yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] E4gt007:
otterbox review

update

to answer your questions as best I can from MY EXPERIENCE.( on note 2 )

The protection factor is top notch.. however, bulk is detracting from phone styling- the volume and power buttons require much more pressure to activate them. also, the built in plastic screen shield which is built into the front outer shell, is rather ugly- floats above the phone, rainbow effects usuaally- humidity gathers below it and actual screen. and holsster is susceptible to breakage when exiting, entering your vehicle. ( happened twice to me..otterbox warranteed both times.

all outlets and ports are covered by a durable flap door, and once opened, access is easy. so my review- from 1 to 10, 10 being best is 9.. penaly for tough buttons and rather blandness/bulkiness of case size.. something like commuter might be less bulky- with less protection..thats where my curiosity of other cases comes in..( ie trident aegis, uag, seidio etc.): but- if you go with otter defender, the plastic screen can be removed ( voids warranty though) and you can use a spg type protector to avoid the ranbows, humidity buildup. I just traded up to the Note 3 myself- so decided on Trident Krakken ( returned UAG Case) Removal and install is a Major Headache.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] tongueman87:
I have the note 2 as well as the otterbox on it lol
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] CB620:
Your jumping the gun. They didn't even start shipping yet plus the holiday is coming up.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] neonsector:
Not sure why anyone is using them cases, very ugly very bulky, unless you work in construction you would never need a case like that
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] jcflood:
Just picked up my Otterbox today at the sprint store. It does add bulk but I love the belt clip.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] nealwheels:
Picked my Defender up today. Overall it looks really good. Unlike my Note 2 Defender case, the note 3 defender doesn't seem to be as bulky.

Getting the inner shell on was tight. Damn tight, but it went on.

I run defenders on all my phones. This is the best one as far as form and fashion that I've owned.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] stanglifemike:
The Best Buy website showed that one of my 2 local Best Buy stores (within 1 mile from each other, but one is a Best Buy Mobile in the mall) had the Commuter in stock earlier today. I drove up there to check it out, but they didn't have any. I checked their site again while in store and it didn't show either store having it any more. I didn't plan to buy it anyway, just wanted to check it out and see how it looked and fit. Their site also showed them having the Qi compatible battery door. Even though their site DID still show it being available while I was there, they couldn't find it even though their system also showed them having 2 in stock. About an hour after getting home, and 2 hours after they had closed, an employee who I left my name & number with texted me saying that she did find the Qi battery door and was going to hold it for me!

SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 3 via XDA Premium
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Andrewtst:
Edit. Wrong post.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] cpufrost:
I could not imagine it being bulkier than the Note 2 Defender. That thing's a brick!

Otterbox should come out with an Armor Series for the Note 3! If someone tries to jack you for your phone you could swing it around and clobber them in the kisser. That thing would be a weapon! :D

I'd buy one because it would be the equivalent of a toughbook but in a phone...
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] baste07:
How about the commutee
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] tongueman87:
Pictures?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] bignibb:
My thoughts exactly.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] naimmkassim:
Tight is not good..it can cause scratch to body inside..:sly:
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] headshok:
Anybody know if this will work with the samsung wireless charging back? The phone is just a tiny bit thicker with it on.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] tongueman87:
Anyone have pictures and care to make a review?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Novarider:
Does anyone know if a Tempered glass screen protector can be used with the defender?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Jammol:
I just ordered what I'm pretty sure is a Otterbox Defender Knockoff from China off of ebay for $15. Lol. I'll be absolutely shocked if it's a good knockoff. Seller has 99.9% rating.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] TillmanFam2007:
RE:

I have a Defender on my Note 3 and I love it.

The screen protector that usually comes with an OB is something I usually despise and ALWAYS remove.

They changed something in the plastic on screen protector because it does not stick or float above the screen, this case is functioning flawlessly with no issues and with the quality and protection you can expect from Otterbox.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Can you take some pictures of the Defender on your phone?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] TillmanFam2007:
Pics

I can't believe nobody has reviewed with pics.

https://db.tt/OZWduKMF

https://db.tt/6vZEu3in

https://db.tt/AzsFBMzN
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Looks awesome! Thanks for the pics TillmanFam2007. I can't wait 'til mine arrives towards the end of the week!
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] bignibb:
Now is this the defender or commuter? I ask because no holster shots have been posted.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] TillmanFam2007:
DEFENDER

This is an Otterbox Defender thread.

I could upload it but I chose not to, it's the same holster, nothing is different. It stays clipped to my visor, i don't walk around wearing the holster most of the time.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] erasable:
I got mine today. Very happy with it. Dont think a temepered glass screen protector would fit. The outer layer doesn't feel like the same rubber they used to use. I really like the new way the home button is covered by the case.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Does lint easily stick to this new outer rubber shell on the otterbox Defender?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] TillmanFam2007:
RE:

No, I have not had any issues with lint.

Rubber is diff. that is one of the first things I noticed. Phone fits real tight, which is a GOOD thing in this case. It's not going to mark up the phone the way it's made. On my S4 the screen protector was always an issue for me with sticking, this one does not have that issue. The phone slides in your pocket a bit easier as well.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] tongueman87:
Okay the only problem I have with the Otterbox Defender screen protector that is built in make my screen protector was put on badly
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] cpufrost:
As previously mentioned the built in screen protector is better/different than in the past. I would be OK with it on except it affects my ability to spin bowling balls! :cowboy: It's just not as smooth as the gorilla glass so it had to go. The inner plastic pieces still snap quite tightly with it removed. Just make sure you remove all the adhesive as well so it does not get stuck on your phone.

This has to be the slimmest defender yet. Hopefully it will protect as well...

Wonder how long before TechRAX throws one off a ten storey building! :laugh:
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] TroJohn:
Buy It Now!!!

First and foremost let me just start by saying that I typically do not do reviews, but I do consider myself to be a phone fanatic. I've owned several cases for several phones, including iPhone 5 & Otterbox Defender (Pictured) and this is by far the best Defender case that I've purchased. I'll try to keep it short and let the pictures do the talking.

The case fits very tight and the phone will not move at all once its placed inside, so be sure that there's no lint or hair on the screen or screen protector of the case because it's next to impossible to remove it without a flat head screwdriver or knife. The headphone port leaves plenty of room for L Shaped 3.5mm jacks (Beats etc.). The "rubber" outer shell is very stiff and shouldn't get loose over time like some of the older otterboxes. All of the ports and cutouts are perfect. The only thing that i don't like is that there is a rainbow affect from the screen protector, & the fact that it looks like a 7" tablet when it's on my hip. But that said this case was definitely worth the wait and money.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] 3clips3:
Has anyone else noticed that using the S Pen on the Defender's plastic screen shield that the pen tends to drag and get slowed? It's like it isn't smooth tracking at all.. almost like a magnetic affect while trying to write a note on the screen. Strange... :eek:
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] willham:
Try switching out the tip.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Xalies:
I have seem to got a bad one :crying:... my outta rubber just does not seem to fit right and yes I have tried putting it on several times
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] mattism78:
Are you sure that's an Otterbox case? According to Otterbox the only color currently available is Black. I've been anxiously waiting (and checking daily) for the "Surf" color to become available.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Xalies:
well I did buy it from an ebay seller but they claimed genuine and was in retail packaging
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] fabolous04:
I'm happy with my defender...has all the necessary cutouts...2 layers of protection, built in screen protector. just hope the rubber doesn't wear out and I'll never need another case
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] earled:
I agree the new rubber is more refined. design feels thinner and has a much improved Feel to it
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] trojohn39532:
Some more pics.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] trojohn39532:
More pics
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Ms. K:
You should call otter box. It looks like a clone.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] mattism78:
If you have that case before Otterbox has even released the color it's a clone. Hence the poor fitment.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Watch out everyone, there are a lot of fakes out there. I just received the black Otterbox Defender case I ordered and it is a FAKE. Ordered from BVHcell.com. DO NOT order from this website!!! I was immediately suspicious when I noticed the Otterbox model number on the bottom of the packaging, right above the UPC code to have a model number of "77-34128". The authentic Otterbox has a model number of "77-34120". I tried putting the case on the phone just for the heck of it. POOR fitment everywhere. Plastic inner shell didn't fit on phone properly and the outer rubber shell was loose around the entire phone. The belt clip didn't even fit the case correctly!

Just got back from RadioShack with an AUTHENTIC Otterbox Defender and WOW, what a major difference. Fits like a glove.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] jeckel51:
Definitely a vast improvement over past Defenders. Given the fact there are so many ports, mics ect. It's perfect. They really listened to customers on this one. Would of liked flap on S-pen

My Note3 is locked but my XDm45 is loaded.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] aphexjuggalo:
My wife got the surf one off eBay as well. Was sceptical but if it is fake they put a lot into it. Even got the little hologram on the package. Fits perfect and has the same change in outer rubber texture that reviews have mentioned. Don't really see why anybody would go to such lengths to make it a perfect clone but even if it is I'll take the same product from a different maker and half the price.

Not unheard of for retail to have the case before they put it on their site too. For the g2 their customer support was still saying they had no plans of making a Verizon variant of the case when it showed up in Verizon stores...
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] tongueman87:
I have a legit Otterbox my complaint is that I run a secondary protector and the case is so tight that I causes my secondary screen protector to bubble up at the corners of the screen as well it is a pain in the ass to take off the case that is. I wouldn't run a secondary one but with the super tight fitment it would probably leave impressions from the case onto the phone
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] erasable:
I ordered one from there too. But I havent had any fitment issues at all. I dont remember what the model number on the packaging was. Now im wondering if I got a fake. How can I tell if its fake, when everything fits and works correctly? Is there some other way to tell?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Can you take some pictures of the case and post them up here? If you go to http://www.otterbox.com/fakes you can submit information on where it was purchased and item photos and they can determine if it is indeed authentic or not.

Do you still have the packaging by chance?

---------- Post added at 08:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 AM ----------

If it is an authentic Otterbox case it's safe to say that it should not leave marks on the phone. I would take the secondary screen protector off, or remove the built-in screen protector of the Otterbox.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] erasable:
No. I don't have the packaging. Ill try and get some pics up later. Thanks.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] erasable:
Here are some pics. Fake or real?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
It's hard to tell if that's real or not. It looks like you have quite a bit of a gap towards the bottom left of the case. Do you notice the outer rubber to be loose around the phone at all?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] erasable:
Not loose at all. I never really noticed that gap. One explanation for it though is that on that corner is where the inner case snaps together and the snap is in a different spot on the other side due to the spen location. Hopefully otter box gets back to me soon.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
On my authentic case I don't have any gaps at all around the plastic frame. The plastic frame also doesn't fit nearly as tight as it did on the fake otterbox.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] erasable:
Can you post dome pics for comparison? I'm interested in the earpiece area particularly.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Erazo1986:
That's a fake otterbox, no doubt. After looking at that I bought at a sprint store and looking at the photos above I believe that is not a genuine otterbox defender. It's not as smooth over-all and some of the lines are off. Scary close to the real thing though.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Here are some pictures of the packaging of the authentic (left) and fake (right) Otterbox Defender packaging:

Here are pictures of the FAKE Otterbox Defender case:

This might sound funny but I noticed a distinct "rubber" smell on the fake Otterbox that is not present at all on the authentic one!
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] cpufrost:
I saw them from pricegrabber, they were the cheapest and I always suspect when someone is 25% cheaper than everyone else listed. If you search there are complaints about this company as well.

My Defender came from the Sprint store and its barcode doesn't look like anything pictured here. It has SKU: CFS5499Q above the barcode. No funky smells that are typical of Chinese plastic/resin "outgassing". Some of those are really bad, especially shoes!
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
That SKU must be a Sprint specific SKU. My authentic Otterbox from Radioshack packaging is on the left in the 3 pictures I posted.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] cpufrost:
I would certainly hope the ones Sprint sells are not fakes!

I would like to see one Made In USA to compare to. There was definitely a quality difference between Commuters made in China vs. USA for the HTC One.

TBH the retail packages pictured previously fakes vs. authentic are so close no one is going to know unless the case has obvious issues. Smelling like a burning transmission would definitely raise a red flag! :D
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
I have one on the way directly from Otterbox. I didn't know that some of their cases are made in USA. I'll check when it arrives.

I had a funny feeling it was fake when I noticed the wrong Otterbox model number on the packaging and right when I took it out of the packaging it smelt like tire rubber.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] AyeVeeN:
How is it in the pocket? Choosing between the UAG (if they add the hole) and this because the Commuter is apparently too slippery.

The previous defender I had (for the iPod touch ~3rd gen) was a pain in the ass to get out of my pocket. Absolute pain in the ass.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Builtfordtough1:
Not happy with mine got it direct from otterbox.

The screen protector has a ton of microbubbles in the plastic. It really looks like it has a layer that needs to be pealed off but its in the plastic.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Contact Otterbox and they'll send you out a replacement.http://www.otterbox.com/warranty
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] cpufrost:
Are you sure you were pulling it out of your pocket? ;)

The Commuter is much easier to pull from a pocket. The Defender isn't designed to be pocketable, that's why it has a holster. If you have it in your pocket and are sitting, it would be next to impossible to pull out! The rubber is VERY grippy.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] music_man185:
I've only watched videos of the defender on the note 3. But as others have already mentioned, it looks slimmer compared to previous defenders. Can anyone comment on the size compared to the UAG?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
The Otterbox is a bit over a half inch thick and indeed does feel a lot thinner then the previous Note 2 Otterbox case.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] excpro:
guys, would the otterbox defender work with a tempered glass screen protector? I have one on mine..
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
I'm also curious but I doubt it. Maybe the really thin ones will work

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
Just curious because the iLoome Flex is 0.12mm thick and the MIME feather is 0.15mm so I'm wondering if these glass screen protectors would be compatible with the case

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] marcus316:
Hey I got the fake otterbox case on my note 3, and no one knows it's fake but me. Yes I believe in you get what you pay for but eBay $15 dollars compared to $65 in this hard time you make your choice
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Possibly, but I'm not exactly sure. I'd suggest purchasing one and trying it.

I'm currently using just the built-in screen protector on the Otterbox and really haven't had any problems with it. I've taken the built-in screen protector out of every other Otterbox case I've owned but this one is definitely made a lot better.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
I had a .3mm glass screen protector on my S4 and I had an otterbox defender on it. It would fit but the glass screen protector would be under pressure. The left corner cracked on me twice (these were $10 protectors) from the pressure. That protector was .3mm thick. The iLoome is .12mm thick. I'm horrible with measurements but is there enough of a difference between .3mm and .12mm that would cause the iLoome Flex to fit well with the Otterbox?

I can't decide between the black or wait for the blue. I wish they would release the Hornet color for the Galaxy Note 3 like they did for the S4. That's the sexiest Otterbox Defender case I've seen

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
The Otterbox shell does fit VERY tight onto the Note 3. It's worth a test but I'd imagine you'd probably have the same issue with the glass screen protector cracking at pressure points.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
I think I'll give it a try. On the S4, my glass screen protector was thicker than the iLoome. If anything, I could resell the otterbox and the iLoome Flex only costs $16 so I guess I can be a guinea pig n try this out

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Worth a shot. Post some pictures of it once you get it on! I'd like to see.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] ufvj217:
Mine has those same bubble things in the screen. I think I'm going to remove mine because while its better than the note 2 case, dust still is making its way behind the cover and its only been 2 days.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] AvatarReborn:
I received mine last night and installed it.

Love it ! Very nice case ! I removed the cheapo screen protector I had one and just using the built in one.

No complaints ... looks much better then the cheapo screen protector I had on before.

The case certainly adds some more weight, but I'm no longer paranoid about breaking my phone.

Much better grip as well !

Highly recommended !
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] ufvj217:
let me know if after a few days dust gets under the screen protector. a few particles did on mine just enough to bother me to take it off. lol
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] bruce16878:
Finally got my hand on the defender case, the screen protector is far more superior than the one for note 2.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] jedimyndtryx:
Bought my Defender from Radio Shack yesterday. Feels great. Glad they let me try it on before I bought it. Didn't like the feel of the Commuter at all. Very slippery. I removed the screen protector and it fits fine with my Ghost Glass on. I don't see any areas where it is so snug that it will cause the glass to break. The edges where the clip clips on is kind of rough. May have to sand them down a bit. I grab it there and it hurts my hand. When I have my phone charging on my vent mount in the car it makes the home button kind of hard to push in. It will take some getting used to having the cover flaps open the other way as opposed to the Defender I had with my iPhone. It feels great though. Still very happy with it so far.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
Does anyone have the white and gray one? I can't decide between the black one and the white/gray one

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] mattism78:
I'm super stoked. I went on someone's statement about Radio Shack and luckily my local store had them in stock. Picked up my black version. I'll be getting the surf color sometime down the road.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] prodigalrebel:
I ordered a grey one on Friday... Got an email that it became available... Order is still being processed nearly 24hrs later
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
I went ahead n got the black. I should have it Monday. I'm gonna test it with my current glass screen protector n if it doesn't, I also ordered the iLoome Flex which is a thin glass screen protector so I'll let you guys know if it works or not

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Erazo1986:
I love what otterbox did for the note 3 this time around. Locks up tight and is not bulky at all.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] Xanza89:
I'm waiting for my local store to get the "Glacier" Defenders in before I pick one up but the commuter has worked well for me so far. My friend has a Defender on his Note 3 and it seems really solid. I like it better than the Galaxy S4 Defenders. Hopefully they get them in stock soon cause I'm really looking forward to adding it to the collection.
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] andriod.exe:
Does the defender work with spigen glass.tr protectors?
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] xXJay_RXx:
I'll give you the answer when I get my case and screen protector next week. It isn't the Spigen one. I currently have on the iLoome but I ordered iLoome Flex which is a thin glass screen protector so I'll let you know

Sent from my Dev Edition Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] MattPhillips:
Dan,

How hard is it to get the Otterbox to fit onto the phone with the iloome tempered glass screen protector on? Does it seem like the Otterbox will cause the iloome to eventually crack in the corners?