Skip to main content

Nexus 4 cases: Protect that fragile glass back!

The Nexus 4 is a great smartphone, but it could hardly be described as rugged. Gorilla Glass is tough, but when you have a device with a glass back, it is going to be seriously prone to cracking when dropped. You really need to invest in a Nexus 4 case if you expect it to stay whole and unblemished. We’ve already taken a look at some of the most commonly reported Nexus 4 problems, and we’ve thrown up a few Nexus 4 tips, now it’s time to run through some of the best Nexus 4 cases.

Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series Case ($35)

It’s a little chunky, but this case from Ballistic offers triple layer protection. It is shock absorbent, with special reinforced corners which are ideal for keeping your Nexus 4 ticking after drops. The cut-outs are perfect – no interference on the camera. It won’t slide easily when laid down, and the raised front edges keep the screen from touching surfaces. The rubber feel is also great for grip and comfortable to hold, but you might find that pocket dust sticks to it.

Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series cases
Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series cases Image used with permission by copyright holder

Rearth Ringke Fusion Case ($14)

You can get protection from scratches and minor drops without compromising the unique style of your Nexus 4. This case combines tough polycarbonate with malleable TPU, and it features a clear back plate so you can see the back of your smartphone. It fits well, there’s a lip to guard the screen when placed face down, and it has a really slim profile. The button covers make presses a little stiff, but overall it’s a nice unobtrusive option.

Rearth Ringke Fusion Case
Rearth Ringke Fusion Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Incipio Feather Case ($25)

Minimalism is the attraction of this case from Incipio. It has an extremely svelte form and provides full access to ports and buttons. It won’t protect the Nexus 4 from major mishaps, but for light scuff and bump damage it should help keep that glass back pristine. It does provide a bit of extra grip and it comes in four colors – the blue pictured, and pink, grey, and black.

Incipio Feather cases
Incipio Feather cases Image used with permission by copyright holder

Poetic Slimbook Leather Case ($11)

It’s not real leather, but Poetic does offer a three year warranty with this wallet case. Pull open the magnetic clasp and you’ll find the phone slots in on the right, and the left offers some credit card or ID slots. It might not be a full wallet replacement, because if you try to stuff too much in it will not stay closed. It is also pretty bulky, but protection from falls and bumps is decent as a consequence.

Poetic Slimbook Leather case
Poetic Slimbook Leather Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Boxwave True Bamboo Minimus Case ($25)

Bamboo is an environmentally friendly material to use for a case and this Boxwave offering combines it with hard plastic which repels dust and fingerprints. It’s slim, it’s lightweight, and it snaps on easily. You’ve got the full range of cut-outs for unhindered access. It should give basic protection against bumps and falls, and you can get it with the plastic surround in black or white.

Boxwave True Bamboo Minimus Case
Boxwave True Bamboo Minimus Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Official Nexus 4 Bumper ($20)

This is about as simple as they come. The official bumper from Google is obviously a perfect fit and it has built-in buttons and cut-outs for the ports. The raised front and back lips ensure that the screen and the glass back are protected whichever way down you place the Nexus 4. There’s nothing much to it, and it won’t offer much protection, but it’s a step up from no case at all.

Official Nexus 4 Bumper
Official Nexus 4 Bumper Image used with permission by copyright holder

SQ1 Mercury TPU Jelly Case ($6)

No need to break the bank for a Nexus 4 case. This TPU offering is pretty durable and it should keep your smartphone safe from minor drops and scratches. It’s flexible which makes it easy to fit and comfortable to hold, although it won’t really improve grip. It does have all the correct cut-outs, but they aren’t as precise as some other cases – that’s pretty typical for budget offerings. You can pick it up in a wide range of colors, and it offers good value for money.

SQ1 Mercury TPU Jelly Case
SQ1 Mercury TPU Jelly Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ionic Guardian Armor Case ($7)

You might not like the contrasting pink and spotty design, but this case offers good protection at a low price. It does also come in other colors including plain black, blue, and white. The rubbery finish is great for grip, not so great for sliding in and out of pockets, because it will pick up lint. Those reinforced corners ensure your Nexus 4 survives falls unscathed, and the full range of precise cut-outs offers full access to functionality.

Ionic Guardian Armor cases
Ionic Guardian Armor cases Image used with permission by copyright holder

Seidio Surface with Metal Kickstand ($35)

There are a couple of compelling reasons to consider a Seidio case. First, it comes in a two piece design, so it’s very easy to slot your Nexus 4 into place. Second, it has a metal kickstand for landscape or portrait view, and it’s magnetic, so it won’t pop out when you don’t want it to pop out. The cut-outs are precise, there’s a raised lip for screen protection, and it’s pretty durable. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can also get a holster for it.

Seidio Surface cases with Metal Kickstand
Seidio Surface cases with Metal Kickstand Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bear Motion Premium Polio Case ($12)

Made from polyurethane rather than real leather, this wallet style case has a snap button closure. On the inside left you’ll find a couple of slots for credit cards and a plastic windowed slot that’s ideal for an ID. You can also fold the case so that it doubles up as a landscape view stand. You can choose from seven different colors.

Bear Motion Premium Polio Case
Bear Motion Premium Polio Case Image used with permission by copyright holder

That’s all for Nexus 4 cases, but feel free to make recommendations in the comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Hill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile…
Can the Pixel Fold’s camera beat the Galaxy Z Fold 4? I found out
A Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 on top of a Google Pixel Fold, showing the cameras on both phones.

Google has finally entered the foldable market with the Google Pixel Fold. It provides a great stock Android experience, direct from Google, that’s powered by the impressive Tensor G2 chip with 12GB of RAM and your choice of 256GB or 512GB storage. One of the best things about any Google Pixel device is the camera. It’s hard to take a bad photo with a Google Pixel, and that includes the Pixel Fold.

The one major competitor for Google’s Pixel Fold right now, at least in the U.S., is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. Samsung’s foldable packs in Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. And that's all joined by some mighty impressive camera hardware.

Read more
I’ve used an iPhone for 14 years. The Pixel Fold made me want to stop
Google Pixel Fold in Obsidian open on Pixar Pier portrait mode.

When Steve Jobs took the stage on January 9, 2007, to unveil the original iPhone, everyone was amazed at the little piece of technology he held in his hand. Then in June 2007, people could buy and get their hands on the very first iPhone — and the scope of the cell phone industry changed forever.

I personally didn't get the original iPhone on launch day, believe it or not. Instead, I received it as a birthday present in 2008 (my very first Apple product), but my clumsy self eventually dropped it on cement four months later, and the screen shattered. But instead of getting it fixed, I figured I might as well just get the iPhone 3G since it was just a few weeks away from release.

Read more
How to find downloaded files on your iPhone or Android smartphone
Download folder

Believe it or not, finding files you’ve downloaded on your iPhone or Android phone can be tougher than you think. Even the best smartphones can quickly become a handheld electronic briefcase. Along with the apps you need to get you through your day, it’s packed with photos, videos, files, and other media. While it’s all too easy to download a photo or a restaurant menu to your mobile device, when it comes to actually finding where downloads reside on your phone, the opposite is true. It can be difficult to find a particular file amid heaps of other folders.

Read more