CASETiFY has a new Gundam collection that as always, boasts “military grade” protection for your devices and comes with numerous fan-oriented designs. As most CASETiFY Co-Lab launches, this one also features a collectible earbuds case in the form of RX-78-2 Gundam’s head. We got our hands on a couple of more everyday-friendly pieces from the collection, which launched on December 9, so let’s take a look at them together.
Before I start, I must note that the phone cases and all other products were tested on the Samsung S23. The items arrived in a bag and were individually packaged in matching boxes with a band with E.S.F.S. branding which you will see in some of the photos below. I also added the based on the CASETiFY website, along with the links to each product mentioned.
The core part of the Casetify and Mobile Suit Gundam collection is, of course, the phone cases. We got a closer look at the RX-78-2 Gundam Case (€62.99) and the White Base Crew Case (€62.99). The RX-78-2 Gundam Case has a clear background and I’m quite curious to see how it will hold up. The design is very nice but it makes me not want to put a magnetic ring on it because that will cover it. I am also quite worried about scratching because the case came with a clear protector. The protector had a note claiming it was made from recycled materials, but even with that, it felt like there was quite a bit of plastic (responsible for holding the case in place) in the packing. I am currently trying it out to see how it holds up and I will say that it feels a bit slippery. The “frame” is also a shiny rubber-like material while the other one feels more like hard plastic.
The White Base Crew caught my eye because it was blue, but as it turns out that is an iPhone mirror case and mine is actually the matte black. It’s quite elegant and doesn’t look too “nerdy” so it’s good for everyday use, especially if your everyday responsibilities don’t allow for showing off. Design-wise, it’s quite similar to my old Casetify case: the Jujutsu Kaisen one. I have been using it for a year and while it does have a bit of yellowing, it’s held up quite well. I believe these are the so-called “impact cases” that protect your phone by bouncing it elsewhere (which tends to be good, but not always). I’ve dropped my phone quite a bit over the past year, but I have no scuffs and only a slight crack on the screen protector (probably from dropping it on things).
Now, on to the items that work with magnetic rings you can place on your phone. Casetify has its own line, called Snappy™ Magnetic Rings, which are MagSafe compatible (along with all the accessories). First on the list: E.F.S.F. Snappy Ring Holder (€35.99). It felt heavy in a good way and the ring mechanism was quite smooth. But what I enjoyed the most about it was the fact you can use it as sort of a fidget toy, because it spins in a very satisfying way.
Next up, grip stands: E.F.S.F. Snappy Grip Stand (€35.99) and HARO Snappy Grip Stand (€35.99). Once again, heavy in a good way with nice designs and details. HARO items are probably the cutest in the entire collection. The metal has Casetify branding embossed, but it’s not too noticeable. I’m curious to see how they will hold up. Ending the magnetic part of the collection is the E.F.S.F. Snappy Cardholder Stand (€41.99). It functions similarly to the grip stands, but it is a bit bigger and probably more stable and it also allows you to carry your cards around. This doesn’t fit my phone that well because it almost covers the bottom lens of the camera. I am a bit sad about that because it was one of my favorite parts of the collection but the magnetic function allows you to remove it so it’s not like it’s one and done.
I do have to note that all of these magnetic items will add a bit of weight to your device but I believe it’s one of those things you get used to easily. Until you drop your phone on your face by accident, at least. Next up: the E.F.S.F. Magnetic Wireless Charger (€41.99). This was the only product that came in a box that got a little squished in transport, but the plastic packaging I mentioned earlier kept it in one piece and safe. The charging speed seems fairly nice (tested with a Samsung plug and laptop USB-C port). It charged my wireless earbuds pretty quickly and it’s handy having it on the desk. The charging works through the case but I am frankly not sure if the magnetic ring would affect the charging. There shouldn’t be a problem but the wireless charger will stick to the magnetic ring.
I was initially worried about the cable because it is pretty thin, but it’s actually braided. I believe we should use braided cables on more things, especially when they get a lot of daily use. Here is a comparison between my Logitech mouse and the charger (I love the mouse but the cable feels very fragile):
And last but not least, we have the RX-78-2 Gundam Utility Cross-Body Strap (€62.99). These are always nice quality and this one is no different. It comes with a strap card that allows you to connect the actual strap to your phone case. It does come with a warning indicating that treating it roughly may result in damage. I will say that these cards feel a bit fragile and I’m personally not comfortable letting my phone just hang on it with zero support (not because something happened but because I worry it will). Still, I believe these are quite useful for traveling, especially in situations where you will be holding your phone a lot and would like to keep it in sight and connected to you while it’s in your bag. Do keep in mind that the strap is long: minimum length of 85 cm and maximum of 145 cm.
Overall, this is a nice collection for Gundam enthusiasts. It is on the better end of CASETiFY anime collaborations with designs. I can’t speak for quality (besides that one phone case) until I do further testing by using them for a bit longer.
Anime Corner was provided with free samples from the collection.
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