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

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 love this case! I was looking for a low-profile case that also offered decent protection and wasn't super flashy. It just happens to be a bonus that this case is super sleek and high tech looking. This is my first Spigen case. I really like how my blue S9+ accents the gunmetal case.Pros:-Low-profile, sleek design does not make the phone feel oversized in my pocket-Dual layer protection for impact absorption-Large hole for the 3.5mm / USB-C jack, able to accommodate any size headphone plug or USB-C cable-The Bixby button has a nice texture to it, so you can easily feel it for those who use it and don't want to accidentally activate Bixby when trying to adjust volume instead (I disabled mine)Cons:None!Other thoughts (These are hardly worth taking off a star, but I thought I would mention them):-The raised lips are only on the top and bottom edge due to the curved edge of the phone. Both the left and right sides of the case are below the level of the screen. I highly recommend a screen protector for this reason.-The kickstand, in my opinion, is on the wrong side of the case. It should be on the opposite side so the volume buttons are easily accessible. As it stands, the volume buttons end up being on the bottom edge, so you'd need to pick up your phone to use them rather than press down from the top while your phone is propped up. I suppose you could prop up the phone so it lays more flat rather than vertical, but that isn't always convenient. Also I wish the kickstand was metal, as it is easily the first part of the case to fail if/when the time comes (it's already slightly bendy with only a tiny bit of pressure - maybe why they put it on the side with the volume buttons?)Overall, I think this was a great purchase and I recommend this case to anyone who wants a sleek, high tech looking case with good protection.

Pros:- Keeps the phone size slim and doesn't add unnecessary bulk- Has the lip on the top and bottom so if you put your phone face down, your phone's screen doesn't come in contact with the surface- Fits with at least 3 brands of tempered glass protectors, although those are basically all the same product with different brands slappedon them- Nice matte black finish and feels like a really durable plastic/rubber. if i dropped this concrete, I don't even think the plastic will show any damageCons:- The little kickstand in the back's hinge doesn't feel too durable. i live in fear that if I accidentally apply too much pressure to my phone while it's leaning on the stand, it'll snap. The snap that keeps it locked in place also feels like it'll stop snapping in place after a few hundred clicks.- The plastic/rubber material is so hard that the buttons are pretty difficult to press in. It constantly feels like you're bending the outer edge of the case before the plastic makes contact with the button to push it down. i wish they used some kind of button to push down the phone's buttons.Overall, not bad - i'm planning to keep using this case, but maybe cut out the button holes or until the kickstand in the back snaps off.