A review of the SoftBank TPU Case for the HTC Desire HD
The SoftBank TPU case for the HTC Desire HD (SoftBank 001HT) at first glance looks very similar to most other TPU cases, especially the Brighton Net TPU Case, reviewed earlier. (Although this sample is a different color.)
It fits the phone very well and instantly offers an adequate blend of protection and style, as you would expect from a well designed TPU case.
Upon closer inspection, you can notice a few visual differences from the Brighton Net TPU case. Three of the photos here show two cases side by side. In each of these three photos, the case on the left is the Brighton Net one and the case on the right is the SoftBank one.
The SoftBank case folds over and covers a little more of the front top and bottom of the phone.
The surround around the Camera lens protrudes further out than the Brighton Net case suggesting a little more camera lens protection. (Too much protrusion would be ‘undesirable’ because it would cause the phone to rock when being used on its back on a desk.)
The cutout around the rear speaker on the SoftBank case is noticeably larger, which to me, is another nice reminder that this isn’t just another rebranded case.
The Wall around the screen looks identical in height, but it is slightly more angled which I noticed when swiping left and right and coming into contact with it. This is probably only noticeable coming from another case, and it is not an issue, just a different feeling.
The buttons on the phone are a little easier to feel for and to press with this SoftBank TPU case than the Brighton Net one.
The only small thing I don’t like after coming from the Brighton Net case is that on the SoftBank TPU case, the tiny join around the whole of the case is directly under the thumb when holding the phone. This might seem petty, but it is something I could feel which I couldn’t with the Brighton Net. Looking closer, I realize that Brighton Net made their join follow the angled apex of the edge of the phone and not the flat part. Again this is probably only noticeable coming from a different case.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s a fine TPU case, and it makes the Desire HD feel and look great. It fits snuggly too.
The price for this SoftBank TPU Case was
¥ 1980. ($24. / £14. / € 17.)
