Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

by XB on 27th November 2014

in Accessories, Featured Content, Reviews, Xperia Z3 series


Case-Mate Barely There Z3C_4There is a debate that many go through when purchasing a new smartphone i.e. should I use a cover or not? Some prefer to use their phone naked, showing off the phone in all of its glory, while others want a cover to protect their invest in case of an accidental bump or fall. The ‘Case-Mate Barely There’ series of cases are designed for those that are happy with some light protection, but want to keep as close to a naked experience as possible.

Today we are reviewing the Case-Mate Barely There case for the Xperia Z3 Compact thanks to MobileFun, who also stock a wide range of other Xperia Z3 Compact cases. This is the ‘Clear’ version of the case, ideal if you want to show off the colour of your handset. It is a very lightweight and slim case that also has access to most ports, buttons and magnetic charging pins. Click through for our impressions.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The packaging for the Case-Mate Barely There case focuses on the “Ultra Slim Profile” along with its impact resistance and anti-scratch technology.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The picture below shows the Xperia Z3 Compact with the case on – it is hardly noticeable, especially given the clear plastic used.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The right side of the phone has two cutouts, one for the power button/volume rocker and the other for the dedicated camera button. There is plenty of room to access each button.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The case covers all four corners of the phone and also provides a very small ‘lip’ on the front. The top of the phone has enough room for the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The bottom of the phone is likewise kept open, apart from the covered corners. This means you will have no issue in attaching a lanyard if needed.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The left side of the phone is largely left uncovered, save for the bottom SIM port which is covered half-way. As it is open, it means you can access the magnetic charging pins and micro USB port easily.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The camera hole on the back is large enough to not get in the way of the lens and LED flash. We didn’t notice any light bleed issues when using the flash. What we do like about the clear case is that it shows off the colour of the handset – particularly handy if you have a Orange or Green Xperia Z3 Compact.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

We said the case was light – it only weighs 14 grams according to our measurements, which adds very little to the Xperia Z3 Compact weight (129g).

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The case has a small indentation on the back to ensure it can be used with a magnetic charging dock.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

The case does not give you total all round protection, like what you may expect from a Case-Mate Tough for example, but it does cover all four corners. Obviously the front of the phone is exposed, so it is still susceptible to damage if it was accidentally dropped on its face.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

Overall thoughts

Overall this is a well made case, which provides some very light protection but keeps the Xperia Z3 Compact’s good looks intact. The case can easily be removed without scratching the phone, however it is unlikely to pop out by itself given the snug fit. Don’t expect the case to protect your handset under all conditions, but if all you need is something against light bumps and scrapes then you should consider the Case-Mate Barely There case. Mobile Fun is selling the Case-Mate Barely There for Xperia Z3 Compact for £14.99

Positives

– Extremely slimline, you will hardly notice it is there
– Very lightweight
– Provides light protection with all four corners covered
– Access to USB port and magnetic pins
– Indentation allows case to be used with dock
– Transparent shell will show off the colour of your Xperia Z3 Compact

Negatives

– Smooth plastic offers only slightly more grip than the Xperia Z3 Compact

Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There Review

Thanks to MobileFun for providing the Xperia Z3 Compact Case-Mate Barely There case for review!

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