Database Develop

Defender or Commuter?

hey all, i was set on ordering the commuter but started reading into the defenders but ive heard the screen protector can be a pain and that would annoy me
what are your thoughts on both

Hated the defenders inbuilt screen protector, scratched real easy and got stuff caught under it. The commuter has pretty good protection and comes with a free stick on screen protector?
Sent from my GT-N7105T using Tapatalk 2

I toyed with both, both screen protectors are pretty bad. I forgot the brand, but there is a real good one people seem to use and get off amazon.
That being said, the cases themselves are both good. All depends on how protective you want to be over the phone.

I think the commuter unless you really need the protection the defender offers.

i currently have a spigen oleophobic screen protector on it so not too fussed about the one with the commuter, will keep it as a spare for emergencies, i have read that its a bit loose around the volume buttons as it doesnt have the outer shell to keep it in place (commuter)

It's a tiny bit loose around that volume area. I have a commuter and don't regret it at all, hurry up and order it so it gets to you quicker.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

I was on the same boat with you. Usually I go for the top spec case but this time I ordered the commuter. I did this for 3 main reasons. The defender looks like great protection but it makes the phone much bigger especially thickness wise. Also it hides almost everything except for the screen so all the beauty of the phone disappears behind plastic. And last and more important the screen protector looks terrible and with all these wholes it lets everything under it and in touch with the screen. You can always remove it and replace it with another protector but then there maybe parts of the upper shell touching the screen which I dont like.

I have the defender... im not using it right now but bought it for when I am back out on site in the dust/rain/dirty hands and big risk of dropping it or someone else knocking it onto the floor. I had it on the phone for a while but its too big for daily use if you dont need the protection.
The inbuilt screen protector is easily removed and to me makes it a whole let better.

Tomo1971 said:
I have the defender... im not using it right now but bought it for when I am back out on site in the dust/rain/dirty hands and big risk of dropping it or someone else knocking it onto the floor. I had it on the phone for a while but its too big for daily use if you dont need the protection.
The inbuilt screen protector is easily removed and to me makes it a whole let better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you remove the screen protector how is the inside of the upper shell? Is it smooth or can it scratch the phone?

ive ordered it, cant for it to arrive, i went for the commuter

Just got my Defender in tonight. I like it so far. I bought it after seeing my aunt's. Not a huge fan of the built in screen protector. Might pop that off later.

the only bit i dont like about the commuter is where it hasnt got the outer case, i think the outer case cover it all like the defender does but ill see when i get it, if you take the protector out does bits of dust/crap get inside the case? just something i was reading

Both... I have both... normally use the Commuter cause it is slimmer, but like the Defender alot too cause it has morr grip.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

While I love the protection the Defender provides, after using it for about 3 hours it's a tad too bulky. The Commuter might have been a better choice, but it wasn't Prime Eligible.

gaticaag said:
While I love the protection the Defender provides, after using it for about 3 hours it's a tad too bulky. The Commuter might have been a better choice, but it wasn't Prime Eligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newegg has the white one for less than amazon. And with shoprunner trial you can get two day shipping free.
Black: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875983425
Glacier: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875983426

Wow what a deal on the Glacier, which they made Knight color for the Commuter :crying:

both have its pros and cons. tested both and opted for the commuter due to its slimmer profile. just a heads up that there are numerous reports about the silicon sagging along the volume and power buttons on the commuter.
check out this comparison vid - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsPFLcpOFUs

IamPro said:
Wow what a deal on the Glacier, which they made Knight color for the Commuter :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$32 a great deal? :-\ I'll wait a bit longer and wait for the price to drop to the levels of the Commuter for the GS3. In the meantime I think the Ballistic case is a much better deal and case for 22 dollars.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

gpgalanis said:
Once you remove the screen protector how is the inside of the upper shell? Is it smooth or can it scratch the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sits slightly away from the screen... So doesn't touch it. No visible damage on my screen from it and ive had it on for a couple of weeks.
Sent from my Samsung Note II.

Thanks for the info. I din't know Otterbox had these for the Note 2. I used to have the iPhone 4S Defender case. It offered a good drip, nice protection, but the external soft material started to bend and lose its original shape after a couple of months using it. Does this have the same problem?

Best rugged case for note 2

Looking for opinions on most protective case. Defender seems like the best but the screen protector....and hearing about dust getting in between it and the screen is a little disconcerning. I used a seidio active case on my thunderbolt and loved it, dropped on concrete several times and faired very well. But after recently breaking few months ago and seidio not wanting to replace it like they used to...kind of left a bad taste in my mouth and I dont know if I want to go back to them. That's what she said. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Although I don't have the note2. I have an s3 and I have the otter box defender. I couldn't get the oil slick look to go away so I just took the built in screen protector out. It just pops right out. I have my full screen protector on there anyway to its still fully protected.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Ya that's what im thinking. Just thinking... should I buy it then immediately break the case by ripping out the built in protector. It just feels weird to break something so expensive on purpose lol. Then, does the adhesive that was holding it on cause an issue or removing the protector cause the case rigidinity to be compromised?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

If you can wait 3-4 weeks the uag http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/black-note-ii-case
But if you need it now then go for the otter defender or commuter.

Also, if removing screen protector from defender is there still benefit(s) to using that case versus an otterbox commuter? Being that there is an included screen protector versus built in already.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Rigidity shouldn't be compromised, and from what I read people use hair dryer to heat up the edge of the screen for a glue to soften, thus doing a clean removal of the screen. Glue supposed to roll off easily when its hot.. But you have to keep in mind, Otterbox gives you 1yr warranty if something happens to the case. If something breaks or gets damaged and you need to replace it, they will ask your original case back (I called them up to verify it) and even if you going to glue the screen back - there is a chance they will see it and might use it against you. I personally didn't want to take my chance, so I'm returning my Defender back.

Ya I was worried about breaking/enhancing this case for this reason. What did you end up going with?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Pompsdai said:
If you can wait 3-4 weeks the uag http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/black-note-ii-case
But if you need it now then go for the otter defender or commuter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have been watching this closely. Wasnt sure about how tough this case was. Looked more about design from what I could see, but I could be very wrong. I actually voted so they would make that case lol. But....not sure whats up with the holes on the back.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

I have two cases for my Note 2: a Seidio Active case, and, as of this morning, an Otterbox Defender. Both have their pros and cons. The Seidio is more comfortable in the hand, and quite a bit slimmer, but the soft rubber inner case peels away from the phone too easily and all sorts of nasty scratchy stuff can get underneath it. It also has a handy little kickstand. The Defender is bloody huge, and for me at least, not as comfortable to hold. But it really does feel bombproof. The inbuilt screen protector isn't wonderful, but it works ok. Just needs an oleophobic coating.
As for which is best, I guess it depends how much you think you're going to throw your phone around
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Lord P said:
I have two cases for my Note 2: a Seidio Active case, and, as of this morning, an Otterbox Defender. Both have their pros and cons. The Seidio is more comfortable in the hand, and quite a bit slimmer, but the soft rubber inner case peels away from the phone too easily and all sorts of nasty scratchy stuff can get underneath it. It also has a handy little kickstand. The Defender is bloody huge, and for me at least, not as comfortable to hold. But it really does feel bombproof. The inbuilt screen protector isn't wonderful, but it works ok. Just needs an oleophobic coating.
As for which is best, I guess it depends how much you think you're going to throw your phone around
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throw? Never, unless onto the bed across the room. Its more of, late night out drinking and drop it from like 5 feet high on to concrete... that kind of scenario. Siedio for tbolt held up well for that did break the case eventually but phone still doesnt have a scratch. But yes, thank you for mentioning comfort, because if it never slips out of your hand... you never drop it. Looking for something grippy if possible, but that is second on my list to overall protection of course.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Casemate tough case just came out today, just like the Aegis they changed the design so I will have to see, but they have previously (for me) been superior to other rugged style cases
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

vectron said:
Rigidity shouldn't be compromised, and from what I read people use hair dryer to heat up the edge of the screen for a glue to soften, thus doing a clean removal of the screen. Glue supposed to roll off easily when its hot.. But you have to keep in mind, Otterbox gives you 1yr warranty if something happens to the case. If something breaks or gets damaged and you need to replace it, they will ask your original case back (I called them up to verify it) and even if you going to glue the screen back - there is a chance they will see it and might use it against you. I personally didn't want to take my chance, so I'm returning my Defender back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just thinking. U could say "oh no, the edge broke and what not...also the screen protector broke out" lol right? ?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

They are both grippy. The Defender is just a bit too big to hold comfortably. I guess that's the joy of better protection. Ironically, the Defender is possibly more likely to be dropped, not because it slips from your hand, but because it's likely to snag when you try to take it out of your pocket.
I'm going to stick to the Defender for now, although I will remove the screen protector. I use Liquid Armour on the screen and this pretty much negates the need for a plastic cover on the screen.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Lord P said:
They are both grippy. The Defender is just a bit too big to hold comfortably. I guess that's the joy of better protection. Ironically, the Defender is possibly more likely to be dropped, not because it slips from your hand, but because it's likely to snag when you try to take it out of your pocket.
I'm going to stick to the Defender for now, although I will remove the screen protector. I use Liquid Armour on the screen and this pretty much negates the need for a plastic cover on the screen.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whag was your reasoning for choosing the defender over the commuter? I hear it doesnt snag on pockets and has a regular screen protector. I ask because this case is my backup for the time being
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

I had a commuter on my iphone, and it was dreadful. It didn't fit well, and really didn't feel like it would provide any degree of protection at all. And protection was rather important with all that glass! Binned it after a few days and ended up with a Taktik case (kickstarter thing). But I digress.
Apart from my iphone experience, I would say the Seidio case is better than the Commuter. It will give as much protection, and look and fit better.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Lord P said:
I had a commuter on my iphone, and it was dreadful. It didn't fit well, and really didn't feel like it would provide any degree of protection at all. And protection was rather important with all that glass! Binned it after a few days and ended up with a Taktik case (kickstarter thing). But I digress.
Apart from my iphone experience, I would say the Seidio case is better than the Commuter. It will give as much protection, and look and fit better.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird, I've had commuters for multiple phones and never had one fit any way other than perfect
Sent from my SGNII

crzycrkr said:
Weird, I've had commuters for multiple phones and never had one fit any way other than perfect
Sent from my SGNII
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one was definitely not a snug fit. Might have been unlucky, but I'm not willing to chance it!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

My commuter fits perfectly. Love this case. Also bought a 4 $ holster that fits the note 2 with the commuter on perfectly. Perfect combo for me.
Sent from My Note 2

CLTnik said:
My commuter fits perfectly. Love this case. Also bought a 4 $ holster that fits the note 2 with the commuter on perfectly. Perfect combo for me.
Sent from My Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely need a link for that holster
Sent from my SGNII

CLTnik said:
My commuter fits perfectly. Love this case. Also bought a 4 $ holster that fits the note 2 with the commuter on perfectly. Perfect combo for me.
Sent from My Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love a link for this too.
Sent from my Amazing Galaxy Note 2!

Looking for a good tough case.

I currently have the Case-Mate tough and don't think it could handle to much. I o ly want to spend around 25, and I can still return my case mate to amazon. Any sughestions would be great.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium

How tough? I feel like my otterbox commuter could handle a drop from ear height, but from what I hear, UAG is a better way to go.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Note_2 said:
How tough? I feel like my otterbox commuter could handle a drop from ear height, but from what I hear, UAG is a better way to go.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never cared for otterbox, but I was thinking about the UAG just wanted more input. Doesn't need to be super tough just handle a fall if needed.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium

People say the UAG has almost the protection of a defender with the size of a commuter. I have no doubt that it could withstand a ear height drop. It's $20 on amazon.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Here goes a tough case that looks great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39461258
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!

borijess said:
Here goes a tough case that looks great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39461258
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had one like this, but I think it was a generic, looked just like it, but it changed colors and looks dirty after about a month of using it.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium

Otteebox. Is the way to go. Have dropped my phone plenty of times. Glad I have this case way stronger than UAG. Uag does look nicer but I prefer having my phone WEELLLLL protected im sure u do to. Don't just wanr a case because it looks good. Want a case that will protect your phone from a fall.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

I have both the commuter and defender cases from Otterbox. Both offer solid protection the defender I like more because of the built in screen protector. Keep in mind that the UAG cases don't offer port covers for the headphone jack and USB port which was a selling point for myself. Another key selling point was the customer service. Can't say anything though about UAG because I haven't bought their case nor dealt with their customer service. When I contacted Otterbox about an issue regarding the commuter cases they sent me a free warranty replacement as well as the defender case free of charge.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Do your homework before you buy. Customer support is important, and a big company like Otterbox has a great one based on the fact they are in every service provider store as well as every Best Buy. But the truth of the matter - they rushed with Note 2 design and FAILED to deliver with Defender. And because they are king-of-the-hill-Otterbox, they didn't even want to admit how poorly they executed design of that screen protector. Read hundreds of posts in XDA or AF, and read all Amazon review comments. EVERYBODY complains about screen protector not being flush with a Note 2 screen, thus being concaved up and leaving a gap in between making it feel like you are using $50 resistive touch screen device. Yes, I bought one from Verizon store, couldn't believe my eyes, called Otterbox and they pretended on the phone like have no idea what I'm talking about, sent me an email with case# to reply back with "pictures" so they can send me a replacement. I went back to Verizon store, and went through every Defender they had in stock - all the same problem with a screen protector. Turned on-line to read everybody having this problem and simply just popping out the plastic screen as soon as they buy it. Why would I want to buy $60 (MSRP price) case to destroy it in order to make it work for me? Furthermore, because of that concave up screen, it creates a suction effect through cutout holes in that screen protector, sucking in more dust that will require you taking case apart periodically to clean it up. Do you think those inner plastic case latches will last that long, with constant taking apart? Oh, and that plastic screen protector was awful with s-pen - leaving marks all over the place. And if you remove plastic screen protector - your inner plastic case fitting is not rigid anymore (read about people suggesting to put a tape inside). Port cover-plugs are great in dust environment, but when you are using your phone as GPS in the car and need it to be plugged in - it will become a huge nuisance, not to mention pressure that micro-usb port cover puts on the connector, in both Defender and Commuter. And with Commuter, I personally found back of the case to be slippery and no grip with a surface when you place it on the smooth table top.
If you read testimonials of people who own UAG and dropped their case numerous times, they walk away without a scratch. UAG design is rugged tough and you get a convenience of a molded single piece case where you don't have to take layers off to get to your battery. If you need a super-duper drop protection case, go with CONVERT which offer multiple layers of protection, all the port coverage INCLUDING camera, has a great kickstand, can be stripped down to SURFACE if you don't need all this extra rugged coverage, and has one of the BEST holsters with a locking spring-loaded latch. Just need to invest in a good regular screen protector, like iSmooth which I also highly recommend (3H hardness, easy install with no bubbles, perfect edge adhesion).
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Otterbox down. Its a great company with a great reputation and TONS of sales. That's how they can afford to have such a great support staff and offer warranty replacement and freebies without breaking their bank. They obviously built their reputation of a quality product delivered for all these other phone models, and have a decent iPhone base support. BUT, with Note 2 they rushed to deliver it to the market, and totally ignored all the negative comments. And this is not just my humble opinion. It's everywhere you read about their Note 2 cases. I tried Commuter a couple of times in Sprint store, and walked away. Bought Defender from Verizon store, exchanged it, and then returned a few days later...

three excellent cases for the delightfully successful Galaxy S2 that will keep your precious safe and sound. Whichever you pick – the dual-layer Case-Mate Tough, the feature-filled Otterbox Commuter or the stylish SGP Ultra Capsule – you can be sure that your smartphone is secure.

Where are the actual rugged cases

I came from a moto Droid X and X2 these phones were very well protected in the trident kraken and electra cases i owned over the life of those 2 phones. Everything ive seen for this beauty has been "ultra slim" or something similar offering almost no real protection. The knockoff griffin survivor seems to be the only semi rugged case ive been able to dig up, am i really the only one that wants more protection than just a backplate? I don't have small hands or wear skinny jeans, and honestly I would prefer it to add some weight and size.
The only upcoming thing that gives me hope is the possibility of the rugged zerolemon case next month. Had anyone found something out there that i missed? I need topend protection for my $700 phone and i cant find it
gNOTE2 rolling in the north

there are otterbox cases, uag cases and many more. there is a whole thread on cases. ebay is literally infested with cases for this phone.

Otterbox defender is about as rugged , heavy and bulky as it gets. I own one myself but cant stand how much more bulkier the phone is, I much prefer just the extra weight of the zerolemon battery and its stock tpu case. Hoping the rugged version ZL case doesnt add too much bulk and has a nice kickstand.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

d12unk13astard said:
Otterbox defender is about as rugged , heavy and bulky as it gets. I own one myself but cant stand how much more bulkier the phone is, I much prefer just the extra weight of the zerolemon battery and its stock tpu case. Hoping the rugged version ZL case doesnt add too much bulk and has a nice kickstand.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they put a kickstand on it, I will not only throw up but I'll throw up and curse YOU at the same time sir!
:laugh:

Otterbox uag dba casemate all make non rugged crap that lays in a pile on my desk. You cant call it protection if all you have on the front is a 1/10 inch or less raised around the edges... This is not protection and yes ebay is infested with 3 dollar cases that are flimsy and protect almost nothing.
I am asking about actual rugged cases like the knockoff griffen survivor or some "military" rugged style.
gNOTE2 rolling in the north

LordRalh3 said:
Otterbox uag dba casemate all make non rugged crap that lays in a pile on my desk. You cant call it protection if all you have on the front is a 1/10 inch or less raised around the edges... This is not protection and yes ebay is infested with 3 dollar cases that are flimsy and protect almost nothing.
I am asking about actual rugged cases like the knockoff griffen survivor or some "military" rugged style.
gNOTE2 rolling in the north
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you mentioned the Survivor knock off, the Otterbox defender offers essentially the same level of protection. Your best bet at this stage is probably the heaviest Sedio case along with a tempered glass screen protector. Not optimal, but that's about as rugged as it gets.

I enjoyed my ballistics case before my ZL came in. Protected my phone from many countertop falls. I hoping the new ZL cases will be better than the ones that came with the battery.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

apallohadas said:
if they put a kickstand on it, i will not only throw up but i'll throw up and curse you at the same time sir!
:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you like it put a ring on it

apallohadas said:
If they put a kickstand on it, I will not only throw up but I'll throw up and curse YOU at the same time sir!
:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll bet you will throw up, curse, and piss your pants if they built additional battery into a kickstand Maybe I should email them with an idea lol!!!
Dammit, they still didn't reply back to me about rugged case preliminary pictures
---------- Post added at 10:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:36 PM ----------
drnihili said:
Since you mentioned the Survivor knock off, the Otterbox defender offers essentially the same level of protection. Your best bet at this stage is probably the heaviest Sedio case along with a tempered glass screen protector. Not optimal, but that's about as rugged as it gets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that! Seidio CONVERT with VITREO tempered glass - a very rugged solution!!! I personally find UAG with VITREO optimal for me whenever I carry a stock battery; and with addition of CONVERT holster with stick-on card/money holder which fit UAG like a glove - that my ultimate solution for the summer (especially with mesh shorts).
But I'm looking forward to ZL rugged case, and really hope it's not going to be like that honecomb tpu junk you find for extended batteries. Keeping my hopes high ZL guys will come up with something cool!

Thanks for the Sedio tip, they only had the active and surface when I was looking the last few times, that with a glass screen protector (and maybe another normal one on top of that) and i should be good to go.
.. If the ZL rugged isnt what it should be this will most likely be what I get next
gNOTE2 rolling in the north

LordRalh3 said:
Thanks for the Sedio tip, they only had the active and surface when I was looking the last few times, that with a glass screen protector (and maybe another normal one on top of that) and i should be good to go.
.. If the ZL rugged isnt what it should be this will most likely be what I get next
gNOTE2 rolling in the north
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You REALLY don't need another screen protector on top of the tempered glass.

LordRalh3 said:
Otterbox uag dba casemate all make non rugged crap that lays in a pile on my desk. You cant call it protection if all you have on the front is a 1/10 inch or less raised around the edges... This is not protection and yes ebay is infested with 3 dollar cases that are flimsy and protect almost nothing.
I am asking about actual rugged cases like the knockoff griffen survivor or some "military" rugged style.
gNOTE2 rolling in the north
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just broke the clip on my Second otterbox belt holster .. same failure as the first . AT&T did warranty the first , we will see if they will the second next time i am upstate . Also its a constant battle taking the case apart to clean the fine dust that filters under the screen protector .

I dont see how your belt clip broke. I had a ***** of a time trying to remove it on purpose.

apallohadas said:
You REALLY don't need another screen protector on top of the tempered glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really need a rugged case you do. I broke my first note from a 12 foot drop in a otter box defender because I didn't have a screen protector on at the time.

TheBDub said:
If you really need a rugged case you do. I broke my first note from a 12 foot drop in a otter box defender because I didn't have a screen protector on at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At 12 feet, you may want to consider bubble-wrapping that baby!

TheBDub said:
If you really need a rugged case you do. I broke my first note from a 12 foot drop in a otter box defender because I didn't have a screen protector on at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything over about 6 feet is really a matter of luck. I dropped my Fascinate more than 20 feet down a granite face followed by 6 feet of free fall an landing on a granite boulder. It was in a decent case (Seido Active) but there was a whole lot of luck involved in its survival too. Not a scratch on it. It sounds like you weren't as lucky. But it's very unlikely that a screen protector would have made a difference. Film screen protectors won't protect against breakage, just scratches. For falls, the tempered glass will give more protection. It would be nice to have a fully ruggedized military grade case for the Note2, but they just don't exist.
If drops are your main concern, I would carry the phone in the Hsini pouch with either the Survivor or the Seidio Convert as a case. Then add a tempered screen protector. After that, it's a matter of luck. If you drop your phone from three feet and it lands screen first on the sharp point of a piece of hard ceramic, it just doesn't matter what kind of case it has.

Yeah, I learned not to have my phone out while putting up Christmas lights...
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

UAG is serving me well i have dropped mine many times from bout 4 ft and had no problems and its not very bulky

Honestly the defender is junk. It has really ruined my bezel with scratch marks all over it. Had to pop out the included screen protector because it didn't even come close to laying flat on the screen and caused dust to find it's way under the screen resulting in a sand paper effect happening under the protector. Sold mine on craigslist.
I work in construction and really need the ports covered so that limits most every other case. I agree, really isn't much on the market that offers protection I honestly think I could have faith in. Will go look at the few mentioned here and hope something better comes along.

GriffIn Fakes
I got the griffin fake because I wanted something really heavy duty, I like the look and they were really cheap.
I would recommend it to anyone. I did have a few issues:
1. The screen protector is crap, but you can remove it and find a nicer one of leave it off.
2. The hole around the sensor was too small so when you took the phone away from your face during a call it would not wake up, used a pocket knife and spun in in the hole a few times and it works great now.
3. The flap that covers the camera does stay put so you have to hold it while taking a pic or remove it (I removed it)
for all the issues I asked for a credit and my final price was 6 bucks

Which case?

Looking for a case that's:
1. Rugged (at least decent shock impact)
2. Somewhat slim
3. Not too pricey
So far I'm torn between:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DJZZ9W2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1396257921&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
And
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DY2SEFE/ref=aw_d_pd_wireless
Anyone know which case or of another have the best combination of shock impact without being too thick?
Thanks.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

xboxps2gba said:
Looking for a case that's:
1. Rugged (at least decent shock impact)
2. Somewhat slim
3. Not too pricey
So far I'm torn between:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DJZZ9W2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1396257921&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
And
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DY2SEFE/ref=aw_d_pd_wireless
Anyone know which case or of another have the best combination of shock impact without being too thick?
Thanks.
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I have the case from the first link you posted. I've had no problems whatsoever thus far. The belt clip is really secure and the silicon not only covers the phone but it serves as a border around the screen so if you drop it the screen won't even touch the floor really. The case is decent too. Definitely worth $13.

about how thick is the case?

xboxps2gba said:
about how thick is the case?
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It's not bulky. You can trust the reviews on amazon for the case. It's worth it especially for the price.

I have the otterbox defender series. Due to the design of the case, There's a bubble in the screen protector. I simply poped it out and replaced it with a zagg screen protector. Search ebay, I only spent $30. Still waterproof and my 3 kids literally throw my phone across the room and it's still in brand new condition
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I almost went with the iBlason, but ended up going to Unicorn Beetle route. It's a nice case and I really like it. It's a tough TPU throughout with a polycarbonate slab on the back. Looks pretty nice and feels good in the hand--quality materials. The only thing is you have to shave the little inner button nubs off with a razor blade as the Amazon reviews mention.
Good luck deciding.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331133
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I own both, as well as just about every other case made for our phone...
I hate the i-Blason, and have since I took it out of the package. Nothing really wrong with it, just not my taste. Inner portion is too mushy, hard to slip it in and out of my pocket, and I don't think anyone would call it "thin".
For "thin and rugged" you are far better off with the SUPCASE. Also look at the TUDIA Ultra Slim Melody.