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August 01, 2014

OtterBox + iPhone 5c: Protection & Style for Any Budget

There’s probably nothing more frustrating than loosing or breaking a mobile device. We’ve become so dependent on these pricey items for both our personal and business lives, and for most of us, the data that is on them has great value. While cloud storage has made it a little easier on us, still, having to replace them is never easy.

I found myself in this very position last month, when my iPhone4 shattered on the floor after probably a gazillion prior drops. The reason I had such an outdated iPhone is I was waiting to get a full upgrade from my carrier, holding out for the much anticipated iPhone 6 - which seems like it might be around the corner.

To make it easier on my pockets while I wait for that, I chose to upgrade to the iPhone 5c – the option created to be the more cost efficient alternative (though honestly not by much).

What I didn’t realize was the lack of people who I knew that owned this model, and the smaller market for cases and covers that existed over my prior plethora of options (even for $1).

Of course the larger players do have their offerings for the 5c, so I wanted to check out something durable that was going to protect my phone, which now has a plastic backing.

OtterBox, which designs and manufactures cases for smartphones and tablets, has a nice selection of options for 5c users. I had the opportunity to review a few of those options on my device and get a first hand look at them.

“Because we have a wide range of protective solutions, we think there is something for everyone in our product lineup. If you’re looking for a case you can use underwater, we have that. If you want a case you can match with your outfit, we have that too and most everything in between,” Barbara Meyer, Marketing Communications Manager at OtterBox, told MobilityTechzone.

When protection devices like screen protectors and heavy duty cases first came into the market, everyone wanted to get their hands on them. Now, so many vendors are offering what is their take on “protection gadgets”, but Meyer said OtterBox stands apart from the competition because they have become a brand that is trusted – and for a good reason.

“You can count on OtterBox to create premium quality cases that do what they say they’re going to do – protect your device. We offer only top of the line products and we have a great warranty. We’re the original when it comes to cases and consumers know that. Because we’re always innovating, we’re always raising the bar on what we offer.”

The company’s new Resurgence power case, for instance, offers loads of battery power, but unlike other battery cases, it also meets military specs for drop protection, and comes in cool colors. 

After spending a few weeks reviewing some of the cases, my favorite of the bunch was the Symmetry Series ($39.95). I favored this case upon first glance due to the sleek look and clean, white color of the case. It’s also marketed as a case that is designed for drops. It has a polycarbonate shell and internal synthetic rubber with honeycomb coring, as well as a raised, beveled edge to keep the touch screen safe, but also leaving the overall feel of the device.  I am someone who likes a phone without a case for this very reason, but I also know it’s not worth the possible drop or accident. Getting the slim, clean designed case, along with protection, was a double bonus with this case.

Next, I tried the iPhone 5C Commuter Series Case ($39.90). The price wasn’t bad for this case, and it was sleek and slim – which are both important factors in my buying decision. I also liked that it came with a self-adhering screen protector so it’s always on my phone, even if I remove the case. I found the case also removes easily, without any fuss – which is important if you’re someone who likes change.  Being able to change color options on the case keeps things fun, and makes it possible to match your mood or even an outfit.

I also like that it’s easier to get your charger plugged in because the port is not covered. I did however find that the top home button and side volume buttons were a bit tougher to press with this case, which seemed odd since they weren’t that way with the even more rugged defender case.

However, while testing this device out for the week, I had accidents with the phone dropping straight onto the asphalt. Each time the phone landed face down and I thought for sure it had shattered, but it did not.

The most rugged of the cases was the Defender Series Case ($59.90). This came fully decked-out with a built-in screen protector and port plugs to make it less likely your phone could become a victim of
the elements.
 

While testing this case, another accident occurred. As I was rearranging a closet in my bedroom, a metal bracket fell directly down onto my phone and nicked the screen protector right at the point of impact. Despite this trauma however, my phone screen underneath was completely unharmed.

While I have tried other competitive cases like this that claim to also be “element proof”, they are far heavier and bulkier. This case offers lots of protection, but it doesn’t become heavy as a rock or have a lot of space between the actual screen and the built-in screen protector, which makes the touch capabilities less intuitive.

Aside from just protection for mobile devices, innovation in technologies is continuing and this creates a challenge for manufacturers looking to offer the next best thing.

Meyer commented that consumers today are expecting more and more from their phone cases, so the company is spending time making cases slimmer and offering a variety of colors and designs. A great example, Meyer said, is with the Symmetry Series (my personal favorite), which offers some of the best protection in its class but it’s also super fashionable, slim and beautiful to look at. 

As for the future of OtterBox products, Meyer noted that OtterBox is always aiming to delight customers and is always innovating – so be on the look out for some exciting products to come. 




Edited by Adam Brandt


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