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Review: HTC EVO hard case with interchangeable backs

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If you like variety but don't want to buy more than one HTC EVO 4G case to get it, then the official HTC-branded hard case with interchangeable backs (also known as "protective covers") is definitely an accessory to consider. The $24.99 case is made of two pieces, a large black side and a smaller side that comes in gray, blue, and red. All three colors are included in the package, so you can mix-and-match them according to your mood.

Packaging

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Design & Quality

All of the pieces are made of very thick, high-quality hard plastic. The insides are slightly glossy, while the outsides are matte with a silky smooth finish that you'll probably find yourself stroking. It kind of feels like a baby's skin (I have a 6-month-old daughter).

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The plastic is extremely sturdy and durable. It doesn't flex at all when pressure is applied to it.

Yet somehow the pieces have a toy-like quality when you first look at them (the material reminded me of something my baby girl might have in her toy box). Fortunately, they lose that resemblance as soon as the case is put together.

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The tabs on the colorful sides slide easily and securely beneath the larger black side of the case that should be put on the EVO first. As you can see above, the result is quite eye-catching.

Fit

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The case fits very nicely, but it makes the EVO about 2mm thicker because of the thickness of the plastic. Like the Body Glove case, this one protects the EVO's screen and camera lens by lifting it off flat surfaces.

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All of the ports and buttons are easily accessed, though the power button and volume rocker become really recessed, which makes them a little harder to press.

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The one thing I don't like about this case is the "open" bottom edge. The rim on most play-through hard cases continues around the entire perimeter of the device, so I'm not fond of the way this case has about 1.25 inches "missing" on the bottom. I suppose it gives it some character, but it looks unfinished to me.

Conclusion

The HTC hard case with interchangeable back pieces for the EVO 4G is a cost-effective way to change the look of the phone without affecting the style of the case. Build quality is very high and the soft finish feels good in the hand, but it also adds more bulk to the EVO than other hard cases and looks a bit incomplete because the rim doesn't go around the entire case.

In general, though, it's a nice case. I find the black and red combo particularly striking.

This case is available now for $24.99 from Sprint.

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Jenn K. Lee

Jenn K. Lee is the founder of Pocketables. She loves gadgets the way most women love shoes and purses. The pieces in her tech wardrobe that go with everything are currently the Samsung Galaxy Note II, Sony Tablet P, and Nexus 7, but there are still a couple of vintage UMPCs/MIDs in the back of her closet.

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