**REVIEW** Xtra-Funky Shiny Mirror Case (for Galaxy Note4)

While I love, love, love my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (most of the time) and I do try to keep it safe by using protective cases, I don't usually buy decorative cases. I'm mostly about keeping my phone safe and working. Pretty is not a priority.

But...

I saw this case when I was ordering Christmas gifts for DJ. I can't remember how I came across it, but it certainly caught my eye.

How could it not?

That's the photo from the product page for the (get ready for the name) Xtra-Funky Range Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Slim TPU Silicone Shiny Mirror Case with Sparkly Crystal Diamante Rhinestones - Silver

I will just call it the mirror case. The photos mostly speak for the product, but I will give you my opinion of course.

Hard to get photos because of the shine. Almost looks like the case is floating, doesn't it?

I like that the case really is as shiny as it looks on the product page. My own photos don't capture it so well, but it is truly a mirror-like finish. Seriously.

It's nice to have a mirror attached to something that I always have on hand. I have to admit that when I was in the store today, I was using it to spy on a cute guy that I'd passed in one aisle! Not sure if that's what the intended use is. Since the mirror is my main attraction to this case, I have to mention that it smudges easily. That doesn't take away from the use of the mirror though.

The one thing I don't like about the case is that the "rhinestones" are so cheap looking when you see them up close. They aren't even actual rhinestoned - just really cheap and cloudy-looking plastic chips in the shape of the stones. I know that rhinestones are cheap imitations anyway, but these are so dulll-looking that I wish I had gotten a case without them added on.

I want to point out that even though the mirror is really nice, the case itself (inlcuding the mirror part) is not a hard substance. The plastic is a soft, molded unit that bends with very little pressure. I guess that's a good thing since a harder plastic would break. The winter weather here is really cold so I like the more pliable plastic.

Another thing about the case is that, while it does provide covering (and some cushioning) to the back, it's not something I'd count on offering a lot of protection should I drop the phone.

Overall, I really do like this a lot. That mirror is something else. I guess the only real negative I can point out (other than those rhinestones) is that I have to press harder on my side buttons to get them to work. For the purpose of the buttons, it would be nice is the case were more rubberized than plastic.

Though I don't like the cheap look of the rhinestones, they only look bad at a close view. From a distance, the stones really don't take away from the look of the case. And, once again, that mirror makes it worth it.

Bottom line, the case cost less than 5 bucks. That's a great price and very much worth it.

I've been over on Amazon looking at the other items in the Xtra-Funky storefront. I see a few things that I like for gift items, including cases and accessories for all kinds of phones. My family is a mix of Android and iPhone users, so...

I can tell you that I do like the case I got and that the service was great from the Seller. I will be purchasing from them again.

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Pelican ProGear Voyager Case & Holster

I like to boast that I am always very careful with my phones. And, usually, I am. VERY careful.

Next to my vehicle, my phone is probably the most important necessity in my day to day life. It's not just a convenience (though it is very handy) but. because of my memory and health issues, it's my lifeline. Seriously. Besides all that, I haven't had a landline phone since living in Arizona some years ago.

Out of all the cellphones I've owned, I've lost one and dropped another into water. The one I couldn't find disappeared under really strange circumstances (as did a few other things) in the house in Arizona. We decided that we had a Bermuda Zone type of thing going on in one spot in that house. I'm not kidding, but that's a post for another day.

Every other phone I've had, I've kept til they die. Even back when I could afford to buy new phones whenever I wanted, I thought it was a stupid waste of money. Phones are not cheap. This is why I try to be so careful with mine.

I love a good case, and this one is my absolute favorite of all time:

The clip swivels and makes a stand

Those stripes are not that visible, btw

That's the ProGear Voyager Case & Holster by Pelican I have. Of course, I got the one made for my Galaxy Note 4, but there are models for most popular phones.

I got mine at AT&T because I dropped my phone while I was right down the walkway from the store at the mall. If I hadn't been so paranoid about waiting a few more days, I could have saved $10 by getting it at Amazon.

Real quick, before I get to the review, let me mention that this is the best link to the Pelican site if you're looking specifically for phone cases. I didn't realize that Pelican made cases for lots of products, but you can get to the main page at their official site for all of that by going here. Their Amazon page of products is here. (Can you tell by now that I really like these guys? Good, cos I do.)

Now. Where to start with all that I love about this:

• Fits very securely around the case of my phone
• Is not heavy like some cases
• Holster/Clip detaches for fitting into another outer case if you want
• The clip functions as a stand & stand extends to several stages of placement
• Clip has a hooked bottom so it won't slide off or pockets
• Case comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee in case it breaks

Personally, I can say that I like this case way better than one I got by the much hyped Otterbox brand a few years back. That case cracked at one edge, then the replacement they sent also cracked. Done with that.

Not that I was trying to put the case to a real-life test, but.... I did. Right after I got the case, I dropped my phone (or, rather, DJ bumped it out of my hand) onto a concrete floor at Walmart. The case did protect my phone. I'd already put a crack in the glass screen protector (which I'd been smart enough to get when I bought the phone) and even that crack didn't get any worse. I think the Pelican is "military rated" to drop at about 4 feet. I'm 5 foot 5 and I dropped my phone from about waist high.

Almost more than I like that this protects my phone is the fact that the stand is so good. The last stand I used with a case was sort of flimsy. The bottom would skid and topple the phone over. This one is nicest because it has 5 position tabs, rotates, and is steadied with a metal claw.

Lots of notches for positioning the stand
(notice the bottom where the "tooth" is on clip

Clip rotates for horizontal or vertical wear

 If I have to nitpick for some negatives...

In this position, holster won't/shouldn't be
detached from phone

There's no slot for ID/cards or folding money (but that's the same for most hardback cases), and I'm not crazy about the fact that there's no camera hole in the holster. I have to detach the holster/clip part to use the rear camera. Also, I sometimes forget to rotate the clip so that it's easier to remove the holster. But that's all really petty considering how well this case protects my investment.

I did recently find a really affordable faux leather case with clip that will work with the Pelican case (minus the holster/clip attachment). It's not made for holding cards or folding money either, but some other reviewers have told me that I can fit those things in with the phone. I would just have to be careful not to lose those items when removing the phone from the case.

INSERT PHOTO of that item

Like I said, I had to really look for some Cons with this Pelican case. I'm beyond impressed - not just with the case but with the guarantee. All I can say is "Yay for Pelican!" I don't think I will ever want a case by anyone else. (But "Boo! to AT&T for the jacked up price...)

There you have it. Pelican is apparently well thought of by other reviewers for good reason. I wish I could find more variety in colors from them for this phone. Or even one of their cases made with a ID/money slot.

Peace

--Free

**REVIEW** LG G4 Wallet Case by Abacus 24-7

As promised, I have some more product reviews ready (though not in the order I expected!)

This first item up is this phone case I plan to give to a friend when this review is finished.

It's the LG G4 Wallet Case from Abacus 24-7. The case has four functions:

1. Case
2. Wallet (holds cards, ID and cash)
3. Stand (for viewing videos, etc,)
4. Protects the out part of the phone

And, best of all, you could get it for under $10 if you catch the discounted price. 

Now, that said, I have bought cases in the same price range that were a total waste of the money. Get what you pay for, right? One case that I paid around $20 for (still not too pricey, but...) and the clasp didn't work if you put more than one card in a slot. Another case I bought literally started to come apart at the seams. My library card sliced right through one of the slots because the "leather" was like paper.

This case is not real leather. Of course not. It's a $10 item. The product info describes it as "premium quality artificial leather". Okay.

On the plus side, the artificial material is not that shiny, cheapest-looking kind.

What I like about this is that, for the price, it's not bad. The clasp does work, even when you put a card in each of the slots. I only had three bills to test the cash slot with, but... the magnetic clasp still closed.

The artificial leather is thin. When the description indicates protection for your phone, I take that to mean that it will protect the outer parts from scratching. This is not one of those cases that keep your phones safe from being dropped on hard surfaces. Not a lot of cushioning.

It looks good. Though it might not stand up to a lot of long-term wear and tear, this is actually a decent case. Best uses will be for when you don't want to carry a big purse (or a purse at all) and just need to keep your phone, ID, cards and some cash nearby.

Like I said, I got this to give to someone who likes the case I keep my phone in. I'm always dashing to the store or just up the street, and I love having my essentials with me without hauling the luggage I use as a purse! LOL

Also, this comes with the assurance of "30 day risk-free buying" and there is a 1 year warranty. You don't always get that with a product triple the price. Not a bad gift for yourself, a friend or a young person. By the way, Abacus 24-7 has cases for various phone models.

Peace

--Free

DISCLOSURE: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.