Just bought a new 5s and purchased a screen protector. In that case, would you choose the Commuter or the Symmetry?
751716
It depends on your preference. One is a minimalist case, one isn't. I bought the Symmetry and returned it, because as I stated in my review, IMO there are better ones out there.
751717
Symmetry! The commuter rubber like insert stretches out really bad and does not last long. You wont have that problem with the symmetry and it is a lot less bulky.
789695
Not sure. All I know is I have heard that the defender series protects better. we have the commuter and it has protected our phones for over a year. Our phones have been dropped, thrown (by kids) and whatever else you can think of. The cases even still look great. All I can say is I highly recommend this case or the defender. Otterbox is a great product and well worth the money you pay. Hope that helps.
264811
The defender has 3 layers of protectant and has a clear builtin screen. The commuter is only 2 layers and does not have a clear builtin screen
2248830
The defender case has a built-in screen protector and the commuter has an apply yourself screen protector. With the commuter, you can use any screen protector of your choice if you prefer other protectors. Both cases have a polycarbonate (hard plastic) snap on back that encloses the silicone part of the case. The defender is a heftier case and makes a phone quite bulky. The commuter, on the other hand, gives a thin phone such as the galaxy S4 just enough bulk to make it feel sturdy in your hand. I have the commuter case on my S4. I have never dropped my phone so I cannot tell you how much drop protection it has. Overall, I think the defender would protect your phone better since the phone is actually enclosed in the case. However, much depends on how the phone falls, from how high, and on what kind of surface.
467034
The commuter case is not NEARLY as bulky as the defender. Is is much thinner and fits in pockets better. It can still take quite a beating, though.
1038794
Yes, we have it for both (I manage over 100 lines with Android phones). Best balance of protection VS bulk. Covers the screen without sensor interference (has cutouts) and the harder rubber doesn't get flacid/stretchy like the Otters. Relatively inexpensive, and fairly good looking.
1350862
The defender is a more complex case. It is designed to take greater damage. If you drop your phone a lot, like I do, then get the defender. If you want just some protection, but not get too bulky, then get the commuter. I would warn you about the cases for the galaxy s3. The defender's outer shell loses its elasticity very easy. The phone is still protected well.
310425
I don't have a commuter case but from what I can tell the Symmetry is thinner. It's still protects phone however, it's not bulky like some of the other Otterboxes I've seen! (And they have really pretty choices ;) )
142939
I have an Otterbox Defender and the screen protector is compatible with it. I would think it would be ok for the Commuter series also.
72194
I have a 5s and the BodyGuardz works fine with it. I've had the screen protector on it for well over a year.
842742
They're like comparing apples & oranges. Both are good in their own right. Depends on your need. Defender is bulkier, more rugged. Could be dropped more. Not so, the commuter, which is slimmer & lighter, good for a pocket, etc. Also, the commuter lends itself to easily & quickly connecting to a charging dock, speakers, etc. I had to use a cable extender.
1982094
Don't know. This is the first OtterBox I've bought. But what Paul answered earlier today about the Commuter is true and it makes sense that if it is the outer cover made out of soft rubbery it will become stretched out over time. Anyway, my take is that soft rubbery insert and hard outer cover on the outside, is more protective of the phone itself. Point proven and tested as my husband has dropped the phone already twice (on tile floor and on the street) and not a dent, not even on the outer cover.
1941703
The Commuter brings a screen protector but you don't have to use it. I use a different screen protector (I like the Zagg ones), but I had to cut it just a little bit to make it smaller because the edges would start folding with the case.
264810
There is no screen protector with the commuter series. It comes with a separate one that you can put on your screen yourself. Just like you could buy anywhere. Commuter is just a soft phone casing with a harder outer shell that fits over it. Defender has a screen protector built into the case itself. Useful at first but when it gets scratched and/or dirty you can't take it out. Unless you cut it out I guess.
310424
The Commuter series is a bit thicker and has a screen protector that you place on the phone. The Commuter cases has more of a rubber material whereas the the Symmetry is more of a dense plastic.
7621
That's based entirely on your preference. I myself have the OtterBox commuter case and it fits perfectly. I couldn't be happier.
601688
It's a closed case than the other commuter case.. The back is fully closed which I personally love. My other commuter case didn't give me full protection in the back causing me to get a scratch on my apple sign :( my fault but I love the symmetry case.. Stylish and much cuter. I get compliments all the time on my case :)