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Hey everyone!
One of the cases that I'm considering for my GS3 is the Otter Box Defender. I know that it has a built in screen protector, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the quality of the built in screen protector is like? ie, clear, glossy, matte, scratch and fingerprint resistant, absolute crap, etc...? Does anyone have the Defender and use a different screen protector with it? The more information, the better. Thanks!
The feel of it as they have always been more like a clear glossier plastic. Its not Matte or smudge proof thats for sure. Is it the best screen protector out? Most certainly not, but its not really meant to be removed but doesnt mean you can rip it off cause i have done so with other phones I had. Mostly because I have always been a big supporter and user of the ZAGG Protectors which in my opinion are the best in terms of quality and build. But you really dont want to have a screen protector on and then use the otterbox with the added screen protector. Two to me is too many and can cause some interference with touch controls. I know there is prolly a million people on here that will say otherwise and they have done it without issues just my honest opinion when i had one on phone then used otterbox case with attached protector as well I hated it. The touch for me was way off. But if you dont end up liking it just get you a good screen protector and then when you buy the defender just pop off the one that comes with it. No worries.
I just got the Defender last week for GS3 and Love it! Its an amazing case and love the holster. I always end up buying one of these cases for my phones cause they just LAST.
Cheers!:highfive:
Case is good but the screen protector makes everything pixilated. Really hard to get past for me. So I tore out the screen protector and had a zagg hd put on. Works out well.
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It, sux it makes the screen look grainy, i sold it and got the commuter instead, i just bought the defender because the screen protector, and since it sux i rather have the bit slimmer commuter.
I love the commuter btw.
I took the screen protector out also. Don't let that be what steers you away from the defender. The case is awesome, the product support is awesome. I keep thinking about getting a stick on protector but haven't yet. I use the holster so the screen is protected by that most of the time. I have scratched and scuffed the outer rubber of the case however. I emailed otter support asking if I could buy replacement outers in the future and explained that I scratched the case... No defect of the product. They asked for pictures and the next thing I know I have an invoice in my email... They are sending me a whole new replacement! You can't beat that service.
Got the Black Defender and the screen protector is utter crap. Invested in a ZAGG HD and never looked back.
The quality of the built-in screen on the Defender made everything look so blurry and pixelated.
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Yea, I agree with the replies, it does make the screen look ugly, but it's good protection for your phone, I work construction, so I didn't take it off
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
g2uzer said:
Yea, I agree with the replies, it does make the screen look ugly, but it's good protection for your phone, I work construction, so I didn't take it off
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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Disagree - it's not good protection, in fact is bad for it.
Buddy of mine had a defender for his phone before. Over time dust, grit and what have you worked it's way in between the otter screen guard and the screen itself. Then everytime you touch it has the same effect as rubbing sandpaper on your screen. His got murdered from it.
You need a screen protector that adheres to the screen itself to prevent fine grains of dust, dirt, sand or what have you from turning it into a piece of sandpaper every time you touch it.
After seeing the destruction wrought on his screen, was in the defender from day one, and now owning a defender myself, I fully understand why the most common mod to the case is to take an Xacto knife and cut the screen guard out.
Do that and use a quality shield on the screen, you will be very happy you did.
^ I usually take my case off every other week to clean it, and I was surprised to see that barly any dust got in at all, the only places I saw was around the top where the little hole is at and around the camera/flash /speaker área , maybe his case was defective? Over all I'm impressed to see how clean my phone is every time I take off the case.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
I finally broke down and got an S3 today and also picked up a pack of the ridiculously expensive stick-on screen protectors that Verizon sells as I didn't want to take any chances in between buying the phone and getting some cheap ones. Anyway, the screen looks very grainy with the protector, especially when displaying lighter images. I really don't mind that much but when I'm taking pictures it really bugs me. I was wondering if anyone knows of a screen protector for the S3 that is durable but doesn't make the screen look all grainy.
Thanks!
The screen protector that comes with the otter box case is perfect. You really don't even notice it at all. It's the best screen protector that I have personally used
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Ah damn I already bought a case.
Raillery said:
Ah damn I already bought a case.
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I'm not a big fan of the otterbox defender screen protector. As a matter of fact I am not even using it. I think there are a lot of protectors that don't look grainy, I wish I could find one that didn't show fingerprints.
Zagg HD all the way
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
mnhertz26 said:
The screen protector that comes with the otter box case is perfect. You really don't even notice it at all. It's the best screen protector that I have personally used
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right on, couldnt agree more. i was gunna say the same thing.
Just applied this, went on easy, no bubbles, crystal clear, dry application
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Verizon replaced them with some clear ones. I guess I had gotten the anti glare ones. Having trouble getting an air bubble out though.
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I'm not a fan of cases in general, so I bought an Armor Shield full-body protector - essentially it's like screen protector film, but they send precut pieces to protect all of the phone rather than just the screen.
I'm really really impressed with the whole package - the body parts are cool in that they really just give a great grip (the stock phone is really slippery), but the screen protector is really impressive in all the ways screen protectors have disappointed me in the past.
This one doesn't feel rubbery (interestingly, since the body parts add grip), in fact my finger glides on it better than the glass surface. That was surprising.
And, this one doesn't collect fingerprint grease.
I'm betting armor shield sells the screen protectors solo... and probably affordable, I think the whole body package with the screen protector was only $15.
And it's clear, I think for your original question, just avoid "matte finish" screen protectors. Those are the ones with the hazy/grainy finish.
i like the front of my screen being smooth and frictionless (ie no heavy rubber protector)...is there any good screen protector out there, that's light, doesn't have too much friction (could be as simple as a bubbless peelon) out there for the s3? Also wouldn't take away too much from the 'press' intensity I have to apply to my phone screen.
Usually I wouldn't make athread for such things but there seem to be so many different goods, knockoffs, fake reviews out there I'm unsure what to get
Steinheil Ultra Nano Clear. It comes in a 3-pack for about $15 shipped directly from manufacturer's website. I've tried the cheap one that came with my Ballistic case, a 3M Natural View, and DBA Just Like Glass and this one is better than any of those. It was a little bit "grippy" at first but my finger slid around smoothly after a little while. I also managed the best-looking installation of all the brands I've tried (it's a simple dry installation, which I applied in a steamy bathroom to prevent trapped dust). It's completely invisible with no lifting edges (all the others lifted where the screen curves at the edges). And no, I don't work for them.
Completely agree, amazing screen protector.
rflieger said:
Steinheil Ultra Nano Clear. It comes in a 3-pack for about $15 shipped directly from manufacturer's website. I've tried the cheap one that came with my Ballistic case, a 3M Natural View, and Just Like Glass and this one is better than any of those. It was a little bit "grippy" at first but my finger slid around smoothly after a little while. I also managed the best-looking installation of all the brands I've tried (it's a simple dry installation, which I applied in a steamy bathroom to prevent trapped dust). It's completely invisible with no lifting edges (all the others lifted where the screen curves at the edges). And no, I don't work for them.
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Dba just like glass, exactly what you're looking for.
How easy was it to apply and remove? Is the adhesive too strong or sticky?
I picked up the day I bought my S3 the Zagg Invisible Skin HD. I've always used Invisible Skins and this one is leaps and bounds better as far as clarity and smoothness. Also still retains the lifetime guarantee.
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what's the difference between the nano clear and the crystal curve?
I'm so frustrated I'm about to drop Spiegel all together
Talk about poor marketing
I'm not a fan of the "step 1 and step 2" multi-pack screen protectors that don't stick well. Ya gotta figure there's a reason they come in 3-packs, because they suck. I see that Zagg makes a "smudge proof" screen protector for the Note 2. I'd really like to see it for the Galaxy S3.
Rearth Ringo...Pros: cant tell its on the screen..application was easy with no bubbles and feels smooth as glass. Cons: Doesn't go edge to edge and it does scratch easily.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
I really like should Steinheil ultra clear screen protector. Feels like there is no protector and it is non adhesive. Little pricey but worth it based on trying other less expensive alternatives.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
rflieger said:
Steinheil Ultra Nano Clear. It comes in a 3-pack for about $15 shipped directly from manufacturer's website. I've tried the cheap one that came with my Ballistic case, a 3M Natural View, and DBA Just Like Glass and this one is better than any of those. It was a little bit "grippy" at first but my finger slid around smoothly after a little while. I also managed the best-looking installation of all the brands I've tried (it's a simple dry installation, which I applied in a steamy bathroom to prevent trapped dust). It's completely invisible with no lifting edges (all the others lifted where the screen curves at the edges). And no, I don't work for them.
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I got the ultra clear nano. First screen protector ever. Looks beautiful
A few tips to newbies applying it. I left mine by a steamy shower. Paranoid and let the dust particles settle. Cleaned it with the micro cloth.
Take the ' 'front' end is at the bottom left of the screen. On the top make sure the camera isn't covered (it shouldn't matter much if it were, in my opinoin)...peel the back end half way off (MOST IMPORTANT POINT...it is a very light screen protector that will fall back on its sticky self if you don't) and apply from the bottom (or front end part of your phone) and slowly peel back your way up.
Iron out the bubbles with the rubber thingy
Peel off front. Most bubbles should be out anyways.
The peelback should be a very smooth uniform motion.You also do NOT want any part of the plastic to fold on top of itself. It gives the appearance of a scratch on the screen.
This baby is so smooth and exactly what I wanted, but I could see why a lot of people complained about wasting one while trying to learn to apply it. Its like nothing was applied to it. No friction ,especially with sweaty hands and you can easily forget its on.
zetsui said:
I got the ultra clear nano. First screen protector ever. Looks beautiful
A few tips to newbies applying it. I left mine by a steamy shower. Paranoid and let the dust particles settle. Cleaned it with the micro cloth.
-snip- .
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If it's not too much trouble, would you update the thread/pm me when you see scratches + your opinion about how scratch resistant the protector is? There seems to be mixed thoughts of how easily it is to scratch it
I will be remember what i said on application and how it is so thin it folds on it laelf and can give tje impression of a scratch. Initial application has to be very smooth. Other than that its great if youbwere sitting wjith me you wouldnt notice a screen protector on. I honestly don't see it scratching though. That and it has the right amount of friction. The sweat on your hands actually lubricates your finger across the screen.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
interesting.. might consider the nano clear.. the xtremeguard i have is nice but has some "dents" which i freaking hate.
Read the last line on my last post. Thats how it is and how it should be in my opinion
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Update i am noticing scratches on it. Nothing significant but it hasnt even been a week
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I'm looking for a good/decent edge to edge, dry install protector for my wife's GS3. It has to be dry because she has already cracked the screen.
I've done some searching in the forums, but can't seem to nail down just those two must-have conditions: Edge to edge and dry install.
All suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks.
I have the ultra nano clear and it feels very smooth. Ive had it since septembre and have gotten zero scratches.
Also what screenprotector is not lightweight ? All screenprotectors are pieces of plastic lol. Havent had any metal screenprotector yet.
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Zagg HD is what I use no problems at all crystal clear!
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I too love the edge to edge ones.. I've tried a few so far, realook and spigen curved.. both are OK.. there is still a tiiiiiny gap on the edges.
I just got some tippin ones off amazon.. when they say edge to edge, they effin mean it.. this is an amazing fit.. got some pics of mine installed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35774502
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I just got my S3 and I'm loving it so far. I ordered the Seidio dry install screen protectors from Amazon b/c that is what I've been using on my last 3 phones and have always loved them, especially b/c they were dry install. Their protector for the S3 unfortunately doesn't even look like it was made for the S3. I could see it being a little off, but this isn't even close. I'm very disappointed and will return them ASAP.
So now I'm back to square one. Who makes a good dry apply screen protector for the S3? I'd like it to fit the front perfectly, but I can live if it doesn't quite come to the outer edges, but I'd like it to be close. I prefer a dry application process as I feel comfortable doing them and don't get any bubbles. Those spray bottles and squeegees make me nervous, but if there is a wet protector out there that is awesome, I'd consider if I can get someone else to install.
Please help, I hate when my screen is naked!
Amazon has a few, including :
http://www.amazon.com/SPIGEN-SGP-Pr...-2&keywords=curved+screen+protector+galaxy+s3
eBay may turn up more.
Im using spigens curved crystal. Which was very great and fit edge to edge. Though if you weren't very cautious using it, your fingernails will leave marks like indents on the screen. But not that big issue.
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I use Realook 3D full coverage screen protector.
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I recently won a bid on ebay for a note II so naturally i want to protect it the best i can. I am the type of person who can be a bit hard on phones. I drop them, sometimes things can fall on them and so on so i need good protection. I pretty much have an otterbox on everything i own so i figured i would order one for my note II. Im wondering if i made a mistake because the reviews im reading arent very good. Can anyone comment about the case on the note II? Most things im reading is the outside stretches quickly and the plastic screen protector really diminishes the quality of the screen. If this is a bad case, can someone recommend the best solution for protecting the phone AND the screen, even if its two seperate parts.
I have the otterbox for note 2. Hasn't stretched at all. It's a chore to get it off really.
My wife's gs3 otterbox has stretched. But this one is much better.
It's great for falls, but it's not sealed as much as the evo otterbox. Not sure this case would save the note 2 from a fall in the dog water bowl like evo did.
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Smidgers said:
I have the otterbox for note 2. Hasn't stretched at all. It's a chore to get it off really.
My wife's gs3 otterbox has stretched. But this one is much better.
It's great for falls, but it's not sealed as much as the evo otterbox. Not sure this case would save the note 2 from a fall in the dog water bowl like evo did.
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How bad does the screen protector deminish screen quality?
GMcD said:
How bad does the screen protector deminish screen quality?
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Not any more than the evo or gs3 cases. Any time you put a screen protector on, it's not going to be quite the same.
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GMcD said:
I....reviews im reading arent very good. ...[the] the outside stretches quickly and the plastic screen protector really diminishes the quality of the screen. ...
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Not trying to pick on you. But statements like this make me shake my head. Big deal the case scratches. It's better the case than the phone, right? Not that I'm ignorant, and know you don't want some case that's going to look like a cat scratching toy after a month. From what I read, usually the shinny slick cases tend to show more scratches.
As for the screen, I don't think you'll notice much if any deminished screen output from the screen protector if you've been using the Otterbox Defender on previous phones. I don't think it's that likely the screen protector is that much different from other Defenders for other phones.
My guess, I think you're psyching yourself out.
When I had my otterbox, I removed the built in "screen protector" and had a zagg on it. I dont like the built in one as sand and small particles can get inbetween screen and the "protector" and when you use it. Your mashing thos into the screen. I would advise you to remove the screen protector and install your own directly onto the phone. Other than that great case.
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With the evo, it was so sealed I didn't want to change screen protectors. With the note 2, that may be an option. But I think that would be the case with any note 2 case
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lovekeiiy said:
Not trying to pick on you. But statements like this make me shake my head. Big deal the case scratches. It's better the case than the phone, right? Not that I'm ignorant, and know you don't want some case that's going to look like a cat scratching toy after a month. From what I read, usually the shinny slick cases tend to show more scratches.
As for the screen, I don't think you'll notice much if any deminished screen output from the screen protector if you've been using the Otterbox Defender on previous phones. I don't think it's that likely the screen protector is that much different from other Defenders for other phones.
My guess, I think you're psyching yourself out.
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Apparently you are ignorant. I said stretches, as in the rubber stretches quickly causing it not to stay on the phone, no scratches.
JamesChilds said:
When I had my otterbox, I removed the built in "screen protector" and had a zagg on it. I dont like the built in one as sand and small particles can get inbetween screen and the "protector" and when you use it. Your mashing thos into the screen. I would advise you to remove the screen protector and install your own directly onto the phone. Other than that great case.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
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I like this idea and think ill do this. Can you recommend a good screen protector that doesn't degrade the quality much?
GMcD said:
Apparently you are ignorant. I said stretches, as in the rubber stretches quickly causing it not to stay on the phone, no scratches.
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Well, as lovely of compliment that is, either I don't know know the difference between stretch and scratch, or I wasn't paying close enough attention. Given what I wrote, the safer bet is the later. Thus, my most of drabble was not on point. But I digress....
Back to the topic at hand, As for screen protectors, I suggest checking out this thread, Screen Protector Reviews in the international GN2 subforum. It's 28 pages of this morning. I stopped reading it about a month or so ago. There was another thread, even longer, but it got removed.
Personally, I use the Just Like Glass screen protector. It's a wet application. Covers all viewable screen, but doesn't go to the edge. So cases that go over the edge won't push on it, like TPU cases with lips don't play nice with screen protectors that do go the edge. I'm not sure how the defender sits on the phone off the top of my head, so not sure if the JLG would work well or not. Since you're so rough on phones, it may be. JLG uses similar tech to hurricane glass, and claim it adds 35% shatter resistance; their numbers, not mine. It's stiff, really thin, and it feels very similar to the actual glass. I like it.
It's not perfect. It will get small scratches. I have a couple, but I rarely notice them. There is a rainbow effect that can be seen under halogen lights and the screen off. When the screen is on, you don't see it, at least I never have. It's a side effect from the UV protection the protector has. Some complain that screen protector scratches easily. I don't know how easily, but I have a few, but I don't see them when the display is on. I'm not sure if they came with one or not, but I know JLG owner was looking into getting a dry application model. Plus, unless something has changed, JLG goes give good customer service. Shoot an email to the ower, some guy named Scott, and he'll work with you as much as possible. He knows screen protector isn't for everyone.
It also works very well with the Spen. Others have had issues, from what I read, with Zagg Invisishield. The Spen sticks, unresponsive, to actaully scratching the screen protector. Some have said the Zagg's HD works well. But from what I gathered, for the Spen to work well, you'll want to get the thinner protects, which end up being less scratch resistant.
Here a picture of my GN2 shortly after I put it on:
if you click the picture, you can see a really big picture. But you can see how much of the GN2 it covers. I use a Cruzerlite TPU clear case. I'm still using the same screen protector and case, which has been close to six months.
For me, as long as the flaws are noticeable when the screen is on, it doesn't bother me. It's currently being sold for $13.50, so it's one of the more reasonable priced protectors. It only comes packaged with one protector.
Hopefully that helps.
lovekeiiy said:
Well, as lovely of compliment that is, either I don't know know the difference between stretch and scratch, or I wasn't paying close enough attention. Given what I wrote, the safer bet is the later. Thus, my most of drabble was not on point. But I digress....
Back to the topic at hand, As for screen protectors, I suggest checking out this thread, Screen Protector Reviews in the international GN2 subforum. It's 28 pages of this morning. I stopped reading it about a month or so ago. There was another thread, even longer, but it got removed.
Personally, I use the Just Like Glass screen protector. It's a wet application. Covers all viewable screen, but doesn't go to the edge. So cases that go over the edge won't push on it, like TPU cases with lips don't play nice with screen protectors that do go the edge. I'm not sure how the defender sits on the phone off the top of my head, so not sure if the JLG would work well or not. Since you're so rough on phones, it may be. JLG uses similar tech to hurricane glass, and claim it adds 35% shatter resistance; their numbers, not mine. It's stiff, really thin, and it feels very similar to the actual glass. I like it.
It's not perfect. It will get small scratches. I have a couple, but I rarely notice them. There is a rainbow effect that can be seen under halogen lights and the screen off. When the screen is on, you don't see it, at least I never have. It's a side effect from the UV protection the protector has. Some complain that screen protector scratches easily. I don't know how easily, but I have a few, but I don't see them when the display is on. I'm not sure if they came with one or not, but I know JLG owner was looking into getting a dry application model. Plus, unless something has changed, JLG goes give good customer service. Shoot an email to the ower, some guy named Scott, and he'll work with you as much as possible. He knows screen protector isn't for everyone.
It also works very well with the Spen. Others have had issues, from what I read, with Zagg Invisishield. The Spen sticks, unresponsive, to actaully scratching the screen protector. Some have said the Zagg's HD works well. But from what I gathered, for the Spen to work well, you'll want to get the thinner protects, which end up being less scratch resistant.
Here a picture of my GN2 shortly after I put it on:
if you click the picture, you can see a really big picture. But you can see how much of the GN2 it covers. I use a Cruzerlite TPU clear case. I'm still using the same screen protector and case, which has been close to six months.
For me, as long as the flaws are noticeable when the screen is on, it doesn't bother me. It's currently being sold for $13.50, so it's one of the more reasonable priced protectors. It only comes packaged with one protector.
Hopefully that helps.
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I appreciate the reply. After doing a ton of searching, I found just about everyone who bought a SGP Ultra Oleophobic seemed to love it so I'm gonna try that. I wanted to get the just like glass but the wet application sort of scared me away. I'll report my findings when I get it and the phone.
JamesChilds said:
When I had my otterbox, I removed the built in "screen protector" and had a zagg on it. I dont like the built in one as sand and small particles can get inbetween screen and the "protector" and when you use it. Your mashing thos into the screen. I would advise you to remove the screen protector and install your own directly onto the phone. Other than that great case.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
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I agree with this.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
I really like zagg. They give you lifetime warranty so if protector begins to peel you can get another for free.
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JamesChilds said:
I really like zagg. They give you lifetime warranty so if protector begins to peel you can get another for free.
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Not really free. You have to return the original and pay for shipping. Now Otterbox's warranty is second to none. Just send it pics of damage and they will send you out a replacement completely free of charge. Now when I bought the first black Defender I had a pretty nice gap between the built in screen protector and the phone's screen. It really was annoying especially playing games or texting. I ended up giving that one to my wife and buying the grey/white one off Amazon for $35. This one has no gap and fits like its supposed to. It's been a few months and I've had no problem with dust in screen or silicone stretching. This one seems to be built correctly. Not so much for the Defender for my EvoLTE. Been a year and I'm on my 5th one.
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Otterbox Warranty: they didn't even request a picture when my evo case broke. Just took down the info and sent me a new one and told me to discard the old one.
I was amazed. Shows how much they stand behind their product.
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I bought the white glacer outer box with holster and only used it one day....its too big any one wants to buy it send me a pm.
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I popped out the screen protector part as dust kept getting in the stupid hole they cut in it. My phone stays in my pocket with nothing else so no scratches on the screen. If I'm going to throw my phone in my wife's bag when traveling or something like that I bring the clip to protect it. Worked for me so far..
I'm a contractor and I've put my otter box through hell, I remove it every night and have for six months and it hasn't stretched a bit. My phone is still cherry because of this case, I've dropped it 10 feet gotten concrete on it and it's coated in crap every day. Once you get used to all the iPhone kids making fun of the size it's awesome!
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They make fun because they are jealous.
Sent from my little Note2
maybe. I think it's more from ignorance and being mindless Apple-drones.