Ballistic BLCSG0930M385 Case for Samsung Galaxy SIII SG - 1 Pack - Retail Packaging - Black and White

Amazon tells me I bought this in November, 2013. It has been a great case for a year and a half. I got my Samsung Galaxy S3 second-hand through work, so it already had a few scuffs, but the Ballistic case protected it exceptionally well. Now, as I am replacing the phone and giving it to a friend, it is in much the same shape as when I received it, and I expect my friend will continue to use the case for much longer.I went to this from an Otterbox on my Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, and initially wanted another of that brand. After comparing this to the competing Otterbox case, I chose the Ballistic one because it seemed a cheaper option while still protecting the phone. I have found no reason to regret that decision.Installation and removal are easy. The bottom layer is rubber and is very pliable, unlike some other soft cases I have dealt with. It is very easy to slip on and off, and the beefed up layer around the corners provides good shock absorption and protection. The rest of the rubber in this layer is fairly thin, and appears to be meant primarily to protect from nicks and scrapes. The rubber completely covers the buttons, but operation remains easy and perhaps, I would argue, easier than operating the S3 buttons without a case when you are not looking at the phone.I was initially concerned about the hard layer, as it seems like it is ready to pop off at any time, but I never had it happen in 18 months of use. The hard layer has cutouts for the soft layer buttons, and uses them to hang on and fit snugly to the phone. There is plenty of clearance to operate the buttons, and again, I never had difficulty accessing them.My only tiny complaint is that lint and dust will accumulate over time, and you have to take everything apart to clean it out. This is certainly not worth knocking a star off, though, as it seems an inevitable result of shoving the device into my pocket 10-20 times a day. Be prepared to clean the back of the phone as well, as lint can get in around the openings for the camera and light.I am very happy with this product. This was a very good case for my Galaxy S3.

I got this great looking case to protect my galaxy s3, and it has not disappointed. Since I have had it, many have taken notice to the case and have asked where they could gef one. Protection was my ultimate concern, so I took it upon myself to really shop around for durable cases at radio shack and other places, but only to find out they charge at least $30-$50 dollars for otterbox, which was my original purchasing choice. My next stop, which should have been first, was amazon. That is where I found this beauty for a little over 20 bucks. This is the first item I actually looked forward to writing a review because I think this case needs the recognition and deserves the five stars. Its not bulky but its definitely durable and not feminine either...great job ballistic. Oh, it fits perfectly over the phone like a glove too!!!

I bought this case as a precautionary measure to protect my new Galaxy S3 (great phone, BTW.) When it arrived, it seemed solid, and application was a snap, it is a breeze to install and remove. The raised ledge on the front of the case is a godsend, especially with the motion features on the phone (turning it over mutes any ringing or alarms.) The bumpers on the corners do exactly what they are designed to, and since I have already dropped my phone a few times with absolutely no damage to either the case or phone itself, I can say it is spectacular at it's function. The case has a really great feel, giving good grip to an otherwise slippery plastic phone. It does add a bit of bulk, but still fits in the front pocket of my tighter jeans without problem. A great case to keep your phone unscathed!For comparison, I bought a cheaper case that was a imitation of the Otterbox defender. It was double the bulk of the Ballistic, it scratched my phone when I attempted to remove it, and seemed like it wouldn't protect anything very well, but it had a kickstand! (sarcasm, for the record.)A discovery that wasn't put in the item description is that the raised front edge is rubberized, so if it's face down on the dash of the car, it doesn't slide around unless there is a sharp turn.

For the reasonable price you pay, this is quite a good phone case. The first layer of silicon rubber has extra air pockets at the corners to help protect the phone when it's dropped. The hard plastic back fits around the back to lock the rubber silicon in place. A third layer of grooved silicon on the back gives extra grip and shock absorption if you're one of those people who tends to slam phones down on tables.My S3 has fallen to the ground a few times now, from my pocket or from the table (so not a huge drop, but typical) and the Ballistic case has done its job guarding the phone - no breaks, no cracks, no phone issues afterwards.PROS:Solid, protective, and easy to grip. I find that the power button and volume buttons are always responsive in spite of the silicon shell, so that's good too. A great design overall.CONS:The case does make the phone pretty bulky, tripling its thickness and weight. But if you're like me and you refuse to pay for phone insurance, you'll need an army to protect your device and this case will do the trick.