[Review] Otterbox Defender

[spodoc]

I just purchased the otterbox defender case and it is different in a few ways from previous versions I've had or experiences so here are my thoughts on the case as compared to the defender I had on my DX:

Design
In case you aren't familiar with this line of cases, they are an inner plastic shell with integrated screen protector. The outer rubber layer wraps around the hard plastic layer to form a solid, bulky case. This clips into a sturdy plastic case w/ beefy belt clip that can be index rotated from portrait to landscape orientation while on your belt.

Durability/Ruggedness
I feel this case will offer superior shock and scractch protection when compared to a slim or slip-on TPU style case. The attached screen protector should certainly offer more sand and splash protection than a slip on case w/ stick on screen protector. The belt clip is very rugged and seems like it will hold up well. The entire thing seems pretty solid once you get your phone in the case.

Size/Bulk
This case does not seem to add the bulk to the phone like on other phones. This is likely just my perception, but I just don't feel like it has the same added bulk. It is NOT a slim case, but simply streamlined and smooth.

Quality of the Rubber Shell
This new rubber they use is tremendously better than what was used few years ago. It is not sticky or silicone like. In smoothness, hardness, stickines, etc. it's about halfway between a silicone case and an TPU case. In short, it will come out of your pocket easier and collect less sand, lint, or dust than older defenders. The rubber seems to fit the inner hard shell much better than it did on my DX case. It is much improved.

Port Covers
The usb and headphone jack covers are very robust, almost annoyingly hard to open and close. This is good if you are wanting this type of protection. The camera, speaker, and mics are obviously not covered so there is NO protection for these. But most cases do not cover these becasue their function would be inhibited.

Screen Protector
I hate it. It might be a dealbreaker for me. The protector does not sit flush on the screen. So when you use it, there is an annoying tap sound as the screen protector flexes and touches the screen. Maybe I have a bad unit. I can't imagine this is how it's supposed to be now, especially since my DX case worked so much better.

Conclusion
I do not plan to use this as my main case. This is for better protection when I go on boats, to the beach, to the pool, or when I work in the outdoors. Given that, the added bulk is not a hinderence for me and the robust belt clip is welcome for my use. I will have to use for a few days to determine if the screen protector fit is prohibitive. I would NOT use this as my daily driver case. The screen protector is too annoying and reduces clarity of the screen. I do like the fit/finish of this case much better than my old otterbox defender for the DX. I think it's a very good value for the $25-$35 they are going for on the web right now. Brick and mortar stores have them in stock (including VZW) so go check out that screen fit before you order one off the web.

I'll try to add some pics later tonight.

[srs244]

i have used otterbox defenders on my past several phones and my wife still has one on her current iphone. i have found that they seem to offer the very best protection for your phone. admittedly most people don't put their phone through the mill in conditions that would warrant a defender, but it is a great product for the money. interestingly the iphone version do cover all openings including the camera, etc, so i was surprised that the S3 defender didn't. you are totally correct in your evaluation of the covers for the headphone jack, charge port, etc, they make certain that they are sealed as well as they possibly can be.

if you want something that mimicks the defender case, but is a bit less expensive, take a look at the S3 case from ballistic. it is also from the "rugged" category with a built in screen protector etc. the various covers for the headphone jack and the charge port cover pretty well, but don't seem to be as well engineered for a perfect fit like the otterbox case is. you can't go too wrong with either if you are looking for excellent protection of you phone.

[camtah]

Well it seems that I have joined the ranks of the broken Defender Belt clip. While boarding an airplane last week, a passenger brushed up next to me and before I knew it the phone was on the ground with part of the clip still inside my belt. The pivot point broke and the remaining pieces are somewhere on the aircraft. The pin attachment seems to be a common weak point on these clips according to other web reports. Rather shocked as it was slight brush by, nothing hard. I only had this case/clip for 1 month.

The irony is that I removed a S3 Ballistic case for the Defender as I liked the functionality of the belt clip. The Ballistic combo worked flawlessly on many a trip.

I did report this issue Otterbox via the webpage, but I have heard back form them as of yet. I still like the Defender case, but I hope they can beef up the pivot points as it looks kinda weak

[Vulcan1600]

When I got the S3 my wife insisted I get the OtterBox for the phone. Prior to this case, I always preferred my phones "naked". Well, I decided to use it and see how I like it because the phone is so thin and slippery in my hands. After a month now, I'm a big fan and the few times I've taken the phone out of the case make the phone seem weird. As for the screen protector built in, I removed it and put on a VZW screen protector to not have that sound the O.P. mentions when pressing on the display. The other thing is the clip, which you can use separately. It took a few days, but realized it opens up where you can use it as a kickstand. I loved my built in kickstand on my Thunderbolt, and relieved the Otter has it. All in all, I'm very happy with this. It works well with the motorcycle mount I have, and in the car it fits nicely horizontally on the open ash tray, so no need for me to get a holder for the car, and no need to take it out of the case. On a scale of 1-5, I give it a 4.5 - because of the fact I did end up getting my own screen protectors.

[spodoc]

I did report this issue Otterbox via the webpage, but I have heard back form them as of yet. I still like the Defender case, but I hope they can beef up the pivot points as it looks kinda weak

I've heard of folks getting replacements from otterbox. Try contacting them directly.

[spodoc]

Update: I honestly hate the screen protector. If this were my daily case, I'd remove the protector. I rarely use this case so I'm probably just going to keep it. I would prefer the waterproof case from seido. I'm lazy so it looks like this will be my rugged case.

[camtah]

Kudos to Otterbox !!! I just received a replacement for my broken belt clip in the mail. The initial cost was higher, but the customer service is worth it.

[Lotus222]

I use my otterbox without the screen protector, and I love it. Personally, I don't see the point in a screen protector with a phone like this. You may be wondering why the otterbox isn't actually water tight, too.

This should answer some questions about the S3's durability. Skip to the 3 min mark.

[Katt50]

This is why I use OtterBox cases. They have replaced a case twice for my old EVO 3D. Even pass the warranty date with no issues.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

[Stormstaff]

Ok, color me impressed.

I use my otterbox without the screen protector, and I love it. Personally, I don't see the point in a screen protector with a phone like this. You may be wondering why the otterbox isn't actually water tight, too.

This should answer some questions about the S3's durability. Skip to the 3 min mark.