Case Mate is known for high quality cases for all types of phones. A few months ago I purchased the Case Mate Tough Case and have been using it since. Today I got the opportunity to try out their Gelli Case, so I put them head-to-head. The Gelli Case comes in a clear smokey color while the Tough Case comes in 10 different color combinations.
First, we’ll start with the Tough Case. It comes with a silicon skin that goes around the phone to protect the phone from shock and an ABS plastic shell around the sides and back. This case is rated to protect against hard knocks and falls. You can get five different colors for the silicon skin and either black or gray for the plastic shell, giving you ten color combinations; of course you can only select one combination when you purchase it. This case offers the best protection from drops, although it won’t protect the screen, trackball, or the front bezel. You also won’t be able to use it with a dock although it has the cutouts for the gold connectors. There’s also no flap or insert to protect the micro-USB port from dust and debris. You can easily find all of the buttons because they are covered by the colored silicon case and stick through the plastic shell; so with the exception of the black on black combination, you can easily see them and no functionality is lost.
Now for the Gelli Case. This case is a flexible thermoplastic material which offers more grip than the regular phone backing. This one is rated for protection against minor impacts and scratches. As mentioned earlier, it only comes in a smokey gray transparent color with a unique design. As with the Tough Case, the buttons are covered, offering dust protection, and there are cutouts for the gold plated dock connectors on the bottom (although I don’t think it will work with a dock). It also doesn’t offer any protection for the micro-USB port since there’s just a cutout. The power button and volume rocker are raised but they aren’t different colors, so they don’t stand out as much as the Tough Case.
For everyday use, the Gelli Case is easier to get in and out of your pocket and it doesn’t seem to collect as much lint and dust as the silicon part of the Tough Case does. They are both very stylish cases and it basically comes down to cost and protection. Neither case interferes with the proximity and light sensors either.
If you want cheaper with less protection, then go with the Gelli Case. Its also better for when you pocket the phone and collects less lint.
If you want more expensive but the most protection, then go with the Tough Case. This one is top-of-the-line when it comes to protection, but it also adds bulk and the silicon can collect dust easier.
They both feel great in the hand and offer more grip over the regular, unprotected phone. They both also come with a basic screen protector which fits perfectly and offers some protection for the screen.
For my everyday use, I’ll probably stick with the Gelli Case and only go with the Tough Case when I’m more likely to drop the phone or if I’m in an environment where I’m more likely to damage it.
Buy them now from the PPCGeeks store (they may be back ordered though)!