Review: Incipio Samsung Galaxy Tab Silicrylic hard shell case with silicone core

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a pretty sturdy tablet specially since it's got the Gorilla Glass front panel protecting the screen but the device's polycarbonate body won't stand up to too many drops. We've been testing the Incipio Samsung Galaxy Tab Silicrylic hard shell case for about three weeks and find that it manages to offer superb protection at the expense of a little added bulk.

Essentially two cases in one, the Incipio Silicrylic case combines a smooth rubbery silicone skin with a hard polycarbonate exterior shell which also has a useful pop-out kickstand to prop up the Galaxy Tab for watching videos or for use with an external keyboard.

Installation is pretty easy, specially when slipping in the silicone part. The precision design of the skin is such that the Galaxy Tab fits in like a glove. Putting on the polycarbonate shell, on the other hand, requires a lot more effort. 

The challenge is getting the Galaxy Tab, the silicone skin and the protective hard case all in line and it requires some coercion. Once in place, the Galaxy Tab feels infinitely more secure and protected. There are cutouts for the rear camera and LED flash, the microphone and the charging port. All the buttons are completely secure as well. 

The screen part of the Galaxy Tab is completely exposed, however this is probably the sturdiest part of the device and we added a matte screen protector just to reinforce it and cut the glare. It would have been cool if there was a cover for the screen when it was not in use. 

While we were first a bit averse to bulking up the Galaxy Tab with a case, we soon realized that there are benefits to using the sylicrilic hard shell. The inclusion of a kickstand is simply brilliant, whether we're listening to podcasts, watching videos or simply propping it up on a table, it is just so convenient to have a leg to lean on when you need it.

The ridged corners and rubber texture of the Silicrylic hard shell case also make the Galaxy Tab easier to hold and give it more grip. The two layer protection secures the device and helps disperse the impact of a drop plus absorbs scratches to all the sides and the rear of the device. 

If we were to have just one case for the the Samsung Galaxy Tab, we would go for the Incipio Samsung Galaxy Silicrylic case which adds ruggedness to the device's already impressive resume. We bought our unit from a T-Mobile store in the US for $35, but Incipio has also made it available online. A completely worthwhile investment for your Galaxy Tab, the Silicrylic case epitomizes the best third party quality build, look and feel.

Rating: 5 out of 5