iPhone 5 Defender Series Case
Review

Defender Series Case for iPhone 5
Company: Otterbox
Price: $49.95 USD
http://www.otterbox.com

I have been using Otterbox cases for my iPhones since I purchased my first iPhone. Well known to be solid and dependable, built to protect an iPhone from just about everything, Otterbox has continued to do so with the Defender case for the iPhone 5.

Now for those of you who are reading this and thinking that the iPhone 5 is a great looking phone that just cries out to be held in the hand, I would tend to agree with you except for the fact that things happen in everyday normal life. You’re getting out of your car and you had your iPhone in your coat pocket or you forgot that you had it in your lap and now it’s fallen to the ground. Ouch… to say the least.

With the Defender case for the iPhone, you won’t have to worry. First off, you place your iPhone into the first part of the Defender case which is composed of two impact resistant polycarbonate layers, with the top section also having a screen protector included to keep your iPhone screen clean and dust free. The back portion of the polycarbonate shell does contain a thin foam cushion to protect the back of your iPhone. Once you have the iPhone secure inside the shells, you then place the silicone outer layer around this enclosure. This silicone layer provides coverage on the on/off switch, the volume control buttons, the mute switch and even the lightning connector port. The only areas that are not covered by either layer are the cameras or the speakers on the bottom.

The good news does not end there for included in the package is a holster style belt clip that permits the user to swivel either horizontally or vertically, given the preference of the user. I can tell you that the clip holster will not permit your iPhone to fall out. In fact, you may complain that the clip holds it so securely that you have to work to get the phone out. Personally I prefer to keep the iPhone where I put it and take one additional second to get it out of the holster. When you place your case into the holster and you hear that “snap” you can rest assured that your iPhone is not going anywhere.

I can tell you that I have not experienced any difficulties in using the Defender case with the built-in screen protector. Access to the screen is not impaired and is easy to clean off just using a micro-fiber cloth. The only quibble that I can point out is a small oil-type smear that appears on the screen protector especially when outside. It does not impede one’s viewing of the screen at all.

The only thing that can be pointed out as a possible complaint by some users is the mute switch, headphone port and the lightning port covers fit so securely that one may be frustrated in attempting to gain immediate access. I have not had an issue and have not experienced an issue in plugging in the lightning connector because I just take my time and make sure that I fold the port cover down sufficiently to allow me to plug the connector in. The same applies to the headphone port access flap; just pull it down and plug in your headphones.

Where some may complain is that the case itself does add additional bulk to the overall appearance of the iPhone. I checked and it only adds a few ounces to the weight of the iPhone but that is negated by the overall protection that is afforded to your investment in your iPhone. Nowadays it is in vogue or necessary that when it comes time to get a new iPhone you sell your “old” iPhone. Having protected your iPhone over the course of the normal two years of use pays back when it comes time for the iPhone to be evaluated by the purchasing company or by the individual who wants to buy your iPhone.  Another item to point out is that with the open access to the speakers on the bottom of the case, the Defender is not waterproof but it does provide some protection from that sudden rain shower.

I have checked on the status of my iPhone inside the case and have not seen any issues with dust or scratches on the phone. I always take the time when I’m going to place the phone inside of any case to make sure that there isn’t any debris that snuck its way inside. The phone is totally secure and it does not move within the case.

If you are looking to show off the beauty of your iPhone 5, then this case is not for you. If however, you are looking for the best possible protection for your iPhone 5, you really do need to consider Otterbox’s Defender case. The best bang for your money!

Weight & Dimensions

• Weight (with the holster): 4 oz / 114 g
• Dimensions (with holster): 5.42 in x 3.15 in x 1.36 in / 137.67 mm x 79.88 x 34.47 mm
• Dimensions (without the holster): 5.32 in x 2.75 in x 0.64 in / 135.12 mm x 69.9 mm x
• 16.18 mm