Spigen Thin Fit case for Pixel 2 XL review: Basic protection with some flaws

If you want a basic but thin case for your Pixel 2 XL, check out this case from Spigen.

Spigen is known for making plenty of phone accessories, from Style Rings to screen protectors and even headphones. But Spigen is most famous for offering a variety of cases for nearly every phone out there, from ultra rugged cases down to the simpler Thin Fit series. There are lots of great cases for the Pixel 2 XL, but Spigen’s Thin Fit may be the right choice for you.

Spigen Thin Fit for Google Pixel 2 XL

Price: $11.99

Bottom line: While this is a great basic case, there are some issues that keep me from universally recommending it.

The Good

• Easy to get the phone in and out
• Doesn’t add any real bulk
• Precise cutouts for the camera and fingerprint sensors
• Features a slot for Spigen’s magnetic car mounts

The Bad

• Doesn’t offer much grip or protection
• The front edges are sharp enough to dig into your thighs or hands
• Only one color option

See at Amazon

I — Tom Westrick — have been using the Thin Fit case with my Pixel 2 XL since July 3rd. Spigen provided the case for this review.

Feels like I’m wearing nothing at all. Nothing at all. Nothing at all…

Spigen Thin Fit for Pixel 2 XL What I like

I dislike using cases 24/7 because most cases make my phone too bulky. Not so with the Thin Fit: it adds just a hair of thickness meaning my pockets don’t feel any more weighed down than normal. The case is a simple piece of black plastic: it snaps onto the phone with ease. If I do need to remove the phone for any reason, that’s just as easy.

Since this is such a thin case, there’s really nothing blocking the top microphone or the USB-C port. If you have trouble getting some of your charging cables to fit with other cases on, this may be the best choice for you. The case isn’t nearly thick enough to interfere with photos and videos taken on the rear camera, and my fingerprint reads just as well as it does when the phone is naked.

While I don’t own one of Spigen’s magnetic car mounts, this case features a spot for the magnet to stick to. And while I prefer buttons that are replicated on the case itself, the cutouts for the power and volume buttons are generous enough that it doesn’t bother me.

A bit too pointy

Spigen Thin Fit for Pixel 2 XL What I Don’t Like

My main complaint with this case comes down to the finish of the front of the case: there’s an ever-so-slight lip to protect the glass if you place the phone face-down, and — at least on the case I received — this lip is sharp enough for me to notice it digging into my thighs or my hands. It isn’t something I’ve even thought about with other cases, which should tell you how pronounced it is on this sample.

The finish on the case is also a bit too smooth for my liking; I felt like I had less grip on the phone in this case than I did when the phone was uncovered. Finally, while I myself would buy a black case anyway, it’d be great for Spigen to offer more colors for those that want more variety.

Not perfect, but…

Spigen Thin Fit for Pixel 2 XL: Should you buy this?

Maybe. I wouldn’t buy it myself, because it doesn’t offer enough protection or grip to make it worth using to me. But if you want something that will just protect the back glass of your phone and you don’t want to deal with a skin, this isn’t a bad option. Just don’t hesitate to return the case if it’s uncomfortable to hold or put in your pocket.

3
out of 5

If you get a sample with a smoother front edge than I did, this case is easier to recommend.

See at Amazon

What’s your favorite form factor for cases?

Do you like thin, simple cases, folios, or something else entirely?

It’s 2018, and that means just about every high-end phone — and even some budget devices like the Moto G6 — has a glass backing these days. They’re beautiful, sure, and they allow for wireless charging, but glass is still a fragile material, and the last thing anybody wants is a shattered panel on their expensive gadgets.

The obvious solution is to put a case on your phone, but there are so many different types of cases to choose from. We’ve all seen the standard covers that wrap around the back and sides of your phone, but there are also folio cases that cover the front of your phone with a flap, cases with card slots on the back, full-protection cases like the Otterbox … the list goes on. So which form factor works best for you?

There are pros and cons to every different type of case, but I’ve always stuck with the tried and true cover-style case — at least when I’m not carrying my phone case-less, which I admittedly do more often than I should. I don’t like adding a ton of bulk to my phone, so I love thin cases that protect the back of my phone from scratches and add just enough padding to take the brunt of most light drops. I’ve been using the Mujjo leather wallet case on my Galaxy S9 for a little while now, and before that, I used Samsung’s Alcantara case for months with few complaints.

See at Amazon

For those that need more protection, though, full-coverage cases from brands like Otterbox and Lifeproof are a better fit. There’s a lot more bulk to these kinds of cases, but in exchange, you get far more protection from drops, scratches, and sometimes even water damage. A lot of these cases even provide a built-in screen protector as an added bonus.

Folio cases have also been extremely popular over the last few years. The added flap covers the screen when not in use for protection from scratches, and they often include card slots on the inside for extra convenience. Folios like the Galaxy S9’s LED cover also interact with your phone to display notifications through the case without having to turn on your phone’s entire display. The downside to folio cases? When you’re using the phone, the flap can tend to get in the way — even more so when you’re trying to take a photo or video.

See at Amazon

What’s your favorite case form factor? And going a step further, what’s your favorite case you’ve ever owned? Let us know in the comments below!

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