What's the difference between the commuter and defender series?
750451
The Defender series are big and clunky, covering every surface of the phone. It also has a clear plastic piece attached to the front part of the case that covers the screen. This is the Commuter series which covers all the sides and the back, no front cover, but comes with a screen film. I prefer the Commuter because of the size of the Defender series.
750452
Defender has more parts and belt clip. By more parts I mean is very well protected and has outside cover that is made of rubber so it doesn't slide and it has plastic cover in front. However it makes is bigger and doesn't fit well in locker due to the runner cover and the size. The commuter is very stylish and thin-has 2 parts: rubber on site and plastic outside. The cons are it slides vey far and slips out of hands where defender doesn't. So each one has pros and cons. I just bought commuter and I didn't like it much just because I've dropped it at least. 20 x I'm the last 3 days that I've had it. I'm really afraid one one day when it falls out of my hands or slips the screen will just crack. Defender has more parts and belt clip. By more parts I mean is very well protected and has outside cover that is made of rubber so it doesn't slide and it has plastic cover in front. However it makes is bigger and doesn't fit well in locker due to the runner cover and the size. The commuter is very stylish and thin-has 2 parts: rubber on site and plastic outside. The cons are it slides vey far and slips out of hands where defender doesn't. So each one has pros and cons. I just bought commuter and I didn't like it much just because I've dropped it at least. 20 x I'm the last 3 days that I've... » Read More Defender has more parts and belt clip. By more parts I mean is very well protected and has outside cover that is made of rubber so it doesn't slide and it has plastic cover in front. However it makes is bigger and doesn't fit well in locker due to the runner cover and the size. The commuter is very stylish and thin-has 2 parts: rubber on site and plastic outside. The cons are it slides vey far and slips out of hands where defender doesn't. So each one has pros and cons. I just bought commuter and I didn't like it much just because I've dropped it at least. 20 x I'm the last 3 days that I've had it. I'm really afraid one one day when it falls out of my hands or slips the screen will just crack. « Show Less
750453
The commuter series isn't as thick and the front of the phone isn't inside the case.
750454
The defender has a better screen protector as it's a hard plastic cover over screen. The defender is a bigger thicker box. The commuter is slimmer but there is no real screen cover as it is a sheet of plastic you have to press on the screen. My screen cover started rolling on the edges after two weeks. Neither boxes are waterproof. I'd rather have the more bulkier defender box.
1258917
I'm thrown off by the numbers posted. But, I would definitely go with the defender series. It has a built in screen. In my opinion it's the best choice. (The commuter doesn't have a protective screen)
1152548
On the commuter series it is not a built in screen protector like the defender. It is simply a clear sticker. Yes I do use it because I want to avoid scratches to the glass. I also have a child with sticky fingers. This way it is easier to clean as well. But since it is completely separate from the case itself you can not use the screen protector
912517
The Defender is bigger and the commuter is slightly smaller. The Defender has a rougher outside and is built seemingly more rigid than the commuter I only have the commuter. I haven't ever tried a defender, it has a built in screen protector as part of the case, The commuter does not so you can do like I do and use adhesive ones or not use them at all because well the screens have come a long way since the beginning of smartphones they hold up better than before.
1221043
No that is the Defender Case by Otterbox, but the Commuter does come with one screen protector. Most people prefer a 3rd party screen protector from what I hear. I actually chose a 3rd party one. The one that comes from Otterbox tends to have a "rainbow effect" from skin oil etc.
945966
I don't know the difference between the two (I don't own the defender), but the ports on the bottom of the commuter are open. I purchased a Lifeproof case on Amazon after owning this case for a few weeks, and am much happier with it. The Lifeproof case protects very well and fits the phone better, too.
273602
I think they're both the same size only difference is that the defender series is more heavier duty. And gives more protection. That's what I was told by someone.
1469919
The defender series comes with built in screen protection, the commuter cases come with a screen protector that you have to install yourself. If you get the commuter, I would highly recommend getting a Zagg screen protector, the Otterbox ones aren't very good.
1617785
I am using an otterbox symmetry case on it now, and have had no problems with the commuter line either. Pretty sure the defender will work just fine, but I haven't that one myself.
1650099
I have the defender, and it's fine, the commuter is thinner, so it will be OK, I also have the spigen neo hybrid, which is similar to the commuter, and it fits perfectly, so there shouldn't be a problem
2145708
Defender is thicker w/ built in screen protector. Hard plastic on the inside silicon on the outer layer. And it comes with a belt clip / phone stand. Commuter has no built in screen protector silicon is on the inside hard plastic outer layer. And no clip I have cracked my screen (not severly) even w/ the commuter
1601826
On the Commuter the back cover is plastic with silicone corners. The front cover is actually a screen protector that you apply before you put the back cover on. On the Defender Series the plastic piece that covers the screen is actually part of the a two piece plastic protective sleeve, which is then wrapped in silicone. The Commuter series is sleeker and has no belt clip - more for pockets or purses.In response to Mr. Surratt's answer: Although I've never know a plastic tab to break on any of mine, I have called OtterBox about broken belt clips and they have cheerfully sent me a new one, gratis, every time. Thus I infer they might do the same for broken tabs. On the Commuter the back cover is plastic with silicone corners. The front cover is actually a screen protector that you apply before you put the back cover on. On the Defender Series the plastic piece that covers the screen is actually part of the a two piece plastic protective sleeve, which is then wrapped in silicone. The Commuter series is sleeker and has no belt clip - more for pockets or purses.In response to Mr. Surratt's answer: Although I've never know a plastic tab to break on any of mine, I have called OtterBox about broken belt clips and they have cheerfully sent me... » Read More On the Commuter the back cover is plastic with silicone corners. The front cover is actually a screen protector that you apply before you put the back cover on. On the Defender Series the plastic piece that covers the screen is actually part of the a two piece plastic protective sleeve, which is then wrapped in silicone. The Commuter series is sleeker and has no belt clip - more for pockets or purses.In response to Mr. Surratt's answer: Although I've never know a plastic tab to break on any of mine, I have called OtterBox about broken belt clips and they have cheerfully sent me a new one, gratis, every time. Thus I infer they might do the same for broken tabs. « Show Less
1601824
The Commuter is still 2 covers, one rubbery for the first layer and then the hard plastic for the outer layer. I like it, but it is making the phone a bit bigger. It makes me certain that if I was to drop the phone it would still come out OK. It is sturdy. I don't know what the Defender looks like, but my impression is that it is bigger than the Commuter.
1266539
I'm not sure, we bought both the Defender and the Commuter. The Defender has a plastic screen protector built in to it, the Commuter does not but I'm just as happy with it. I did buy a heavy duty canvas case/clip that works great as well. It has a metal clip to it so I know it wont break easily. We use plastic clips for our work cell phones and they break all the time. I did find that the Commuter series had more color choices whick is what I was looking for. The green makes it so easy to find when I'm home. I have dropped it a couple of times and you really cant tell. It held up nicely.
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.
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.
1022337
I have not had the defender, just the life proof. It is not as durable as the defender I am sure. It does have a good bumper though. A few of my students at my school have the commuter and they say they frequently drop their phones. So far so good, no one has damaged or cracked screen.