Overview
Ever since cell phones started getting popular there have been cell phone cases to help protect them from damage. As they get lighter, thinner, and more sophisticated, it’s become even more important, as well as more difficult to keep them safe from harm. It seems easier to scratch or drop today’s phones because they go with us everywhere and always seem to end up in harm’s way.
The Claim
The makers of the OtterBox claim that it will make your smartphone or tablet waterproof, dust proof, crush proof, and able to bounce back from drops. They say that it’s the best selling case in America for smartphones. They have different series’ of phones depending on your lifestyle and the way you use your device, so you can shop depending on what type of case you need.
The Hype
These are pretty much super popular right now, with many trusting their precious gadgets with the case, even though it seems to add to the size of your phone making it hard for you to put into your pocket or other slots that are meant for phones. They keep adding new models to their offerings, making it a better experience for the user, but also making the choice harder since there are so many to choose from.
The Cost
In the world of cell phone cases, you’re going to pay a premium to get an OtterBox. You can get cheap plastic cases for less than $5, and you’re going to pay around $30 or more for an OtterBox depending on what kind of phone or tablet you have. They say there’s no substitute for quality, but at the end of the day we’re talking about a plastic case. Not all plastic is created equally of course, but it still seems rather pricey for a cell phone case.
The Commitment
Once you’ve got this on your phone you pretty much can forget about it. You might need to take it off your phone if you want to use it with one of those speaker/charger units that let you listen to music on bigger speakers.
Evaluation
The OtterBox isn’t winning fans on accident, it does work really well and lives up to the claims it makes. Not only does it work in the short term as far as protecting your phone from individual incidents, it’s also effective for the long term, providing protection over the life of your phone.
You can’t really make a strong case for this product not being effective, but it is possible to nitpick on some features that aren’t exactly ideal. This might not be the most attractive case in the world, but they’ve taken steps to make newer models sleeker and more attractive, as well as slim as possible while still providing the same sort of results. Earlier models were big and bulky, but now they seem to have slimmed it down as much as possible.
One common complaint is that once you get the case on it’s hard to take off. Also it makes it hard to put your phone onto iHome and other peripheral devices that require you to dock your device. There is also concern that in moist environments it won’t work too well for you since it can fog up and make it hard to see your screen. There are also complaints about the placement of certain pieces of the case that interfere with the input for headphones and microphones. This seems to have been rectified in newer models. This shows that the folks at OtterBox Inc. are listening to the feedback and making upgrades on their already successful line of products.
It’s a good idea to buy the cases straight from the source, or from an authorized retailer, because there are a ton of knockoffs out there that claim to be similar to an OtterBox, and may even look and fit like one, but aren’t actually made by the same company. Even though imitation may be the highest form of flattery, and you might be tempted to save a few bucks, the difference in quality is apparent, so you don’t want to end up with a flimsy piece of plastic and entrust your phone’s well-being to it.
The OtterBox is getting our Thumbs Up review. You can justify the extra cost by the fact that it’s protecting your devices that cost hundreds of dollars, and potentially extending the time you’ll be able to use them, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often. The proof is in the thousands upon thousands of actual buyers that say it works, and that it does what it says it can do.
Our Recommendation
If your phone is the main crux of your life and you can’t get by without it, you need to take steps to protect it and keep it functioning properly. Part of the process is to protect it from bumps and bruises with a case like this, but you also may want to buy some insurance for the phone in case it get lost or stolen, or in case the cover you get for it isn’t enough and your phone still ends up damaged.
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View Comments
When I purchase a new iphone I always get an Otterbox to protect it. I am very careful with my phones, but have dropped them before. Otterbox does the job. When we traded in our phones we were given top dollar. So for the money you pay and the money you get back, it was more than worth it! Will always buy an Otterbox!
When I needed a replacement for the second time due to poor design, I was told they no longer have my case and could do nothing. You pay a premium price but if your phone is more than a couple years old they no longer have your case and you have to to buy a new one from someone else. Big rip off on service. Worst warranty department I have ever dealt with. Do yourself a favor and buy something else.
My phone slipped out of my hand on my deck fell approximately 15 feet on to the pavement. Amazingly there was no damage to the phone. Siri asked “What can I do to help “ so it was a whopper of an impact. I cannot say enough good things about how this case protects!
I have had the Otterbox case for several years and had my Iphone slip out my pocket and fall a couple of feet without any issues or damage. The big test came while riding the roller coaster on top of New York New York in Las Vegas. The phone came out of my pocket at 60+ mph and fell over 40 feet to the roof. When it was recovered all it had was a small scuff on one corner of the case but the phone was still in perfect condition. On the downside, while disassembling the case to clean it the screen cracked. Still it saved me a lot of money because I didn't have to buy a new phone. I think it was worth the few extra dollars I had to pay for the Otterbox.
I got an OtterBox case and a year later it’s working great. Don’t expect it it protect you screen though as that’s retarded. :)
Dropped my I phone with a OtterBox on it it even 6 months old and now my phone does not work and ottercrap won’t replace my phone that is bullshit!!! Don’t waste your money on this product!!
Otterbox is overpriced and rubbish product. They take big advantage of product releases and charge a fortune for their cases. You basically think you are getting a top quality product as you are paying a top buck for your case but the reality is different. The cases are poorly made, don't fit properly and start peeling a few month of use. The customer service is rubbish (check the trustpilot)
You can buy better quality cases for 4 x less the price this company is charging. They have a good advertising and know how to sell it however the product is very poor!
Otterbox does not work. My phone slipped out of my hand as I took it out of my pants pocket and the screen cracked in 3 places. The company offered a replacement case; but what is the point if the product doesn't work? Don't believe the hype; the Mile High standards touted by Peyton Manning for this product are crock.
Otterbox Symmetry Cases for the Galaxy S8 don't work. My phone slipped out of my hand as I was closing the trunk of my car and it hit the driveway about 4-5 feet away. Sure enough the screen cracked. So much for superior protection. Not worth the cost of the hype.
For me these as do not work. I use them on my iPad and my G4. Screen is cracked on both, but my iPad is severely damaged. Case doesn't even protect it anymore.