I was excited when the iPhone 5 was released. I’m always upgrading my phone just months before a new release. When the iPhone 4S came out however I decided to skip the upgrade, from what I had read it really didn’t have a lot of features I felt I needed. I was looking forward to the iPhone 5. When the news came out and pre-orders began I had initially decided to wait until the hype died down. That thought only lasted about three days and instead I placed my order on the 17th. Immediately after placing my order I began the search for an iPhone 5 case. After our iPhone accident many years ago I will not let my phone go unprotected. I turned to my favorite company Otterbox to find my iPhone 5 case! When I need to protect my electronics I LOVE to do so with Otterbox, the security allows me to feel comfortable letting my kids use my devices.
I had a Otterbox Defender with my iPhone 4 and though I liked it most of the time there were a few things I just didn’t love, so I thought I would try something different. However I was also a little leery about giving up the top of the notch protection. So Otterbox sent me both the Otterbox Defender iPhone 5 Case and the Otterbox Commuter iPhone 5 Case so I could decide which one I preferred.
I asked what the difference was between the two, the main difference was the construction of the case and the level of surface that is protected.
The Commuter Series is a dual layer case, much like the Defender Series but in a reverse construction. There is a silicone layer that wraps around the device, providing shock absorption and port coverage. A polycarbonate shell forms the outer layer, making it more pocket and purse-friendly and providing additional drop protection. The Defender has three layers of protection including a polycarbonate skeleton that cushions the iPhone while the built-in screen protector prevents smudges and scratches. The outer layer wraps around the solid inner shell like an epidermis, creating a practically indestructible iPhone 5 case.
Since the Otterbox Commuter iPhone 5 Case was new to me I decided to try this one out first. Though it comes with a stick on screen protector I decided not to add this when trying it out. As soon as I put it on the phone I knew I missed my Otterbox Defender. Don’t get me wrong it is a great case. It was very similar to the case I had before I switched to the Otterbox Defender. It just felt less protected to me. I did like the outer layer being a hardshell case versus my previous Defender case having the silicone on the outside.
So despite the few things I had originally disliked about the Otterbox Defender I popped it on to see what I thought. Turns out the few things I disliked with the my previous Otterbox Defender had been changed with the iPhone 5 case. The two issues I had previous to this case were, the silicone would eventually appear warn and it the phone case just looked used. Also after a while the rubber plugs that protect your buttons, charging area, etc just stopped working as well. They would eventually just fall out and that would drive me crazy.
The Otterbox Defender iPhone 5 Case no longer has the rubber like silicone on the outside but it is a very nice looking type of material. I was really impressed with the changes and absolutely LOVE the new design. I opted for a solid black because I really like a sleek looking phone. I have dropped my phone once or twice with no problems. The Otterbox case definitely protects it. I was at the soccer field a couple weekends ago and pulled out my phone and a mother/daughter sitting next to me asked about my case. Turns out the daughter had just gotten the iPhone 5 case and within 3 days dropped it and cracked the screen. I told them I highly recommend an Otterbox and if they are looking for the best protection they should get the Defender.
I think both the Otterbox Defender iPhone 5 Case and the Otterbox Commuter iPhone 5 Case will protect your phone. Which one you like better depends on what you are use to or what you want for your phone. The biggest difference regarding appearance between the phones is the Defender covers up everything on the phone accept the actual screen. The Commuter covers up to the edge of the phone leaving the top and bottom void of any material. I thought this was something I didn’t like with the Defender but like I said I just feel that my phone is protected a lot better with the Defender.
You really can’t go wrong with any case from Otterbox!
Disclaimer: I received the above product(s) at no cost to me by the company or representing PR agency. All opinions are my own. You may read more of my disclosure here.
Jenn @therebelchick says
I’m such a klutz that I have to have the defender – I drop my iPhone so much lol
Theresa says
I need to get an Otterbox case. Great review Shibley!
Leilani says
I used to have an Otterbox Defender for my iPhone and that thing rocked! Now that my girls are a little older and no longer throw my phone or put it in their mouths, I switched to a thinner Speck case.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I agree you can’t go wrong with an otterbox – my hubs loves his, and he drops his phone more than anyone I know!
Stefani says
I want one of these for my iPhone.
Notorious Spinks says
I love Otterbox cases too!
Marcie W. says
I have an Otterbox on my iPhone4 and love it. I’m sure it’s saved my phone on more than one occasion.
Dhvanesh says
Otterbox Defender is my all time favorite case. It was protecting my iPhone 4 and It is now providing ultimate protection to my iPhone 5.
Robin O says
I think I would lean towards the commuter case…but I don’t have an iPhone yet. I’ll have to work on that first. Thanks for the review!
Sharla Wilkins says
I have a Mickey Mouse case for my iPhone 4S. I always wondered how well the Otterbox cases held up, as I’ve heard some great things about them.
tanyetta says
This was a very balanced review of BOTH products. I am still trying to decide which one to get! Thank You.
Daraya says
My friend has an otterbox case! It is gray and pink – I love it! 🙂
Heather says
Heard great things about OtterBox!