Before my Otterbox Defender Case I had for the Note 3, I only used dual layer Hybrid cases and they had enough protection for me. I would never have a slim case, just because of the investment and cost of the phones now. You drop it, you'll get another phone yeah, but probably refurbished. I had a thin Hybrid Case on my Note 2. It was slim and not too bulky. I was talking to a friend while walking, with the phone in my left pocket, wasn't paying attention and walked into a half wall at the mall. Banged my leg good enough to feel it for awhile. I pulled out my phone and nothing was cracked, but as soon as I tried to use the phone, the Screen wouldn't come on. It wasn't cracked, just went Black. I could start the phone, but couldn't see anything.
After that had to purchase the Note 3, because I wanted the N4, but it wasn't out for a few months. Best buy wanted too much for a refurbished, so went with the Note 3. Decided More protection is better. I had no problem with the Otterbox Defender case on my N3. This time when I saw this, yeah, it may not be pretty, but does the job as well as a Defender for like 1/3 of the price. Anybody that wants protection should consider this as an option. I was worried from the pics that it might feel slippery but it's not. Has textured sides and even the back has some grip. I know it's bulky, but at least I know I've got protection. I'd love to go naked, but not looking to damage the phone. I'm clumsy, so for me it's fine. Everybody has their tastes though, so to each his own. I dropped my Note 3 a few times from about 3ft up and never damaged the phone and worked perfectly, so I'm all about the protection. I don't find the case too bulky, but had an otterbox defender before, so use to the bulk. No problems that I can tell from the holes on the bottom. I may pop out the plastic screen that came with it, because I did that with the Note 3 and defender case, and I have a tempered glass screen protector.
