Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Tech21 case roundup: Drop and screen protection for the best smartphone

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Tech21 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 lineup
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is the best smartphone currently available and I've been using one for a few weeks. Three cases and a screen protector from Tech21 spent a week rotating on my Note 8.
I haven't use screen protectors on my phones for a couple of years and for the most part they have been nearly scratch free. I bought the Note 8 using T-Mobile's latest Jump on Demand program so it is important to keep the phone in excellent condition. Thus, using a screen protector makes sense to protect my investment and allow me to switch to another phone in the future. Tech21 sent along its Impact Shield screen protector for testing.
I was also sent the Evo Tactical, Evo Check, and Pure Clear cases for testing. These three cases are priced at $44.95 each.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Impact Shield package contents
The Impact Shield screen protector is priced at $39.95. It is designed for edge-to-edge protection and covers nearly 100 percent of the front and down both side edges. There is a detailed 13-step process for installation with a suggestion to watch the installation video first before attemptint installation. It is a different approach to installation, with an applicator and four tabs on the protector.
I followed the process and installed the screen protector within a few minutes. The included squeegee has a soft microfiber cloth edge that does an amazing job of getting everything off of the display before you position the protector. At first I had several small bubbles in the top third of the screen protector, but within about four to five hours they all disappeared and the protector now looks perfect.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Detailed instructions
I highly recommend you follow the specific instructions and pay attention when it calls out some of the steps. Installation is fairly easy, but there are certain steps that are very important.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Perfect fit after a few bubbles settled down
The Impact Shield is a plastic screen protector, not a glass one. It contains BulletShield material, which is used in bulletproof glass. The only part of the glass front not covered is the headset speaker, front-facing camera, and front sensor area. It is also important that the Tech21 cases all still work with the Impact Shield in place.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Rear dual camera opening on the Evo Tactical
Of the three Tech21 cases sent to me, my favorite is the Evo Tactical case. It comes in black and has almost a camo looking textured back design that looks slick. It is designed to survive a three meter (10 feet) drop thanks to the FlexShock edge design. It is the heaviest of the three cases at 41 grams.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Cool textured design of the Evo Tactical
All ports, mics, and the S Pen silo are easily accessible. The sides are cut to fit the edges of the Note 8 perfectly. Tactile buttons are in place for the power, Bixby, and volume buttons. The rear opening is one large opening that facilitates placement of your finger on the fingerprint scanner.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
FlexShock edges increase drop protection
The edges are well designed for better drop protection.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Back of the Pure Clear case
The Pure Clear case is my second favorite, primarily because it lets me experience the color of the Note 8 in all aspects. It is a clear case that has BulletShield material incorporated to help provide two meter (6.6 feet) drop protection.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Easy access to all ports and the S Pen
It is light at 24.3 grams and has the same openings and buttons as the other Tech21 cases. The entire back is clear with no texture or designs so you can see your Note 8 as designed by Samsung.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Side buttons for easy activation
There are raised buttons on the sides to activate Bixby, power, and volume.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Evo Check in white
The Evo Check case is also mostly clear with white or black color highlights around the four sides of the case. It also has a check pattern inside the back that shows through the back of the case.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Back panel of the Evo Check
The Samsung logo and pattern design shows through.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Ports and S Pen silo on the Evo Check
The Evo Check has a higher drop protection rating than the Pure Clear with testing to three meters (10 feet) thanks to its FlexShock design. It is a bit heavier than the Pure Clear at 33.6 grams.
Galaxy Note 10
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller

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While the Galaxy Note 8 uses advanced Gorilla Glass 5 panels drops can still cause breakage. Tech21 offers several Designed for Samsung certified products to help protect your expensive smartphone.

Tech21 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 lineup

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is the best smartphone currently available and I've been using one for a few weeks. Three cases and a screen protector from Tech21 spent a week rotating on my Note 8.

I haven't use screen protectors on my phones for a couple of years and for the most part they have been nearly scratch free. I bought the Note 8 using T-Mobile's latest Jump on Demand program so it is important to keep the phone in excellent condition. Thus, using a screen protector makes sense to protect my investment and allow me to switch to another phone in the future. Tech21 sent along its Impact Shield screen protector for testing.

I was also sent the Evo Tactical, Evo Check, and Pure Clear cases for testing. These three cases are priced at $44.95 each.

Galaxy Note 10

Published: September 17, 2017 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 14 NEXT PREV

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Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Tech21 case roundup: Drop and screen protection for the best smartphone

Tech21 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 lineup

Galaxy Note 10

Impact Shield package contents

Galaxy Note 10

Detailed instructions

Galaxy Note 10

Perfect fit after a few bubbles settled down

Galaxy Note 10

Rear dual camera opening on the Evo Tactical

Galaxy Note 10

Cool textured design of the Evo Tactical

Galaxy Note 10

FlexShock edges increase drop protection

Galaxy Note 10

Back of the Pure Clear case

Galaxy Note 10

Easy access to all ports and the S Pen

Galaxy Note 10

Side buttons for easy activation

Galaxy Note 10

Evo Check in white

Galaxy Note 10

Back panel of the Evo Check

Galaxy Note 10

Ports and S Pen silo on the Evo Check

Galaxy Note 10

Tech21 Samsung Galaxy Note 8 lineup

Galaxy Note 10

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