Mobility Digest Review: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for HTC One

Today for review I have what I consider one of, if not, the best HTC One cases on the market today, the OtterBox Commuter series. This has become my favorite case and I’ve tested a lot of them. Yes I reviewed the Otterbox Defender series case for the HTC One little bit ago but while that’s a great case it’s just a little too bulky for my tastes. The Commuter series case on the other hand offers a similar level of protection but without all of the bulk. The Commuter series case is sleek and rather thin really so you don’t lose the svelte profile of the HTC One but yet it still protects it. This case includes covers for the microUSB and audio ports which I think is important as it keeps the dirt, dust and anything else out of them. The case comes in two parts, a soft silicone padded inner case and a hard outer shell and when combined offer excellent protection to absorb shocks and impacts and really protect the HTC One. Out of all the cases I have for the HTC One the OtterBox Commuter Series is the one that I always come back to. So read on…

Price: $41.53 / 32.10 EUR

Overall Rating: 5/5

 

HTC One OtterBox Commuter Series Case – Glacier

OtterBox Commuter Series Case for HTC One – Glacier

As the protective case partner of the made for HTC devices, we worked closely with HTC to design the ultimate case for the HTC One — resulting in a lineup of cases with precise form, fit and function that complements every innovative feature of this device. The Commuter Series HTC One case is one result of this collaboration. You can thank us later.

Unlike many cases out there, the Commuter Series case for the HTC One is more than a good-looking, fashionable case. The Commuter Series is slim, sleek and attractive, but it is also extremely protective. With a slick exterior made of a hard polycarbonate plastic shell that allows your HTC One to slide easily in and out of your pocket and an inner silicone layer that acts like a cushion to absorb shock and impact, the two-layer Commuter Series case for the HTC One is made for on-the-go, always-on use. Staying protected — and connected — never looked this good.

Features:
– Exterior shell is slick enough to easily slide in your pockets
– All buttons and sensors are fully functional through the case
– Silicone plugs provide access to all ports
– All microphones are fully exposed for call clarity
– Case allows for the use of camera and flash
– The Commuter Series case for the HTC One provides added protection against drops, shocks and dust intrusion but is NOT protective against water.

Material:
– Clear, self-adhering screen protector prevents scratches
– Silicone inner layer absorbs bumps and shocks
– Polycarbonate outer shell protects the device from impact

Manufacturer Link: http://www.otterbox.com/HTC-One-Commuter-Series-case/htc4-one,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=htc-one-cases

This case was provided for review by My Trendy Phone where you can find plenty of things including many HTC One accessories for decent prices.

 

 

What’s in the Box?

 

The Otterbox Commuter Series case comes in a plastic box where you can see the back of the case through it on the front.

Inside of the box the case is actually in a plastic tray for protection.

When you remove the case from the tray you’ll find the instructions and a cardboard insert inside of the case.

Inside of the case is the instructions and the screen protector.

The pack contains the screen protector, instructions, cleaning cloth and the squeegee card.

The case comes assembled already, it’s two parts an inner silicone layer and a outer hard layer. The color I got for review is what Otterbox calls Glacier and it’s gray and white. They do have other colors available.

The case has openings for the camera, flash and secondary microphone. The Otterbox logo is also on the back but it’s hardly noticeable as it sort of blends in with the rest of the case. The back of the case does have a slight texture to it for grip.

Here’s the case taken apart for you to see it:

 

 

Impressions / Review:

I already had a screen protector on my phone so I didn’t need to install the one that came with the case, but it’s just like installing any other, take care and patience in doing it and you’ll be fine.

So here’s my HTC One with the two parts of the Commuter case:

To get the case installed the first thing you do is just pull the rubber or silicone first part over the HTC One. It’s simple to do as the case is stretchy.

Installing the second half of the case is a little tricky as you do have to take into account the covers for the audio and microUSB ports. The second half is a hard plastic essentially but it does have a little give to it. I put the bottom part on first, remembering to pull the microUSB port cover through the hole and then pulled the top part over the same way with the audio jack cover. It really just takes a minute or two to get it completed.

The front of the case has rather tall beveled edges that come up and over the front of the HTC One, it’s the rubber part of the case that does this. It’s made this way to provide sort of a buffer area so if you set your phone down on its face the screen doesn’t actually touch the surface you’re setting it on. It’s nice attention to detail that will help protect the phone. The front of the case comes over the edges yes but it doesn’t interfere with the screen or or speakers at all.

The back of the phone has opening for the camera, flash and for the secondary microphone.

The opening for the camera and flash is nice and large, it won’t interfere with you taking pictures or movies.

The right side of the phone is where you’ll find the volume rocker and Otterbox has made this section protrude from the case for easier access to the controls and so you can change the volume by just feeling.

The bottom of the phone is where the microUSB port and main microphone are. The Commuter case has nice large hole for the microphone and a cover for the microUSB port.

The cover is part of the rubber case, it just pushes into the plastic part of the case and stays firmly shut effectively keeping out dust, dirt and anything else.

On the top of the HTC One is the power button which double as an infrared port so this section of the case is open wide as to not interfere with the functions of it.

The top of the phone also has the audio jack and the Commuter case has a built-in cover for that just like on the bottom microUSB port to help keep out dust and other contaminants.

The covers on the ports are one of the things I love about this case, I think all cases should have covers for the ports really but that’s just me.

 

 

Conclusion:

 

I really like this case, it has become my overall favorite and I have many cases for the HTC One and overall this is the best of the bunch. Protection aside, I love the color scheme on this case it very much accents and compliments the original color of the HTC One. Sure a black case is nice and in fact I have the Otterbox Commuter in black as well but I prefer this one as the HTC One is gray and white in color so this case really matches the HTC One. If you don’t  care for black of the gray/white combo they do have several other color choices available.

The Commuter Series case from OtterBox offers the best of everything, it’s got great looks and of course it offer s level of protection that’s unmatched by any other case out there.

The price of the Otterbox Commuter case might be considered expensive by some, but the old adage you get what you pay for applies here as this is a top quality case. You do have the remember the HTC One is the flagship HTC Android phone so it’s rather expensive in itself so why not get a top quality case for it. For me this case is worth every penny.

If you’re looking for the best protection for your HTC One then Otterbox has got a case for you.

 

Pros:
+Excellent protection
+Seals audio and microUSB ports from dust
+Case is still thin and not overly bulky but yet protect phone
+Includes screen protector

 

Cons:
-None really