Review for OtterBox Defender-Series Hybrid Case and Holster for Motorola Droid X2 (Black, Retail Packaging)
Summary: I like this case, but there are a couple of issues that are inherent to the design, and one that is worth -1 star.
I am reviewing this case for a Droid X2, which is slightly different from the DroidX, but the case fits either perfectly.
Pros:
+ Very tough case. While I haven't tested in practice yet, it certainly appears that if I drop the case, even from 6ft or so, or even while riding my bike, the phone will survive with little or no damage.
+ The integrated screen protector is clearer than the stick-on protectors, and it is sealed to the case, helping prevent liquid penetration. The screen protector is barely noticeable and doesn't sacrifice this phone's good daylight readability. Side by side with a friend's phone that has the typical stick-on protector, this one is noticeably sharper and brighter
Cons:
- The screen protector does affect the touch interactivity at the very edges of the display, which makes it tricky to slide down the notifications in the top bar. This is the -1 star weakness.
- Very difficult to get to the phone itself if you need to pull the battery.
- The lighted hardware buttons are covered. Once you know the phone, you can find them fine by feel, but it was nice having them light up when you touched the phone.
- I'm not positive on this, but it seems that the extra insulation provided by the plastic and rubber may keep the phone from charging when it's really hot in the environment around the phone, e.g. in your car or on your boat.
- The screen protector doesn't appear to be replaceable.
Neutral:
o The case is bulky, adding significantly to the size of the phone, but only a couple more millimeters more than a "standard" silicon skin. You can't provide the extreme protection that this case gives without the bulk, so this is a neutral.
o I'm still torn over whether I liked the Otterbox I had for my Tilt2, which had the rubber on the inside, and the hard plastic on the outside, or this one, which has the rubber on the outside.
The grippiness of the rubber outer layer makes it difficult to put this already bulky phone in your pocket, but it also KEEPS it in your pocket or from sliding off a table or other smooth surface. If I dropped the other Otterbox which had the plastic on the outside, it would slide away, dissipating energy through movement. When I drop this one, it stops dead, which means that energy is going into the phone. The other Otterbox's hard plastic on the outside showed wear, while the rubber on this one does not. Each design has its merits. I am not prepared to test them side-by-side to see which is more durable.
Conclusion:
The case is a winner for me, since I seem to be very rough on things I own, and ask things to perform in tough environments. The added bulk and stickiness of the rubber is necessary for its effectiveness, but for some, it may be too much case. I expect the integrated screen protector and sealed design to provide some additional protection from rain, snow, and beer when compared to the typical silicone skin-type case, but this is NOT a waterproof or submersible case. I'd buy this one again.