How does it compare to the defender? I drop my phone often
1022336
Same materials as the defender (I have a defender) , but definitely not as substantial. I was hesitant about getting anything less than the defender initially because I've dropped mine at least a dozen times with no issue but this one is the proper size for my wife and she's willing to take the chance. The biggest difference in the two different cases I think is the lack of coverage on the front of the phone. If you're worried about the glass breaking, the defender is definitely safer. You're going to have to weigh the pros and the cons of each design. Hope this helps.
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.
1022338
I received my new Otterbox cover at the beginning of the week and already dropped it several times and without any damage. I did not have a defender but I used the commuter prior to this Otterbox and I believe it has the same protection level without the bulkiness.
760353
No and yes, because initially, the phone comes with its own cover for the charging port. The defender series is more rugged, and it's built for people who really drop their phone a lot. If you broke your cover for the charging port, then yes it is a drawback.
2116553
It is a little slick, but there is part rubber on sides. There is also one called defender that is more rugged and has a clip if you want one more heavy duty.
1980991
I'm not sure whether the Defender is the same Otterbox I had before, but I exchanged it for this Spigen. Otterbox is an excellent product in terms of safety - I've dropped my phone from my pocket (about 1.2 m off the ground) onto concrete and it just bounced, zero damage. However, it is a bit on the heavy side and esthetically Spigen has it beat hands down. I have dropped my phone a few times while in the Spigen case onto my hardwood floor and it hasn't been damaged. Another detail: Otterbox makes the phone somewhat bulkier, so it is harder to operate with one hand.
505597
No, the commuter screen protector is more flexible therefore it appears to be not as thick. Seems to offer very good if not same protection though. The commuter is lighter packing, not so plasticky. The front has a cleaner view of the entire face and the defender covers the top and bottom quarters. Thanks for asking. Good Luck! :)
1512079
I have the Trident case and it provides adequate protection. I have dropped my phone on concrete and it survived intact. My wife has the Otterbox Defender. It makes her phone bulkier than mine. I think the Otterbox provides more protection. If you work in an office with carpets, I think the Trident works fine for protection. If you work in an area, such as a medical facility or warehouse, that has little carpeting, I think the Otterbox defender is a safer bet.
1374368
After looking at the defender series I would say yes it's very similar. And yes the phone is totally protected in hard plastic. It just feels cheap to me, but it will protect your phone.
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.
194174
I think it is just as good as an Otterbox. My sister has an Otterbox and she dropped it numerous times and it hasn't cracked. I have already dropped mine and all it does is bounce off the ground. Since the plastic raises the screen from coming into contact with any surface, it doesn't get scratched. My phone has not cracked and a two year old has thrown it everywhere. I definitely recommend it. Especially for just $7. You cant go wrong!!
378980
I personally think it's better than my commuter otter. It's very sturdy and I've dropped it several times. Hope this helps
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.
1117145
Just to let you know, Mine was not in good condition when i got mine, but that was just design issue. I can not tell you how many times I have dropped it and frankly I don't care what kind of damage it does or doesnt do to the case since I knew immediately upon coming out of the box that I would have to replace it soon. That being said, It has held up to drops better than I had expected. Every time I drop it, I still look down to check that everything is ok with my phone. I believe it has stood up to this because the rubber coating on the inside of the case stops most of the forces that would normally shatter the plastic case around it.
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.
1982095
My Commuter has a soft rubbery insert covering the phone with the additional hard outer cover. It works well protecting the phone from bangs & drops. Am unfamiliar with the Defender.
98763
Quite a bit. I drop my phone all the time on hard surfaces an it's still in perfect condition. Obviously, it's not going to be as protective as a bulkier case, but it's really great given how thin it is.
1631703
I would not consider it as durable as an otter box defender or equivalent. However, for as sleek as it is, it does offer suffice protection. I've dropped mine several times and have had no trouble thus far.
636042
I am in agreement with Jessica. THe otterbox is bulkier than this case. My husband had the defender and it is definitely thicker than this one.