Accessories
OtterBox Defender Case for iPhone 4: Best Case $20 Can Buy
OtterBox makes some fantastic cases that protect gadgets from serious hazards, but they can put a dent in your wallet. Amazon is selling the OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPhone 4 for just $18.14, which is 64% less than its $49.95 MSRP.
I spotted this deal on Friday, just in time to order a pair for Saturday delivery. I gave one to my father for father’s day and kept one for myself.
The OtterBox Defender Case has several layers of protection and makes most iPhone 4 cases look like cheap toys by comparison. A two-piece polycarbonate shell with a built-in screen protector locks in place over the iPhone 4. A silicone cover slips over the shell, serving as a shock absorber. The silicone cover has flaps that protect each of the iPhone 4’s openings.
The case comes with a belt holster that’s pretty versatile. The iPhone 4 can be stowed with the display facing in or out, allowing quick access to the display or protecting it in rough environments.
The result of all these layers of protection is that the iPhone 4 can survive bumps and drops. I demonstrated the case at a family event by dropping my iPhone 4 onto a brick patio from a height of four feet. Both the phone and case were just fine.
We’ve reviewed other OtterBox cases and I’ve always been impressed by their build quality and the fact that they exceed the advertised protection claims.
Here’s a nearly-new iPad being banged around in an OtterBox case.
The OtterBox Defender case is a great choice for anyone that worries about their iPhone 4’s survival. Obviously those who work outdoors or on their feet will appreciate the Defender case. Parents who hesitate handing off their iPhones to small children will also like this case.
If you’re looking for a slim and stylish iPhone case, the OtterBox Defender Case isn’t for you. The extra bulk can be annoying, especially for those with small hands. Another negative is that it takes some time to remove the case- it’s not the kind of case that you can slide on and off at will. This makes it a chore to slide your iPhone into a dock or speaker.
If you’re willing to deal with the extra thickness, the Defender Case is a steal at under $20.
Troberts522
06/22/2011 at 2:57 am
Sadly, they cannot this plus many other such items to Hawaii. I tried.
Brandon Waldon
08/26/2011 at 8:55 pm
Yes, it’s a tough case, but I prefer a little style. Therefore I opted for Yoobao leather case with flap:
https://www.xengadget.com/products/164-best-iphone-4-case-yoobao-genuine-leather-flip-snap-on-case.aspx
It protects the iPhone 4 front and back, and it’s genuine leather.
Rock_junior_008
09/05/2011 at 1:19 am
So how do i order from here?
Peterhayes76
11/07/2011 at 10:23 am
Walmart.com sells this for $11.99, just bought one today.
sciatic nerve pain
01/02/2012 at 9:46 am
The case looks cool and it seems like it would provide protection for
your phone, but don’t be fooled. It does not. I dropped my phone from
2.5 ft and the glass shattered on the phone however the case remained
intact? You have my email address, I will be more than happy to provide
you visual proof of the this. I contacted OB and they indicated that
they do not guarantee the protection of the items their cases cover;
however when you go to the website you will see that they indicate via a
quote on their video that their cases are “indestructible” and they
show the case falling out of a persons pocket at a much higher height
than 2.5 ft and it still works. Plain and clear false advertisement.