Otterbox Commuter/Defender? - Galaxy S III Accessories

Hey everyone!
I was wondering if anyone has gotten an otterbox for their GS3 and what they think of it. I can't really decided on which version to get!

Not got one but I'd go for the commuter. The defender looks way too bulky.

Commuter is usually more than enough protection for your phone if you don't want added bulk or have no use for a belt clip.

I ordered a white/grey commuter. I figure if the phone is so wide the defender is only going to make it harder to hold.

Related

[Q] Do I get Ballistic HC or the Otterbox Defender?

I'm having a hard time deciding which case to get. I used to have a Seidio Innocase, but the rubber outside became too loose and stretchy for my liking.
Has anyone had both? What are your feelings on them? My main concerns are:
- sturdiness - will the case start falling apart/become loose like the Seidio one?
- size - i understand a little bulk comes with protection, but which one is the smaller case of the two? I want to be able to shove it in my pocket without too much work.
Anybody have a comparison on the two? I tried searching around, but couldn't find any comparisons of them.
I bought the Defender. Put it on my phone and took it off after 10 seconds. sold it on eBay. I've had the Otterbox Commuter which I loved, but yesterday I got the Trident Cyclops and it is awesome! The problem with the defender for me is the entire outside is silicone, i hate that. It doesnt seem like it would stay on the phone very well either. I'm considering purchasing the Ballistic as well just for fun, but the Trident Cyclops has very good protection. I can see it taking a very large drop no problem. I also just found out that they sell 10 different skins for the Cyclops, so you can dress it up all sorts of ways.
edit: post number 420 for me! woohooo
edit 2: oh dang, they also sell a holster for the Cyclops? man this case keeps getting better and better!
ballistic all the way
If you want maximum protection, then the Ballistic is the only way to go. Only thing is the Ballistic also adds the most bulk of any case out there. It's definitely NOT pocket friendly, especially with the outer silicone layer on it. Without the outer silicone layer, it's about the same as the other rugged cases.
When I first got my evo at radio shack the employee had the otterbox and I didn't like the feel or looks so I tried the ballisitic case and I have been happy with it.
I just got the Cyclops from Trident Got to say not complaints here
Trident Cyclops. I got the limited edition green (i doubt it's actually limited edition, but it matches my theme).
It's sturdy, it feels good, it adds a little more bulk than otterbox but less than defender and it protects well. Good stuff, plus they changed the packaging to where the PET protector the camera and LED lights are optional so no blue glow when you take pictures with flash.
100% I haven't taken it off since I got it except for battery pulls. I highly recommend it. Look up a review on youtube.
Holster
Can anyone tell me if the Ballistic HC will fit the Holster without the optional outer silicone cover. I ask because in the video on their web site they put it in the holster with the silicone cover on.
Otterbox shouldn't even be an option.
There are extremes only. Otterbox and Seidio are extremely bad in my experience. Ballistic and Trident are awesome.
to be honest the otterbox commuter series has been my favorite case i have ever had. it is pocket friendly because it has the hard plastic on the outside and silicone on the inside. I have had my otterbox for awhile and I love it. I have a lifted F-150 and have dropped my evo getting out of my truck several times. this is essentially dropping from about 5 and a half feet and my case has yet to be damaged let alone my phone. these drops have destroyed screens on other phones but it has been safe in my otterbox. the next biggest plus for me is that i never have any issues with getting the phone in and out of my pocket.
Echo2Lincoln said:
Can anyone tell me if the Ballistic HC will fit the Holster without the optional outer silicone cover. I ask because in the video on their web site they put it in the holster with the silicone cover on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the holster is made to work with or without the outer silicone layer.
{SBR}_L3GION said:
I have a lifted F-150
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, I also have a lifted F-150.
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G with Tapatalk
Instead of just saying one box is better or worse, could reasons for such comments be given. Would help.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
i have the defender and its craptastic
holster is HUGE !
kickstand blows ass breaks was to easy
the ballisitic stand isn't much better
Echo2Lincoln said:
Instead of just saying one box is better or worse, could reasons for such comments be given. Would help.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ballistic
Awesome build quality
Kickstand snaps off but can be put back on(so far)
Outer layer is removable for varying degrees of protection
Beautiful
Tougher and pricier feeling materials
Otterbox
Feels very flimsy overall
Kickstand breaks off
Ugly
Materials don't feel as good as they do with the Otterbox for iPhone
I think I remember on their facebook page...Otterbox admitted that they used a completely different factory for the Evo...but that doesn't explain the poor design...just explains the huge downgrade in feel...possibly different(cheaper)plastics.
I ordered the ballistic case yesterday and I recommend u do the same
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I have a black ballistic hc with rubber and holster never used because it's gigantic. Sticking with my commuter
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Hmm...I'm kinda liking the Trident Cyclops, now. Man, I've got some more reading to do. I wonder if I can order the cases, try 'em out, and send back the ones i dont like...
sqeet said:
Hmm...I'm kinda liking the Trident Cyclops, now. Man, I've got some more reading to do. I wonder if I can order the cases, try 'em out, and send back the ones i dont like...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel your pain....i am in the same delima. I think either the otter or ballistic. I have a friend who has the otterbox defender, i like it. The outer shell seems a little cheesy when you take it on and off, but actually feels ok once you get it on and get the front part of the silicone shell into the front groves of the hard case. Wish I had a friend with ballistic. The only issue I see right now with the ballistic is the size and the holster, I can't find pics of it in the holster without the outer silicone shell on. I can't see who now but someone (i gave thanks) did reply and say the ballistic would work in the holster without silicone shell.
The trident hasn't got my interest yet, I continue to read......................
Yes it does fit in the holster without the outer silicone layer (I have one) The Ballistic Case is AMAZING!

Trident Cyclops or otterbox defender

I've had a Seido Innocase II and I loved until it broke and paint started to chip. Now im looking for a heavy duty case, I looked at the ballistic HC case but heard bad things. I don't want to have to buy multiple cases just want one last purchase
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I have both, the Cyclops is a FAR better case. The Defender is one of the crappiest cases that I have ever used for any phone. The Cyclops on the other hand, is awesome. Trident also has that Kraken case that looks pretty cool, I thinking about ordering it.
Well the 2 arent in the same category really. The Cyclops is comparable to the Otterbox Commuter, and the Kraken is comparable to the Defender. I've owned all 4. For me, the Cyclops wins hands down. I love the $10 holster they sell for it, and its pretty cool to be able to change the outside silicone to any one of 10 colors. I'm rocking a black/grey/ballistic green combo. looks awesome!
edit: I've also owned the Ballistic. Great case but its a TANK. Unless you work on utility poles for a living, the Cyclops is fine.
edit2: you might want to consider the Seidio Rugged (aka Platinum) since this retailer has it for $7.95!!! http://www.emtcompany.com/platinum-series-case-for-htc-evo-mobile-phones/1003917.html its $50 a best buy.
Otterbox has UNBELIEVABLE customer service though... never used the other cases but nice thing about otterbox is if anything does go wrong with the case they replace it fast no bs, 5 minute phone call and a new case is in the mail. ive always been impressed with how easy they make it and that they even guarantee a cell phone case.
I like the case from ballistic. I've gone from the seidio active, to the otterbox defender and finally the ballistic. It looks great and iso definitely a tank. I'm in construction and it's definitely taken it's share of lumps but is still going strong and scratch free.
I love my otterbox defender, only thing I dont like about it is the silicone picks up pocket lint like crazy. But it is a very durable case.
just bought the Trident Kraken for my EVO...right now I have the Otterbox defender, which I do like but it is a bit bulky, so we will see how it works out.

My Case Collection

So I'm that type of person who has a case for every day of the week. Lol
I have here in order from left to right on the picture
Case logic pouch (For Android/Windows Phones is what it said on the packaging)
Otterbox Defender
Otterbox Commuter
Generic Black TPU Case from ebay
Generic blue hard snap on case.
The leather pouch is awesome! It fits the phone naked or with any of my cases with the exception of the otterbox defender. I had a Seidio spring loaded holster for use with the Captivate+Innocase and it had a very snug fit for the Atrix+any of the other cases aside from the Defender.
The defender is actually really nice on this phone! I had it on the Captivate and it was wayyy to bulky and it made it extremely frustrating whenever you tried to touch the capacitive buttons on the bottom. With the Atrix, it doesn't add too much bulk and I can feel safe whenever I have it on my phone. I usually use this one when I know I'm going somewhere where they'll be potential damage to my phone like the beach.
The commuter is my personal favorite case! It looks real nice with the fancy design on the back. It doesn't add too much bulk, but does add a good ammount of protection. I find it strange that all the Captivate otterbox cases make the phone twice as big, but that's not the same case for the Atrix. It's even stranger that a naked Atrix is bulkier than a naked Captivate.
The generic black TPU is also pretty nice. It doesn't add much bulk at all, but TPU usually offers good protection. Mine specifically has that stupid common Argyle pattern, but it's in the inside so it's not shown on the back of my phone! The only problem I have with this case is the fact that it attracts fingerprints like no tomorrow.
The generic blue snap on case was an impulse buy when I got my phone. I just wanted to make sure it was protected out of the box. I don't really like this case too much as I'm not a big fan of hard cases to begin with.
I'm still waiting on the Candyshell, and other cases to come out. I'll update asap!
If anyone has any detailed questions about any of the cases, let me know!!!
F_L_Abs said:
So I'm that type of person who has a case for every day of the week. Lol
I have here in order from left to right on the picture
Case logic pouch (For Android/Windows Phones is what it said on the packaging)
Otterbox Defender
Otterbox Commuter
Generic Black TPU Case from ebay
Generic blue hard snap on case.
The leather pouch is awesome! It fits the phone naked or with any of my cases with the exception of the otterbox defender. I had a Seidio spring loaded holster for use with the Captivate+Innocase and it had a very snug fit for the Atrix+any of the other cases aside from the Defender.
The defender is actually really nice on this phone! I had it on the Captivate and it was wayyy to bulky and it made it extremely frustrating whenever you tried to touch the capacitive buttons on the bottom. With the Atrix, it doesn't add too much bulk and I can feel safe whenever I have it on my phone. I usually use this one when I know I'm going somewhere where they'll be potential damage to my phone like the beach.
The commuter is my personal favorite case! It looks real nice with the fancy design on the back. It doesn't add too much bulk, but does add a good ammount of protection. I find it strange that all the Captivate otterbox cases make the phone twice as big, but that's not the same case for the Atrix. It's even stranger that a naked Atrix is bulkier than a naked Captivate.
The generic black TPU is also pretty nice. It doesn't add much bulk at all, but TPU usually offers good protection. Mine specifically has that stupid common Argyle pattern, but it's in the inside so it's not shown on the back of my phone! The only problem I have with this case is the fact that it attracts fingerprints like no tomorrow.
The generic blue snap on case was an impulse buy when I got my phone. I just wanted to make sure it was protected out of the box. I don't really like this case too much as I'm not a big fan of hard cases to begin with.
I'm still waiting on the Candyshell, and other cases to come out. I'll update asap!
If anyone has any detailed questions about any of the cases, let me know!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont feel like a loner anymore lol! I've always been obsessed with cases. I have the OBD, OBC, Feather, Bodyglove and the Candyshell. Caint wait for Sedio to release a Active X or Rugged. I'm also hoping for some case-mates soon? Request? http://support.case-mate.com/index.php?pg=request
I'm waiting on the seidio active x with holster! I loved the seidio holster I had for my captivate! It works pretty well still with certain atrix cases, but I ended up giving it away. Lol
Not the biggest case mate fan but ill submit a request and well see ;Db
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
You are not alone I couldn't decide btwn the defender or commuter so I got both to test out in person. I ended up liking.g the commuter mainly BC I had trouble plugging in some headphone jack devices because the defender is slightly bulkier
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I just ordered the black tpu with the argyle pattern on the inside off Amazon. I have a question for you, the buttons for volume look molded in, how hard is it to push the buttons with the case on?
How much bulk does the commuter add? I'm thinking of picking it up but I don't want it to be fat
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I didn't find it harder to press at all with the tpu case. Then again that might just be me not paying full attention to it. I'm not very picky... lol
The commuter does add a bit of bulk, but I don't think its bad at all especially for the ammount of protection it adds. I do also really dig the design on the back! I heard that it won't fit with any docks though to give you an idea. I was able to dock my phone with the TPU case though.
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bigc_13 said:
How much bulk does the commuter add? I'm thinking of picking it up but I don't want it to be fat
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my biggest concern because I didnt really want a case but didn't want a broken phone. So I got the commuter and love that it doesn't make it that much bigger but makes it feel a ton safer.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I just got the TPU case... dropped it from my lap getting out of the car in a parking garage.. unscathed. great case.. doesnt look as fancy as others but it does the job and its a pretty good price.
yeah, i bought a few of those snap on hard cases just for the sake of protection, however, they are a ***** to get off! And i use my vehicle dock often, so thats a no go. I bought a clear skin (like a zaag), and havent looked back since. It actually makes the back of the phone shinny and the CF weave pattern really POP...looks more like real CF
After checked a cpl of cases for my new Atrix, I found one in HK and its dirt cheap too ($6!!). Dual material PC + TPU with transparent back, flame, scratch resistant, very light and thin, washable too. The fact I disliked about otterbox and similar heavy armed cases (aside of being very bulky) is a lack of heat dissipation.
My suggestion goes for Momax iCasePro:
http://www.momax.net/en/Product_Show.aspx?ID=1415&T=1
Top notch.
F_L_Abs said:
So I'm that type of person who has a case for every day of the week. Lol
I have here in order from left to right on the picture
Case logic pouch (For Android/Windows Phones is what it said on the packaging)
Otterbox Defender
Otterbox Commuter
Generic Black TPU Case from ebay
Generic blue hard snap on case.
The leather pouch is awesome! It fits the phone naked or with any of my cases with the exception of the otterbox defender. I had a Seidio spring loaded holster for use with the Captivate+Innocase and it had a very snug fit for the Atrix+any of the other cases aside from the Defender.
The defender is actually really nice on this phone! I had it on the Captivate and it was wayyy to bulky and it made it extremely frustrating whenever you tried to touch the capacitive buttons on the bottom. With the Atrix, it doesn't add too much bulk and I can feel safe whenever I have it on my phone. I usually use this one when I know I'm going somewhere where they'll be potential damage to my phone like the beach.
The commuter is my personal favorite case! It looks real nice with the fancy design on the back. It doesn't add too much bulk, but does add a good ammount of protection. I find it strange that all the Captivate otterbox cases make the phone twice as big, but that's not the same case for the Atrix. It's even stranger that a naked Atrix is bulkier than a naked Captivate.
The generic black TPU is also pretty nice. It doesn't add much bulk at all, but TPU usually offers good protection. Mine specifically has that stupid common Argyle pattern, but it's in the inside so it's not shown on the back of my phone! The only problem I have with this case is the fact that it attracts fingerprints like no tomorrow.
The generic blue snap on case was an impulse buy when I got my phone. I just wanted to make sure it was protected out of the box. I don't really like this case too much as I'm not a big fan of hard cases to begin with.
I'm still waiting on the Candyshell, and other cases to come out. I'll update asap!
If anyone has any detailed questions about any of the cases, let me know!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do they have those leather cases but sideways????? I'm looking for one that will fit those tpu cases as well.
Yes they do! I bought it at a local supermarket kinda store, but I did see it at Wally World too.
The description specifically sais "for Windows and Android Phones"
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Helpful post, I got the commuter, it's pretty good
never really saw the need for a case it makes a good phone look ugly and doesnt really protect i prefer invisible shields
Until it slips out of your hands and hits the ground and ends up looking worse than with a case..... I like the look of the commuter otter box case
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Question for anyone that does not mind answering. I currently have the otterbox defender which I have to say I enjoy having it while I am out running around etc. Like that feeling of safety with the "hefty" case since I have large hands does not bother me to much. BUT, I was thinking of getting another case to use just around the house and thinking about the feather case or something small and minimal. I tend to set my phone face down most of the time. Any suggestions? also to expound upon that if anyone else has tried or done this before if I did that i would look into getting a adhesive screen protector. If I did that would it work with the otterbox defender and its built in screen protector would I maybe have to cut that out? Which I am not totally opposed to just seems almost like a waste. I know gorilla glass is tough stuff I am just the meticulous kind of person that if i saw the scratch on my screen I would not be able to let it go and it would drive me crazy.
Ryan,
I would suggest either the otterbox commuter (still kinda bulky, but not as bad as the defender), or the body glove mirage (nice and thin).
As far as the screen protector, I've used the matte/anti glare from att with the defender. I do kinda notice its not as responsive when I'm typing and etc, but thar might just be a mental thing.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App

Alternative Otterbox Suggestions

I have had the Otterbox defender on since day one. And it protects great. Today i took it off to swap my battery and remembered how great this phone looks without it. But I'm not one to go unprotected.
I'm looking for suggestions on other cases. Something that protects but necessarily the bulk of the Otterbox. I work a office job so rugged case isn't too necessary.
Must be compatible with the extended battery.
I was looking at the SGP Neo hybrid cases but they say coming soon on the website.
Please share your suggestions. Thanks guys.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Hey, i have the commuter case on for a few days now and i love it. It adds just enough bulk and size to the phone to make is sit and feel perfect in my hand. But everyones hands are different so not all will think its great. I did however order the Neo Hybrid case in Reventon yellow and should have it tomorrow or saturday and ill let you know how it is and feels along with some pics, and possibly a small review.
But so far i LOVE the commuter case. should take a look at it. i wrote up a review but i have to do a few more posts before xda lets me post it lol
I have the Otterbox Defender as well and am surprised at how much I like it... Typically like nothing on my phones but gotta have protection on this beauty...
Just got an Incipio Silicrylic in the mail to try... Definitely less bulk than the Otterbox... You can actually see some of the sexy lines of the Nexus with this case.... The Incipio provides some protection, as it does have at least some hard plastic to it, but not anything close to the Otterbox.. Not sure that my GNex would survive a fall on a hard surface in the Incipio....
Problem with the Incipio is that it will not fit in the Otterbox holster or the Verizon holster that I already have, so probably will go back to the OB Defender...
Anybody interested in making me an offer on a brand new Incipio or Verizon Case & Holder I will listen....
One reason for my Otterbox purchase was the holster. But i have never used it. It's too big to have clipped on my side.
I know no case will protect like the defender but im good with my phones to get a scaled down case. I thought about the commuter but not sure how much size difference there is.
What price you looking at for your incipio?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
highflyin128 said:
One reason for my Otterbox purchase was the holster. But i have never used it. It's too big to have clipped on my side.
I know no case will protect like the defender but im good with my phones to get a scaled down case. I thought about the commuter but not sure how much size difference there is.
What price you looking at for your incipio?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a link to one on Amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00634HFEQ/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details
I ordered mine last weekend and recieved today... Paid $24....now available for $13 so probably your best bet if interested...
StingRay_ said:
Here's a link to one on Amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00634HFEQ/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details
I ordered mine last weekend and recieved today... Paid $24....now available for $13 so probably your best bet if interested...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I watched a review and it said with the extended battery the plastic outer shell just fit tightly against the silicone as it does at the top. Did you notice this?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Fit tight w/extended battery in, but not a problem in my opinion... I would bet it might even loosen up a bit over time...
I like the Incipio's look and feel... Much smaller size than OB, but have to have a holster to carry my GNex..
It doesn't have quite the amount of protection (ie not waterproof) like the defender but soon Ballistic will release their case for the Galaxy Nexus. I have a Galaxy Nexus on the way and will be giving my Nexus S to my wife. My wife is like a phone's worst nightmare. She seems to always be dropping them and my two kids are both under 3 and the oldest loves to snatch our phones. I got the Ballistic case for the Nexus S for her and after putting it on yesterday I'm a believer. I already have it covered completely by Ghost Armor skin, and with the Ballistic case it's just very well protected. The bumpers on the corners are amazing and so is the fit and finish. Makes the phone pretty bulky (not as much as the defender) but it makes the phone much nicer to hold and type on. I would recommend it for the Galaxy Nexus. I have a TPU case on order but will pick up the Galaxy Nexus version Ballistic case too once it is released.
k20igor said:
Hey, i have the commuter case on for a few days now and i love it. It adds just enough bulk and size to the phone to make is sit and feel perfect in my hand. But everyones hands are different so not all will think its great. I did however order the Neo Hybrid case in Reventon yellow and should have it tomorrow or saturday and ill let you know how it is and feels along with some pics, and possibly a small review.
But so far i LOVE the commuter case. should take a look at it. i wrote up a review but i have to do a few more posts before xda lets me post it lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any quick impressions/pics of the Neo Hybrid? It'll be interesting to see how well it fits the LTE GNex since it was designed for the GSM non-extended battery GNex.
I have the Incipio Silicrylic (aka Double Cover, VZW repackaged). It's a nice case and it fits well on the phone. It doesn't add too much bulk. I like that the hard cover goes around the corners, unlike the Otterbox Commuter. Cutouts for the phone are nice. No need to mess around with clumsy flaps. And the buttons work well under the silicone cover. Great case for less. I got mine at the Verizon store for $20 +tax after a discount. I don't use a holster, but I am looking into getting an XO Skin.
Another alternative that I was initially looking at was the Seidio Surface Combo. It's a hard soft-touch case with a holster, if you need the holster. They also sell it without.

otterbox defender keep it or sell it?

HI, i recently purchased otterbox defender case and i already have incipio feather and silicrylic case and im still waiting for my rearth slim case and case-mate tough case. what can i say i have case addiction lol i say some review after i purchased defender case and people were saying its a lint magnet. so im wondering if i receive it on 1st of feb should i sell it or keep it? cause im also gonna be buying diztronic case dont know which 1 though. and also the S line case from amazon black color. please share your comments
I have the Diztronic TPU - Matte Black and it is awesome. Make sure you get the version 3 case (the one with the cutout for the volume rocker). Their support and customer service is awesome too. I have it paired with an XO Skin screen protector. It's enough protection for me.
Let us know how the cases are specially the slim case.
I have the Diz 3 and the Otterbox Defender. Both are excellent. I bought the Otterbox for protection when working. When my phone is in it, I feel like its safe. And the thing really isnt that bulky. The added protection outweighs the limited added bulk. Definitely take the Otterbox Screen protector off and use your own. I just popped the thing off but would recommend using a hair dryer to heat up the adhesive first. The only negative is the price. Should have been $39.99 rather than $49.99.
I love the Diz. If I had a holster for it I think I would use it more. The Otterbox stays on just about all the time.
If I had buy one case and use that one forever, there is no doubt in my mind that I would buy the Defender.
Really? I took apart a defender at the Verizon store and its really hard and rough at the connection points inside. I'd be worried about the case scratching the phone up. My old surface case for the nexus s did that. They do make can awesome clip though. For my money, for ultimate protection (other than water) I would hold out for the ballistic sg case that's in the works. I have it for the nexus s and its the best case I've ever used... if you don't mind added bulk.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Ive seen several people mention the possibility of the Otterbox scratching the phone. I'm rough on mine and cant find any scratch, blemmish, etc.
You can always just give it to me. Got any of those cruzer lite cases that are sold out? I do. We could trade.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

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