- Flip Case
- ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML)
- Polyurethane (PU) / Polycarbonate (PC)
05/19/2015
This review is from: ASUS Black ZenFone 2 View Flip Cover Deluxe (ZE551ML) 90AC00F0-BCV006
Pros:
This case is a neat little flip cover with a sort of soft touch, grippy rubberized back and a window that is thin enough to allow you to use the flip cover interface on the screen when the case front is closed. It secures nicely to the phone and won't slip off easily because it actually replaces the entire removable back cover of the phone. Because of this, it also has easily accessible volume rockers and power button without increasing the profile of the phone much.
Because it's made by Asus, the volume and power buttons feel the same as the stock back cover does, but the rubberized back of the case has a much more secure grip feeling to it than the stock brushed plastic.
The ZenUI's interface when using the touch flip cover is pretty neat, allowing you to access several widgets like a flashlight, camera, and volume control settings through the front pane. The screen is pretty responsive through the thing plastic cover, not requiring much extra force over using just the screen, and also responds to double-tap to wake so you don't have to use the power button. The phone will also recognize when the front cover is opened or closed, automatically unlocking the device (if you don't have a pin or password set) and putting you on the home screen or app that you last left off on.
Cons:
As far as protection goes, this doesn't do a whole lot to save you from drops or shock damage. You can think of it as the equivalent of the Apple iPad smart covers, they protect the screen but not the rest of the device. The case is pretty much just a replacement back with a folding door on the front of it. If you drop the phone on the corner or edge of the screen you're just about as likely to damage the phone as if you were using the phone without a cover.
The only real benefit besides the window pane UI is that it will protect your phone from screen damage while in a purse or pocket, but because it lacks a magnetic or snap latch, the front cover will open easily if not careful.
Unusually, I think it was an oversight that you cannot adjust the volume with the rockers when the case is opened against the back, you'll have to move the back cover out of the way if you wrap it around the back of the device to use it.
The included apps for use with the flip cover are somewhat gimmicky but some are useful. Having a watch is pretty default, and seeing notifications at a glance are nice, but the camera wasn't particularly useful. You still have to tap the screen to snap the photo, but you don't have much of a choice with focus/zoom and it simply feels awkward to use. The actual camera preview is only about an inch wide and has almost zero usable controls. You might as well open up the case and use the full screen camera, but if you have the smart cover on you'll have to take the shot through the window, which causes some glare and haziness in your photos.
Overall Review:
It's not a bad case, and the material isn't bad to look at, it's just a little cheap for the price. I find that having the window-pane UI is more of a gimmick than useful, but it's up to personal preference and whether or not you want a manufacturer made case for your device.
Share this review:
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
/
No
LOADING...
