Trying to decide between OtterBox Defender and OtterBox Commuter. Suggestions? I don't want it too bulky (basic impact resistance & screen protection)
342920
I only have experience with the Defender and it is rather bulky but it does protect your phone
1552897
The Defender is very bulky and the Commuter is all I need to keep my phone safe. It has a soft inner case and a hard outer case. It keeps the screen off flat surfaces. If you are carrying it in your pocket the Defender will take up a lot of room. The Commuter comes with a screen protective film but there are better ones out there like Zagg.
1552898
The Defender is larger and won't fit in most available carry-pouches for Samsung Galaxy S4. My husband had to have one special made to fit his. My Commuter works fine in a ready-made pouch a friend gave us.
1552899
My experience is only with the Commuter. I don't think it's bulky, it's much better than the slippery Samsung outer shell. So far it's met my expectations. All button and camera functions work properly with the case on my phone.
1552900
If that's what you need, I would get the Commuter. The Defender is bulkier.
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
2229160
The defender series has a built in screen protector and the commuter does not. Also the defender series is quite a bit more bulky
2229161
the big difference is the holster that comes with the defender. they offer the same features other than the holster. after about a few months (five for me, three for my daughter) it starts to get loose around the edges. cant recall if the commuter has a builtin screen protector.
2124509
Defender has bigger shell hence bulkier. Usually come with protective lens (made of clear plastic) so you don't need another screen protector.
750700
Not familiar with the Otterbox Commuter Series. I have the iBLASON that I got from AMAZON. Works nice.
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!
1512080
I am quite cheap so I've never had any experience with the Otterbox Defender. I can tell you that I've dropped my phone with this case on multiple times at different heights and speeds (accidentally kicking it as it fell) and no damage to my phone at all. I've gotten to the point where I drop it or my friends do and I can say "No worries. It's got a good case on." I hope this helps.
1982091
The commuter has a thin rubber cover and a thin plastic cover over the rubber. Both pieces just snap over the back of the phone. They also include a screen film to cover the front. I had the defender for my iphone and it was total protection for my phone unlike the commuter which I think is a total wast of money. I purchased the UAG case and the Dualtek which I really like.
654104
Defender is more heavy duty. It is thicker and can take drops without blinking. The Commuter is skinnier, lighter and not as protective. I chose the Commuter as it fits in my pocket easier. If you are hard on your phone then go with the Defender.
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.
1331098
I have the same phone and Defender Commuter Case. Did this case fit with the Defender? Would you recommend it? Many of these cases lack dimensions so it's a guess as to whether they'll work properly. Will appreciate learning of your experience.
264810
There is no screen protector with the commuter series. It comes with a separate one that you can put on your screen yourself. Just like you could buy anywhere. Commuter is just a soft phone casing with a harder outer shell that fits over it. Defender has a screen protector built into the case itself. Useful at first but when it gets scratched and/or dirty you can't take it out. Unless you cut it out I guess.
128798
Defender series offers a little more protection. Also, the defender series has a built in screen protector instead of a stick on screen protector on the commuter series.
220406
I had the Otterbox Defender and I prefer my Lifeproof alot more. It is definitely less bulky and the quality of the phone calls is just fine, you don't notice a difference.
1314384
Definitely. Not as bulky and still provides great protection! I'm glad I chose this case... i also considered the commuter but decided to pay the extra money for the nicer look.
1022337
I have not had the defender, just the life proof. It is not as durable as the defender I am sure. It does have a good bumper though. A few of my students at my school have the commuter and they say they frequently drop their phones. So far so good, no one has damaged or cracked screen.