Which iPhone case for best protection?

[renegade_987]

Well BITOG community, you've done it. You've convinced me you spend the extra $100 to get the recently released iPhone 5s, and I now need to choose a case for it. I am a self admitted phone dropper, and most of my phones have had cracked screens. I'm looking at the following cases to protect it, and any feedback you can provide is excellent!

Spigen Tough Armour

Otterbox Defender

Otterbox Commuter

I'll take any other recommendations as well. Thanks!

 

[Tdbo]

I have had 2 Otterbox defenders on my 4S and have been pleased with them. Mrs. Tdbo got me a Otterbox commuter for Christmas, so I am going to try that. She switched over to the commuter and has been pleased with it. Eitherway, I'm convinced that Otterbox makes the best cases.

 

[volk06]

I had a lifeproof case. The case was great but I keep getting a beeping or buzzing noise while talking on the phone.
I like trident cases, I use these until I need waterproof then I use the lifeproof case.

 

[zloveraz]

Lifeproof

 

[silverrat]

I use a Seidio Innocase

 

[Keith_Stone]

Cheap but very effective. Ballistic hard case. Check out their videos.

 

[dparm]

Spigen's stuff is usually top-notch.

The Otterbox Commuter is immensely popular, perhaps their best-seller.

 

[kyxtremetuber]

Lifeproof

 

[DuckRyder]

The Otterbox Defender offers more protection than the Commuter.

We recently traded in our 4s's that spent their life in Defenders and the phones looked brand new in spite of drops and heavy use in all conditions (they are not however waterproof, that is the new "armor") our new 5s's are in - you guessed it - Defenders.

Otterbox's customer service is above reproach as well, they've replaced some rubber covers that simply wore out and I have never spoken with them when they were not beyond helpful...

Oh, and you can get more color options on Otterboxe's website although it is a little more money.

The only other case I'd ever consider is:

Sector 5 Black Ops

Outrageously expensive and probably not even as good as Otterbox for protection, but...

 

[Reg# 43897]

Using the Defender. If you're gonna get a case to protect the phone, then go all the way & PROTECT it. My two cents...

John.

 

[dparm]

FWIW, and don't take this personally, try harder not to drop your phones. Treat them like the $650 device they are. Baby them. I have NEVER dropped a phone in my life.

 

[DuckRyder]

Originally Posted By: dparm
FWIW, and don't take this personally, try harder not to drop your phones. Treat them like the $650 device they are. Baby them. I have NEVER dropped a phone in my life.


You're so much better than me...

Thank you for your life advice...

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Tdbo
I have had 2 Otterbox defenders on my 4S and have been pleased with them. Mrs. Tdbo got me a Otterbox commuter for Christmas, so I am going to try that. She switched over to the commuter and has been pleased with it. Eitherway, I'm convinced that Otterbox makes the best cases.


+1 for Otterbox. I had a Droid 2 Otterbox case.

 

[WANG]

Griffin Survivor

These are a bit bulky, but they offer good protection.

 

[bullwinkle]

Originally Posted By: dparm
FWIW, and don't take this personally, try harder not to drop your phones. Treat them like the $650 device they are. Baby them. I have NEVER dropped a phone in my life.
Unfortunately, when you use them for work, things happen. My iPhone 4 is on its THIRD Otterbox Defender, and has not needed anything other than a home switch replacement.

 

[wkcars]

I don't have an iphone, but all the ones that friends have they use big bulky cases on them. I saw a article on these months ago and I liked the minimalist design. Has some positive reviews on youtube and the web. On the expensive side.

http://www.thinkbym.com/collections/designed-by-m/products/iphone

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: wkcars
I don't have an iphone, but all the ones that friends have they use big bulky cases on them. I saw a article on these months ago and I liked the minimalist design. Has some positive reviews on youtube and the web. On the expensive side.

http://www.thinkbym.com/collections/designed-by-m/products/iphone


Sharp case, but it doesn't appear to have an shock-absorption qualities. It's merely to prevent scratches.

If you like a slim/minimalist case that can provide some shock-protection, the Apple leather one is actually very nice. The leather also makes it non-slip and is aniline so you get a nice texture:

 

[79sunrunner]

Originally Posted By: dparm
FWIW, and don't take this personally, try harder not to drop your phones. Treat them like the $650 device they are. Baby them. I have NEVER dropped a phone in my life.


THIS!!!!!

I enjoy my IPhone 4 for being made of a "quality" glass and steel. It's a nice feel. So rarely have my LifeProof on it. I have many expensive clocks and watches without protective cases, and all are alive.

 

[DuckRyder]

Originally Posted By: 79sunrunner
Originally Posted By: dparm
FWIW, and don't take this personally, try harder not to drop your phones. Treat them like the $650 device they are. Baby them. I have NEVER dropped a phone in my life.


THIS!!!!!

I enjoy my IPhone 4 for being made of a "quality" glass and steel. It's a nice feel. So rarely have my LifeProof on it. I have many expensive clocks and watches without protective cases, and all are alive.


Not really, I imagine that you wouldn't have one of your expensive clocks on your hip when the dust storm whipped up in Clovis New Mexico, or when you slip getting into your work truck because you're covered in mud in Houma Louisiana or on the ice in Malvern, PA. If you actually want to use the thing sometimes putting it in an Otterbox IS treating it like "the $650 device they are", and suggesting that we are careless because sometimes things happen is pompous, arrogant and self righteous.

Particularly with a malarky disclaimer like "don't take it personal"...

If you want to have to treat it like you are caring around a piece of glass and have the luxury of "baby"ing it while you work good on you, but don't act like the rest of us are less than if we want to stick them in a protective case...

 

[dja4260]

magpul. Made in the US. I mine.