If there’s one gadget that has completely transformed my life, it is the iPhone. As many other technology analysts before me have pointed out, the iPhone is rather delicate for a do-it-all, take-everywhere device. I have seen many other iPhone users with horribly scratched plastic, and even cracked glass. An AT&T rep even told me a tale of how a woman dropped and broke her new phone as she was leaving the store.
The point here ladies and gentlemen, is that you need to put your iPhone in a case the moment you remove it from the box. I have tried several phone cases, and all of them have their strengths and weaknesses. Some cases can even permanently damage your iPhone (as the Case-Mate Naked reviewed here).
Once again, we turn to Otterbox to protect our portable equipment. Mainly, because we’ve learned to trust them because they’re so good. Their new Defender case for the iPhone 3G is nothing short of outstanding.
The OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 3G / 3GS offers stylish and sophisticated protection in 3 layers. First, a thin, clear membrane covers your Touch Screen to help prevent scratches and dings. Second is a hard, strong Polycarbonate skeleton that surrounds your device. Wrapped around all of this is a Silicone skin that absorbs bump and shock. Included with the case is a ClipStand holster. This case will not fit the 1st Generation iPhone.
Compatibility/Features:
8GB and 16GB iPhone™ 3G AND 16GB and 32GB iPhone 3GS ONLY. Please note: This case does NOT work with the first generation iPhone OR the iPod® touch.
- 3 LAYERS OF PROTECTION!
- First, a clear layer that protects your Touch Screen
- Second, a hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton
- Lastly, a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock
- ClipStand holster included with the case
Weight (case only): 1.9 oz.
Dimensions: 4.87″ x 2.77″ x .8″
Detailed on the following pages is our experience with this new case.
Like Otterbox’s other Defender cases, this case has two parts: a rigid plastic shell and a rubberized outer coating. The two fit together like a hand fits a glove, as the shell has notches intended for tuckable tabs on the silicone jacket. When the two are together, it makes your device very grippable, and the silicone does not slide around.
Otterbox has improved the overall design of their Defender cases, as well. When we reviewed the Defender for iPod Classic (reviewed here), the plastic would only come apart after much prying with a screwdriver. The new design features three tabs that can be easily lifted by your thumb, and the two parts of the case swing open at a hinge near the bottom of the case.
Once the plastic part of the case is open, just slip your iPhone in, place the top part’s tabs into the bottom part’s slots and swing it closed. It’s a tight fit, so make sure all of the outer tabs click into place and there are no seams. The iPhone’s ear speaker is protected with white breathable fabric, and the proximity sensor has its own dedicated window (so the screen still turns off when you hold the phone up to your face). The bottom microphone and speaker are completely open, however, which is the only part of the case exposed directly to air.
The silicone-rubber skin can be applied after the plastic shell is clamped together. The rubber stretches as you cram the plastic shell into the large window hole. Then it’s just a matter of matching the holes up and inserting the rubber tabs into the shell’s slots.
The rubber skin has little hatches that cover the docking port, headphone jack and mute switch. There are raised portions of the skin that completely cover the Standby switch and volume buttons. It requires a decent amount of extra effort to push these buttons with the skin, but you get used to it. The skin almost completely seals off the iPhone, which keeps it almost rather dust-free. Other cases I’ve tried let in so much debris that it required daily cleaning.
Using the case is an absolute dream. The integrated screen protector maintains the same fingertip conductivity that the touchscreen requires, and I noticed absolutely no glitches within several weeks of use. There is a bevel around the screen, which doesn’t get in the way most of the time, but reaching into the corners while typing with your thumbs can feel a bit tight.
The touchscreen is rather clean, and sometimes has a “rainbow” effect… a few rings of color that look similar to oil on water. This effect can be eliminated by cleaning the underside of the touchscreen and iPhone with rubbing alcohol and letting dry thoroughly. Using Windex or other cleaners can leave residues that get in between these layers, which can cause these color bands.
The Defender for iPhone also comes with a belt holster. The Defender case fits very well, and clamps together with a satisfying click. Your protected iPhone easily comes out by pulling the top of the phone away from your hip. The holster has a smaller clip that holds the belt clip open, making it easy to slide onto your belt. A flick of your thumb releases the mini-clip, which secures the main clip to your belt. The holster swivels a complete 360 degrees, too. While the holster works great with the Defender, I have found the case dislodged by sitting down, which could end up in a lost iPhone.
The drawbacks to this case are rather minor. The buttons are harder to push, and the extra bulk makes it incompatible with standard iPod docks (although a USB cable still works just fine). The tradeoff is that these buttons and ports are sealed off from the elements.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the Otterbox Defender for iPhone. It protects the iPhone better than any other iPhone case I have tried, making it virtually crush-proof and invernerable against drops. The rubber skin protects against dust, minor water sprays and even a tipped-over glass. All functionality is maintained perfectly, from the sensitive touchscreen to proximity sensors, and the volume is not affected even though some are covered. The case is an extreme value, as it comes with a “free” holster, and two layers of protection. You can easily spend the same amount of money on an inferior case that could actually end up damaging your precious device. You can find it cheap online.
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