REVIEWED: Otterbox iPhone 3G Case

Darren · Last edited by Darren on Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:20 am; edited 1 time in total

We have reviewed many Otterbox products here at PocketGPSWorld. Otterbox's reputation for no-nonsense protective cases that are tough, waterproof and built to last has been confirmed each and every time.

With the receipt of a shiny new iPhone 3G I began the search for a protective case. Although the GPS aspect of the iPhone has yet to be fully taken advantage of I still needed something that would keep it safe from my clumsy hands. Although I had looked at Otterbox's offering I will admit that at first I wasn't keen. The iPhone is a design classic and it seemed criminal to smother it in the Otterbox case and hide all its best assets!

However I'm pleased to say that I was wrong and Otterbox have designed yet another case that does exactly what it is designed to do, protect your device. And it does it very well whilst retaining access to all the ports, indeed it actually makes the iPhone more comfortable to hold and the holster has other benefits.

Read our full review here.
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Darren Griffin

Darren · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject:

I'm awaiting UK pricing and will update the published review once received.
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Darren Griffin

3GGG · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject:

Just got one of these, I like it a lot.

I removed the gauze that covered the mic/ear/speaker ports as they muffled the sound a bit. I don't really need that much protection, but it was a nice idea.

I may also remove the plastic that covers the camera lens as it is not coated and causes a bit of glare. [Removed now]

The 3GS screen is difficult to grease enough by palm because of the new coating it has to repel grease!

Edit: I have now removed the plastic screen covering - I much prefer to touch the glass than some plastic covering. It also is easier to keep the glass clean on the 3GS and the glare is less without the plastic.

I am not so keen on the hard plastic holster, it is a bit too plasticky, a nice leather holster would have been better.

All in all a nice product that appears to give good protection and is quite practical with all ports and controls accessible.

The main reason for changing my case was that my previous O2 leather flip top case had magnets in it to hold the flap down and that upset the compass. Mad

3GGG · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:36 pm Post subject:

One tiny problem with the Otter Box Defender case: I cannot get the Apple Av lead plugged in, it is too big to go through the slot in the bottom of the case. The normal Apple charging lead fits fine.

bienhoa · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 22, 2011 Posts: 1

Just wanted to comment on the inital review. Thanks for the heads up on placement of the Iphone in the holder. I actually had it turned around facing out and had it slip out on me twice in a short time span. Now its as snug as a bug in a rug. Also the palm against the screen to remove the bubbles. I have yet to try it but once I finish here I will. Oh! By the way thanks to the OtterBox Defender my Iphone was undamaged from the drop to concrete. Expensive! Yes, but well worth it.

sgould · Frequent Visitor Joined: Oct 05, 2004 Posts: 1320

I've had mine for a while now. I have to take the phone out to put it in the docking station or in the Tomtom windscreen holder. After a few uses the sleeve has split at 45 degrees from the bottom right hand corner of the screen hole. The split is working its way further around to the back. I think that soon I will have to get a new holder before the phone falls out of the sleeve one day.
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TTGO 700 (dead)
iPhone 3GS + TT holder
iPhone 5 (hers!)
Western Europe Map
Eastern Europe Map
Kenwood DNX-4210DAB with Garmin maps

Darren · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 9:11 pm Post subject:

Contact Otterbox and discuss the issue with them. They have a reputation for excellent support and it's justly deserved.

See what they have to say about the problem first?
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Darren Griffin

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