Review: OtterBox Commuter and Defender (Galaxy Nexus)

OtterBox is a household name in the smartphone case industry. Their Commuter and Defender profiles are both well known from their appearances on other devices. But, today we’re talking about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus versions of these OtterBox cases. The Commuter’s the more stylish of the two, but the Defender offers more protection. Are either of these cases worthy of their price tags? Find out in our full BriefMobile review after the break.

The Commuter’s advertised as the “stylish” case. It retails for just under $34.95, and it’s an easy snap on, snap off product. The device is adequately protected on all sides with the Commuter. The only foreseeable breakage under this case may occur on the glass front, if a rock or hard object penetrates the screen.

Thankfully, OtterBox bumped the thickness up front. Stacking the device on a rigid piece of concrete won’t scratch it up. The back of the case is a hard polycarbonate material with a brushed black finish. Inside of the chassis, a rubbery inner case grips the Nexus.

At 16.59 millimeters, the Commuter’s not a thin piece. It’ll almost double the Nexus’ thin profile. So, if you’re looking for something slender, I can’t recommend the OtterBox Commuter.

Buttons on the Commuter are covered by the rubber innards. This makes them a bit harder to push, although certainly not too difficult.

All of the ports are covered with flappable rubber pieces. They’re easy to move in and out, although we found the rubber collects dusty/linty material from pockets.

Unlike the Commuter, the Defender’s designed as an ultra-protective case. With a built-in screen protector, hard plastic inside, rubber outside, the Defender’s a stacked up brick-like container. This thing’s very durable. We have no doubt that OtterBox’s “practically indestructible” label fits perfectly on the Galaxy Nexus’ Defender.

At 19.6 millimeters, the Defender more than doubles the thickness of Samsung’s thin-profile Galaxy Nexus. It’s simply too thick for normal usage. If you’re in an occupation that requires a tough case, then perhaps the Defender’s the right choice. Construction or military types will feel at home with the Defender.

Just like its brother, the Commuter, the Defender’s got the rubber buttons that make it a little difficult to press the Nexus’ volume toggle and power switch in and out. The ports are rubbery-silicone flaps, just like with the Commuter.

OtterBox includes a clip on holster for belts with the Defender. It works well, but adds even more thickness to the already bulky Defender-covered Nexus. You can snap your device in and out of the holster with ease, leaving the holster attached to a belt.

OtterBox makes high-quality cases. There’s no doubt about that. But, the Galaxy Nexus versions of these cases are simply too thick for my taste. At 16.59 and 19.6 millimeters respectively, I can’t recommend the Commuter or Defender.

Other than the thickness factor, both of these cases are excellent protectors of your precious Samsung hardware.