The day after I accepted delivery of a shiny new 16GB Nexus 4, it was knocked off a table and severely dented on one side. It lived to see another day, but the second I picked it up I knew my next step would be to investigate the rather small Nexus 4 case market.
Unlike big name carrier devices like the Galaxy S III and iPhone 5, many accessory makers have chosen to ignore Google’s newest Nexus, citing low demand. Plenty of cheap cases exist for the Nexus 4 but few of them do more than add bulk and shield existing scuffs.
Spigen SPG, on the other hand, recognized an untapped market as soon as the phone was announced and, in addition to a full range of cases for more popular handsets, offers its Ultra Thin Air for the Nexus 4. It’s not the most robust case — a light, maneuverable plastic — but it provides the best overall protection for the device’s sides and glass back I’ve seen to date.
The Ultra Thin Air is Spigen’s most lightweight range, and it retails for $19.99 with a screen protector. Each case is certified authentic, down to the original serial number that ensures you’re getting the real deal and not a counterfeit.
It snaps on securely and protects the corners, which adds a bit of unwelcome contrast between the curved edges and the smooth glass, but it’s a minor tradeoff. The back of the case is smooth and glossy, and certainly fits in with the overall pastiche. Volume buttons and all ports are easily accessible, too; this is about the least fussy case you’ll ever use.
The front of the device is where you’ll either fall in love with the Ultra Thin Air or wish it looked just a little bit more professional than its $19.99 MSRP. While it by no means detracts from the attractiveness of the Nexus 4, it certainly doesn’t add to it. As I said, this is about as utilitarian a case as you’ll find.
The Ultra Thin Air also comes with an excellent dry-apply screen protector, certainly better than anything you’ll find in an Otterbox packet.
Because the case and the screen protector add little weight or girth to the Nexus 4, and costs just under $20, the Ultra Thin Air comes Highly Recommended.
Extended! Spigen has been generous enough to offer five more black Nexus 4 cases, bringing the total up to 15. The contest now closes Tuesday, March 12!
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And now for a little contest.
To celebrate the release of the Ultra Thin Air for the Nexus 4, we’ve partnered with Spigen to give away ten (10) cases:
– Ten (10) Black Ultra Thin Air cases for the Nexus 4
– Five (5) Ultra Thin Air cases for the Samsung Galaxy S III in black, white, mint, silver, or sherbet.
To win one of these cases, all you have to do is leave a comment below stating (with a valid email address) of which case you’d like and, in the case of the Galaxy S III, which colour.
While you’re at it also follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or +1 us on Google+ and follow Spigen on Facebook.
Good luck to all who enter! The contest will close on Tuesday, March 12.
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