Momax The Core Smart Case for Samsung Galaxy Note II – Review

Momax have taken a fresh look at the case/stand hybrid concept with The Core Smart Case, which uses an origami inspired design for the stand coupled with a traditional gel casing.

Good

• Fits perfectly
• Magnetic fasteners
• Screen protector and cloth included

Bad

• Stand angle is too upright
• Unstable when stood in portrait

What’s in the Box

The classy looking box contains a screen protector, a screen cleaning cloth and the case itself. The packaging is designed to keep the gel part of the case straight and rigid, so there’s no chance of twisted gel case syndrome that plagues so many of the cases sold in markets, etc.

Construction
The Core is basically a gel case with a faux leather flap sewn to it. The clever bit is the way the flap’s internal structure has be segmented to leave flexible channels between rigid sections. When folded correctly (it takes a little practice) it forms a sort of pyramid affair. Magnets in two of the segments hold it in place. Once folded back against the phone, like a swan made from a napkin, a stand is born.

A nice finishing touch is a magnetic tongue that holds the flip part of the case down when closed.

In Use
The soft gel fits the handset very well. The cut-outs for the camera, flash, headphone jack, speaker, etc. are all in precisely the right places. When I say precisely, I mean with laser guided accuracy; I’ve never known a gel case to fit this well. The S-Pen is easy to access, which is another downfall of many budget cases.

The flap is very rigid, despite the segmentation, and provides good protection for the screen when closed.

When being used as a stand in landscape orientation the phone is very upright, meaning the viewing angle is a little too straight on for used on a desk, for example. I found myself having to prop the front edge up on a pad of Post-it notes to get it just right. Despite this, even without the makeshift prop, the phone never felt like it would fall forward.

Portrait mode was a different story though. The phone was in constant danger of toppling over without being wedged against something. I’ve given up using it in portrait, it’s just not secure enough.

Conclusion

I have been using two styles of case with my The Samsung Galaxy Note II since I got it: the official Samsung flip case and the official Samsung leather pouch. Both of which are excellent cases, but neither are perfect. Personally, I don’t like gel cases, but I can’t argue with the protection they provide. The Core seems to combine the best bits of all of the above, without looking tacky.

Protection of the handset is excellent, build quality exceptional, and it looks good to boot. As long as you don’t want to stand your Note II in portrait a lot I would wholeheartedly recommend this case.

The Momax The Core smart case is available through Gearzap in black, red and blue for £21.95, along with a selection of other Samsung Galaxy Note II cases.