Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsGreat Protection, But Issues with S-Pen and MagSafe
Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2024
I recently purchased the ESR case for my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and here's my experience:
Protection
This case offers great protection for the phone. It has air pockets on the corners that are designed to increase drop protection. While I haven’t had the unfortunate event of dropping my phone yet (and I don't plan to test it intentionally), the case looks robust and well-built, giving me confidence that my phone is safe.
Fit and Design
The case fits my Galaxy S24 Ultra perfectly. It snaps on easily and feels secure without adding too much bulk. The design is sleek and complements the phone's aesthetics nicely.
Functionality
Here's where the case falls short for me: it interferes with the S-Pen, rendering it almost useless. This is a significant issue since I use the S-Pen regularly. Despite trying various suggestions from ESR's customer service—which, by the way, is excellent and very responsive—I couldn’t get the S-Pen to work properly with the case on. Eventually, they refunded my purchase, which I appreciated. Another minor issue is the "camera guard." It protrudes too much, interfering with MagSafe attachments, even those made by ESR. This design flaw is quite puzzling and inconvenient.
Material Quality
The materials used in this case look great and feel durable. It doesn't feel cheap and seems like it could withstand everyday wear and tear without any issues.
Value for Money
If you don’t use the S-Pen, this case could be worth the price. It provides solid protection and has a premium look and feel. However, considering the S24 Ultra's premium cost largely justifies the inclusion of the S-Pen, it’s hard to recommend this case without addressing the S-Pen functionality issue.
In summary, while the ESR case offers excellent protection and a great fit, the interference with the S-Pen is a major drawback. ESR’s customer service is commendable, and their quick refund process was a plus. If you can overlook the S-Pen issue and the minor MagSafe compatibility problem, this case might still be a good choice for you.