Mobility Digest Review: OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPhone 4

This is the second OtterBox Defender Series reviews I have done and if you missed the first one, I reviewed the OtterBox on the HTC HD2 that you can see here. I was pretty blown away with my first OtterBox Defender Series Case and my second review for the iPhone 4 was no less impressive. In fact, I think this case is the best engineered I have seen to date. I will get more into that in a few minutes. The OtterBox Defender Series Case for the iPhone is simply 5 stars in my book if you are wanting the ultimate in quality, design, and protection. The Defender Case for the iPhone 4 retails for $49.95 and can be purchased direct from OtterBox, AT&T, Walmart, Best Buy, or other major retailer carrying mobility accessories. So if you own an iPhone 4, this has got to be on the top of your list for consideration on buying a case.

Okay, so let’s just jump into the review and start with my video on the OtterBox Defender Series Case for the iPhone 4:

Compatibility:

• Apple iPhone 4

Features:

• Coating on outside of touch screen membrane resists finger prints
• Fine interior texturing of touch screen membrane eliminates static, bubbles and "oil slick" appearance
• Inner felt liner cushions your device
• Textured silicone exterior for improved grip
• Included holster holds device face in or face out
• Completely re-designed holster for stronger hold on device
• Holster doubles as a stand for hands-free media viewing
• Case accommodates most 3rd party chargers

Material:

• Clear protective membrane on touch screen
• High-quality polycarbonate shell
• Durable silicone skin

The holster you can see in my hand here is excellent quality. The hinge on the belt clip is tight and very strong. This holster should last you a long time before wear becomes a factor.

HOT TIP: If you rotate the belt clip 180 degrees and put your device in the holster, the holster will stand up nicely at a good angle for viewing movies, or what ever media in landscape you want. Here is the best part! Make sure that you unflap the cover over the charging port on the bottom, insert the device, and you can now plug into an AC Outlet for charging your device while you view your media content! Very cool!

The inner polycarbonate case comes in two pieces that clip together in 4 places. Pictured above is the back cover that has a felt material on the back side for keeping the device snug and scratch free in the Defender Case. Also there is a protective cover over the camera and flash as well as a window that showcases the Apple Logo.

Pictured above is really the best part of the case design. The front part of the two piece polycarbonate inner case not only has a protective screen cover built right in, but also encases the device on all four sides as well as the front. This is the maximum in hard case coverage I have seen in any case to date. Also, on the bottom is a tray that the device will sit in ensuring a great fit, and that the the installation will be very easy.

Put your iPhone 4 in the front side of the case first starting with the bottom of the device first as pictured above.

The insert the back cover of the case at the bottom first, the clip the three polycarbonate clasps into place.

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Again, starting at the bottom, insert the device with the two piece polycarbonate inner case into the silicone sleeve working your way around the device tucking the edges of the silicone cover into the recesses of the inner polycarbonate two piece cover. Be careful of the flaps as you go.

Pictured above is the bottom of the fully assembled OtterBox Defender Case with the silicone flap lifted up exposing the sync/charging port on the bottom of the iPhone 4. The two speakers on either side remain exposed.

The top of the Defender Case has a flap covering the 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones. The one problem I did encounter is that the inner polycarbonate case has a very narrow opening for the audio jack. The supplied iPhone 4 ear buds fit nicely within the recess, but larger plugs will not fit. It would not be hard to remove the little bit of material blocking an audio cord from fully fitting into the bore of the audio jack, but paying $50 bucks for a case should not require anything but full enjoyment and protection.

I really liked the fact that the volume buttons as well as the power button on top of the device are covered and have actual silicone buttons. I found these buttons very easy to use and very well made.

Behold the iPhone 4 resting fully protected in the OtterBox Defender Series Case!

Another picture of the holstered device.

The OtterBox Defender Series Case is the ultimate in protection for your device, Make no mistake that this is not only the best quality material and design, but also protection for your device. Smartphones are not cheap, so protecting your investment should be a priority. With the Defender Series Case, you can rest assured your device is safe. The Defender Case for the iPhone 4 was actually $5.00 less than the HTC HD2 I reviewed, so this does take some of the sting out of the high price. But I will say it is well worth the money. If you are looking for a case for your iPhone 4, I would highly recommend the OtterBox Defender Series Case.

PROS:

• Offers superior protection for your device
• Comes with built in screen protection.
• Excellent build quality
• Perfect fit and ease of installation
• Can double as a cradle for viewing media while charging too!

CONS:

• Adds some extra bulk to your device
• Pricey at $49.95
• Cannot use large diameter 3.5mm Audio Plugs with this case.

GRADES:

• Overall: 9.5/10
• Design: 10/10
• Performance: 10/10
• Value: 9/10

To purchase the OtterBox Defender Series Case for the iPhone 4, head on over to OtterBox or CLICK HERE