Otterbox Defender Series Case for the iPhone 3G
The Otterbox Defender for the iPhone 3G is the toughest case in this round up. It features three layers of protection which includes a grippy outer silicone skin that is layered over a hard polycarbonate shell. Finally, the screen is covered with a membrane that maintains the capacitive touch capabilities while preventing scratches and abrasions to the fragile glass screen. There are even little filter pieces built inside the case that protect the speaker and the mic from dust and debris. All of the ports also have covers that keep the elements out.
Installation of the case isn’t difficult at all, but is a multi-step process that includes putting on the shell, then putting on the silicone cover top of that. However, I guess they’ve had enough confusion that an instructional video was necessary. Removal is equally as easy and is only second to the Griffin cases and far easier than any of the other cases in this round up.
The only thing that was rather annoying that despite all my preparation and cleaning, the protective screen cover ended up creating this series of bubbles on the screen. This is similar to the Mophie Hard Case, but I didn’t have the same issue with that product. It didn’t affect usability of the touch screen, but it’s rather ugly. I guess the only thing uglier would be a busted iPhone 3G and knowing that you’re only months into your three year contract. It did seem to get better if I worked at, using a plastic card to push the bubbles away. The case also increases the distance to the screen, giving it just a few more millimeters of protection in case of a tumble.
The Otterbox Defender comes with a holster and belt clip that clips in with the screen facing you. This further prevents any accidents that might happen to that fragile glass screen. It also displays that Apple logo proudly to the rest of your construction crew so don’t be surprised if they’re waiting for you by your truck after work one of these days.
The holster does double as a stand ala the Scosche KickBACK. Just put the iPhone in facing out and rotate the clip to the angle of view that works for you. This case (next to the Griffin Elan Form Chrome) looked pretty much the same as it did on day one even after a couple weeks of use and it took a few tumbles too.
The Otterbox Defender for the iPhone 3G is the most expensive case by far at $49.95 US, but it also offers the most protection (or contract insurance) of any of the cases in this round up. It’s also available in white.
Results of the Round Up…
I spent a lot of time going through each one of these cases, putting them on and taking them off, and subjecting them to daily use. Some cases started to look abused like the Mophie Hard Case Plus and iLuv Clear Case, while others like the Proporta Dual Silicone just looked kind of iffy out of the box. Some looked great from day one to day twenty like the Griffin Elan Form Chrome and the Otterbox Defender while others just keep you from using anyone elses case like the InvisibleSHIELD. After all is said and done, I do have my favorites.
Out of all the cases here, I felt that there were three real standouts in this round up. For starters, if you’re actually going to take your iPhone 3G outdoors or on the worksite, the Otterbox Defender is hard not to recommend because it’s just a beast of a case. Even if you aren’t going outside, if you leave your phone in that case, you’ll survive your whole contract with a phone that looks brand new. My next choice is the complete opposite of the Otterbox which is the ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD. If you like the way the iPhone looks and you’re not a phone abuser, the InvisibleSHIELD for the iPhone 3G offers the best combination of abrasion resistance and looks for all you Apple industrial design snobs out there.
Overall, the case that gets my nod of approval for anytime general use has to be the Griffin Elan Form Chrome. It’s a really classy case with a good level of protection. It is also easy to remove and replace and really just looks like it belongs when it comes to fit and finish. It was also one of the few cases that didn’t look like crap after a couple weeks of use. In fact, I think it actually looks better a little beat up.
Do you have a favorite iPhone 3G case that we missed? Tell us what it is and why you like it at the comment link below. For more pictures of all the cases in this round up, head on over to the last page for the photo gallery.
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