Do you prefer protection or going naked with your HTC EVO?
Should an HTC EVO be sheltered with a protective case providing a more rugged exterior or should it simply bare it all, as was the probable intention of its maker? This is a question that can turn into a long debate, but I've finally picked a side.
When I originally purchased my EVO 4G, it was the first touchscreen smartphone I had owned so I was a little apprehensive about leaving it naked. Prior to the EVO, my previous phone was a BlackBerry Curve, which had proved to be very rugged; in comparison, the EVO felt somewhat fragile. So I walked out of the Sprint store with a new phone and a protective shell to help prevent the imminent doom from a future careless moment. But I soon grew tired of the case.
The following summer, I upgraded to the EVO 3D and again went through a state of concern about protecting not only the screen and edges of my phone, but also the huge rear camera lens that protruded out the back, leaving it exposed to possible scratches. Once more I began searching for a protective case to encompass my phone, and once more I quickly discarded it.
So I have now decided to keep my HTC EVO 3D naked all the time. I've purchased and tried several cases and eventually shed them each in favor for the au naturel feeling. Again, there is no definite right or wrong here as it simply comes down to the specific needs, uses, and concerns of each person, but here are my reasons for going naked.
Naked looks better and feels better.
There is a lot of variety when it comes to case designs for EVO phones. Cases can used to alter the phone's appearance, enhance protection, increase battery capacity, or furnish a better surface grip. As many options as there may be, I still have not found a case that further improves the look or feel of a naked EVO.
I really dig the design of both the original EVO and EVO 3D. The black battery covers combined with red camera rings and silver HTC logos and highlights make sleek and sexy phones. I've always found a case, even if it has minimal coverage, to mask some of those outer features that make an EVO look so good.
Aside from its good looks, naked EVOs also feel well balanced and comfortable in hand. The shape, thickness, and even hardware button locations seem to be in the right place and protrude from the device edges just enough. For me, cases just seem to make my phone bulky, less comfortable, and sometimes interfere with hardware buttons and in the case of the EVO 4G, the kickstand.
The HTC EVO is a sturdy phone.
One thing that I have learned from owning an EVO is that HTC makes darn strong phones. I thought all touchscreen phones were as delicate as an iPhone, but I was wrong. Now I know first hand that an EVO can take a beating and continue working.
The first few times I accidentally dropped my EVO 4G, I was certain a shattered screen, cracked housing, or other major damage would await me. However my phone never broke or stopped functioning. Aside from a little cosmetic damage, the battery and cover would occasionally pop off so I would simply reinstall the battery, replace thhe cover, dust off the phone, and then watch it amazingly power back on. The EVO 3D has an even sturdier battery cover that is harder to pop off due to a fall.
Of course dropping an EVO is never a good thing since impacts can cause internal damage. Likewise no screen is completely shatterproof and a drop from the right height, at the right angle, and on the right surface (like concrete) will instantly shatter your screen. But the EVO is no pansy phone either.
This choice isn't for everyone, but I've decided to ditch the protective case and only use a screen protector for my EVO 3D. It's proved to be tough enough to handle most falls so I'll take the risk. I also still use my original EVO, which is approaching its 2 year anniversary and still looks great.
Some cases can cause damage.
This may sound odd, but I have actually had a case cause cosmetic damage to my phone. During my backpacking trip last year, I installed a case on my EVO 3D to protect it during the hike. Unfortunately, dirt somehow crept into the housing and began to grind away at the paint on the front metal casing.
Granted the case was not an OtterBox or similar case that fully enclosed the phone with a screen shield, but most cases aren't and I never expected a product designed to protect my phone to scar it instead. While the damage was not significant, to this day I hate seeing the faded edges on my EVO.
Spare batteries work well for me.
Lastly, spare batteries are my final and most important reason for not using cases.
Long ago I ditched wired charging in favor of using spare batteries charged on separate wall chargers. My work keeps me mobile and I never know if I will be at a certain location long enough to fully charge my phone. Spare batteries work great for me since I can quickly remove the battery cover, replace the dead battery for a charged one, replace the cover, and keep on going.
As you know, battery swaps don't work well with cases. The constant removing and reinstalling of the cover can eventually warp the case, break some of the locking clips, or even begin to wear on the housing of the phone itself. Not to mention some cases can be a pain to remove, of course.
I'd rather sacrifice that extra layer of protection for a quick and convenient way of keeping my EVO fully charged.
Sound off!
The topic of phone cases will always have pros and cons and can quickly spark a debate among any smartphone user. There isn't a right or wrong side to this matter because choice is a good thing, and the final decision ultimately rests with each individual EVO owner. As for me, I'll stay naked for now. What's your preference?
