Accessory Review: Pong Case and Giveaway

Hey all, I received the Pong case for the Galaxy Nexus a short while ago and have been testing its claims to fame. What are these claims? Well here’s what Pong has to say about their cases:

“Pong. The case for people.

Optimizes signal strength, conserves battery life and reduces radiation exposure while protecting your [device].”

So, as you can probably tell this case isn’t advertised as just some ordinary case to protect your device, it seems as though this case is supposed to better your device. “Really though, conserve battery life? Blasphemy.” Well I’ve had time to review this device, and I’ll give you all my thoughts about the case below, as well as my verdict on the claims.

Before we get too deep into the details, check out how this case looks and is projected. No matter what device you get the case for, the general design is the same. Here’s the case on my Galaxy Nexus:

[Show as slideshow]

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The Good:

This case is very minimalistic which is a definite plus. I like my devices to keep the same profile as their body, I hate putting a case on my phone and have to deal with the entire phone changing shape. Also, the raised bumper-like edges keep the phone’s screen from coming in contact with a surface if laid face down. Lastly, the case keeps everything out and in the open, ports and screen-wise, so you shouldn’t have any trouble plugging in a cord, pressing a button, or touching any part of the screen.

Also, this case fits like a shrunken glove. You will never have to worry about anything getting between your phone and this case. Plus, all that added suffocation makes the case able to protect your phone against slight drops, although I feel as though if you would drop your device on cement, it would shatter.

Another good point about this case goes to one of its claims, increasing/conserving battery life. Now, this case won’t make your HTC EVO go from lasting 5 hours a day to lasting 2 days — it isn’t that drastic, but it’s noticeable. That’s the real point to all Pong’s research isn’t it? Making noticeable changes. I definitely noticed an increase in usage time on my Galaxy Nexus.

The Bad:

Unfortunately the bad outweighs the good for this company and their case. First being another one of their claims, optimizing signal strength. This case did affect my signal strength, atleast how it was shown to me on my phone, but it was not consistent. My bedroom normally likes to keep my phone on 3G, but SOME days with Pong covering the device, my Nexus would be placed on 4G.

Here’s where the bad part is, even though my phone SAID 4G my speed were still comparable to that of 3G. The case even made my phone jump a lot, between 3G and 4G, to try to read “4G” coverage. I must say though, on some days,  my phone would say 4G for a while…

Second, remember me saying the case fits like a shrunken glove? Well that glove is hard to take off. I felt as though, when removing the case, I may break it if I tried any harder. My best suggestion would be to start from the bottom.

Another thing that is bad with Pong is in regards to the company, not the case. Pong only offers their cases for FOUR Android devices: the Galaxy Nexus (GSM & CDMA), Galaxy S2 (International & AT&T), EVO 4G, and the Droid X/2. That’s just nuts… At least pick more popular devices. Yeah, these devices were popular during their day and age, but except for the Nexus, that time has came and went.

Lastly, one main item when getting products, the price. This case is ~$60!!! That is simply insane. I can’t seem to justify buying a product for more than almost any other case I’ve ever seen, especially when the claims are not as effective as advertised.

The Bottom Line:

Ultimately, I have to say sorry Pong, but with all the competition out there, I don’t see you becoming a top seller for Android anytime soon. Great concept, but the research isn’t all the way there for the cost of this case, though. Plus, where are the designs?!?! Kidding, of course.

If you don’t already have one of their devices (they also sell iProduct cases), you can go to pongresearch.com to read more about their products and purchase a few cases.

Check this video for a quick look at the Pong case:

If you’d like to test your own research with this one still, you’re in luck, as OMG!Droid is teaming up with Pong Research to give you a chance to win a case by them for absolutely nothing — except for a few clicks that is. Just utilize the Rafflecopter down below to enter.

This contest will run from this’ posting until Friday. To put in your entry, head over to the official contest entry page.

Good luck!