The old design was better with the raised grip pads. The new has inlay rather then the plastic rising. It's not good. Doesn't even help with slide or grip.
I have owned several different phones over the years and the first thing I do is protect it with a "Speck" phone case. I have never been disappointed with the quality and feel of the case. Great product and highly recommend it.
This product is in line with all the rugged, protective, and most-functional Speck cases I've had in the past. One thing I always like about their products is the tactile feel that their cases provide, and you just know your phone is as protected as it can be. If there is one topic I could ding them on, that would be the minimal number of color choices they provide here. Black or blue - take it or leave it! Other vendors have joined the spectrum of colors, why not you, Speck?
I had a Speck case on my S21 Ultra for almost two years. It did a great job at protecting my phone. I just purchased the S23 Ultra and needed a case quickly so I purchased a different one. I was not happy with it so I ordered another Speck. It fits my phone like a glove!