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Is there any case "better" than OtterBox?

E

elbeborandy

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 3, 2016
323
302
Hello guys. I've been using OtterBox since their first release for iPhone. I had no problems with my previous iPhone when they've fell down, etc, etc...

But sadly, every year it’s a pain to order it from their website. I live in Puerto Rico, so they don’t ship "fast" to here (takes nearly a month🤷🏼‍♂️).

So... Is there any other "brand" that offer the same protection as the Defender Series and it's "better" than Otterbox?

Thanks!
 
elbeborandy said:
Hello guys. I've been using OtterBox since their first release for iPhone. I had no problems with my previous iPhone when they've fell down, etc, etc...

But sadly, every year it’s a pain to order it from their website. I live in Puerto Rico, so they don’t ship "fast" to here (takes nearly a month🤷🏼‍♂️).

So... Is there any other "brand" that offer the same protection as the Defender Series and it's "better" than Otterbox?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Not saying Better, Otterbox is solid.
 
I usually use commuter and defenders, I got the defender pro for the 13and it's so comfortable . It's so grippy and it's not that bulky.instead of ordering off otter box.com why not try bestbuy ,target,or your local phone stores , they should carry otterbox cases
 
This year is actually the first year I've ever used an OtterBox product, and going by my first full week with it, I'm massively impressed. I got the Symmetry+ with MagSafe for my 13 Pro Max and had them bundle in one of their Amplify glass screen protectors that they claim is made by Corning.

The fit and finish on both products are second to none except for maybe Apple's cases, but the materials used feel much more durable and protective. I'll definitely be sticking with this case for the duration of the time I have this phone, which I can't always say every year, at least not this early on.
 
spiderman0616 said:
This year is actually the first year I've ever used an OtterBox product, and going by my first full week with it, I'm massively impressed. I got the Symmetry+ with MagSafe for my 13 Pro Max and had them bundle in one of their Amplify glass screen protectors that they claim is made by Corning.

The fit and finish on both products are second to none except for maybe Apple's cases, but the materials used feel much more durable and protective. I'll definitely be sticking with this case for the duration of the time I have this phone, which I can't always say every year, at least not this early on.
Click to expand...
Can you tell me if the area near the plug and around the volume buttons is flimsy or has much give to it …thanks
 
richxps said:
Can you tell me if the area near the plug and around the volume buttons is flimsy or has much give to it …thanks
Click to expand...
There is a bit of give but it does not feel flimsy or like it would rip or warp easily. This is a very premium-feeling case in all areas.
 
naturalguy said:
For protection I’ve yet to find a better case than the Otterbox Defender
Click to expand...
I bought the Defender for the 13 Pro but had to send it back as they're not compatible with plastic screen protectors (the frame pushes against the edges of them at the top and bottom causing bubbles). It's a shame as the quality/feel/durability is excellent.
 
spiderman0616 said:
This year is actually the first year I've ever used an OtterBox product, and going by my first full week with it, I'm massively impressed. I got the Symmetry+ with MagSafe for my 13 Pro Max and had them bundle in one of their Amplify glass screen protectors that they claim is made by Corning.

The fit and finish on both products are second to none except for maybe Apple's cases, but the materials used feel much more durable and protective. I'll definitely be sticking with this case for the duration of the time I have this phone, which I can't always say every year, at least not this early on.
Click to expand...
Does the bottom of your case hurt your pinky finger at all?
 
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I've used Otterbox Defender cases for years, but this year and maybe last, they have had issues with their holsters. I skipped the 12 Pro max last year, so I can't be sure.

If you look on their website, you will see complaints (Reviews )on the IP13 PM Defender Series with the iPhones falling out of the holsters. I don't know how many cases/holsters/both were affected, but the Otterbox rep today said that they were modifying the design and that they'd send me a whole new set when that happened. Three to four weeks he said. (Warranty) I have to send pictures of the phone case and holster, along with some other info.

Mine has fallen out twice just getting out of the car??? Short distance to the ground thankfully.
On my case and all the ones in BestBuy and AT&T, the phone didn't sit flush against the inside of the holster. Also, when pushing the iPhone in it would go past the sweet spot, bottom out and then pop back out to finally lock in. You can actually see daylight between the phone case and holster, when it's "locked in".

I realize that a holster is not important to some people, but for those of us that work out in the field it definitely is.
 
Last edited:
spiderman0616 said:
This year is actually the first year I've ever used an OtterBox product, and going by my first full week with it, I'm massively impressed. I got the Symmetry+ with MagSafe for my 13 Pro Max and had them bundle in one of their Amplify glass screen protectors that they claim is made by Corning.

The fit and finish on both products are second to none except for maybe Apple's cases, but the materials used feel much more durable and protective. I'll definitely be sticking with this case for the duration of the time I have this phone, which I can't always say every year, at least not this early on.
Click to expand...
I bought that same case but clear for my wife. I did not use it, but when she played her games, there was a sharp edge on the left hand side about halfway down. You have to run your finger over it a certain way and apparently she did, so back to the store it went. I got her the Spigen hybrid clear and she likes it. Until it yellows I guess. It's not slippery like most other clear cases either.

I checked every other Symmetry with MagSafe case up there and they were all the same.
I use to work at a place that did plastic extrusions and we'd have issues like that. We'd catch them, stop the run, tweak and then scrap the defective ones. When under the gun like companies are now, when trying to get out these accessories out fast and with last minute specs too well........sometimes you just go with it I guess.
 
I've used Otterbox since my first iPhone in 2011. I normally used Commuter cases but switched to Defender after Otterbox switched production locations and the cases kept breaking!

On the Commuter case, the little tab that covers the port always ripped off and on the Defenders, the seal would give and literally wick sweat from your face into the case rendering the phone useless. I'd be lucky to get a year out of a case.

I will say their drop protection is great and they always stood by the products, but who wants to keep replacing cases every year?

I used a Lifeproof FRE for a year with my 2016 SE. Nothing on it broke but the Touch ID didn't work well with it.

For my 13 Mini I have a Lifeproof SEE. I still need to get a screen protector.
 
elbeborandy said:
Hello guys. I've been using OtterBox since their first release for iPhone. I had no problems with my previous iPhone when they've fell down, etc, etc...

But sadly, every year it’s a pain to order it from their website. I live in Puerto Rico, so they don’t ship "fast" to here (takes nearly a month🤷🏼‍♂️).

So... Is there any other "brand" that offer the same protection as the Defender Series and it's "better" than Otterbox?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Caudabe Sheath (imo)
 
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