Defender 3G/3Gs series by Otterbox

The Apple · 08-05-2009, 09:44 AM

Here is the latest offering by Otterbox in the Defender series lineup. I used the Otterbox Defender on my V1 iPhone and it kept the device in pristine condition. Keeping that in mind, I figured I would check out the case for my 3Gs. Otterbox definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to making durable cases. The Defender for the 3Gs is certainly no exception.

Knowing a little bit about this case coming in, I knew the screen cover would be ready to stick right to the screen. I had read a tip a couple weeks ago about using baby powder to dust the screen cover to prevent getting the watermarks that have been reported. The baby powder worked and I had no watermarks when I placed the phone into the case!

So lets talk about this case. The Case has multiple layers designed to offer the greatest amount of protection while remaining functional. The base layer is a polycarbonate framework on which the other layers are applied. This polycarbonate layer is a hard plastic shell that covers most of the non-functional surfaces of the phone. It fits very well, and the front and back snap together very securely. There are openings in this frame for the following items: power button, headphone jack, silence switch, volume rocker, dock connector, speaker, microphone, home button, screen, earpiece, light sensor, camera lens, and the Apple logo. All of these openings, except the speaker and microphone, get covered by another layer when the case is completely installed.

The second layer I will discuss is the clear membrane that covers the following: light sensor, screen, camera lens, and the Apple logo. This membrane is adhered to the polycarbonate frame. It comes with a temporary protector that should be removed before the case is installed on the phone. I have noticed that if you use a standalone screen protector as well, there could be some touch screen sensitivity loss. There is really no need for the standalone screen cover with this case though, as the built in membrane protects well and functions perfectly.

The third layer is a silicone skin that goes over most of the polycarbonate skeleton. It provides good shock absorption in case of bumps or drops. It has openable coverings for the headphone jack, the silence switch, and the charging port. It fits snugly over everything and has tabs to keep it in place around the screen.

The final layer of protection is the polycarbonate holster. When the encased phone is inserted into the holster it is completely protected. If you were to drop it while clipping it to your belt, damage would be unlikely. Even the screen would be safe in that situation.

After carrying the phone in this case for a couple days I discovered that you could place the phone into the holster backwards. I also discovered that the belt clip could be locked open and used to prop the phone up at an angle. That makes it nice to view the screen while on your desk. I suggest that you make certain that you do not place your phone into the holster backwards while wearing it on your belt, because the phone could easily fall out if you did that.

This is by far the most protective, and best designed case for an iPhone. It is more expensive than some, but it provides protection like no other. I will be going to the beaches of Florida soon, and I will have to worries of sand with this case. If this case strikes your interest, you can buy it here at EIC. Here is a link to the store page where it is for sale. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to address them right here, or you can PM me if desired. I will answer any questions to the best of my ability!

Cjvdh · 09-06-2009, 11:18 PM

I have the otterbox aswell its a very good case I like it alot.

speedsoul · 09-07-2009, 12:12 PM

Great info. I just bought mine and I'm waiting for it to get here.

DUKEL · 09-07-2009, 10:33 PM

Good case if you work construction or some other hard labor. Too intrusive to use on a daily basis for the average user though. This case makes your iPhone seriously BIG!

Reefdiver72 · 09-21-2009, 08:59 PM

If you want to not have the water damage problem you want this case I don't use my headphones very often but a guy I know showers with his and it hasn't popped the water marker yet. I would say for the money this is the best case on the market.

RossMc · 09-22-2009, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Reefdiver72

If you want to not have the water damage problem you want this case I don't use my headphones very often but a guy I know showers with his and it hasn't popped the water marker yet. I would say for the money this is the best case on the market.

I heard the case wasent waterproof?

Reefdiver72 · 09-22-2009, 01:43 PM

It's not around the speaker and mic but if it's straight up and down water is not going to run up hill and it would have to go a bit to get to anything I personally wouldn't try it I already am on my second phone 399. Later. I told apple to kiss this when I just needed a new screen I figured if I was going to spend 215 with tax to get it fixed might as well get a 3gs and that's when I got this case in the last 2 months I have had it out of this case once I don't have the money to replace another one.

Reefdiver72 · 09-22-2009, 01:45 PM

The otter box is protected where water is the most succeptible to getting in your phone.

robinhooddaffy · 09-22-2009, 03:08 PM

Just ordered me a white defender for my white 16gb 3g s!

swampduck · 09-22-2009, 08:07 PM

I bought the Otterbox at Best Buy, I love it. I don't mind the added bulk, I am somewhat clumsy, and I drop my phone all the time I actually broke my v1 iphone, so I feel alot more comfortable now.