The Seido Surface is one of the first cases available for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and it’s a pretty simple affair. Made from high-grade machine-cut plastic, it comes in two pieces and snaps together for minimal bulk.
It allows access to all the major Galaxy Nexus ports, including the second microphone and back speaker, and offers enough space around the volume and power buttons to as to be unobtrusive.
Before the Surface I had on a rubber OEM slip-on case, and the difference between the two in both feel and build quality is definitely noticeable. The bottom portion of the Surface has a felt lining to keep the GNex from sliding around, while the top portion snaps on very accurately: the two pieces are only misaligned by half a millimetre or so.
Holding the Galaxy Nexus feels much better with the case: the matte finish is effective against slips and drops, and the only adds a couple millimetres to the overall bezel. Once snapped in place the two sides are extremely secure: it takes quite a bit of effort to remove them, which will aid the device tremendously in the case it is dropped.
Occasionally, when putting pressure on the seam between the two pieces of the case, usually when holding it to my ear, the plastic will creak and pivot slightly. This is a reality of multi-part phone cases, and something you’ll either grow used to or not. After a couple times I barely noticed it.
The only other reservation I would have about purchasing the Seido Surface is that it’s fairly bare-bones; besides the logo on the back, it adds nothing to the overall design or function of the device. At its core, the Surface is about form and function over design, and that’s why it will likely stay on my Nexus — let the beautiful screen and slim design do the majority of the work on its own.
The Seido Surface can be purchased from their website for $29.95 US, or from your local retailer. It is also compatible with Seido’s Surface Holster ($29.95) and as a Combo for $49.95.
