i-Blason Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Case - Ares Series - Clear

Very similar to the Clayco Hera series I bought first, if not from the same OEM. The best all-round protection you can get for this phone. Few other cases properly protect the screen. Glass screen protectors, if they don’t interfere with your case, also shatter after a slight knock. The good ones are too expensive, and IMO look ugly with the fluff accumulating around the edges.This screen protector, whilst easily scratched, is very thick and has some flex when its impacted. OK you do loose some screen sensitivity with your finger, but none with the pen. You only need to use very slightly more pressure with your finger to have the same performance as a naked screen.The best part about this case is that when at home and on the (relative) safety of my sofa, I can pop this phone out and in seconds have the naked phone as Samsung intended. It is like an unboxing every day. It is much easier to do than say an Otterbox Commuter case. I am more than happy to accept the hit to the slim aesthetic and form-factor to know that my £870 investment isn’t going to be spoilt by a moments bad luck or carelessness.Some minor negatives; Screen protector will pick up scratches quickly. I-Blason when asked confirmed they have no intention of selling the screen insert separately. This is a shame and a mistake. I will not buy another case when this screen protector gets too unsightly. I will pop the plastic insert out, and go with frequently changing cheap film screen protectors. I am good at applying those.The computer renders also give the impression that the back is a frosted matt finish. It’s glossy and as big a fingerprint magnet at the naked phone. Time will tell if it is scratch resistant as the advert claims. If it is, why was this not used for the front? I can only assume that flex is important and limited their choice of material to something inherently soft.Also be careful if you drive using Google Maps whilst wearing polarised lenses in your glasses. These reveal all sorts of funky rainbow patterns in the protector that, on my unit anyway, obscure a large part of the screen.I am not knocking any stars off for the above as the case is generally as advertised, and I can find no other type that looks as nice and offers as much all-in-one protection. I-Blason were also quick to answer my query, even if it was not the answer I was hoping for. If you are keen to keep your Note 8 in pristine condition, and are unwilling to play the screen protector + compatible case lottery, then this is the case for you.

If you want a tough case to protect your phone from knocks and drops then this is it. Is it bombproof? Well...no, but it is very good.What do you get for your money?The case comes in 2 parts. A "front cover" This is essentially a clear plastic screen cover with a frame that the Note 8 fits into. The second part is the rest of the case that provides clear plastic protection for the rear of the phone along with a rubber outer bumper to absorb the force from any edge impacts. This second part stretches over the front cover (very tightly) to seal the phone in. I'll be shocked if any drop manages to smash this case open. The bottom left corner of the rubber edge has a slight cut out to allow you to get a finger nail in to help remove it...though you could very well break a nail it's that tight of a fit.The edges of the rubber strip have cut outs with hinged rubber flaps to allow access to the headphone jack and charging port in addition there is an open cutout for the stylus though if you have big fingers and thumbs this will be a pain to get out. There are also rubber buttons (basically bits of the case that will push on the actual buttons) for the lock/power button, Bixby button and volume up/down buttons. These work well and don't require lots of pressure to operate. the clear plastic rear has a rectangular cut out for the cameras, LED flash and fingerprint sensor. Everything is slightly recessed so it would take a direct impact on this area to cause damage, if it falls flat the rubber edge holds the rear of the case of the surface.What's it like to live with this case?Well it's not pretty, calling it functional is being kind. It takes your lovely slim and sexy (though huge) Note 8 and makes it less slim and sexy while making it even bigger. This isn't a case you buy to look pretty, this is a case you buy to make sure your phone survives everyday life or even a ski trip (which is what I always keep in mind with a new case).You loose all of that silky glass touch screen smoothness while using the phone. The plastic screen is requires much more effort to use the stylus on to write for example but for just tapping icons and the onscreen keyboard it's fine. It provides very good protection for the screen but it is plastic so it does get marked somewhat easily. This is only really noticeable when the screen is off, once the screen is on most marks become nearly invisible.Using the headphone jack has been no problem though the charger port isn't quite so good. The USB-C normal size plug is fine but the multi-type charger fitted in mcdonalds restaurants for example can't be used (the plug is too big and not deep enough to connect).I wanted a case that could take hard knocks and some drops if they happened. That's exactly what I got. Will it protect my phone from everything? No and I'd be crazy to expect that, but it will protect it from a pretty much everything a normal day will throw at it....and then some.Is it value for money? Well that's a personal judgement but for me it is. How much does your phone cost? Even if insured do you really want all the hassle of getting it repaired or replaced? What if you're abroad or even away for a weekend? It's your call.

I'll be honest...I tried 8 different glass protectors...cheap, expensive, good or bad reviews this was the 9th try. The other ones we're either not sticking properly on the display, incompatible with cases or they we're making the touchscreen way less sensitive. So I gave this a go and its almost perfect to be honest. Entire phone is protected, charging port and jack are covered and the glass protector sits nicely on the display without making it harder to respond to touch, finger or stylus.Had a minor problem where the iris scanner didn't had a proper cut out but I fixed it and I had the rainbow effect for a couple of days but its gone now.Finnaly found a case and glass that fits properly without hindering the device.

One of the best cases for the Galaxy Note 8 at present. Gives great all round protection for the phone. Front screen protector works well protecting the screen but touchscreen sensitivity suffers with this ever so slightly. What I have done, is to run a Stanley blade around the front screen protector and carefully remove it without damaging it which in turn has allowed full and unhindered use of the screen. I have a military style screen protector on the phone already so, works really well and I am very happy with the outcome.This case really does do the job of protecting the phone from unwanted chips o scratches caused by mishandling. Really really happy with this case and would highly recommend it to anyone. For £20 you can be rest assured your expensive note 8 smartphone is protected all round.