Trying to decide between OtterBox Defender and OtterBox Commuter. Suggestions? I don't want it too bulky (basic impact resistance &amp; screen protection)
342920
I only have experience with the Defender and it is rather bulky but it does protect your phone
310425
I don't have a commuter case but from what I can tell the Symmetry is thinner. It's still protects phone however, it's not bulky like some of the other Otterboxes I've seen! (And they have really pretty choices ;) )
1213742
Very protective. I have dropped it several times and it is no worse for wear. No case will protect the screen should I ever drop it in such a way that the screen makes contact with an object. However I will put this case up against the Otterbox Commuter boxes like I used to use any day.
2128639
A commuter series otterbox would fit, but I'm not sure about defender series. My galaxy s3 was too wide for it.
1650099
I have the defender, and it's fine, the commuter is thinner, so it will be OK, I also have the spigen neo hybrid, which is similar to the commuter, and it fits perfectly, so there shouldn't be a problem
1350861
Defender has a cover that goes over the face of the screen and a phone case with clip. Commuter is thinner and usually no clip and no screen cover
1601824
The Commuter is still 2 covers, one rubbery for the first layer and then the hard plastic for the outer layer. I like it, but it is making the phone a bit bigger. It makes me certain that if I was to drop the phone it would still come out OK. It is sturdy. I don't know what the Defender looks like, but my impression is that it is bigger than the Commuter.
2055944
Spigen is a good case but makes it look like an iphone. Personally prefer the uag case, looks cool and has more grip feel. Haven't used otterbox, sorry
2191088
The main difference in my opinion is that the defender is more durable. The back side of the defender is textured and the commuter is very slick. The defender in my opinion protects your phone more so than the commuter and commuter doesn't stay in a shirt pocket like the defender. Yes it does protect against cracking. I hope this helps.
1266539
I'm not sure, we bought both the Defender and the Commuter. The Defender has a plastic screen protector built in to it, the Commuter does not but I'm just as happy with it. I did buy a heavy duty canvas case/clip that works great as well. It has a metal clip to it so I know it wont break easily. We use plastic clips for our work cell phones and they break all the time. I did find that the Commuter series had more color choices whick is what I was looking for. The green makes it so easy to find when I'm home. I have dropped it a couple of times and you really cant tell. It held up nicely.
1221043
No that is the Defender Case by Otterbox, but the Commuter does come with one screen protector. Most people prefer a 3rd party screen protector from what I hear. I actually chose a 3rd party one. The one that comes from Otterbox tends to have a "rainbow effect" from skin oil etc.
467034
The commuter case is not NEARLY as bulky as the defender. Is is much thinner and fits in pockets better. It can still take quite a beating, though.
2018531
I think it's up to personal preferences, but I was really unimpressed with an Otterbox Defender and basically ended up with a highly secured case full of fine dust and a scratched screen. Stick-on protectors work better for my needs.
654107
The Defender is more protective, and more bulky. It also comes with a belt clip. The Commuter is a slimmer, but very protective case. Still protects the phone from drops and falls, just not from extreme heights!
912517
The Defender is bigger and the commuter is slightly smaller. The Defender has a rougher outside and is built seemingly more rigid than the commuter I only have the commuter. I haven't ever tried a defender, it has a built in screen protector as part of the case, The commuter does not so you can do like I do and use adhesive ones or not use them at all because well the screens have come a long way since the beginning of smartphones they hold up better than before.
560839
I'm not familiar enough with the otterbox models to make a comparison. It is definitely less bulky than the defender. For the price, I think the Ballistic Aspira is as much case as anyone needs unless they are going to drop it in water. Hope this helps.
1350862
The defender is a more complex case. It is designed to take greater damage. If you drop your phone a lot, like I do, then get the defender. If you want just some protection, but not get too bulky, then get the commuter. I would warn you about the cases for the galaxy s3. The defender's outer shell loses its elasticity very easy. The phone is still protected well.