I've never used PopSockets before. I always have used a case on my phone, such as from the Urban Armor Gear (UAG) or Speck brands. So, PopSockets will not work with the biggest majority of cases I've used and I NEVER use my phone naked. I usually upgrade every year (skipping this year, tho) and always like to keep my phone protected.
When I discovered earlier in the year that Otterbox and PopSocket was creating a case together, I was stoked and couldn't wait. I received my case (Black) last week and really wanted to put it through it's paces over the weekend.
So far, I'm (mostly) loving the case. Prior to this, I was using a Speck Candyshell Grip case, which I've been using on and off over the past 6-7 years or so. When putting on the Otterbox/Pop case, I immediately noticed the extra bit of thickness and heft to my phone. So, this did take a bit of getting used to. I love the PopSocket on the back. Now, I can lay in bed and play a game on my phone with no worry of my phone slipping and popping me in the face (LOL, admit it, it happens to all of us...). It works great with one-handed games, especially. I did notice that it's not perfectly centered on the back, but about an inch lower from center. This does make it a bit hard to reach up when solo-handing the phone to touch the top of the screen (especially when gaming in say, portrait mode).
On the front, it's pretty basic. It does cover the phone evenly, no gaps or anything and there is a raised lip around, so that you can lay it face-down without worry of the screen touching the surface. Also of note - I am using a Zagg Invisible Shield Glass+Vision and the case fits perfectly around it. Just make sure that if you are using this or a similar glass/diamond screen protector, make sure it is installed as straight as possible...as I feel that if this were off-kilter any, it may touch the case. Also, the buttons on the side are extremely raised and pronounced. While this make them easy to find blindly and the button press is super-tactile...they feel more squared off than rounded and can be a bit uncomfortable at times.
Around back, this is where all the magic is...and also my biggest complaint about this case. There...the PopSocket. The case DOES NOT lay flat, like you'd think it does and as it is advertised. If I have the case laying on it's back, the PopSocket button is raised a bit from the case itself...so the surface touches the actual PopSocket and not the back of the actual case. This could be a blessing and a curse. It keeps the (expensive) case from getting scratched and since the PopSockets themselves are replaceable, if they ever become damaged or scratched, you can just replace them. BUT...and my issue - laying the phone/case on it's back makes it incredibly wobbly. If I tap the top or bottom of the screen while it's laying down on it's back, the whole case wobbles. It's super annoying.
Now for the PopSocket itself. It will pop out (as far as I could get it to go, at least) two "clicks". I don't have fat fingers by any means, but even my "normal" male hands fill the entire middle of the accordion and touch the top/edge of the PopSocket button. It's fine, but after a while, the edges tend to dig into my fingers and become uncomfortable. So, if you are a "fat-fingered" type of person, this may not work for you. Also, where it only pops out two clicks, if you try to use it for a stand, due to the weight of the case, the PopSocket will the fall into itself and back into the first "click" position. In my experiences, with the weight of the case + phone, it's impossible to use the extended PopSocket as a phone stand...again, as advertised.
I've also noticed that with the extra PopSocket I received with the case...the Black/White marble one, it's looser then the black one that came pre-installed with the case. What I mean by this is, while the PopSocket in flat to the case, touching the edges of it results in it moving and having some give. I put the Black one back on and it feels perfect.
Overall, I'm really having a hard time deciding if I want to give this a 3 or a 4 star rating. I'm going to go with a 4 star, just because I feel that for most people ...and those with smaller hands... the case will be fine. Just don't expect to use the PopSocket as a phone stand and keep in mind the weight of the case in general day to day use. It was definitely noticeable coming from my other case and to be honest, I'm still trying to get used to and come to terms with it. I did order 3 PopSockets from the official website and am still waiting on those to come in. I'm hoping these won't have any give around the edges like the Marble one I received.
*Also, I wanted to add that I did test this case with wireless charging and have heard that it may or may not work, depending on which charger you are using. I'm using a Belkin one and it worked perfectly with it. Just keep in mind that as far as wireless charging goes, YMMV (Your Miles May Vary).
