OtterBox Defender Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - Retail Packaging - Black

Hello everyone! I know from my last review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Defender that my next Otterbox Defender review would be for the Note 4, but I couldn't resist and bought a Note 3 and the new Defender!This review will skip the long and boring introduction found in the Note 2 Defender review. Any and all background info and technical specs of the case can be found above on the product description and/or visiting the Otterbox website directly.The Note 3 Defender is very similar to the previous Note 2 Defender, but is it worth getting? Scroll down to the last section for final thoughts and analysis.--- Assembly/disassembly the case---The case comes fully assembled, and the directions on how to disassemble and reassemble on your phone can be slightly confusing. 1. First take the outer most layer off, the belt holster with clip. 2. Then stick your fingernail or something thin (but not sharp) like it and pry off the outer rubber layer. Don't worry about ripping or damaging it. It is surprisingly flexible and durable. 3. Now you have the innermost polycarbonate layer composed of two pieces that sandwiches your phone. One is the frame with the built in screen protector (top piece). It connects to the other polycarbonate piece in the back (bottom piece) via three latches on each sides, one on the bottom, and one at the top.IMPORTANT: Separating the frame from the polycarbonate backing is actually not too difficult if you know how they combine to form the inner shell that encases the entire phone. DO NOT TRY TO RIP THEM APART BY FORCE AS THIS CAN DAMAGE THEM. They are designed to latch together so separating by brute force is counterproductive, as they are designed to resist separation. 4. To separate the top piece from the bottom piece, first **turn the phone over, so the screen is facing down. ** **Separate the big left and right latch first.** They are in the center and also the thickest and strongest ones. Where you see the two pieces meet at each latch, all you have to do is stick your fingernail in it and press DOWN and the latch will separate. You will see that the locking mechanism is just a little plastic nub on the top piece that snaps into place into the bottom piece when you "lock" all the latches. Your fingernails simply provide a bit of leverage and room for the nub to pop out. 5. To reassemble the case with your phone in it, reverse directions.---Love the case!--- With the case on, I was amazed at how great this phone looks. The cutouts are *highly* precise for **ALL** the peripherals; nothing is blocked or impeded. Additionally, there are very well made port covers for the microphone jack at the top and the charging plug at the bottom to minimize dust and debris from entering. The S-Pen slot opening is surrounded by what seems like a reinforced plastic/rubber frame (camera/led slot also reinforced), and access is perfect, even for fat fingers like mine. The belt clip feels heavy duty and swivels 360 for any position you want. Additionally the clip can be pushed-locked in an inclined position for you to watch videos on a flat surface. You can also attach the phone to the belt clip holster face out or face in for further protection. The built in screen protector and rubber outer layer forms a bezel about 2-3 mm deep around the perimeter of the screen, ensuring maximum protection against damage if the phone is ever dropped face first. Overall the phone feels SOLID and has a hefty weight to it, like a tank.---Now, to some criticism, because this case is not perfect.--- With so many layers, you're wondering, how does the power and volume rocker work? The power button and volume rocker are responsive but do require slightly higher operating pressure than a naked phone but this is acceptable to me considering the multiple layers. Obviously with the case on, the phone's bulk and mass is significantly higher. The case ( including belt holster) itself weighs 5.4 oz ( ~154 g) + phone weight of 5.93 oz( 168g) equals a heavy phone! If your pockets were not tight/heavy before with the phone inside, it will definitely be tight(er)/heavy(er) now. The increased weight and bulk can be a negative, although this is subjective. Another very minor concern would be there is no protection for the camera/sensors slot in the front or the camera/led slot in the back. They are surrounded by the protective shell, but the surface itself is NOT covered so if you throw your phone in your pockets with items with a hardness rating higher than the Gorilla Glass cover, your camera lens and sensor lens WILL be scratched. An example would be the common sand particulates present EVERYWHERE in the air and collects in your pockets. Some of these silicates are harder than the Gorilla Glass and contribute to many of the tiny scratches found on just about every electronic screens out there. To be fair, this minor issue is not a major fault for Otterbox, because no product from any manufacturer provides 100% total scratch proof protection. NOW, the biggest negative to the case: the built in screen protector. The screen protector covers the entire screen except for the front sensors/camera. Prior to installation, I cleaned both sides of the screen protector very thoroughly and I do notice it is not as clear as some of the stand-alone screen protectors. The difference isn't significant, but if you are ocd about screen quality/clarity, you will notice it. When viewed at an angle, I do notice that there are dozens of small bumps on the inside of the screen protector and some rainbow effects at random places. The issue that bothers me that most is the fact the screen protector DOES NOT bind/stick/adhere to the screen perfectly. There is a slightly noticeable gap of space between the phone's screen and the screen protector near the middle right area the screen. For full disclosure, I kept my Spigen screen protector and in addition to the built in screen protector from Defender( so double SPs). There is STILL the same issue of a small gap between the built in Defender screen protector and the phone screen!! I am very disappointed about this, as I feel it was a major issue for the Defender version for the note 2. However, the gap this time feels much smaller. BUT!!! I have two screen protectors on. I feel that if I remove the Spigen screen protector, the space taken up by the Spigen screen protector would widen the gap even more. The capacitive touch functions well even with two screen protectors on. Touch functions works well without any issues, but I do find occasionally I do have to press an app or "return" button more than once, with finger or pen. Very occasionally. The S-pen stylus works fine on the built in screen protector, although the tip feels a bit rougher as you write on it compared to the original glass screen screen (pen use on the Spigen SP is almost as good as a naked screen). So far, writing feels as precise as writing on the glass surface... At $60+ with or without shipping, The Defender is a very expensive case. This could be cost prohibitive for people, and there are comparable cases out there at a lower price with almost ( but not equivalent!) similar specs and protective capabilities.Another issue I have is the rubber flap covering the charging port is very rigid and presses down significantly on the 3.0 micro type B head (the piece you plug in the phone for charging/data transfer). I am concerned that the port cover might bend this piece after long term use.---Final thoughts--- In terms of protection, I'd give this case 5/5. But even considering the other issues, I would give this case a solid 4.5/5. Remember the MAIN function of any Otterbox DEFENDER case is to PROTECT your phone from accidents. You will have to make some compromises with your expectations of the case in other parameters besides protection. If you wanted something nice and light and pretty, go ahead and buy one of those mall kiosk cases for $5-10. Any case is better than no case, but when I dropped my Note 2 for the first time, OB Defender was on and the RELIEF was worth every penny. I believe the Note 3 Defender would provide similar protection. Trust me when I say that after your first major drop, the few niggles you have regarding the case will disappear real quick like! With a cheap case, who knows if the $750 phone may or may not pop out upon impact... It would seem like I focused so much on the negatives in this review, but if I were to focus on the positives, this review would be 5x longer than it already is! This case provides almost unparallel protection in an aesthetically pleasing package. However, there are some issues, mainly with the screen protector. The bulk and weight of the phone +case does not bother me at all. I like my phones heavy and solid. The phone feels so BAD*SS with the case on, so robust and totally JACKED that I am confident it can handle almost any accident from normal, daily usage. However, I do believe the MSRP is a bit high for this case, as $40-50 would be a more ideal price range. But if you are a fan of any of the Defender Series from Otterbox, or just want a great case in general despite the cost, then this case is for you. I don't regret buying it. Great case for an amazing phone!--- For Former Note 2 + Note 2 Defender Owners---Like you, I loved the Note 2 Defender despite its faults) and wondered if I should upgrade to the Note 3 Defender. My answer would be yes. Overall, the encased phone is slimmer and lighter, yet the build quality feels better and the phone feels more solid in your hands. I would not pay more than $40-50 for the new Defender. The new Defender is a small upgrade from the old Note 2 Defender; it is basically the same.---Difference between Defender Note 3 vs Note 2---+Belt Clip+ -The belt clip is smaller, slimmer, and doesn't feel cheap. -The belt clip locking mechanism for kickstand mode is definitely more solid and locks very tightly. -Belt clip rotation is also more rigid and there are also fewer "lock points". -The belt holster holds the phone more tightly. -The three points of the belt holster holding the phone is stronger, yet smaller. ( see pics)+Synthetic Outer Layer+ -Home screen COVERED! However, pressing on the home screen feels slightly squishy for me. This is subjective but I would've preferred a more crisper, tighter tactile experience. -Cosmetic changes and designs to surface provides different look and provides slightly better grip.+Inner polycarbonate layer+ -The latches locking the two pieces are in different locations. What is new is the two areas where the belt holster lock on the phone are now also integrated as latches. They are very strong and secure compared to the old Defender.. -Latches are at new locations. They lock more tightly, providing high structural integrity and protection but I can foresee some people having problems separating them and possibly breaking them trying to take the two pieces apart.I will continue using this case and provide one or two more long term updates later down the road.

I bought this case two years ago once I decided to get a new cell phone. I bought the Samsung Note 3, and I had read the note 3 breaks easily when dropped. I was about to have a newborn baby and I wanted the phone to last for a few years. I've been so, so happy with my purchase. The case came quickly. The packaging was nice and easy to open. The case is very easy to put on over the phone. It does add some bulk to the phone but I expected that and didn't mind because I wanted the protection. At first I did leave all of the port covers for the earphones and charger on. However, I found that the rubber port cover where the charger was kept breaking my cell phone chargers. Which was very frustrating. Finally I cut the port cover off and I haven't had any issues with with my chargers since breaking since then. I did leave my ear phone port cover on because I don't use ear phones as frequently, and I haven't experienced any issues with it breaking my headphones either.So the big question is does it work? Is it worth the price? Yes, and Yes. Over the two years I've had the phone cover its been dropped more times than I can count. Not only by me but thrown by my son and almost toddler. On concrete, grocery store floors, in the mall, etc.... One time I dropped it and I was sure it was going to break because it it sounded like the case had cracked. I picked up the phone and not a scratch or a dent. The case absorbed all of the damage.How does it look ... after two years of heavy use The rubber on the case still looks great. You can tell the rubber has been used not a lot but there are some places where its been scratched from dropping. Mainly on one of the corners and a little under the camera. Again its been two years of use so I’m happy. The clear cover is still in excellent condition. From time time to I have to take it off to clean it but even with all the use and dropping (by me and my toddler). Even with all the wear and tear there aren’t any scratches.How does the phone look? After all this time but even when I remove the rubber case and the hard case my phone looks new, no scratches, no dents, you can’t even tell its a two year old phone. This case has saved my phone, and saved me money by not having to buy a new phone. Totally, worth buying and when I buy a new phone I will buy another Otter case.

Great item. Sturdy strong just what I want to protect my phone when backpacking.

am so glad that i was able to get it . it is great as i am not worried incase of accidents like dropping or water. i shared one to my friend.

Arrived quickly and was exactly what we were looking for!

Otter Box is in perfect condition and protects my phone. Before I had this good case I felt I had to be very very careful with my phone, now that it is in an Otter it feels like it is well protected. I did not realize that the colours were berry/pink, I don'd like the pink part...however I can see it from a long way off...so it will work just fine.

EXCELLENT!!! I'm off road and in the wild all the time.Relativity water "resistant" dropped it in water and although a small amount of water seeped in... picking it up quickly and then opening and drying the case did the trick.It for sure saved the phone from certain drowning death.Dropped it a hundred times already... On concrete.. wood... floor... stairs... bathtub... Each time - my phone (GALAXY NOTE III) hitting the surface really hard! For sure the phone would be destroyed without this case... 100 times over already.... this a tough case! No joke!I thought I would need something tougher than this... nope... this is excellent protection.If you have it snapped in the holster... (and boy does it snap in tight) its like just about bulletproof.I really want to protect my Galaxy Note III and this does the job for sure.If you like some pretty delicate cute, pretty or shiny case... buzz off fairy... this is not for you.This product is for people who want to seriously protect their phones!Thanks OTTERBOX!!!! GREAT DESIGN EXCELLENT PRODUCT!!! :)