The Amzer Shellster ShellCase isn't a stranger to Windows Phones. We took a look at the Amzer ShellCase for the Nokia Lumia 900 and found it to be a nice shell/holster combo. The Shellster recently landed in the Windows Phone Central Accessory Store for the HTC 8X and we recently took it out for a test drive to see how things translated to the HTC 8X.
The ShellCase is a two piece case that has a half-shell that wraps around the HTC 8X and a belt clip holster that the shell slides into. The case is made of hard plastic that has a rubbery, textured finish. As with the Lumia 900 model, the Amzer Shellster ShellCase isn't a bad option if you are looking for a belt case solution for your HTC 8X.
The half-shell case is form fitted to wrap around the back of your HTC 8X. Cutouts are present to give you access to the volume and camera buttons. The top and bottom ends exposed to provide access to the headphone jack, power button and micro USB port. Camera and light cutouts are present on the back side of the case as well.
The shell portion of the Amzer Shellster fits snug with very little (if any wiggle room). The fit is almost too snug in that it's a challenge to remove the case from the HTC 8X without fear that you're going to snap it in half.
When in place, the shell does add a little girth to the HTC 8X but not enough to make the Windows Phone feel bricked. It does square the corners slightly to give the HTC 8X more of a boxy feel but not in a bad way. The pebbled backing gives the HTC 8X a little more grip as well.
As with the Lumia 900 model, button the cutouts seemed to make the volume and camera buttons recessed a little too much. They are still accessible but it takes more effort to manipulate the buttons. On the plus side, you'll have very little accidently presses.
The belt clip holster is lined with felt to protect the screen of your HTC 8X and is fitted with a swivel clip that can be locked open. When locked open the clip acts as a kickstand to prop your Windows Phone upright for movie watching or other activities.
As far as protection goes, the shell case does a nice job protecting the back, sides and corners of the HTC 8X from bumps and bruises. As with any shell case, the Amzer offers little protection for the screen when not holstered. The edges of the shell do raise past the sides of the HTC 8X to lift the screen from making contact when laid face down.
The holster rides comfortably on the hip and doesn't stick out where it could get snagged by seat belts, corners or other obstacles. The belt clip swivels so if you prefer a horizontal ride, you can easily rotate things around.
The Amzer Shellster ShellCase is a ducky of a case that does offer a modest amount of protection for the HTC 8X. The shell can be used on it's own or with the holster for added protection and possibly added convenience.
The Amzer Shellster ShellCase for the HTC 8X can be found here in the Windows Phone Central Accessory Store for $14.95.
