Otterbox or no otterbox?

Lombardi · Jul 20, 2011

Should I get a case for my infuse 4g? Do u have a case and do u use it or did u buy one and forget about it?
I don't really go out much, and, I don't talk on it much but I do a lot of downloads and apps and web browsing. I have had it about 2 months and it has no scratches, but the newness, has not worn off yet.

itsallgood · Jul 22, 2011

To be honest, it is all personal preference if you need a case or not. I have an Outterbox Commuter case for my Atrix 4G. I use my phone a lot and it is my netbook, sort to speak. I use my phone when I exercise both in and out doors. So for me, it’s the added protection without having a big bulky case.

bitsybobsy · Jul 26, 2011

why otterbox then ? i am not sure which otterbox you were referring to but to me when i hear otterbox, i think very good thick protection case. if you haven't scratch your phone at all, then you must be very good with phone. maybe a cheaper case mate ? barely there ?

ral · Jul 26, 2011

If you ever drop your phone or something, an OtterBox should (cannot vouch on personal experience since it has not happened yet) provide additional protection. I was not a believer until I saw one. My Capdase has a fairly hard silicone cover. The OtterBox silicone is soft, giving me the impression that it will give better protection in case of a fall. Was expensive, so I pondered it for two weeks. Got the OtterBox, and now wont be going without one.

After I got it, I realized the plastic cover on the silicone case makes it easier to slide out from its belt pouch. Seems like a product developed through some serious R&D.

I am a OtterBox fan, but there is one issue you should consider. I have use two Commutters now. One on a HTC HD2 and HTC Desire HD, and honestly it does add to the bulk of the phone substantially, but since I keep my phones on belt pouches. I have accepted the additional bulk as necessary for better protection.

MikeAusA · Aug 10, 2011

bitsybobsy said:
why otterbox then ? i am not sure which otterbox you were referring to but to me when i hear otterbox, i think very good thick protection case. ?

Then you really need to make the effort and learn a bit about the helpful advice people are offering here.

Mike

Lombardi · Aug 10, 2011

I askt the exact question 2 weeks ago and after I askt I got a ding on the side of my infuse 4G. Still don't have the otterbox though. Any questions?

T.M.M.L · Aug 11, 2011

Greetings lambardi,

I don't have, nor have I seen the commuter case. I do have the otterbox defender case on my incredible 2. For me, its well worth the money. I will say right off hand, If having a slim, thin phone is important to you, then this case is not for you. The defender will definitely add bulk to your phone. I think its about 1.5 to 1.75 times bigger. The outside covering is also a dust magnet. When I first got my incredible 2, I thought that the phone was a little small, the defender added just enough form to the phone. YMMV

The defender gives you great protection to your entire phone. I have dropped it at least twice from a high of about 4 to 5 feet. Its landed on its end as well as face down. I have a couple of minor dings in the case, but my phone remains in pristine condition.

The case also has a built in screen protector. The screen guard doesn't wash out the colors or make using the phone harder to use. It is a little harder to see in direct sunlight though.

HankAtrix · Aug 11, 2011

Lombardi said:
Should I get a case for my infuse 4g? Do u have a case and do u use it or did u buy one and forget about it?
I don't really go out much, and, I don't talk on it much but I do a lot of downloads and apps and web browsing. I have had it about 2 months and it has no scratches, but the newness, has not worn off yet.

I think it depends on your use generally. I like the protection just in case I have a drop. For me ere are too many possibilities for it to be accidentally dropped. Also, the Defender for my Atrix only cost $30 on Amazon. It is pretty indestructible so it is good insurance (keep in mind that if you get this case it is heavy).

I hope this helps! HankAtrix

Black Rose · Aug 13, 2011

The screen on my previous phone died a horrible death when it fell from my hip, so when my wife and I each got Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant phones we made sure to get some extra protection for them.

I have an Otterbox Commuter for mine and she has a Case Mate Tough Case for hers. We have screen protectors on them as well.

Both cases have silicone sleeves. The Otterbox has a polycarbonate shell and the Case Mate has ABS plastic. You can't go wrong with either one IMO.
At least for the Vibrant, the Case Mate has slightly better protection of the corners than the Otterbox as the ABS case actually covers the corner.

Otterbox and Case Mate have cases for the Infuse 4G - it's just a matter of which one you prefer. The Otterbox costs a bit more.

crowdog · Aug 13, 2011

My daughter put her phone on top of the car, and lucky for us we were able to replace the phone. I just got a defender and its been good so far. I was looking at the Kraken, but I didn't want to order it, and the defender came with the holster, which I wanted, and it is an extra cost for the Kraken.

I can't afford to replace phones, so I wanted some protection for it. I am a big guy with big hands, so the extra size (I have the x2), didn't bother me.

I have been a advocate of cases, since it is easy to drop phones, and usually it's not on soft grass, but concrete or pavement.

We have a accessory shop in our town, but the plastic covers are 20.00, so I figured paying an extra 15.00 for real protection would be worth it.

Hope this helps.

Marty

Eyrcz · Aug 13, 2011

When i bought my Atrix i somehow haggled them into giving me an otterbox. I love the thing. It adds a great deal of protection in my opinion.

I do landscaping for a living... Always around lots of dust, dirt, weather. And so far so good. The only thing i dont like is i have to take it apart and clean it every so often. Somehow it still gets a little dust behind the screen. Its backing is a nice rubbery feeling... adds grip from the normally smooth slippery surface. It plugs all the connections quite well. I personaly dont like putting my phone in my pocket so belt clip comes in handy as well. I havnt dropped my phone yet so i cant comment on how well it protects impact.. but my guess is itll be ok. Even if i didnt get the thing for free its def worth expense.

Side note: Otterbox has a plastic screen built in. I still added a screen protector. With both blocking the screen... Sensitivity on touch screen is still quite responsive.

HankAtrix · Aug 14, 2011

Here is another thing to keep in mind: If you don't have insurance on your phone, replacing it if breaks will cost you the entire cost of the phone to replace it (not the
'subsidized' $200 for the cost with a new contract. In my case the cost would be over $500 unless I'm close to the contract renew date).

And the Otterbox will protect against water problems

I hope this helps! HankAtrix

JRich8389 · Aug 28, 2011

I've got the Otterbox Defender on my Xoom tablet. It doesn't come with a screen protector, sadly but I have knocked it off my desk a few times when I'm in a hurry and I honestly believe I have the Otterbox to thank for 0 damage thus far.

I wouldn't want to have to replace my $600 tablet because I didn't buy the $60 case, know what I'm saying?

TheRealCJ · Aug 29, 2011

Well, I've been using an Otterbox for my HTC desire since I bought it, and it certainly has done it's job protecting the phone from bumps.

However, the plastic screen protector leaves much to be desired. dust and crap get inside from the earpiece/physical button holes, and stick between the otterbox and the phone screen. I've had to open it up and wipe down the screen every week or so, and it's been etched with pockmarks and irremoveable patches of dirt on the inside, making daylight viewing a thousand times harder, not good.

If you want it to protect your phone from dings, they're absolutely worth it, but if you're going to buy one JUST to protect your screen, you're better off buying a screen film.

dweezle · Aug 30, 2011

When I recently bought my first "real" phone (droid X), I was about to leave for an extended, 3 month, camping trip. I just wanted to protect this new magic machine. I ran out and bought an Ottterbox Defender case. The case is good if you are somewhere where your phone might take some hard knocks or be exposed to some bad weather (it is not waterproof). For day to day use, I think the Defender is overkill. I am now searching for a case that will give me better access to the buttons on my phone, and is easier to carry.

itsallgood · Aug 30, 2011

dweezle said:
When I recently bought my first "real" phone (droid X), I was about to leave for an extended, 3 month, camping trip. I just wanted to protect this new magic machine. I ran out and bought an Ottterbox Defender case. The case is good if you are somewhere where your phone might take some hard knocks or be exposed to some bad weather (it is not waterproof). For day to day use, I think the Defender is overkill. I am now searching for a case that will give me better access to the buttons on my phone, and is easier to carry.

I have the Outterbox Commuter case. Has port covers and only has the screen exposed. Not as bulky as the defender, but really protects the phone.

Saltine713 · Aug 31, 2011

I have A: never dropped a phone. B: Have the insurance on it. I would get a thinner case, maybe CaseMate. Otterbox is for really hardcore protection. It is all up to you.

EVIL&roid · Aug 31, 2011

Otterbox Cases are a Go. I highly recommend them. just choose the style you perfer.

iPhoneConvert · Sep 7, 2011

I have always been a fan of the Seidio cases. They have protected my phone wonderfully, they have a great tactile feel and they don't add a lot of bulk to the phone. I feel that you don't need a lot of bulk to get good protection.

jancat · Sep 11, 2011

Yeah I would go with the otterbox. Unless you just dont like the look, otherwise... well good luck. Ive been an otterbox fan for a while.

surlypoker · Sep 18, 2011

For my samsung infuse 4g i was looking at the otterbox.. But since i have bad luck with damaging phones i went with the ballistic case.. It has a hard case with screen protector that i mainly use.. But if im doing outdoor stuff or know ill be drinking that night ill put on the rubber outer case that goes right over the hard case.. Yes it makes the phone substantially bigger but if u want full on no f ing way will anything damage this phone protection... Its the best.. Comes with a belt clip that actually becomes part of the case and clips the case in back side facing out.. Well worth my investment..

Otterbox or no otterbox?

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