I also just picked up the Tech21 Evo Tactical XT for the Note 7, thanks to your post Blues Fan. I swung by ATT after seeing your post. I pre-ordered the Otterbox Defender on Amazon because that is my trusted "go to" case for all my phones, but I just can't have my new Note 7 go naked in the interim. I agree that the Tech 21 Evo Tactical XT seems like the next best substitute for the Otterbox Defender. My Tech 21 fits perfectly and looks like it will protect it just fine. The lip extends enough over the screen and edges, so I don't foresee any protection issues. I've never liked the built-in screen protector on the Otterbox Defenders (always removed them with a hairdryer and replaced with tempered glass screen protectors on prior phones). So in a way, the Tech 21 version might be a good substitute. I prefer the more grippy hand feel of the Defender over the Tech 21, so I still want the Defender for sure. But for now, this Tech 21 case fits the bill for me. Just wish it came in more colors (ATT store only had black) other than black and purple.