Otterbox Defender Series Hybrid Case & Holster (Sun Yellow/Gunmetal Grey)

I used the original Otterbox Defender case for my iPhone 4s, and while it worked ok, this version is a definite improvement. The hard plastic case and the screen protector seem to be the same as the original, other than having larger cut outs for the camera/flash and the front camera/light sensor/proximity sensor area. I never had issues using the 4s camera with the older version case, but I did with the proximity sensor and this case fixes that issue.

The holster has been changed to update the release mechanism. The tab that holds the phone in the holster has been shaped differently in order to make the phone easier to clip in and release.

The biggest upgrade is to the rubber jacket that fits over the plastic case. The rubber seems to be of much higher quality. It has a firmer, more substantial feel, and doesn't seem like it will lose shape over time. It gives the case a better grip in your hand and generally feels more solid overall.

The opening for the silent mode switch seems to still be off center, but not enough to be of concern.

If you are on the fence about whether to get the older iPhone 4 Otterbox Defender for your 4S or this updated version, I'd definitely pay the extra $10 or so and get the new version.

First of all, if you want to protect your iPhone, this is a terrific case. If you want sleek and flashy, keep looking. Don't get me wrong, I like the way the phone looks with the Otterbox on it but there just are not any sequins or monograms.

This is really two cases in one, or, a case with a rubberized cover. When you open the package, you will notice a plastic "clam shell" case that you snap over the phone. The second part of the case is the rubberized cover which wraps around the phone. The negative BUT NECESSARY results about this case is that it will double the thickness of the phone and make it heavier. This case includes a shield that protects the screen so no need to buy those expensive screen protectors. The only exposed area of the phone are the holes for the speakers, microphones, and camera lens.

When I first put the case together, I thought the same as the previous reviewer that the earphone jack hole was in the wrong place. That assumption is incorrect. The hole on the top of the phone is for the secondary, noise-cancelling, built in microphone. The earphone jack is intended to be covered when not in use in order to keep dirt from getting into the hole for the jack. Just like the power cord and mute switch, the flap has to be opened in order to plug the earphones in. Speaking of flaps, they are a necessary evil when it comes to total protection. Putting them back in place requires a bit of patience but it is not a big deal.

All of the functions of this case are protected. Each button, the volume, power, and control button are under the cover. The screen is also under a protective rubber shield. I was concerned that the interface would be hindered but everything works well even with the added layer between my hand and the screen/buttons. The buttons are quite responsive and the screen taps, scrolls, etc, seem to work just as well as they did before I installed the case.

A huge bonus about this case is how my telephone reception IMPROVED. Getting my first iPhone was becoming a very frustrating experience due to a very high amount of dropped calls. For some reason, getting that barrier between my hand and the phone itself has dramatically improved my reception resulting in virtually no dropped calls. I definitely like the feel of my phone much better with the case than I did with no protection at all.

Lastly, you may be surprised to find that this case may change the appearance of the color of your phone. My phone is black but the plastic case is white. From the front and side views, you would think my phone is white. It is not until you look at the back side of the phone that the black shows through the hole for the apple logo.

The only thing I do not use or particularly care for is the holster that comes with the phone. I am using a leather pouch and prefer it instead of the snappy, hard holster. (Just a preference, not a knock) I recommend you look at the Otterbox at a retail store like AT&T before you buy it sight unseen from Amazon. The store I viewed them at was selling them for $50 and I purchased mine on Amazon for $32.60.

Good luck!

Buy Otterbox Defender Series Hybrid Case & Holster (Sun Yellow/Gunmetal Grey) Now

This box is fairly good overall but it has a couple major irratating factors that may well be a buying point for many of you so I wanted to talk about a couple things that don't get mentioned very often.

+ Great Protection and pretty much the best case if you want ideal protection for your iphone 4s from drops on the concrete / outdoor working environment. That's why i got it.

The screen cover is a thin layer of plastic that when sitting on top of the iphone creates a 'film' illusion where if you have good vision you will see a hazy layer. I think it's because there is a small space between the case's layer of plastic and the iphone's face that bends the light. Its quite annoying to me. I would prefer no plastic at all on the screen front and use a stick on clear protector over the iphone face.

The headphone jack is closed by a plastic piece that lifts up but it's annoying to have to fiddle with it to put in headphones.

The case is fairly bulky and the plastic flap on the bottom of the case will prevent you from EVER using this in an ipod dock if the case is on.

The case takes a couple minutes at least to remove and it's annoying to do if you would be doing it more than once a month or so.

The case is very bad in moist environments, worse than no case at all because moisture gets trapped under the plastic film on top of the iphone screen and you will see a "spread out water droplet effect." I learned this after I worked out with the phone and noticed the effect.

This case is ideal for dry sandy environments where dropping the phone on the hard surface is a possibility, I still recommend it if you can get over the negatives.

Read Best Reviews of Otterbox Defender Series Hybrid Case & Holster (Sun Yellow/Gunmetal Grey) Here

I have seen a lot of people posting here about the headphone jack on OtterBox cases for iPhone 4. The opening you see on top is not a "misplaced" headphone jack opening. It is actually a cut out for the noise-cancelling microphone. The actual headphone jack is protect by a plug. If you look in this opening, you will see a small hole the size of a pinhead. This is the microphone. Hope this helps everyone reading these reviews!

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Ordered this product directly from Otterbox.com, and it took 12 days to arrive--not sure if that's because of a case modification/upgrade around the time I ordered the case.

The case arrived with instructions on the inside of the box, which were NOT very easy to follow. The box suggests going to Otterbox.com to view the instructional video. I didn't view the video and it took me at least 20 minutes to figure out how to open the case and properly insert my phone into it. Make sure to watch the online video.

Access to all of the buttons and screen is excellent, though there is a flap you have to lift to access the headphone jack. The case definitely adds heft to the phone, but I find that to be a plus both for protection and security (somewhat conceals the fact that the phone is an iPhone).

The case is extremely sturdy and there's no doubt that it offers excellent protection for the phone. The case may help parents relax when their young children want to handle the phone. The holster is convenient for those who like to carry phones on their hip, and it can be configured to prop the phone for pictures/video.

Gave this case four stars instead of five because the rubber shell doesn't always seat perfectly with the plastic shell, and sometimes the flaps covering the headphone and charging areas on the phone pop out just a bit.

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