Are Otterbox products really that good?
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While I love the protection that the cases provides, the belt clips are their weak point (if you use that feature).
I prefer to do business with companies who provide good customer service, and Otterbox is no exception. They kept replacing the belt holster portion of my case when it broke...until I realized that it just was not meant for me.
That being said, if anyone wants a case for a Blackberry Bold, for free, I have one here
I prefer to do business with companies who provide good customer service, and Otterbox is no exception. They kept replacing the belt holster portion of my case when it broke...until I realized that it just was not meant for me.
That being said, if anyone wants a case for a Blackberry Bold, for free, I have one here
Are they that good?
At protection? Yes.
That said, I REFUSE to use any case, MORE SO an Otterbox.
While not exactly on the topic of the OP's phone, my iPhone is naked 24/7.
I think the design is wonderful and it would defeat the whole point of the iPhone to put a big, ugly, bulky case on it.
IMHO that would be like buying a S-Class and wrapping it in bubble wrap to protect it.
At protection? Yes.
That said, I REFUSE to use any case, MORE SO an Otterbox.
While not exactly on the topic of the OP's phone, my iPhone is naked 24/7.
I think the design is wonderful and it would defeat the whole point of the iPhone to put a big, ugly, bulky case on it.
IMHO that would be like buying a S-Class and wrapping it in bubble wrap to protect it.
Got a grey and yellow otterbox defender over a year ago.
The flap over the carging port is not clipping anymore, and the rubber is starting to get loose, but that's it.
Why yellow ?
Black things and 1M tonnes of coal sort of blend in together.
The flap over the carging port is not clipping anymore, and the rubber is starting to get loose, but that's it.
Why yellow ?
Black things and 1M tonnes of coal sort of blend in together.
Originally Posted By: rg200amp
That said, I REFUSE to use any case, MORE SO an Otterbox.
While not exactly on the topic of the OP's phone, my iPhone is naked 24/7.
I think the design is wonderful and it would defeat the whole point of the iPhone to put a big, ugly, bulky case on it.
IMHO that would be like buying a S-Class and wrapping it in bubble wrap to protect it.
Well, a bubble wrapped car is not usable/functional - you can't drive it.
An iphone that's protected by a decent case is still 100% usable and functional, so the analogy is comical, to say the least.
The only thing a case disturbs is showing off that you have an iphone; I don't give a [censored] about showing how beautiful my phone is, and anyone who knows what an iphone is, can still see very easily that it's an iphone (which looks like all other iphones), so even IF i needed any superficial attention (which I do not) due to the freaking iphone, I will still get it, even with the case!
One of my wife's friends just dropped her iphone (no case) and the back glass is shattered to bits - even a simple silicone case would have protected that, so I DO USE a case - a simple Incipio; not a bomb shelter like an Otterbox defender, but does the job well enough - have dropped a few times, and my iphone is still in pristine condition.
That said, I REFUSE to use any case, MORE SO an Otterbox.
While not exactly on the topic of the OP's phone, my iPhone is naked 24/7.
I think the design is wonderful and it would defeat the whole point of the iPhone to put a big, ugly, bulky case on it.
IMHO that would be like buying a S-Class and wrapping it in bubble wrap to protect it.
Well, a bubble wrapped car is not usable/functional - you can't drive it.
An iphone that's protected by a decent case is still 100% usable and functional, so the analogy is comical, to say the least.
The only thing a case disturbs is showing off that you have an iphone; I don't give a [censored] about showing how beautiful my phone is, and anyone who knows what an iphone is, can still see very easily that it's an iphone (which looks like all other iphones), so even IF i needed any superficial attention (which I do not) due to the freaking iphone, I will still get it, even with the case!
One of my wife's friends just dropped her iphone (no case) and the back glass is shattered to bits - even a simple silicone case would have protected that, so I DO USE a case - a simple Incipio; not a bomb shelter like an Otterbox defender, but does the job well enough - have dropped a few times, and my iphone is still in pristine condition.
Love the Otterboxes. I know it saved me from destroying my 4S when I dropped it on pavement. Not a scratch.
However, do wish they could have done a better job in designing the flap over the charging port. It was a mild irritant when new and is becoming a major irritant as time goes by.
However, do wish they could have done a better job in designing the flap over the charging port. It was a mild irritant when new and is becoming a major irritant as time goes by.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: Obos
There was a great YouTube drop test comparison of Samsung vs iPhone
The Samsung was far sturdier
LOL you mean this one by Android Authority where the S3 cracked on the mid height test and the iPhone 5 had to go above the tester's head in an extra test and still didn't crack?
The results would be similar to mine. I've had similar drops, steps, etc and all ok. Just a corner drop on my 3GS caused a crack. Doubt any case would have saved that one.
There was a great YouTube drop test comparison of Samsung vs iPhone
The Samsung was far sturdier
LOL you mean this one by Android Authority where the S3 cracked on the mid height test and the iPhone 5 had to go above the tester's head in an extra test and still didn't crack?
The results would be similar to mine. I've had similar drops, steps, etc and all ok. Just a corner drop on my 3GS caused a crack. Doubt any case would have saved that one.
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: rg200amp
That said, I REFUSE to use any case, MORE SO an Otterbox.
While not exactly on the topic of the OP's phone, my iPhone is naked 24/7.
I think the design is wonderful and it would defeat the whole point of the iPhone to put a big, ugly, bulky case on it.
IMHO that would be like buying a S-Class and wrapping it in bubble wrap to protect it.
Well, a bubble wrapped car is not usable/functional - you can't drive it.
An iphone that's protected by a decent case is still 100% usable and functional, so the analogy is comical, to say the least.
The only thing a case disturbs is showing off that you have an iphone; I don't give a [censored] about showing how beautiful my phone is, and anyone who knows what an iphone is, can still see very easily that it's an iphone (which looks like all other iphones), so even IF i needed any superficial attention (which I do not) due to the freaking iphone, I will still get it, even with the case!
One of my wife's friends just dropped her iphone (no case) and the back glass is shattered to bits - even a simple silicone case would have protected that, so I DO USE a case - a simple Incipio; not a bomb shelter like an Otterbox defender, but does the job well enough - have dropped a few times, and my iphone is still in pristine condition.
Comical? I will tell you what is comical;
It's comical how we have people willing to argue about bubble wrapped car's drivability. . . . It's an analogy tweaked for an automotive themed forum.
Your going to tell me I could not bubble wrap my car's body and drive it?!?!?!?
That's your opening thought?
It's also comical how presumptuous people can be.
"the only thing a case disturbs is showing off that you have an iPhone"
Is it shallow to show off an iphone or is it shallow to presume thats why someone, like myself, does not like to use a case????
If you read my post and took it at face value, for what it is, and do not interject your concocted notions of what you think/want my motives to be you would clearly see why I hate cases.
As stated, IMHO they defeat the whole point of the iPhone. I bought an iPhone because I PERSONALLY love the way they are made, how they look, and how they feel. The thinness, the quality of materials, the fit and finish, ect.
I do not like throwing a rubber sleeve over it, thus covering up the design and build quality I bought the thing for in the first place.
I have zero interest in keeping a case off of the phone for the purpose of "showing it off". The iPhone is the number one selling smart phone in the world. What exactly is there to show off?
So you use a case on your phone. I will not cook up assumptions on ulterior motives you may or may not being conspiring about since you like having a case on your phone.
I will rather take it at face value. You like having a case for protection.
Why must I have to defend myself for liking the design of a phone and not wanting to alter it with a supplemental cover?
That is what is comical. That it has come to this. When personal view points have to be defended.
P.S. looking at the post, it comes off as if im on the offensive! im not!!! Just having good fun!! lol
Originally Posted By: rg200amp
That said, I REFUSE to use any case, MORE SO an Otterbox.
While not exactly on the topic of the OP's phone, my iPhone is naked 24/7.
I think the design is wonderful and it would defeat the whole point of the iPhone to put a big, ugly, bulky case on it.
IMHO that would be like buying a S-Class and wrapping it in bubble wrap to protect it.
Well, a bubble wrapped car is not usable/functional - you can't drive it.
An iphone that's protected by a decent case is still 100% usable and functional, so the analogy is comical, to say the least.
The only thing a case disturbs is showing off that you have an iphone; I don't give a [censored] about showing how beautiful my phone is, and anyone who knows what an iphone is, can still see very easily that it's an iphone (which looks like all other iphones), so even IF i needed any superficial attention (which I do not) due to the freaking iphone, I will still get it, even with the case!
One of my wife's friends just dropped her iphone (no case) and the back glass is shattered to bits - even a simple silicone case would have protected that, so I DO USE a case - a simple Incipio; not a bomb shelter like an Otterbox defender, but does the job well enough - have dropped a few times, and my iphone is still in pristine condition.
Comical? I will tell you what is comical;
It's comical how we have people willing to argue about bubble wrapped car's drivability. . . . It's an analogy tweaked for an automotive themed forum.
Your going to tell me I could not bubble wrap my car's body and drive it?!?!?!?
That's your opening thought?
It's also comical how presumptuous people can be.
"the only thing a case disturbs is showing off that you have an iPhone"
Is it shallow to show off an iphone or is it shallow to presume thats why someone, like myself, does not like to use a case????
If you read my post and took it at face value, for what it is, and do not interject your concocted notions of what you think/want my motives to be you would clearly see why I hate cases.
As stated, IMHO they defeat the whole point of the iPhone. I bought an iPhone because I PERSONALLY love the way they are made, how they look, and how they feel. The thinness, the quality of materials, the fit and finish, ect.
I do not like throwing a rubber sleeve over it, thus covering up the design and build quality I bought the thing for in the first place.
I have zero interest in keeping a case off of the phone for the purpose of "showing it off". The iPhone is the number one selling smart phone in the world. What exactly is there to show off?
So you use a case on your phone. I will not cook up assumptions on ulterior motives you may or may not being conspiring about since you like having a case on your phone.
I will rather take it at face value. You like having a case for protection.
Why must I have to defend myself for liking the design of a phone and not wanting to alter it with a supplemental cover?
That is what is comical. That it has come to this. When personal view points have to be defended.
P.S. looking at the post, it comes off as if im on the offensive! im not!!! Just having good fun!! lol
LOL back
No offense taken-
i know your analogy was tweaked for a car forum, but it still is an analogy where the object is rendered non-functional due to it being protected
I should have been clear about the 2nd part about showing off - sorry - didn't mean YOU in that paragraph: I just mentioned it because I know there are people who don't use a case for that purpose. (show off that they have an iphone)
i know your analogy was tweaked for a car forum, but it still is an analogy where the object is rendered non-functional due to it being protected
I should have been clear about the 2nd part about showing off - sorry - didn't mean YOU in that paragraph: I just mentioned it because I know there are people who don't use a case for that purpose. (show off that they have an iphone)
I've had the Otterbox Commuter for my iPhone 4S and didn't care for it. It didn't fit all that tight and didn't have a super refined feel to it. Then I tried the Otterbox Defender. Nice protection, but WAY too bulky, and wouldn't fit into a pocket. I now have an iFrogz Clipstand case for it, and love it. The only "case" on the phone is a super-thin side and backing so that the phone will slide into the belt holster. I often just pocket the phone, so the minimal case is perfect. But if I want to holster it, then I have that option as well. See if Zagg makes a similar product for your phone, if you like this concept:
BestBuy link
After about 6 months, the slim case on mine cracked around one of the corners. I called Zagg and they warrant all of their products for life, regardless of where you purchased it or if you even have a receipt. They sent me a new one and I returned my old one back, for the small cost of a flat rate box. Sure, I'd rather it didn't break to begin with, but they stand behind their products. We'll see if this new one has the same issue, but so far, so good.
BestBuy link
After about 6 months, the slim case on mine cracked around one of the corners. I called Zagg and they warrant all of their products for life, regardless of where you purchased it or if you even have a receipt. They sent me a new one and I returned my old one back, for the small cost of a flat rate box. Sure, I'd rather it didn't break to begin with, but they stand behind their products. We'll see if this new one has the same issue, but so far, so good.
I don't like the form factor it gives the phone but for protection, I still find it to be the best.
Will you be using the belt holster clip? If so, consider buying it at an att store. They give cases a no questions asked 1 year warranty. I only say this because the plastic belt clips on these things are junk, and swinging by a store for a new one is better than sending it back and forth to otterbox.
Will you be using the belt holster clip? If so, consider buying it at an att store. They give cases a no questions asked 1 year warranty. I only say this because the plastic belt clips on these things are junk, and swinging by a store for a new one is better than sending it back and forth to otterbox.
I have an Otterbox Commuter for my Galaxy S3. The phone hasn't arrived yet so the Otterbox is empty at the moment. But the dual containment design looks like it it will protect the phone very well. I can't wait to put it to use. I bought my Otterbox on AmazonPrime for $19.68.
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There are a number of protective cases out there now that look like they ought to protect as well as Otterbox and are cheaper. A few are more elegant as well. I don't even have a smartphone, but I'm not a big fan of cases in general. You take a slim, elegantly designed phone and "uglify" it with a case. Of course, if you are prone to the dropsies I don't see how you can get around the need for the protection. I traveled recently and saw LOTS of smartphones in use. Almost none were being used "naked."
I keep my work phone in an Otterbox (I work outside).
After a few years of ownership, the rubber out layer ripped near the data port. It was my own fault and it was out of warranty. When I contacted Otterbox and asked if I could buy a replacement, they sent me a free replacement, no questions asked.
After a few years of ownership, the rubber out layer ripped near the data port. It was my own fault and it was out of warranty. When I contacted Otterbox and asked if I could buy a replacement, they sent me a free replacement, no questions asked.
Has anyone on this site ever owned an old Nextel phone? They used to make durable phones - not the most elegant - that could withstand abuse. I see it as an issue for the manufacturer if they make a device that they know most people will eventually drop (A PHONE - DUH!) and it cannot withstand the impact.
So, for all you iPhone lovers out there I am stating that Apple does not make the product durable enough. That leaves you having to carry around a bulky, ugly brick instead of the technological work of Art that you and your cell phone provider paid Apple $600 to buy. Apple is not the only company guilty of this, but that's the way it is.
So, for all you iPhone lovers out there I am stating that Apple does not make the product durable enough. That leaves you having to carry around a bulky, ugly brick instead of the technological work of Art that you and your cell phone provider paid Apple $600 to buy. Apple is not the only company guilty of this, but that's the way it is.
It seems like most smartphones are fine without a case, minus a drop onto concrete. I've never used a case on my personal phones and have yet to deal with a broken phone.
I think it ultimately comes down to a design compromise. A glass screen is resistant to most scratches but will shatter if it's dropped onto a hard surface. A plastic screen will generally survive a drop but is prone to scratches.
For something that lives in my pocket, I'd much rather have a glass screen.
I think it ultimately comes down to a design compromise. A glass screen is resistant to most scratches but will shatter if it's dropped onto a hard surface. A plastic screen will generally survive a drop but is prone to scratches.
For something that lives in my pocket, I'd much rather have a glass screen.
iPhones, as well as most major brand smart phones use this type of glass.
http://www.corninggorillaglass.com/
It cracks me up how many people spend money and time with screen protectors that are completely unnecessary. This stuff is extremely scratch resistant and a screen protector won't help with breakage from a fall.
Ah, well, I guess the manufacturers of screen protectors and cases deserve to make a living, too. I'll stick with a phone that is not so expensive that I have to live in mortal fear of dropping it, or cause my pants pocket to look like I am carrying a piece of medical equipment in it because its thickness is doubled with military grade protective gear.
I like to watch people at airports. So many of them walk like they drive, not even looking where they are going because they are messing with their phones. When my flights land, the phones come out instantaneously, as though some life or death issue hinged upon them retrieving their messages as quickly as physically possible. What the heck did we do before we had these "godsends?"
http://www.corninggorillaglass.com/
It cracks me up how many people spend money and time with screen protectors that are completely unnecessary. This stuff is extremely scratch resistant and a screen protector won't help with breakage from a fall.
Ah, well, I guess the manufacturers of screen protectors and cases deserve to make a living, too. I'll stick with a phone that is not so expensive that I have to live in mortal fear of dropping it, or cause my pants pocket to look like I am carrying a piece of medical equipment in it because its thickness is doubled with military grade protective gear.
I like to watch people at airports. So many of them walk like they drive, not even looking where they are going because they are messing with their phones. When my flights land, the phones come out instantaneously, as though some life or death issue hinged upon them retrieving their messages as quickly as physically possible. What the heck did we do before we had these "godsends?"
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Originally Posted By: DBMaster
iPhones, as well as most major brand smart phones use this type of glass.
http://www.corninggorillaglass.com/
It cracks me up how many people spend money and time with screen protectors that are completely unnecessary. This stuff is extremely scratch resistant and a screen protector won't help with breakage from a fall.
Ah, well, I guess the manufacturers of screen protectors and cases deserve to make a living, too. I'll stick with a phone that is not so expensive that I have to live in mortal fear of dropping it, or cause my pants pocket to look like I am carrying a piece of medical equipment in it because its thickness is doubled with military grade protective gear.
I like to watch people at airports. So many of them walk like they drive, not even looking where they are going because they are messing with their phones. When my flights land, the phones come out instantaneously, as though some life or death issue hinged upon them retrieving their messages as quickly as physically possible. What the heck did we do before we had these "godsends?"
Gorilla Glass is scratch RESISTANT. People putting their phone in their pocket with keys (yes, I've seen people do this...) can still scratch the screen. A screen protector is actually quite useful in this scenario.
iPhones, as well as most major brand smart phones use this type of glass.
http://www.corninggorillaglass.com/
It cracks me up how many people spend money and time with screen protectors that are completely unnecessary. This stuff is extremely scratch resistant and a screen protector won't help with breakage from a fall.
Ah, well, I guess the manufacturers of screen protectors and cases deserve to make a living, too. I'll stick with a phone that is not so expensive that I have to live in mortal fear of dropping it, or cause my pants pocket to look like I am carrying a piece of medical equipment in it because its thickness is doubled with military grade protective gear.
I like to watch people at airports. So many of them walk like they drive, not even looking where they are going because they are messing with their phones. When my flights land, the phones come out instantaneously, as though some life or death issue hinged upon them retrieving their messages as quickly as physically possible. What the heck did we do before we had these "godsends?"
Gorilla Glass is scratch RESISTANT. People putting their phone in their pocket with keys (yes, I've seen people do this...) can still scratch the screen. A screen protector is actually quite useful in this scenario.
My iPhone 4S dropped from the kitchen counter to the floor yesterday, and it's fine. It's a tile floor. On a concrete slab. I can't believe it didn't break, but it didn't. Maybe the thin little Zagg slip-on case did its job after all.
I, too, have gone to using a screen protector on my stuff. I hate them, with a passion. But I hate scratches in the screen even more. Gorilla Glass is still rather easy to scratch in my experience. I have a small scratch on my iPhone's glass. It's extremely small, and most probably wouldn't notice. I don't know how it got there; it just did. So now I have a screen protector on it, and it works. I've replaced the screen protector once, and though it begins to look scratched and scuffed, you peel it off and the screen below is like new.
I, too, have gone to using a screen protector on my stuff. I hate them, with a passion. But I hate scratches in the screen even more. Gorilla Glass is still rather easy to scratch in my experience. I have a small scratch on my iPhone's glass. It's extremely small, and most probably wouldn't notice. I don't know how it got there; it just did. So now I have a screen protector on it, and it works. I've replaced the screen protector once, and though it begins to look scratched and scuffed, you peel it off and the screen below is like new.
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