[Galaxy Note II Accessories] cjk2010:
So The kind folks at Otterbox sent me not One but TWO replacement cases because my original defender had the rubber for the headphone jack and usb jack start tearing after use.

Let me start by saying they are an OUTSTANDING company ( And I dont own any of their stock, get paid to review or compensated in any form) . I called and asked if they could send me a new rubber outercase for my existing Defender because the two port flaps were tearing. Since they didn't have any of the silicone shells or Defender cases they sent me an Otterbox Commuter in my preferred color choice (Glacier White) until they had more Defender cases in stock. What did I get? at the same time a new full retail Otterbox Commuter in Glacier White and a full Otterbox Defender in Black (my original color).

I thought maybe showing them side by side may help others decide which case is a more suitable choice.

In the pics below the Verizon SCH-i605 is in the (OLD) Otterbox Defender and the NEW Otterbox Commuter is on the TMobile SCH-T889.

Long and short of it is each case has its merits and flaws. But both are great choices for protection on this expensive device.

Common To Both Cases:

+ Very good protection for falls. Corners, Screen, and back are protected.

+ Both have rubber flaps covering Audio and USB ports.

The Defender has 3 parts: Hard plastic back cover, Hard plastic front cover with integrated hard plastic screen screen protector, Soft silicon outer shell that wraps everything including the screen bezel.

The Commuter has 2 parts + a standard adhesive screen protector. Soft silicon inner shell that wraps the entire phone including raised screen bezel, a hard ABS plastic outer shell and also the adhesive screen protector.

Defender:

+ Exterior shell is Silicon. More tacky / sticky in hand and less slippery . Less likely to slip out of the hand.

+ The hard interior case has a raised rim around the screen in the harder ABS plastic and I think would help protect the phone screen from an off-angle fall .

+ Built in plastic screen protector as part of the top lid.

+ Feels more rugged and effective for extreme falls or clumsy ppl lol.

- Exterior is soft rubber and may also be more difficult to slide into pockets.

- Integrated hard plastic screen protector is full coverage BUT has cutouts top camera, sensors, ear piece and bottom home button, which allows dust to eventually get wedged between the actual screen and the protector.

- Is approx 3mm thicker overall and slightly heavier. Generally noticeably bulkier.

- Volume and Power button require more effort to press.

Commuter:

+ Less bulky then Defender. Slimmer, slightly less tall and def feels sleeker in hand.

+ Volume and Power button feel normal with minimal added effort to press.

+ Easier to disassemble.

+ Outer Shell is hard plastic and is mush easier to slide in and out of pockets.

+ Screen protector is a standard adhesive variety , but once installed is very smooth , bubble free and doesnt show fingerprints,

- Hard plastic is slippery and it will slide on a table or possibly out of your hand.

- Adhesive screen protector may be challenging to those trying to install one for the first time , especially one this large. It only comes with one.

- Offers slightly less protection then the Defender , BUT comes with a slimmer profile and weight.