GS3 Otterbox Defender Review-Extended

**jcp007** · 07-28-2012, 06:48 AM

I originally posted my review on the AT&T forum but did not see it the overall forum and thought it might be helpful to users on other carriers. I have also included a dramatic drop test video that convinced me that I made the right choice.

The Drop Test Link:

**pdhahn** · 07-28-2012, 09:10 AM

That drop test is very impressive. As long as you don't drop your phone screen-down on something that is sticking up it looks like this case should be able to take it.

**jcp007** · 07-28-2012, 09:20 AM

I hope not either. The drop test covered the most common types of impacts. I am always amazed that fashion and appearance override function and protection especially considering how much the phone costs. The case taking the majority of the drop trauma decreases the likelihood of loss of function or the device.

**Soundtrack to Chaos** · 07-28-2012, 09:37 AM

I bought mine yesterday and I love it

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Android Central Forums

**jcp007** · 07-28-2012, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Soundtrack to Chaos

I bought mine yesterday and I love it

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Android Central Forums

You definitely won't regret it. I wonder if OB reformulated the silicone layer as there were many complaints about the silicone layer of the Commuter. The play in the buttons on the Defender is dramatically better.

**jcp007** · 08-15-2012, 08:56 PM

Has anyone ordered a Defender custom-colored case?

**jcp007** · 09-04-2012, 06:18 AM

I recently had to replace my holster as the bracket that enables the kickstand broke. The belt clip still works. OB sent out an entirely new holster and case. They did not send a return address label so that I could return the original parts. The case is still going strong.

Sent From My Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

**crisg723** · 09-05-2012, 11:10 AM

I love my defender case as I've dropped my phone already a few times and it's still in perfect condition. My only complaint is that the outside silicone layer seems to be stretching, and does not fit the corners of the under layer flush anymore.

**jcp007** · 09-05-2012, 08:24 PM

If you remove the silicone lining, it will stretch a bit. If it gets too bad, call OB and they will send out a new case and holster. I only needed the holster because the clip that enables the kickstand broke but they sent me both the case and the holster. Same for my wife. Her silicone lining on her i4s Defender case was getting stretched and the charging port dust cover came off. They sent her both the case and holster. Both cases and holsters were sent free of charge and they paid the shipping.

Sent From My Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

**crisg723** · 09-05-2012, 08:32 PM

I got my case at an At&T store because I had the store credit, so I'm gonna get a new one from there and if it stretches again I'll call OB.

**Bond32** · 09-18-2012, 05:56 PM

Otterbox will replace it if it stretches. In the past I called them and they had me read some numbers off the inside to them. This was their verification that I did indeed have authentic otterbox stuff.

As for the Defender case itself, I am torn with it. Currently it is the only case I have yet I honestly hate it. I hate the screen protector, but the silicon has been improved over previous defender cases. Not sure if I will keep this case.

**jneusch** · 09-18-2012, 10:00 PM

Remove the screen protector if you don't like it. I did! I am using a Zagg HD screen protector instead. Much better IMO. Other than the screen protector I really like the OB. I am debating the purchase of an extended battery, but if I do my OB will be wasted. What to do???

**Bond32** · 09-25-2012, 10:03 AM

I ended out returning the defender case. Just didn't see the point if I needed to pop out the screen protector to make it work. Not worth the cost of it.

I am still looking around, if I am able to get it for under $15 I might get it again.

**mssca** · 09-25-2012, 07:46 PM

I have this case and it is great. Not too bulky compared to Defender cases for BBs.

**jcp007** · 09-25-2012, 08:46 PM

Bulk is all relative. Protection and continued performance are the whole point of the Defender case.

Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

**Bond32** · 09-30-2012, 07:31 PM

I broke down and ordered the Defender. Didn't pay the absurd price Verizon charges, just ordered the Atomic color from amazon. Now have both the commuter and defender (when it comes in). Plan to switch between the two. Still not sure about poking out the screen protector. To me that seems like a lot of protection lost.

**jcp007** · 09-30-2012, 09:16 PM

Sounds great. At the end of the day, I prefer non-adhesive screen protectors due the peeling and discoloration issue even these issues may nor appear for weeks or months. Non-adhesive ones may not be HD but, as long as it protects my screen, that is all that matters to me. I periodically use a lense wipe to clean it.

Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

**Bond32** · 09-30-2012, 09:26 PM

Actually just going to send the commuter back. It's not much different from a 5 shell holster I already have.

I will try the defender with out pushing out the protector. Will try it with my my spigen protector on.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

**ebane12** · 10-01-2012, 12:06 AM

Hi guys can you recommend me what ob defender color should i buy? I have a pebble blue s3. Show some photos too thnx

Sent from my GT-I9300

**jcp007** · 10-01-2012, 05:46 AM

I have the traditional black case with my Pebble Blue GS3.

Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

**ebane12** · 10-01-2012, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by jcp006

I have the traditional black case with my Pebble Blue GS3.

Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

Show some pictures plsss

Sent from my GT-I9300

**jcp007** · 10-01-2012, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by ebane12

Show some pictures plsss

Sent from my GT-I9300

I can do better than that. Please see my review on my YouTube channel, TheJCP006.

Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet

**Bond32** · 10-02-2012, 06:26 PM

Put this in the other thread, but I will say it here. I just got mine in a few hours ago from amazon. I felt guilty for paying so much at the verizon store so I returned it and ordered it from amazon. I don't like the idea of removing the screen protector so I thought I would try it with the build in screen protector, as well as my SPG Spigen ultra nano screen protector still on the phone. First impression is WOW it actually works, no oil spots, works rather well actually. So well that it seems to remove that small "gap" between the built in screen protector. That "gap" made me furious, having to retype things all the time. So far I am stoked. I absolutely love the case but I didn't like having to pop out the protector. Here is an alternative plus if I decide to use a different case I still have my spigen protector on.

It looks great, just a few hours into it now. I did not expect it to look this good considering I tried the same with the verizon (cheap) screen protectors and it looked terrible.