Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Otterbox Commuter vs. Ballistic Shell Gel

S

Stevie04

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 22, 2011
60
0
Hi,
I need a protective case for my iPhone 4S which is not too bulky.
I already found 2 good cases but i can't decide which one i should buy:
Otterbox Commuter: http://www.otterbox.com/iPhone-4-/-4S-Commuter-Series-Case/APL4-I4SUN,default,pd.html
Ballistic Shell Gel:http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/iphone-4-ballistic-sg-series-case
I like the good corner protection of the Ballistic but i am not sure if it has enough protection for the screen. The Commuter has a good protection but the corner protection is not as good as the Ballistic.
So which one should I buy? Can you help me?
 
Get the Commuter.

To be honest the corner protection isn't that much different. The big thing is that the Commuter has plastic surround the top and bottom of the phone to keep all of the silicone in place. With the SG case, the phone actually moves up and down inside of it since there is nothing keeping it held firmly in place.

The Commuter can be a pain to put on, but once all of the silicone and plastic lines up, it is a solid choice that will withstand a decent drop. Mine did a few months back when I was testing it out.
 
Commuter hands down. Otterbox's customer service is top notch too!

IMG_0072.JPG
 
hmh okay... if it has the better protection i will go for the commuter.
And yes I think you're right. It has the better plastic protection on the top and on the bottom. So do you think it can withstand even high drops?
Does it have a protection for the Apple logo?
 
Stevie04 said:
hmh okay... if it has the better protection i will go for the commuter.
And yes I think you're right. It has the better plastic protection on the top and on the bottom. So do you think it can withstand even high drops?
Does it have a protection for the Apple logo?
Click to expand...

Not sure how high you want to drop the phone but I do know mine survived from a drop while my phone was up to my ear (I'm 5'11''). This tool at Disney World bumped into me while I was on the phone for work. I was in a corner by myself and this idiot like stumbled into me. Anyway the case was fine and so was the phone. No scratches or anything. I was survived the case was still 100%.

No logo protection though. Get a pack of cheap screen protectors on eBay for the back or use a skin like Lucky Labs. No logo protection was really my only true issue with the case.

If I didn't need more juice for my phone (I use a Mophie currently) I would probably still have it in a Commuter or back in one of my tried and true Candyshells. I have a Black Candyshell that has literally been through a warzone, is banged up pretty bad, yet still offers protection for the phone. Crazy.
 
okay i think that case should have enough drop protection for normal height.
Yes, I already ordered the powersupport Crytal screen protector which comes with an additional back protector. This should work too right?
So I think i gonna go for the Commuter then :)

Edit: one last question: does the commuter have enough screen protection? is the lip around the phone big enough?
 
Last edited:
Alright. then i will buy the Commuter! Thanks for your help guys :)
 
At fist I didn't like the otterboxes cause of the size. My dad ended up with a defender after cracking his screen then trying to run his phone over with a lawnmower....

That thing is HUGE. He has a belt holster thing for it and it looks like he's got a TV at his hip.

Then I ended up in Verizon with a case to return and I looked at the commuter. Basic, black, looks like great protection, lip around the screen so it doesn't sit flat, sold.

Can't beat it for $26 or whatever it was after my disc.
 
anyone have a commuter case they dont like or done need?? looking to get one for the DF, so she can take care of her phone, already dropped and cracked one 4s in less then a month. lol
 
stevenpa said:
Amazon is another option for the case, $22 there and Otterbox warranty will replace your case if you have any issues. Pretty much impossible to go wrong really.
Click to expand...

Only downside to Amazon is you have to pay shipping since it's under $25.

But X2 on Otterbox's warranty. I just got a Commuter a few weeks ago and noticed that the plastic in one corner seemed ever so slightly warped. I emailed Otterbox customer service with pics and simply asked if it was normal. I am perfectly satisfied with my case as is but just wanted to know if it was normal. They IMMEDIATELY replied (within 5 minutes) asking for my info because they wanted to send me a brand new case! I couldn't believe it. A+ for them!
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
HKUSP.40 said:
Only downside to Amazon is you have to pay shipping since it's under $25.

But X2 on Otterbox's warranty. I just got a Commuter a few weeks ago and noticed that the plastic in one corner seemed ever so slightly warped. I emailed Otterbox customer service with pics and simply asked if it was normal. I am perfectly satisfied with my case as is but just wanted to know if it was normal. They IMMEDIATELY replied (within 5 minutes) asking for my info because they wanted to send me a brand new case! I couldn't believe it. A+ for them!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have prime so it works out well. But yes their warranty is amazing. Had a Nokia and it cracked along one of the edges, they sent me a new case in two days no questions asked.
 
15% off Otterbox's site

I was just on Otterbox.com looking at the different options and see they have a 15% off promotion going on through 12/13.

'Tis the season to give back

In the spirit of the season we are giving back to those who protect us. From 11/29 thru 12/13 you get 15% off and we’ll give 5% of your purchase to an organization that helps protect those who protect us. You get to pick the agency who receives your 5% and you get to designate the donation in honor of yourself or someone important to you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back