Review: OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 3G
If you don’t know OtterBox, you should. They make high-quality, high-grade cases for the iPhone 3G that offer first-class protection. The OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 3G ($49.95) is one of the most comprehensive cases ever designed for the iPhone 3G.
We had already taken a look at the OtterBox Defender Series for the Original iPhone, how does the updated version for the iPhone 3G hold up? Does it offer great protection? Is it just another case?
Read on for the rest of the review!
Design
The OtterBox comes in 4 different parts—each serving a purpose to cradle and protect the iPhone 3G. The base layer is a hard plastic shell (front and back). The second layer is a thick yet still soft layer of silicone that wraps around the aforementioned hard plastic shell. And finally, the last piece is a plastic cradle that adds another layer of protection but also doubles as a belt clip.
A thin sheet of plastic protects the screen, camera port, and Apple Logo while the headphone port, volume buttons, and sleep/wake ringer switch are protected via rubber caps. A thin cloth also covers the speakers.
Overall, the design of the OtterBox is carefully thought out and provides a perfect fit for every little nook, switch, and button on the iPhone 3G. Using a hard shell base layer with a silicone skin offers great protection while providing for even greater textile feel.
Usability
Obviously, the OtterBox Defender Series serves to a specific niche and those who have no need for such a rugged case would assume the case is in excess. But judging it from a pure protective stance—there are few options better. I have full confidence that the OtterBox case will protect my iPhone 3G in almost any likely scenario—a fall down the stairs, skidding across a hiking trail, and even a drop on concrete.
But because of its intricate design, care and exactness is needed when applying the case. The OtterBox is not an ordinary case that can be easily slipped off and on, you’ll have to fix the silicone to wrap around the intricacies of the plastic shell. Furthermore, the plastic shell seems to have a lot of clips and snaps that need to be put together. It’s a process to be sure, but after you’re done, this is protection at its finest.
Even more amazing is how the OtterBox maintains the iPhone 3G’s sensitivity and allows access to all its ports, buttons, and features. The touchscreen maintains the same sensitivity, I had absolutely no problem playing games and surfing the web with the OtterBox applied.
The buttons can be easily pressed except for the Home button. For some reason OtterBox decided to make a Home Button that cuts off the top of the circle. The plastic cover for the touchscreen can also get problematic if you leave some air space between it and the iPhone’s screen. Unsightly air bubbles would appear but I found this to be hit or miss and not particularly damaging.
The included belt clip is made from the same tough plastic as the hard shell and it locks the iPhone into it quite well. In fact, I often times had trouble pulling the iPhone out of the clip—the fit was that secure. The belt clip is able to rotate 360 degrees and the iPhone can be placed either be open faced or face backwards.
OtterBox has certainly improved on the deficiencies in the original iPhone, namely two issues that I had problems with are now fixed. The ringer switch is now accessible and the home button can be pressed when inserted into the belt clip. Bravo to OtterBox for listening to my complaints!
In all, the OtterBox offers as close to complete protection and coverage of every part of the iPhone. If you’re looking for superb protection or live an outdoor lifestyle, this case is truly one of the best available.
Final Thoughts
I’m a huge fan of OtterBox products because they put care into their design and they execute extremely well. The silicone seems to be of higher grade than basic silicone cases—offering better texture, thicker protection, and doesn’t seem to stretch as much. I definitely feel like OtterBox succeeded in creating a case that can offer maximum protection without sacrificing usability.
The one downfall is obviously price. At $49.95 it is a fairly steep cost to pay for an iPhone case. But compared with other cases priced near the Defender, the Defender offers an infinite amount more protection. Though it does add considerable amount of thickness, if you’re looking for a case that protects your iPhone from the elements—thickness should be expected.
Also, it cannot be fully submerged under water, a definite shortcoming considering its target market. However, with all things considered, the Otterbox Defender for iPhone 3G is great implementation of protection without compromise. All of the iPhone’s features are present with an unparalleled level of protection. I would consider this a buy for anyone who’s lifestyle is rugged, planning an outdoor trip, or is looking for the ultimate protection for their iPhone.
PROS
- Superb Protection
- Soft Silicone Feel
- Everything Protected, Every Feature Still Usable
CONS
- Bulky
- Pricey
FINAL RATING:
January 5th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
one of the ugliest cases i have ever seen.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I bought one of these back in July when the new iPhone3G first came out and have put it through the paces. VERY well made. Don’t care if it’s pretty or not - just need it to protect the phone from dust, dirt and being dropped! It’s done that very well. Highly recommend it!
January 5th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Indeed that is an ugly case. But I have to have one. Will you be giving any away! Never mind - I’m going to buy one. They come in other colors too - if you don’t like the greenish black, they’ve got that with a yellow trim, and a pink (!) one too.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
That just might be the ugliest case I’ve seen. I could see a need for a case that rugged if you’re a stunt man with a busy social life, but who else?
January 5th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I have the otterbox and everyone says something about. Either awesome or ugly. Just hit word of a slimmer model. Can u check it out for us. I think it is is only thirty dollars but just re silicone. I’ve read blogs of iPhone’s not working because of dust. The otterbox collects so much you have to clean it out regularly. Happy camper
January 5th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I don;t like this case
January 6th, 2009 at 11:06 am
If you’re looking for a case to protect the iPhone from “close to catastrophic” incidents (sans H20), or you are an outdoor enthusiast and exposing your phone to hard knocks - this is the case for you. However, the extra layers of protection tend to impede the use of the buttons. The on/off switch is very difficult to use and the volume buttons take a considerable amount of pressure to allow them to function. I have average size hands, but the ringer switch is difficult to access effectively. I have not operated the phone with gloves, but I would imagine it would be difficult to operate other than the home button. The touch screen works as advertised. Having said this, it’s the price you pay for complete protection. My main complaint, as the review points out, is getting the iPhone out of the clip. I’ve found that the clip is very secure, and it requires two hands with considerable force to pry the iPhone out if you do not have the phone clipped to your belt or pocket. You can swivel the iPhone around 180 degrees, with the screen facing outward, but the clip is far less secure and is prone to being knocked out of the clip. In addition, the silicone sleeve has a tendency to get snagged on the clip if you’re not careful seating the phone back into the clip.
January 12th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Comments like not pretty make me laugh .. I mean come on .. not pretty is a smushed iPhone. I read through some of the posts and I have to say this case is the best I have had. You do not lose function or features but there is a bit more bulk to it than other cases on the market. The otterbox defender case actually protects.
I purchased mine at http://www.drypodsonline.com they had them in stock and were pretty quick to get it to me … Now the case seems available in many stores as well. Just shut up and buy the case its worth the investment.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:41 am
An iPhone with a broken screen is not pretty or functional, I’m more interested in preserving its usability that having to look cool and sleek.
I think it comes down to knowing yourself too, I have dropped phones over the years. I would be naive to think that simply owning an iPhone would stop me from doing it again — I’d like protection from when it does happen.
Each to his/her own.
January 24th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
i love mine boo to all you haters
February 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
This case is the best, After dropping $250 for a screen repair due to an unavoidable incident, I picked it up. If your a first responder, look no further..for all the “pretty men”, this isnt the case for you i guess.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
i just got my otter box and i love! help keeps my phone clean and protects from the grinding dust since im a welder
February 25th, 2009 at 6:40 am
This is a bad *** looking case.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I have the black and yellow and the white. This case is the best period. I had one for the BB Curve and had to get one for my 3g iphone. My house is all tile floors and stairs. Not wanting to break the expensive phone the Otter Box Defender has worked great. I have dropped it and it should have broken the glass. But did not. I have been to my local AT&T stoor and Best Buy. Sales clerks have asked me many times how did I get that case and it looks great. Yes the plastic film can get the oil look when the air gets to it. But you just wipe the plastic clean and the glass on the iphone clean. Wipe your palm across the iphone screen and put it all together. works great.
The buttons are easy on the two cases I have for the iphone. I also like that the headset port is covered with a rubber flap and the docking port is as well. So Apple won’t be getting a call from you when the white tabs get wet and your screwed out of warranty. it does protect against someone spilling liquid on it if your quick. The price is high. But seriously if a crappy plastic case that does not protect the screen runs $30.00 bucks at best buy or AT&T why not add a bit more and protect it all the way around?
This is the best case for the iphone 3g hands down…
March 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
would highly recommend the case, however I just had to replace my second belt clip. After sharing my concern that OtterBox should spend as much time to design the belt clip, which easily breaks, as they do the protective case, I was told that they are redesigning the belt clip. So in 3 months when this replacement breaks I will be buying a better replacement.
March 18th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Did alot of research on this case and I’ll be the first to say that this case looks bad ***.. Just bought it off of eBay for 32 bucks.. I’m a big guy and if you have big hands like me, bulk is good. The onley bad thing that I’ve heard about it is that it may collect a little Moisture between the protective case screen and the iPhone screen. I like that all of the buttons and connections are all covered and protected from dust. When I saw the yellow and black one I just had to have it…I’ll be getting it in the mail INS few days.
March 18th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Did alot of research on this case and I’ll be the first to say that this case looks bad ***.. Just bought it off of eBay for 32 bucks.. I’m a big guy and if you have big hands like me, bulk is good. The onley bad thing that I’ve heard about it is that it may collect a little Moisture between the protective case screen and the iPhone screen. I like that all of the buttons and connections are all covered and protected from dust. When I saw the yellow and black one I just had to have it…I’ll be getting mine in the mail in a few days.
March 30th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
As the previous poster commented, this case does leave the “oil slick” on the screen….. the problem is easily solved by getting a power support brand anit-glare screen protector. Did the trick for me…. best case out there in my opinion, wouldnt take the phone anywhere without it.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:58 am
That is an ugly case, no matter how protective it may be. I like the Switcheasy Capsule Neo much more, check out my review of it: http://iphone3gmania.blogspot.com/2009/04/case-review-switcheasy-capsule-neo.html
April 7th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I think the case looks very cool. Got it in white with tons of complements so far to all you haters! It feels pretty awesome in hand. I’ve dropped the phone a few times with no problems. I did remove the plastic screen protect that it came with due to “oil slick” and use my own screen protector. I just wanted it for the protection of the phone not the screen. It comes off no problem and I find it works much better this way.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I just got my Black/yellow case its awesome. I had one for my BBpearl before and loved it. I run a Skidsteer business and i drop my phones on cement, mud, water, drive them over with machines and i have never broke one with an otterbox on. If you get the water marks on the screen easiest solution is get PowerSupport anti-glare screen protectors from the apple store. There are a couple other solutions one is baby powder the phone, its on youtube. Overall this case is unstoppable, i even play shiny with it. Pucks cant even break it
April 28th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Wow, everyone says it is ugly? How about that nice crack in the back of the iphone that happened when you where geocaching at three am and dropped the iphone? Otterbox doesn’t look so ugly now does it? I have otterbox, Otterbox is BEST! I have been in cellular sales seven years, Otterbox cannot be rivaled with. Looks concern you? Buy a puppy!
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I bought the Otterbox Defender for iPhone 3G a few days ago. It’s great, except for one item they need to list on their website. ONLY the original Apple charger / docking head assembly will fit thru the opening in the bottom of the case. Everything else (well, at least the 4 other brands I have) will not get past the hard plastic shell. They are aware of this limitation, as I was told when I complained. So if you already have $ invested in other charger cables, dock extenders, car charging cables, etc, you might want to rethink this one. Otherwise, you’ll be stripping it out of its entire case just to charge / sync. My previous two full coverage cases worked fine - the area around the connection port was clear enough for all my adapters.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I purchased this case from ebay and I have to say I love it…with one exception, The belt clip. First, it is somewhat difficult to remove the phone from the clip and generally requires both hands. It also seems to strech the silicon cover. Second, my clip part broke from a seemingly light bump and snag while walking through a gate. Replacements are available for $15 so the purchase of a replacement clip will make my total cost just a bit more than if I had purchased from OtterBox directly. Also, since the screen cover is connected to the side of the case, it seems I have to press a bit harder to make contact with some of the letters around the edges when typing on the keyboards. As someone else pointed out, I am a bigger guy and this case adds just the right amount of bulk to the phone and makes it a bit more “masculine”.
June 19th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I just purchased the Otterbox Defender for my Iphone 3gS and I love it! I wasn’t looking for Pretty when I bought it I was looking for something that would protect my Iphone if I ever dropped it. So far no complaints.. lol.. I just hope the silcon holds up for a year or more.. Anyone had theirs for over a year? Hows it held up?
June 21st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
the IPhone g3 Otterbox case has been an over promise and under deliver. Two layers of protect will definitely be needed because you will drop your phone repeatedly because the clip case does not hold the phone very well at all. After a few months the plastic will become loose around the phone. Having it attached to your belt you will need to turn it on its side or it will be hard to sit or move unless you are in a standing position. Since the case is soft and protective when you do drop it you will not hear it and possibly no realize it is gone. And the most annoying of all is the screen cannot does not fit against the face and it tends to have a bubble in-between the protection and phone. Remember the outer layer is soft so if you ever do drop the phone you will not be able to hear it fall until you reach for use. In recap I wanted the best protection and all accounts it seems to be as good as other major products but it is in my opinion way over priced for the hype they give it. Should be about 29.99 comparative to the others.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
This is a great case, I have purchased several cases and sending them all back because of this. I am buying another for my wife’s phone. Great engineering. Yup the baby powder trick works as published.
June 27th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
After a recently dropping and breaking the case of my 3 month old 3G, this very rugged case is a very welcome addition to my replacement 3G. Thge case is rather nice looking and comfortable to hold. The un-protected 3G is way to slippery of which led to my 1st phones downfall, literally.
June 28th, 2009 at 1:27 am
I wanted near 360 coverage with a solid grip, so after much research I got the Otterbox from Amazon for my iPhone 3GS. However, TWO annoyances so far…1) Hard to get at the silent switch and 2)the oil slick on the plastic screen. I am reading that the the Anti-Glare screen by Power Support may remedy the “oil slick” but I have a question for Cory (#18) and Matt (#21)- I assume you simply applied the Anit-Glare directly onto the iphone screen and did nothing else to the Otter screen protector? and a question for Darrell (#20) - I am strongly considering ripping out the screen and applying an anti-glare or mirror screen protector on iphone - did you have to do anything special to remove the Otter screen protector w/o causing any damage? Thanks in advance for your replies.
June 29th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Sorry, but in my opinion this case is a little bit ugly. I prefer carbon fibre as material for a protection as it combines a strong protection with a beautiful. Check it out here: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/gorilla-carbon-fibre-iphone-case/
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Just installed two cases on my wife and my 3G S’s.
Had a terrible ECHO problem; people on the other end heard their voice echo in their ear non-iPhone telephone. Solution was to remove the little foam/mesh disks from the two mic/spkr ports at the bottom of the Otterbox shell and from the earpiece port on top. Cleared up nicely. No Dremel tool surgery required like I feared.
On ugly - carry one of these delicate glass-fronted $400 gizmos around for two weeks afraid of having to replace it and then put it inside one of these flak jackets. You’ll breathe easier. It’s still thinner than the flip phone I used to carry and the silicone skin anchors it in my pocket a bit without making it hard to get out. Every button and screen function works fine and the charge/sync plug connects same as it did pre-case. The only thing a little hard to get to is the ring/silent switch, but still accessible. I’ll gladly pay that little price. And hey - I like the slightly MilSpec look of it too; especially my black/yellow version.
Cory at accessorydepot.net impressed me with his responsiveness; even called me back when I left a phone message about my order. He get ~$36 with free 1st class mail shipping, but next spring for the $6 gor priority mail for the extra piece of mind.