yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
If you compare the Note 2 Commuter vs the S2 Aegis then the Commuter buttons are also harder to press but also the silicon is much harder overall.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] IamPro:
Defender > Commuter > Aegis

In terms of harder to push (with Def being hardest).
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] parusia:
I got the defender case and I have no complaints with echo for the callers. I owned the Galaxy S 2 and that phone not only with the otter box, but with any other case I tried had complaints about echo from customers and family, and that was with any Rom including the stock firmware. And that was with 3 different replacements phones. So far I'm very please with my defender case.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] PrimaryMaster:
I wonder (since I am one of the few experiencing echo problem) if it is about the custom rom I am using..

I am running Wannam Lite Rom.. The sound levels in this rom are higher than original firmware.. BUT.. I set the calling volume level to the lowest and that still does not help the echoing problem.. If I release the rubber grommet that protects the charging port in the bottom, the echo issue is lesser but still exists.. Maybe you guys are not experiencing the echo problem because you are running original firmware?

Can smn please verify? Thank you...

p.s.: Has anyone tried contacting Otterbox customer service before? I tried before and it sucks .ss... Been 24+ hours and no reply yet..
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] spawn50ak49:
My experance with the sound issue is that upping the bass and increasing the decibles on the sound mode causes distortion even with out a case. I was playing around with the persiuse kernal sound setting running cleanrom 3.5 and ran into distortion issues.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bond32:
Just got the white defender case from the verizon store. I normally have these cases but I've been let down by their screen protector and a few design flaws. For example on the S3 defender case, at the ear piece and front camera the screen protector is simple cut out to accommodate them. On this note 2 defender there is an actual plastic piece at the top between the screen and the front camera. This is a huge improvement in my opinion. Also the screen protector itself seems to have been improved. It seems much clearer than previous defenders. It still does seem like there is a tiny gap between the screen and protector, but the gap seems much smaller than before. Also I like the overall outer feel of the silicone. Seems they improved on the cut of the screen protector around the button as well.

Overall I like it. It's not quite as big as I thought it would be. I honestly don't even need this kind of protection but I'm ocd about any possible scratches.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bhowanidin:
Contacted them Saturday about the volume buttons being hard to push and they replied 3 times in 24 hours including verification a new case has shipped.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] shook187:
Unfortunately the case I received still had the same issue.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bond32:
They do have the best customer service of just about anyone you have to give them that... The one I bought from verizon (I have returned it within a few hours) had buttons that were not hard to push. They felt comfortable actually.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] raduque:
One of my co-workers likes to play wallball with her Defender'd iP4s.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] IamPro:
I did this till I got a problem with my call volume where the person couldn't hear me unless I put it on speakerphone; I later found out this was due to bad soldering on the motherboard. Worst part was I had just lost my Apple Care :crying:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] livagoth:
I have the same problem with the other end hearing echo during a call. If I remove the rubber casing ON THE FLY DURING a call, the echo goes away so it does not have to do something with my phone!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] IamPro:
I was talking about my iPhone 4 I had a bit ago, it had nothing to do with the case I was using (was a motherboard problem due to bad manufacturing)
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] shook187:
I can't see how scientifically the outer silicone would cause "echoing"

It doesn't make logical sense.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] srkoza:
i have the defender i baught it like 3 days after i baught the phone and honestly it is a good sturdy case, i tired it with the screen protector and didnt like it so i punched it out and put an actual screen protector on it. ive noticed that after the first day of using the case (before i punched out the screen protector) that the case made a fine scratch all the way along the top and bottom of where the platic groves in, it doesnt bother me that much as you do have to look closely to see it but i think a case should give it protection not scratch the damn thing. if i knew i wouldve punched it out in the first place and put on the screen protector before putting on the case.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Sorry to hear my friend. This is what I have asked some owners before. From reviews that I have seen except for the back, all around and infront the phone gets in touch with hard plastic.So eventhough the plastic skeleton protects from drops nothing protects the phone from touching the inner plastic.

Maybe I am wrong but this is why I bought the commuter instead.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] 722ish:
I just picked one up tonight and it will be going back. The build quality is pretty poor on this one with the screen protector is already poking out loose. I'm pretty disappointed with it to be honest.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] royshero:
Im glad ive seen this. I got the defender a couple weeks ago. Next thing you know everyone hears an echo. I thought the phone was messed up. Because I dont use the phone a lot. I never tied it to the case
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] cardinalryan:
I have to agree with this. I bought one from Verizon and took it back because I felt that the case was very "creaky". Also, it is massive...that's not really a complaint, because you know the defender is going to be huge, but I was a little surprised at just how enormous it is. I have had many defenders in the past and this one, by far, feels the bulkiest.

Again, I totally understand that the defender doesn't claim to be slim, I get it...just pointing out that its girth is even greater than I anticipated.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] DolphinGalaxy:
no damage to that thing..ever
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] thenuke1:
love this case but like other i too HATE the dust going in through the verizon button... other then that the case is awesome
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] livingaboard:
ummm..actually not true. I just posted about cracking the glass or whatever it is under my screen. The phone had the defender case on it and it from from the distance of my lazy boy recliner to the carpeted floor. It did hit the plastic edge of the slider door we have. I did accelerate the phone by attempting to grab it but instead I accidentally hit it a little. It did hit the bottom frame of the door a little harder than just dropping it.

Not very f $%*@* happy about it either.

Yes, I have insurance but now I have to fax or upload a bunch of sh i t to Assurion. I think I will just go down and buy another one outright tonight. Not sure if I will put the defender case back on.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] spawn50ak49:
No case can protect from a direct hit to the screen. The case is more for protection to the sides of the phone which hits the ground first, most of the time.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
True, for a side protection - nothing beats this case. Although I'm returning this case back, its probably the only one I would feel comfortable to do a drop test with my own phone :D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] cardinalryan:
Update to my original post.

I bought the defender a couple of weeks ago, but returned it because it was too big for my tastes.

Well, I dropped my phone on carpet and my note 2 popped right out of the body glove dropsuit I had it in.

Thankfully, my drop occurred on carpet, so I suffered no damage, but I immediately went back to the Verizon store and repurchased a glacier defender.

Is it a little big? Yeah. Do I care? Absolutely not. That few millimeters of width is well worth the protection of the device.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] shook187:
I have an Otterbox Defender in black with the screen protector pulled out for sell $35 shipped.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Archeob:
I've just got Knight Otterbox defender in the mail today.

I waited a few days before buying it because I hoped to buy from a store so I could return it easily, but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere in Canada and I was worried about dropping my phone so I finally decided to order online.

The case is really good good looking, but as a former owner of this case for the original Note, three things surprised me:

1- The rubber covering seems somewhat harder and less... rubbery. I liked the feel of the previous one because it made it hard to drop the phone even if I have sweaty hands.

2- The side buttons are a lot harder to push. Maybe they'll loosen up in time, but it was never a problem with the old case.

3- Finally, as others have noted there is a definite gap between the glass screen and the protector, requiring a lot more pressure to operate it. It also makes a soft noise when I press it, which is very distracting. Anyone else have the same problem? Should I order a replacement from Otterbox?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
Yes, that noise you referring to is part of that gap and also plastic screen being somewhat poped up. Don't bother with a replacement. So far every post I read about replacement mentions getting the same screen problem. Btw, in your original Note Defender case, was the plastic inner shell edge sticking out above the outer rubber lip, or did the outer shell lip wrap around the edge? I was a little surprised because I expected a rubber part making a contact with a surface once you put the phone screen down. But it actually the plastic part of the inner case which makes a contact therefore less friction when you have your phone upside down on a table/glass and also a "perfect" face down fall will have plastic case absorbing the impact, IMHO.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] livingaboard:
Forget having them ship you another case. They are all built the same unless you have some obvious molding error that occured in production or something is broken on the case.

I took some butyl tape, about 1/16 of an inch thick I would say, and put a strip in the little cutout area of the hard case and on top of the buttons. The outside cover goes over this. This made the buttons pretty much perfect. You might even say they are too easy to push but I liked the response I had/have with this setup.

I removed the plastic protector within the first minute or two of ownership. It sucked...a new one will suck. I already had a screen protector anyway.

You will find also that the case creaks and squeaks and appears to me to be way too flexible for a rigid case
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Archeob:
The design apart from the type of rubber and the screen protector seems to be exactly the same. It was the plastic and not the rubber lip that made contact with the table when laid down and I never had any problem with that. I think the case would have been alot more difficult to assemble otherwise.

Keeping in mind that I had the North American LTE Note with four capacitive buttons, I'd be curious to know if the international Note used the same clear plastic screen that I had or if it was closer to the one for the Note 2. Previously, it felt rock solid and there was a little bit of friction on contact. Now it just feels cheap and smooth and as useless as any other screen protector, with the added disadvantage of not keeping out dust and other contaminants.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to pop out that sucker and buy a classic protector. Btw, I'm no engineer but a little flexibility is probably much better for shock absorbtion that a totally rigid structure.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] yankees45us:
Have you tried using a holster with your commuter? I hear the seidio active holster works with it.

Sent from my Amazing Galaxy Note 2!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
No. I dont really like holsters.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Hi. Is it possible to post some photos of the inner side of the upper part of the case? As I have posted before it seems strange to me that the phone gets in contact with hard plastic instead of a memory foam as they put in the back.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] winlinmac001:
I thinking of keeping included screen protector with the the existing screen protector on my Note 2 if I ever buy the defender case. I wonder if that would cause any kind of interference especially with the S-pen.

Is there anyone on the forum that has actually decided to use the plastic screen protector on the Defender Case? :D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] 00mred00:
I have mine intact with a screen protector underneath. Same "issues" as everyone else. Doesn't really bother me. Comparing current otterbox cases to previous otter cases from 2 yrs ago...very pleased.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] nutpn:
extra otterbox defender case

Hey if anyone needs a new in box otterbox defender case I have an extra one, wife had got me one for Christmas and as usual I cant wait, so I had ordered one also.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] naimmkassim:
Just purchase it from ebay 1 hour ago..will receive it within 3 days!! :D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] livingaboard:
I would agree to a point and in certain situations. This is not one of them. The phone flexing was a contributor to my broken screen/digitizer in my opinion. The otterbox case should have enough cushion so that flexing is not a necessity. Just like a car that has a rigid cage around the occupants yet has crumple zones designed to absorb impact. This phone as the outside rubbery 'crumple zone'. It doesn't need the crumple zone plus a floppy ass case.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Isn't the air gap smaller now that you have the other screen protector underneath? Also how is your screen sensitivity? Is it affected? I am thinking to buy the defender also and plan to keep my existing screen protector. Would you recommend it?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bond32:
When I had the defender the built in screen protector made the spen unusable. I imagine with 2 screen protectors it would be really bad.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
I really want to like the defender but I can't. It seems that the best option is to remove the screen protector but it will make the case less rigid and also allow dust inside. And of course the screen will touch the inner plastic. Well you can mod it but I am not willing to start doing this on such an expensive case. I think I will stick with my commuter instead.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bond32:
My thoughts exactly. I'm not spending that kind of money on a case where I have to take part of it out to make it usable.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] 00mred00:
This isn't the case at all with mine. Pen works fine.

As for less gap...hardly less gap imo with both on mine. It does keep the otter screen from sticking to the glass though

For clarification.. I would have bought the commuter over the defender but preferred the holster with kick stand
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] arjun90:
How is the S-pen response when it comes to pressure sensitivity?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Just out of curiosity if you put in the back between the phone and the case a soft piece of paper just to raise it in order to get in full contact with the screen protector wouldn't it solve the air gap issue?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] vectron:
That air gap doesn't come from phone being loose in the case. That would have been easy to solve. Its almost like a screen protector popped up a little bit, sort of concave up, and you have to push on it to make contact with touch screen. The best analogy would be capacitive versus resistive touch screen, although its not an extreme like in resistive one. It still works, but for majority who are used to effortless gliding of your finger on a glass or through a thin screen protector - it gets very annoying. I kept mine on for almost a day until I couldn't take it anymore. It significantly downgrades your user experience with a phone. But listen, for those who work in harsh environment - its probably a life saver for the phone, I mean the whole Defender package.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bond32:
I suppose this case isn't bad. Definitely the best protection you can have. Haven't decided if I'll keep my second one yet (if I really need it).
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Well I suppose that people who buy the defender will use it in dangerous environments where protection is more important than user experience. For now I think I will stay with my commuter but I will keep having the defender in the back of my mind. I also plan to buy the UAG case so I will try not to overspent.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] naimmkassim:
Just receive mine today!! What a brick!! Lol..the button is hard to press, but im cool wit that :D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] DualSportDad:
I ended up taking the screen protector out of mine and putting a stick on one on my screen.

I ride my motorcycle off road all the time and dust and sand was piling up between my screen and the protector. Ladt ride it was so bad I was having a hard time reading my screen. Tomorrow im going on another ride we'll see how it works out.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] arjun90:
Thanks to the Otterbox Defender Case, my Note 2 feels so comfortable to handle, and very easy to work with. I never have to fear my device from dropping on the floor now. :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] soulesschild:
I have a JLG protector and the included protector on my GN2. Touch and S-Pen both work fine so you can definitely have 2 screen protectors and have it still fully functional.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] livingaboard:
this case sucks...plain and simple. The screen protector sucks and my phone should have never broken in this case by falling onto the vinyl trim of a sliding glass door.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] soulesschild:
No case would have protected your phone if it fell at the right angle.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] acb77:
Regarding the slightly loose / creaky feel of the phone once the steaming pile of s**t screen protector is liberated, I ran a couple of strips of electrical tape down each side of the phone itself - *just* enough on the screen for the top bezel to sit on, wrapping the remainder around to the back. This also goes over the power and volume buttons which makes them slightly easier to operate as well - especially the volume buttons. Works well - feels much more solid.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] naimmkassim:
Today my 3 year old boy hand hurts after accidently punch my pocket which i keep this phone with this case..:( poor my baby hand..
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Hi. Can you post a photo please? Just to make sure that we understand what you did correctly.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] bhowanidin:
What? Hahaha
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
I am not sure that I understand how your phone broke. Did it took a direct hit in the screen or was it squeezed by the door? Also when you say broke what type of damage do you mean?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] aleksii:
Just sold my defender. people heard their own voices when speaking to me.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] acb77:
Here you go. Put another layer on which makes it even more secure.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Thank you. So now that the phone is marginal wider due to the tape the case feels more solid. Doesn't that mean that the phone supports the exoskeleton instead the other way around?

I have the commuter but feel like spending some money on another case and seriously thinking about the defender. Do you really think it is worth it? Of course I can always sell the commuter later and make some money but does the defender really make so much difference?

And a final question. From your experience is the any risk of damaging the phone or scratching it from touching the inner plastic?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] arjun90:
I really don't see any issues with the Screen Protector; other than the small gap (which can potentially allow dust to enter through). My solution was to use a Velvet pouch, and is serving its function quite well. No dust what-so-ever.

Pressure Sensitivity with the S-pen is no problem.

Is the plastic housing suppose to appear equal on both sides? I do see marginal difference there.

Overall, the Otterbox is the best protection you can currently get though.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] FIREONHIGH:
get the commuter and use any screen protector or not you wish.i think it makes sense to wrap that puppie in soft rubber and then cover it in the hard shell,,ymmv:eek:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] acb77:
Well taking the screen protector off creates a gap of about a mill between the phone face and the top bezel so that's why adding the tape makes it all fit back together better. I dont have the commuter so cant compare the two other than to say that the defender is a big badass case that is for sure the big daddy for serious drop / general abuse protection. Im not 100% sold on it as it adds a lot of weight to the phone but you can treat the phone with a fair bit of contempt knowing its wrapped up like a baby.

I dont think there is any risk of damaging the phone from the case. Glass >> Plastic. Ive got a SP on mine too so the top bezel would rest on that.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
So eventhough I am not 100% convinced I pulled the trigger on a black Defender. Lets hope I will like it. At least I sold some of my old cases to fund this purchase.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] livingaboard:
My phone took a hit to the hard plastic Defender frame that goes around the front face of the phone. Nothing hit the phone itself, directly. The hard defender case is the part that sits right on the front glass of the phone. **** design
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] jlczl:
Wow. That must of been some drop. One in a million because with the Defender on, I've purposely thrown it on the floor and against a wall to demonstrate it's impact resistance and have never even got a scratch on it.

Knowing now yours broke I may not be so quick to try to impress people with the case's protection level. :D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Well I understand your disappointment but do you think that if you didnt have the defender on then your phone would have survived? I am asking because what you describe sounds like a direct hit to the screen that would have broken the phone anyway.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] babiegurl36:
Ugh. I'm waiting for best buy to get the Glacier color in. With my 75 dollars in reward zone points plus my 20 dollar gift card, I'll get it for free. Took them long enough to get the black. Who knows when they will get the other colors:mad:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] arjun90:
Do you have a picture of the damage to the case?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gpgalanis:
Yes. That would be interesting. Also did you contact Otterbox?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] chuynh1109:
anyone looking to pick up a defender? I have a brand new "knight" one i can sell. i'm trying to pick up something else. PM me.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] sandeeppathak007:
Where are you located i9n the world , I would be interested in picking one up
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] naimmkassim:
Some person admire protection..while others admire the beauty of naked note 2 ..for me protection always come no. 1..which mean I have to sacrifice its beauty..and that is the sacrifice Im willing to do..Defender ROCK!!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] JDM RICE:
For all those that have removed the OEM Otterbox screen protector, any regrets?

I'm thinking long and hard about removing mine and utilizing the typical PET film screen protector instead. I can't stand the ever so slight "give" the Otterbox screen protector has.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] parusia:
No regrets at all. I'm currently using a ismooth screen protector, but I'm already ordered a tampered glass screen protector.