OtterBox Defender-Series Hybrid Case and Holster for HTC EVO 3D (Black)

I have had my EVO from the day it was first released to the mass public. I have tried multiple cases for the phone since then. Some had a holster while others did not. To me this was a major factor in the cases I would actually buy and use. I do not like keeping my cell phone in my pocket or laptop bag.

When I first read about the Otterbox case line I was disappointed to see that they were not yet available. Being an avid SCUBA diver I was familiar with the Otterbox name and knew first hand of the quality products they put out (no I don't work for the company). I put myself on the waiting list and watched as they released the lineup finally ending with the Defender case I had wanted from the beginning. I ordered it the day it came out and received it days later.

Pro:

It's tough. Plain and simple, this thing will take a beating. If your hard on your phones or have kids that play with your phone, this is a big plus. The case is made up of a two piece hard shell unit that acts as sandwich over the phone. This has an integrated front non-glare looking cover to protect the screen. It also has a similar clear cover over the back camera and flash. So far I have not noticed this affecting photos in any manner. Nothing covers the speaker to distort the sound. Beyond that is the rubber cover that cradles the hard shell plastic. If you drop this thing I don't see how your phone will be damaged unless it somehow falls directly on the screen. If that happens I don't know of any case that will help you. The rubber wrapper has flaps that cover the major ports, sound, HDMI and charge ports. It has its own integrated stand as the stock EVO stand is not accessible. It has integrated buttons for wake and volume control. A simple hole allows access to the phones microphone. A cutout provides access to the earpiece and front view camera. The cradle itself is something I am getting used to. It will hold your phone in a landscape format so it is easy to pop in and out. My old case had the catch at the top of the phone. The catch is not spring loaded but rather tension holds the phone in place by clipping to the integrated detent on the hard shell portion of the case.

Con:

It's big. The EVO is already a beast in size and this will add to it. If you're not a fan of the phone size already then you may want to shy away from this particular case as it will only frustrate you. Another thing that I will have to get used to is the time it takes to put in and out of the case. I have one of the sprint car mounts made specifically for the EVO and it will only hold the phone itself, no case allowed. This may improve for me with time perhaps, but now it adds a few minutes to the start and end of my drive to prep the phone for the mount. Only time will tell if removing it regularly will have any effect on the case. Personally I doubt it will. The rubber wrapper takes some work to get just right but once it's in place its fine. Mind you putting the phone in the case takes just minutes but people who may have some experience with the two piece shell cases or the simple silicone covers from other manufactures my not like this. Last thing is it's pricey. At $50.00 plus this is a bit much.

Personally I am happy with the case, it will protect my EVO just fine for as long as I own it.

This is a great case if you want to ruggedize your phone. It has huge protection for the screen, with a great (in my experience, another reviewer's differed) clear cover that's actually built into the protective Otter frame. After assembling the two piece skeleton around the phone, you pull a thick rubber coating on top of that. I think that set up will be great at absorbing shock. On top of the clear screen protector, there's a full 1 centimeter lift that makes it really hard for anything to come into contact with the screen. It also has some protection for the speaker grill, although it's obviously left uncovered, by the same depth difference.

The cameras are protected really well, again, with a huge depth difference and a plastic cover that fits on top of them. It looks like it'll interfere with photo taking, but I've taken about 100 photos with the case on and couldn't notice, so I think it's ok.

The case is also quasi-waterproof. Every port is closed rubberized hinges, except the speakers (front and back). That said, if you put the phone, screen in, into the belt holster, only the single speaker in the back is exposed to the elements. And it's quite small. I wouldn't want to test this in heavy rain, but I think the phone would survive even if exposed by belt holster.

The rubberized case looks very tough and has great grip. The included holster works well and is also tough, plus can be easily converted into a stand. The rubberized cover over the camera shutter doesn't seem to interfere at all, I can still easily feel the two stages. The 3D slider is a slight hassle to get to, because you have to unplug a rubberized hinge, but you don't need to get to it too often and it's not a big deal. The same is true for the micro-usb port, but since you use that all the time, it's a bit more annoying, and I'm worried the rubber hinge will break over doing this a few thousand times. So far it's doing fine though.

I have only a couple complaints about the case. The first one is the doozy. It doubles the thickness of your phone and makes it borderline uncarryable in your pocket. Now, it comes with a holster, so if you want to carry it like that, it makes no difference, and I have to wear a suit most days so it doesn't bother me much. But when I'm not at work I'm usually in jeans, and you can easily see the square print of the phone in my pocket. It's a pain to put it in and take it out of the pocket too because the thickness, combined with the rubbery texture, adds huge friction and ends up pulling out a lot of cotton fibers that make it look really dirty.

The second problem isn't a big deal in my opinion. The case cost about $50 USD which seems like a lot. But currently it is the best out there, and it's an expensive, heavy phone that's going to break if you drop it. So I don't mind the rather extravagant fee for the peace of mind too much. The real question is whether or not I'll keep it when the official HTC "Iconic" case comes out, because it looks nicer and thinner. If I remember, I'll add to this review when I buy it and compare them.

Buy OtterBox Defender-Series Hybrid Case and Holster for HTC EVO 3D (Black) Now

I used to hate phone "cases" and always just got Zagg Invisible Shields for my devices. I don't like big gadgets in my pockets, and I despise belt holsters. I bought this because I needed protection ASAP and Best Buy didn't carry the full (front+back) Invisible Shield for this phone. I was very concerned for the exposed cameras on the back. I thought I would take it back after trying it out.

I'm sold. It does at least double the thickness of the phone, but I can still fit it into my jeans pocket (though the rubber does make it difficult to slide in and out). The quality of the protection and the usefulness of the belt clip are well worth it. I don't actually use the belt clip on my belt though. The clip locks in the open position allowing you to use it for a stand, which is great for my nightstand when I use it for an alarm clock. The clip is also solid enough to be used as a GPS mount, all you need to do is velcro something on your dash to clip it to (I woodshopped a solid dash dock out of scraps)

Besides the added size, here are a couple other minor CONs:

If you have big fingers pressing the extreme edges of the screen can be tricky because of the elevated edge of the case. You get used to it though.

The 2D/3D switch is also little tricky to reach, so if you use this switch a lot that could get annoying. I rarely use 3D though, so not a big deal.

Dust can slip under the screen protector through the opening for front speaker. I feel they could have make this opening tighter without covering the speaker. Again, not a big deal though because it only takes a couple minutes to remove the case and clean it out (packing tape works great for removing dust)

Unexpected PROs

Can use belt clip as a stand or GPS mount

Phone clips into belt harness in 4 orientations (Front or Back and 180 degrees either way)

Full protection for rear cameras (something not found on other cases and the main reason I bought the defender instead of the commuter)

I highly recommend this case. And this from a guy who hates thick cases.

Read Best Reviews of OtterBox Defender-Series Hybrid Case and Holster for HTC EVO 3D (Black) Here

this case is AWESOME!

Pros:

the case is very well built and feels secure in your hand(it is otterbox after all). the plastic is real tough and the outer casing gives it a very rugged look.

it covers the camera so u don't have to worry about getting that scratched(htc is notorious for having cameras that pop out)

the clip is real sturdy as well so u don't have to worry about it swerving all over the place

Cons:

the casing makes it a bit difficult for me to hit the keys closest to the edges and the screen protector it comes with is a bit odd. the screen doesn't adhere to the screen its apart of the case(i installed another screen protector before i bought the case as well)

i do recommend this for everyone who has this phone!

Want OtterBox Defender-Series Hybrid Case and Holster for HTC EVO 3D (Black) Discount?

I bought 2 Otterboxes from Amazon in Sept 2011. 2 weeks later one had broken, and both plastic coverings were not fitting right at all! They were bubblying from the back and falling apart. I called the original Otterbox store and they replaced both pieces for Free! They did say some Otterboxes do become hot and when they do the plastic around it becomes easy to pull off. They said something about a 1 year warranty, which I became totally happy! Whoo-hooo!!!!! Amazon thanks for bringing me the best price!!!!

***Prior I was gonna return them, and Amazon had no problem returning them and refunding my money, but I'm real glad I made that call. What a lifesaver!

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