I went a little case crazy the last couple of weeks. I have had the Seidio Dual Pro since I purchased the phone in June, but have been looking for something more substantial. I tried the Otterbox Defender and returned it a day later. The lint and hair that gathers under the plastic screen was driving me nuts. If it was not for that and the creaking of the case when held firmly, I would have kept it and my search would have been over.
The Incipio Dual Pro is still my favorite as far as comfort. It is a simple dual layer case with a very thin silicon inner layer and a nice grippy outer shell. It slips in and out of pockets easily, but provides the least amount of protection. The lip is very shallow and provides just enough clearance you will not scratch the screen face down.
The Trident Aegis is in between the Incipio and Seidio regarding protection. It also follows the traditional setup of a silicon inner layer and hard outer case. It is noticeable thicker than the Incipio. The protective silicon layer is nearly twice as thick and the corners are heavily reinforced. The lip is also a bit deeper. I liked this case, but wanted something that felt more substantial; similar to an Otterbox, but without the screen.
So today my Seidio Convert arrived, and it is perfect for my needs. First off, it comes with two cases and a holster (the holster only works with the heavy case, but you can order a thin holster separately). The first case is the Seidio Surface. It is a snug fitting plastic case that is lined with a felt type of material. This case snaps together from the top and bottom and feels very secure. The grip is excellent. I work in many different conditions and grip is very important to me. I have dropped several phones over the years when my hands get sweaty. I have no worries with this one. I feel the protection is close to that of the Incipio Dual Pro.
When you need that extra level of protection you convert the Surface Case by adding a very heavy thick rubber silicon layer over the top of the Surface Case. Then clip on the plastic outer backing that holds everything together. The three layers combine to offer a level of protection that exceeds the Otterbox Defender, in my opinion. The lip is very deep. There is no way anything can hit the screen if you drop it on a floor or sidewalk. The holster is very high quality. They redesigned it a couple of years ago and have added a lock to ensure it stays in the holster. The only thing I would change is the pin they use on the clip. I would have preferred a metal pin over the plastic one. The icing on the cake for me is the built in kick stand. I video chat with my kids every day when they get home from school and the stand works perfectly for that. The stand is built into the surface case so you can use it both ways. The other unique feature I have not seen before is the cover for the camera. A rubber flap protects the lens and then folds back and clips into the case when you want to use the camera.
The larger heavier cases take a little getting used to, but the transition was no more difficult than when we all moved from small screen phones to the Galaxy S4, and the added protection for me is worth it. I hope this mini review is helpful for someone. I will try to add pictures this weekend if I get a chance.
- Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00NV4TCF6/ref=pe_386430_30332290_TE_3p_dp_1
- i-Blason Unity Series 2 Layer
I just got these for my phone and wanted to share some pics.
For the tempered glass, I just bought one of the cheap ones. I was taking a change on haloing, and it has a halo. But, it is barely noticeable if the screen is on. The only other issue is that it barely covers the screen width-wise. I get what I paid for. Other than that, the visibility is awesome like any other glass screen protector. S-pen and finger touch have no issues.
After looking at many different cases, I again got one of the cheaper options. This case adds little bulk, but nothing like other similar cases. Plastic part has matte finish, so no finger prints. It is a little slippery, but rubber part does not catch dirt/lint and grip is good enough. The lip on the screen side is barely enough to clear the glass protector. I would have like a bigger lip, but as long as the screen is not touched when the phone is face-down, I can live with it. The only annoying issue is that feel for the side buttons are muted due to the rubber.
Overall, the case provides adequate protection and the fit is great. For the price, I may say that it is a better value than Spigen Slimarmor or other similar cases.
Looks very nice.
Looks like the case is two pieces that snap together? If so, does it easily split apart? I ordered the Unicorn Beetle SUPCASE because it seems to do just that, but (like most cases) there are a lot of mixed reviews so more options the better o-O;; Looks nice :good:
Hi, which otterbox series case would you recommend for Note 4? Commuter or defender series?
Is there any difference other than defender series having built-in screen protector and holster?
Does the commuter series have exact same lip protection as defender?
I don't know which one to buy. Help me out here, thank you!
Gold3nCloud said:
Hi, which otterbox series case would you recommend for Note 4? Commuter or defender series?
Is there any difference other than defender series having built-in screen protector and holster?
Does the commuter series have exact same lip protection as defender?
I don't know which one to buy. Help me out here, thank you!
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I think both forum members arjun90 & felloffthetruck have both cases so private messaging them would be a good idea.
I have the Defender & I think it's a little more protective than the Commuter but I think most would consider the Commuter a highly protective case. The Defender also has a holster w/beltclip which has a kickstand for upright landscape viewing so if either a holster or a kickstand are considerations you'd want the Defender.
If you do get the Defender you need to remove the screen protector & install something else for clarity & to prevent the dirt buildup between the screen & the protector that enters from the home button. Also if you're buying it online make certain you either buy from Otterbox directly or Amazon directly (not a 3rd party Amazon reseller) because Otterbox counterfeiting is rampant.
mty msi said:
I think both forum members arjun90 & felloffthetruck have both cases so private messaging them would be a good idea.
I have the Defender & I think it's a little more protective than the Commuter but I think most would consider the Commuter a highly protective case. The Defender also has a holster w/beltclip which has a kickstand for upright landscape viewing so if either a holster or a kickstand are considerations you'd want the Defender.
If you do get the Defender you need to remove the screen protector & install something else for clarity & to prevent the dirt buildup between the screen & the protector that enters from the home button. Also if you're buying it online make certain you either buy from Otterbox directly or Amazon directly (not a 3rd party Amazon reseller) because Otterbox counterfeiting is rampant.
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Thank you. I'm not interested into kickstand or holster. Just highly protective case.
I think the best case for the Note 4 is the Commuter. It has a soft silicone liner that won't scratch the painted sides of the Note 4.
The Defender left wear marks on the painted sides of my white Note 4. You can't go wrong with the Commuter.
felloffthetruck said:
I think the best case for the Note 4 is the Commuter. It has a soft silicone liner that won't scratch the painted sides of the Note 4.
The Defender left wear marks on the painted sides of my white Note 4. You can't go wrong with the Commuter.
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Do they have same lip protection?
I believe they do, except the defender covers up more of the phones top portion i.e. around the front facing camera and proximity sensor. I love the protection of the defender but not being able to see the little bit of my white note 4 thats covered with the defender opposed to the commuter upsets me. I will probably be picking the commuter up for this reason myself.
Any one have a recommended tempered glass SP for the commuter?
naturecannon said:
Any one have a recommended tempered glass SP for the commuter?
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I'm still using the Otterbox Alpha glass with the Commuter and it's working fine.
mty msi said:
I think both forum members arjun90 & felloffthetruck have both cases so private messaging them would be a good idea.
I have the Defender & I think it's a little more protective than the Commuter but I think most would consider the Commuter a highly protective case. The Defender also has a holster w/beltclip which has a kickstand for upright landscape viewing so if either a holster or a kickstand are considerations you'd want the Defender.
If you do get the Defender you need to remove the screen protector & install something else for clarity & to prevent the dirt buildup between the screen & the protector that enters from the home button. Also if you're buying it online make certain you either buy from Otterbox directly or Amazon directly (not a 3rd party Amazon reseller) because Otterbox counterfeiting is rampant.
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I ordered the Otterbox Defender series, but how do I remove the screen protector? Do I just peel it off or do I have to do anything special before peeling it off? Thank you.
Gold3nCloud said:
I ordered the Otterbox Defender series, but how do I remove the screen protector? Do I just peel it off or do I have to do anything special before peeling it off? Thank you.
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You use a hairdryer (around the perimeter of the protector) to heat up the glue that holds the plastic protector in place & it comes right off.
Personally I prefer the Symmetry to either.
It's not as bulky as the defender, but it's also a tighter and stiffer fit than the commuter which wears out over time.
Shayded said:
Personally I prefer the Symmetry to either.
It's not as bulky as the defender, but it's also a tighter and stiffer fit than the commuter which wears out over time.
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No port covers though.
If you go with the commuter at any time I suggest getting some grip tape (Like the stuff they use on ladders or wooden stairs) from your local hardware store (I got it at Home Depot) and cutting two small strips for the side (Along the hard plastic) for added grip. This has been working very well for me and adds a nice firm grip to the phone, It does not interfere with MY POCKETS as the only place I applied the tape to was on the sides. I also don't wear tight jeans or shorts so its easier to remove for me then it might be for some.
Gold3nCloud said:
I ordered the Otterbox Defender series, but how do I remove the screen protector? Do I just peel it off or do I have to do anything special before peeling it off? Thank you.
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I pushed it out with my thumbs. It wasn't difficult at all to take out. Most of the adhesive comes off with the crappy built in. Whatever was left, I just rubbed off.
I will probably be picking the commuter up for this reason myself.
Not only is the Commuter a bit cheaper, but the soft lining's on the inside (easier on that scratchable metal bezel!) and it's really easy to take on and off, which I find important for Gear VR use and just being able to make use of the removable battery and microSD slots in a timely manner. It also has port covers to keep the dust out of the headphone jack and microUSB, though the S-Pen silo remains uncovered.
The Defender's a pain to get in and out of, and the main added expense over the Commuter-the built-in screen protector-is a pretty lousy one when you're used to tempered glass directly on the screen.
It's funny how the cheaper and supposedly lower-end case is what I find to be the superior option by far, really. The only thing the Defender has over the Commuter - the belt holster - isn't something I use since my pants pockets are plenty adequate for the Note 4 as is.
NamelessFragger said:
Not only is the Commuter a bit cheaper, but the soft lining's on the inside (easier on that scratchable metal bezel!) and it's really easy to take on and off, which I find important for Gear VR use and just being able to make use of the removable battery and microSD slots in a timely manner. It also has port covers to keep the dust out of the headphone jack and microUSB, though the S-Pen silo remains uncovered.
The Defender's a pain to get in and out of, and the main added expense over the Commuter-the built-in screen protector-is a pretty lousy one when you're used to tempered glass directly on the screen.
It's funny how the cheaper and supposedly lower-end case is what I find to be the superior option by far, really. The only thing the Defender has over the Commuter - the belt holster - isn't something I use since my pants pockets are plenty adequate for the Note 4 as is.
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If I'm not mistaken the Defender is a more rugged case than the Commuter although the Commuter is still a rugged case. I may be wrong but I don't think the Commuter is the Defender minus the junk plastic screen protector & the holster.
Removing the Defender's built in screen protector is very easy. I don't know why Otterbox doesn't offer a version of it w/o the plastic screen protector especially considering they sell a hard plastic screen protector.
The scratching of the metal bezel by the Defender is an issue only reported by a few users, the vast majority incl myself have not had this problem.
mty msi said:
If I'm not mistaken the Defender is a more rugged case than the Commuter although the Commuter is still a rugged case. I may be wrong but I don't think the Commuter is the Defender minus the junk plastic screen protector & the holster.
Removing the Defender's built in screen protector is very easy. I don't know why Otterbox doesn't offer a version of it w/o the plastic screen protector especially considering they sell a hard plastic screen protector.
The scratching of the metal bezel by the Defender is an issue only reported by a few users, the vast majority incl myself have not had this problem.
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You're exactly right, on all counts I have both the defender and commuter. The defender is slightly larger/bulkier but is also a little more rugged than the commuter. Overall both cases protect very well though, and neither has scratched my phone. I removed tbe plastic screen protector on the Otterbox too, it was terrible lol. Both cases work for me with tempered glass (tried the Inskin Glass, Zagg Glass, Moshi iVisor, and Otterbox Alpha Glass). The Commuter comes off quicker than the Defender does, although the port flaps fit a little better on the Defender.
Hey guys,
So I want a rugged case that has port covers to protect them from dust. However, all of them seem to have a built in screen protector that I heard usually messes with the proximity sensor and touch sensitivity.
Are there any cases out there that have port covers with no built in screen protector?
Just get the rugged case you want and remove the included screen protector. They are usually easily removable.
a bit old but the Otterbox Commuter is a great case.
Otterbox commuter. On Amazon $24.95, prime = no charge & 2 day shipping. This is my case, love it. Super tough.
I do same thing as jaytv does.
I've been using the Armadillotek case for my Note 9 for a couple weeks now. I really like the case overall but decided to switch back to my Defender for now.
First, the built in screen protector doesn't quit sit totally flush because of teh curved glass. This causes it to have a tiny bit of air gap which dust and dirt gets underneath and drives me nuts, plus with the Kickstand it leave the phone exposes a but when you use it allowing dirt to get in there.
Also, the sides of this case are raised which is great! gives more protection but also allows dirt and grime to collect on the sides.
I really like the case and eventually might just rip the protector out. I might try the Poetic Revolution and Supcase Unicorn Beetle out but I'm sure the screen protector will be crappy too and I'll just rip it out.
I can see why Otterbox ditched the built in protector for the curved phones.
They tried it with the S7 Edge. With the S7 edge it fit VERY snug to the phone so no dirt got under it BUT screen responsiveness was atrocious with it. Just terrible.
I might order the orange Armadillo because I like the color but for sure will rip the protector out on one of them and save the other for when I want a screen protector in certain situations.
I ripped the screen protector out as well. Very easy to take off and makes it perfect for me.
I ripped off the screen as well, worth it. I have the white glass dome on my phone, gives me protection already.
Thing I don't like about Armadillotek and "tough" cases like them is that too often their designs are so gaudy. That's why I like the Commuter (and even Defender). They're mature-looking. Pretty understated. Low-key, kinds of cases.
Thanks for the information...
I just simply rip off the plastic protector, and install tempered glass one.
Now I can it tough
I like the defender but I hate the holster. I've used the seidio surface holster for years now and it's far superior IMO. Wish I could find a holster like the surface one for the defender.