Review: Bumper Case for LG Optimus G

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The LG Optimus G is fast becoming my favourite Android smartphone and has been my go-to device as of late. The only issue I have with LG's flagship smartphone is that the glass exterior makes it slippery and easy to drop. After a few close calls with the Optimus G falling out of my pocket and various tables, I took to eBay to get the offical LG Bumper Case.

Just like the bumper case Apple designed for the iPhone 4, LG's solution will protect only the sides and corners of the Optimus G, the glass front and rear are still exposed although there's a good chance that the extra padding surrounding the device will help it survive any falls.

On its own, the LG Optimus G has no grippy surface. I've left my device on a table and it has literally vibrated itself off the table and into the floor. This has happened countless times and I'm simply amazed that the device still looks new save for a few slight blemishes.

The Bumper Case for the LG Optimus G adds a little width but this is well worth it as it gives the phone an extra edge you can gtip and raises the surface slightly so there's a bit of a gap between a flat surface and the smartphone's screen or rear case. It also makes the Optimus G a bit wider and this takes some adjustment.

Made out of molded hard plastic and textured grippy rubber, the Bumper Case for the Optimus G feels like a premium accessory and not a cheap knockoff. It feels sturdier than Apple's iPhone 4 bumper. I got the black metal one which has a metallic plastic on rubber finish, it cost me $23.00 on eBay.

The case has cutouts for the microUSB charging port, the headphone jack and even pinholes for the two microphones. The articulating buttons for power and the volume rocker seem to fit perfectly.

Best of all, the Bumper Case doesn't cover any of the radios so the Optimus G still maintains its great reception. The only issue with any bumper case is that you're not getting the best protection (but it is still better than nothing) and dust, grit and pocket lint does tend to get stuck along the border where the case meets the phone.

I can live with these inconveniences and I feel that most people can. It is just too bad that LG accessories aren't readily available in Canada either in retail stores or online.

I purchased my Bumper Case from, Hyundaimall,  a store in Korea that does business through eBay. They shipped the wee bumper in a larger box and it was well protected, shipping took two weeks. I would do business with them again for sure.

I expect that the LG Optimus G will be a popular smartphone once people realize that it is really a well-rounded and powerful Android device. Quite possibly the best Android device right now. With this in mind, I hope that the accessory market will improve with time.

Users who want some protection and added grip for the LG Optimus G will not be disappointed in the quality and function or the looks of the Bumper Case for the LG Optimus G. It doesn't offer a complete protection solution but it is better than carrying the smartphone without a case.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5