A few months ago I had the opportunity to review the Otterbox Defender Series Case for iPhone. It is an impressive case that adds a high degree of protection to the iPhone. Otterbox has now taken their commitment to protecting our precious devices to the next level with their new Armor Series Cases for iPhone and iPod.
The Armor Series cases provide even more protection from dust, dirt, drop and scratch than the Defender Series. In addition, they are waterproof and snowproof. (To read my review of the iPod case visit our “sister” site JustAnotherMobileMonday.)
How well does it protect the iPhone? With what other case could you do this—
or this
The Armor Series case falls somewhere between impressive and imposing. It makes the Defender Series case look svelt (Yiddush for small and dainty). It is 5.8″x3.2″x1″ and weighs a substantial 4.5oz.
With that heft, however, comes an unmatched degree of protection. The case is hard/tough plastic wrapped with a softer silcon-like material on the front and back that significantly increases the comfort in holding it. The iPhone easily slips inside the case
and two side clips securely lock it inside.
Amazingly, even though the Armor Series provides a higher degree of protection that the Defender Series this case is actually easier to put in and remove from the case. This is reflected in the fact that OtterBox’s website provides a video for using the Defender Series Cases but felt no need to do so for the Armor Series. It is as easy as opening the clips, sliding the phone in and closing the clips. (You do, however, want to make sure there is no residual water or snow on the case before opening it.)
The truly amazing thing about the case is not the level of protection it provides as much as the fact that when the phone is in the case NEARLY ALL OF THE CONTROLS REMAIN 100% ACCESSIBLE. That’s right, with the exception of the “ringer off” button and the SIM slot everything is fully accessible and usable. The touchscreen still works as normal. The Volume up/down buttons work and the call quality remains good despite the film covering/sealing the earpiece and speaker. The iPhone’s single button is fully protectd but completely usable. Even the power button is usable, although it takes a good deal of pressure to activate it. This is one thoughtfully designed and well-built case.
Like the Defender Series Case I reviewed I did have some degree darker areas where the touchscree and the case’s protective film meet. This “oil slick” is not the most attractive thing but it does not decrease usability at all and is only apparent when the screen is off.
Interestingly, it does not come with, nor have, an option for a belt clip.
This is a bit surprising since the version for the iPod does.
It must be noted, however, that the sync/charging connection is not accessible. This is not meant to be a case that is kept on the iPhone 24/7. It is, however, great for those occassions when you need this degree of protection.
Pros
-The highest degree of protection imaginable including submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes
-Well conceived and constructed
-Ability to access nearly all functions with ease
Cons
-Adds a good deal of size and weight
-No Belt Clip
-Ringer off control and sim card inaccessible while in the case
-No ability to sync while in the case (at last not until Apple allows for bluetooth sync)
-Not Inexpensive
The OtterBox Armor Series Case fits the 4, 8 and 16BG iPhones and is available now directly from OtterBox or other retailers for $69.95.
The Armor Series Case is also available for the iPod, iPod Nano and iPod Touch. Prices vary.
If you need ultimate protection for your iPhone… this is it.
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