Customer Reviews

OtterBox Defender Series Hybrid Case for Google Nexus One - Black

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This case is nice and sturdy but its design covers the sensor on the top left corner of the Nexus One. There is a small slot in that area but I guess it is not lining up right with the sensor. It wouldn't be such a big deal except it pretty much disables any kind of interacting with the phone during calls. This means you can't use the dialpad, switch to mute or speaker mode, or go to bluetooth during calls. You also can not add to the call and even end the call itself unless you set the power button to do so. The screen just goes black for the entire duration of the call.

But I guess this wouldn't be a problem if you get one that fits your phone and doesn't block the sensor. I just have to wonder why they would create the case in such a way that it would be possible to block the sensor when they could have just left that part of the upper area exposed. The case comes with a plastic lining for the screen anyway.

Also, if you like using the Nexus One dock, you'd have to give it up as the phone in the case wouldn't fit. Unless you want to keep removing the phone out of the case every day.

I have bought three cases for my Nexus One. That includes, in order, a silicone sleeve (http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Solf-Silicone-Google-Nexus/dp/B003343AR0/ref=cm_cr-mr-title), a Seido Innocase (http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-Innocase-Holster-combo-Google/dp/B0036DDDGQ/ref=cm_cr-mr-title) and finally the Otterbox Defender for the Nexus One.

This is the one I was looking for. Here's the checklist:

1. Screen protection in the form of a clear sleeve.
2. Non-slip grip making one handed use easy.
3. Sturdy enough so that when I drop my phone I'm sad but not worried.
4. I'll use my phone with diry hands and everything cleans up easily.
5. Fits together well with no flappy ends after about 3 months of everyday use.
6. The holster grips the phone for dear life. The phone snaps in easily facing in either direction (but always with the back of the phone pointing out). The clip is equipped with that plastic hook that does not let go of your pants or belt without a fight. The clip can also snap out at an angle so that you can prop the phone up to watch videos. The belt clip rotates 360 degrees with snapping increments every 5 millimeters or so that lock tight. The holster is very sturdy and well made with few moving parts to wear down.

And the annoyances:

1. The edges are too close to the screen or not tapered enough which makes touching things that are very near to the edge a real pain. I remember getting chills when another reviewer mentioned this and I have to say they were correct. You have to put your fingertip as close to the top of the screen and the case's edge as you can to drage down the notification menu thereby transforming one of the most effortless phone commands a pain. I changed my Launcherpro (check app market, it's great) settings to launch notifications by swiping up on the app menu and that has made life easier.
2. You have to hit slightly above where you want. It's surprising how much difference the screen makes but it does. This is probably more due to the Nexus One's design than the case and would probably be a problem with any plastic cover.
3. Opening it is scary. I hurt my fingers prying it apart and I always worry that I'll crack or break something. I would prefer busting my fingertips taking it off to a shaky case though.

It is not perfect but I would never go out with my phone in this case. I'm going to buy the Defender for my iPhone when I give up on Android, probably next week. I bought the commuter series for a friend's iPhone 3g and she was equally happy.

Incredible. Otterbox is nothing short of perfect. And buy.com and amazon as always great shopping and customer service. 7 years strong.

This cover is just AMAZING!! It protects the phone completely...is a little big, so, it takes some room in your pocket, but trust me...it works well!

my phone broke 3 days after buying it! Now granted, it fell flat on its face and the amoled screen underneath the top screen broke...and there wasn't any protection from a flat on it's face fall

But, I've had otterboxes before, and I would still get an otterbox. Just not this variety. Stick with the more rubberized cases for better protection.

This item is sold as new. However, please note that the box has been opened and the screen protector and other materials removed. Still, a reasonable deal, just not "new".

OtterBoxs' are absolutely the best in the market. They last forever and turn your phone into a tank. If you want protection, get a Defender, they look awesome too.

The only thing I could complain about is that on the Nexus One Defender case, the edges are a little harder to get too (ex: dragging an icon from one screen to the next is difficult because the screen is lower than the case). That is not enough to take a star away though.

I could not be more happier with anything else. The case is sleek and fits to the T. The three layers do not make it bulky and the potective screen looks as though it is not even there. The clip attachment is completely removable with a seperate holder which is a plus. I hate when the clip attachment is made onto the case. I only wish they had a variety of colors available.

The case delivers on all of its promises. Gives all around protection and still maintains a tidy appearance. The only thing I would change is the access to the charging usb port; this is just a flap of rubber and I can predict that with constant use it may become torn due to wear. When that happens, I will buy another as the case truly has a bullet proof feel and I am confident that the phone is protected from falls. Outside of this I have no issue with the case.

I just picked up a used Nexus One in mint condition. I have used OtterBox products with my other phones, and this one is the best one I have yet. It is similar in quality to the iPhone 4's OtterBox. My previous phone was a Blackberry Bold 9700, and the silicon layer tended to slip off. This case has far more places where it grips the plastic shell and I find it to be nearly impossible to remove accidentally.

I normally hate screen protectors, and ripped the one right out of my Blackberry's OtterBox because it would stick to the screen in random places and bubbles would show. I have had no such problems with the Nexus One's OtterBox. It's like the screen protector is not even there. Sensitivity of the screen is not reduced at all. I actually find the lower amount of friction on the screen protector more pleasing than the bare screen. Dust may prove to be an issue, but I have only had the case for a few days so I cannot comment on that. I will probably remove the screen protector if dust tends to build up behind it, maybe opting for an Invisible Shield.

The only thing I don't like about this case is the holster. Unlike the Blackberry holster, where the phone slots in at the bottom and snaps in on the sides, the phone slots in sideways and has a grip on the side. It makes the holster big and unsightly, and makes one handed operation very difficult. The holster does allow the phone to go in screen-in or screen-out unlike the Blackberry holster which only allowed for screen-in. It will protect your phone's screen if you want to throw it in a bag or something which is nice.