I recently broke up with my iPhone 4S and am now shacking up with the Samsung Galaxy S3. I’m on the hunt for a simple, thin cover that will add grip and provide protection for the camera lens. During one of my surfing expeditions, I found the elago G5 Breathe Case on Amazon and ordered one in Orange. I’ve been using it for a couple days now and am ready to share my opinion.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
First of all, the elago G5 Breathe case (it’s really just a cover) is available in a bunch of colors and in a version called the Slim Fit Case, which doesn’t have the holes. I think the holes give it a cool look and hopefully keep this pocket rocket a little cooler than without them.
The cover is rigid but flexible and feels smooth, but with just a tiny bit of a rubbery feel.
It easily snaps on the back of the S3 and can be removed just as easily.
It provides just enough of a guard around the camera lens to keep it from scuffing surfaces when the phone is laying face up.
The top of the cover allows easy access to the headphone jack and does not block the microphone.
The Left side has a narrow cutout for the volume button. Although you can press the button, I’d much rather this cover not have the top “bar” of plastic above the button. I really like the design of the BoxWave GeckoGrip better and am considering doing some surgery on this case.
These same comments apply to the opposite side where the power button is located.
The bottom of the cover is open to allow easy access to the USB port. My S3 with this case fits perfectly in the RND desktop docking cradle that I also purchased.
There’s a lot to love about the elago Breathe cover. It comes in a variety of covers, is inexpensive, easy to install and remove, it provides grip but still slides easily into pockets and it protects the camera lens. The only thing I don’t like about this cover is the button cutout design and that complaint isn’t a deal breaker at all. This cover has caused me to stop looking for more covers if that tells you anything. 🙂
Update
5 minutes after I posted this review, I said what the heck and grabbed a pair of dikes and opened up the volume button cutout.
Just 2 snips and then a little sanding with a fingernail emory board (don’t tell Jeanne…) and here are the results. Well kinda. The cut edges of the plastic were white, so I had to find an Orange marker to touch them up. Since the marker isn’t permanent, I’m not sure how long it will last. I need to find some orange acrylic paint. I bet we have some around here in Jeanne’s crafts stash.
I haven’t done the same thing on the opposite side with the power button yet, but I probably will. If I can find some orange paint 🙂
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
They sell orange Sharpies. They’re likely to be a bit more permanent than just a regular marker.
I’ll have to see if I can find one. The non-permanent marker I used is coming off already. I’m not surprised.
I have the blue case and just imitated your case whittling. The blue case has a black plastic core it’s not as noticeable, but the black plastic would also need opaque matching paint to cover up.
It’s a real improvement, thanks for the tip!
@BJ Did you snip both sides or just the volume side?
Wow, that looks like the Crocs of phone cases. It’s just too ugly for my taste.
@Ed Haha! To each his/her own. They come in different colors with or without the holes. I’m still liking mine…
Haters gonna hate….
I was SUPER close to buying this Breathe case for my S3, but I opted for the gloss white one for my white S3. Mistake.
The S3 is already sleek/slippery…all I did was add a protective layer of slippery plastic over a slippery beautiful phone. I’m going to order either the gray or black soft touch one. I hear that these Breathe cases get dirty quick. Dirt in the holes, I guess?
Take care and awesome review! Will be checking out your site more often.
@in5 So far mine isn’t dirty. But then I work in a corporate type office all day where the S3 either lives on my desk, in my cargo pants pocket or in a pocket in my messenger bag. I’ve not yet used the S3 in the Breathe case while gardening or mudding… Don’t plan to either 😉
I’m a big fan of Elago cases. I had a bunch for my iphone 4, and when I got my S3, I ordered a bunch of them for that phone as well. (I’m one of those people who have to have a load of cases, I just like to change the look every couple of days). I’ve got the orange, navy blue, black (not much difference between black and blue), yellow, and metallic silver (i know I’m nuts).
I would have gotten an Iphone 5, but I felt that I knew all there was to know about ios and wanted something new. I’m very pleased with the samsung.
Have you tried Tasker?
@Dave Yes, I’ve been playing around with both Tasker and Llama. At some point I’ll do a write up about them. Hopefully…