of the two-piece construction, but having used it, I like it a lot. I think the hard back with the shock absorber material underneath offers more protection than it would without the hard plastic. When installed, the appearance is of one seamless piece. Installation is dead easy, fit is perfect, including the cutouts. Judging from the photos on Amazon, I wasn't sure how I would feel about the two-tone color (graphite gray and black), but in fact it's really very nice, in my opinion - not flashy by any means, but a cut above spartan.The kickstand (which I don't anticipate using much) works well enough, it deploys easily and snaps back into place with a little click. But if there is a weak point on this case, I would say it's the kickstand. I can imagine it breaking if due care is not exercised - not so much in normal use, but things happen.Note: I saw another reviewer mention that on their case, there was no hard plastic under the kickstand (in the well where it fits when not in use.) I checked mine (recently purchased) and mine does have a hard plastic floor underneath, no exposed TPU. I'm thinking this may be later production version, as design is improved once it's in the field.Another note: Another reviewer observed that with the kickstand located as it is, when you stand the phone up (landscape) the volume buttons are on the bottom of the phone and are inaccessible. This is true - Spigen might want to look hard at this. I believe the reviewer suggested moving the kickstand to allow the buttons to be on top, and that's an excellent idea.The buttons work well, with a proviso. I thought the buttons without the case were a little soft in feel. The buttons on the case add a much firmer feel, almost clicky, which I rather like. However, if you prefer the soft feel, you may be a little frustrated with this case. The Bixby button is distinguished by a serrated pattern, so it's actually pretty easy to feel and therefore to avoid inadvertent activation (does anyone ever push the Bixby button on purpose?)The slightly-raised chin and forehead provide good protection for the screen when placed flat. Of course, that won't protect from any foreign objects under the screen, but that's true for any case like this.The same is true of the back, where the lenses etc. are well-recessed and protected in the case.Trying to hold on to the bare S9 Plus is not unlike trying to grip a bar of wet soap - so improved grip was very high on my list.This is not the grippiest case I've ever used, but it's very good, definitely a big improvement over the bare phone. In fact, it's a good balance of smooth appearance and grip. I like a slim fit, because I like to slip the phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and this case works very well. Overall, the case gives the phone a much more substantial feel, though short of industrial. In graphite gray, it is highly resistant to smudges, fingerprints, etc.I like screen protectors, I prefer tempered glass. Especially with the 3-D glass (thanks Samsung) selecting and installing a glass protector is a real crap-shoot. On the strength of the "Amazon's Choice" designation, I found one which fits and works perfectly - or at least better than any others I've seen. I have installed it with this case and it fits very well. I will write a review soon.OTAO Galaxy S9 Plus Screen Protector Tempered Glass, [Update Version] 3D Curved Dot Matrix [Full Screen Coverage] Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Screen Protector (6.2") with Installation Tray [Case Friendly]I use a Samsung EP-NG930 wireless fast charger, and the case does not interfere with wireless charging at all, that I am able to detect. I used the phone for a week before I got the case, and there is no appreciable difference in charging with or without this case.So - a very classy, attractive case, functional, very good protection. Beautiful construction, easy installation, precise fit. If a kickstand or soft button feel are very important for you, perhaps you should consider other options. I am very happy with this purchase.

I am ROUGH on phones, dropping them onto hard surfaces (wood floors, pavement, etc) from standing height at least 3-4 times per week due to butterfingers and an active lifestyle. But after 3 years this thing is still going. The blue color is all scratched off but the case itself is still intact and my phone has zero damage (knock on wood). The glass screen protectors that I use have cracked many, many times, but this protective case only just now finally got a crack/chip in one tiny area after dropping it from the top of the stairs.Other notes: Easy to put on/take off for cleaning, but very secure once put on. Kickstand can be a little flimsy but works great for its size/purpose. Side buttons are accurate, no issues, good "feel". Slim fit around the phone so it's not super bulky. Material helps you grip the phone without feeling sticky/dirty, wipes clean of dirt very easily.Hope this never goes out of production!

I've tried a lot of different cases from different manufacturers, and I constantly find myself going back to this case. In fact, the biggest reason, for me, against using it, is because it looks so good. I'd hate the idea of dropping it. I might have to find a case for my case.I like the two layer aspect, the TPU lining and bumpers, combined with the stiff PC backing and sides helps put my mind at ease in regards to protection. Generally, the more layers, the better. It's hard to protect curved screens so most of the screen protection falls to the raised bezel at the top and bottom portion of the case. While not the largest bezels, they still rise high enough from the screen that you can set your phone down, screen side down, on a flat surface without having to worry about the phone resting on the glass itself. They're also high enough that with the use of a screen protector (like the amFilm Tempered Glass screen protector that I use on mine), the raised bezels still manage to keep the glass up and off a flat surface.Obviously, with my last statement, the case is relatively screen protector friendly. I've used it with both a film, and tempered glass protector, and was able to place the phone in the case without any lift on any of the edges or corners. So if your screen protector is "case friendly," than you should have no problems with this case fitting, which was very easy to do.The surface on the back is rather slick, so on an uneven or tilted surface, the phone could slide rather easily, but I find I don't have any problems with gripping the phone. The sloped edge on the camera cutout makes finding the finger print and health sensor very easy, helping to guide your finer into place.The TPU on the bottom edge of the case is a little on the thinner side, like they shaved the portion of the case along the ports down a little. The port holes themselves are large enough to accommodate most plugs without difficulty, for either the charging port or the 3.5mm jack. If you use a magnetic charging cable (I use a Wsken X cable mini 2), the little plug that stays in the charging port does peek past the TPU on the bottom. However, the larger corner bumpers are just thick enough, that if you were to lay the bottom edge flat, it would keep the magnet from just touching the surface (see photos).My biggest con in regards to the case has to be the little kick stand. While it's solid enough to keep the phone tilted up at a nice viewing angle, it does seem rather fragile. Also, there's no TPU covering the stand from the inside of the case. I would feel more comfortable with that kick stand if it were more solid, and also if there was at least a thin bit of TPU between it, and the phone, instead of a hole going straight through the TPU.All in all, for the price, I feel this is a fantastic case. While I haven't dropped my phone with it on, I feel confident that it would protect the phone from rather more common drops, like from the lap or pocket, or even head (or ear) height.I would just hate to scratch it because it definitely looks slick. This coming from someone that prefers clear cases to be able to see the beauty of the phone itself.