LoudBy Sound Case Review

One of the ways HTC is differentiating their high-end phones is by adding a pair of excellent Boomsound speakers to the front. Most other phones like the S4 are stuck with just a single speaker hidden around the back, pumping the audio out in the wrong direction. However the folks at LoudBy are attempting to redress this problem with their Sound Case which amplifies the sound from the speaker by channeling it along the back and out towards the front just below the volume keys.

Available in a range of colours, from the outside the LoudBy looks like a fairly standard TPU case. However inside there’s a horn-shaped channel made from a flexible silicone-like material. This clever design creates an air gap between the case and the back of your phone where the sound travels and gets amplified before escaping along the left hand side.

LoudBy claim it gives a 12 db amplification with stronger bass and crisp high frequencies, but the big question is whether it really can make much of a difference or is it just a gimmick.

If you check out the YouTube video above you’ll get an idea of the difference it makes to the audio between having the case on and when you take the case off. There is definitely a decent boost to the volume level, especially when the phone is facing towards you. As phones go I wouldn’t say the S4 has a bad speaker, but when you crank the audio up it can get a little distorted. Having this case fitted cuts down on this distortion and genuinely improves audio quality.

The case itself is very light and adds very little bulk to your phone. The matte plastic feels nice in the hand, and while not as grippy as some rubberized cases it’s a definite improvement over the smooth S4 back. The volume and power buttons aren’t covered so remain easy to press.

The back, sides and corners of your phone are well protected but the bottom, top (especially around the camera) and screen are left exposed. There is however a slight lip that prevents the screen from touching a totally flat surface when left face down.

As cases go it is expensive priced at £34.90 on Amazon UK.  For this price you may prefer the less compact solution of a cheap Bluetooth speaker (which will likely provide even better audio) plus a case that will give better protection.

Overall the LoudBy Sound Case does what it claims to do by providing a genuine audio boost to your phone’s internal speaker. Redirecting the sound to the front of the phone makes a lot of sense as it will improve your audio when watching media and prevent it from getting muffled when the phone is left on it’s back.

LoudBy are also working on cases for other phones, but deserve credit for releasing this case for an Android phone first rather than starting with the iPhone like most manufacturers. If the internal speaker of the S4 doesn’t quite cut it for you then this LoudBy case could well be the solution. I recommend checking out what LoudBy have to offer from the link below.

Pros

• Boosts audio volume and clarity.
• Front facing speaker.
• Light and unobtrusive.

Cons

• Limited protection.
• Price.