OtterBox Defender Pro XT vs Symmetry+ for iPhone 14 Pro: Comparison & Review!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- Trying to decide between the OtterBox Defender Pro XT and the Symmetry+ for your new iPhone 14 Pro? Both are MagSafe, both offer significant drop protection, but they have a lot of differences. The Defender Pro XT is heavier, more drop protective, and has port protection, whereas the Symmetry Series+ is lighter weight, smaller, not quite as protective and much easier to get on and off your iPhone. Personally, for me, the only real downside to the Defender Pro XT is the installation process. It takes awhile, and makes this a poor choice for frequent case changers. And for people with larger fingers, the mute switch operation could be quite challenging. However, the 5x mil spec protection and lightning port protection may be deciding factors for some people.
The Symmetry Series+ is smaller, cuter and comes in many more colors, as well as various print designs. It is extremely user friendly, with great buttons, easy on and off, and a super slim design. And the 3x mil spec protection it offers may be absolutely sufficient for many people.
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Defender Pro XT features
01:18 Putting on the Defender Pro XT
02:39 Defender Pro XT fit on the iPhone 14 Pro
06:59 Size comparison with Symmetry+
08:01 Taking off the Defender Pro XT
08:31 Symmetry Series+ features
09:16 Putting on the Symmetry+
11:56 Taking off the Symmetry+
12:07 Symmetry+ and Defender Pro XT comparison
12:54 Pricing, colors and where to buy
Again we’ve been looking at the OtterBox Defender Pro XT and the OtterBox Symmetry Series+ cases for iPhone 14 Pro. These cases are available directly from OtterBox as well as from many other retailers and they are priced at $69.95 for the Defender Pro XT, which comes in the Black Crystal version shown in this review as well as all black, Blooming Lotus (which is pink with blue accents), Open Ocean (which is a two toned dark blue) and Lavender Sky (which has purple sides with a clear back).
You also have the option to request OtterBox to send you out a free holster for your Defender Pro XT…you may have to pay a shipping and handling fee, but the holster itself is free, so that is an option to consider if you are a fan of belt clips.
The Symmetry Series+ is less expensive than the Defender Pro XT, with an MSRP of $49.95 and 11 different color choices, including plain color, graphics and clear options. Many thanks to the kind folks at OtterBox for sending me out these samples to review.
OtterBox Defender Pro XT:
www.otterbox.com/en-us/magsaf...
OtterBox Symmetry Series+
www.otterbox.com/en-us/trendy...
Thanks so much for watching, and have a wonderful day!
#iphone14case #iphone14pro - Наука та технологія
Every phone I've owned in the last 10 years has had an ottorbox defender and I've never looked back! Thanks for this vid, great job!
Thanks for sharing your Defender experience! Really helpful to other viewers. And thanks so much for your kind comments. Have a wonderful 2023!
I recently purchased the defender pro xt for my 14 pro max and Otterbox definitely did a good job on the design this year compared to last year.
Great to hear! Thanks so much for sharing your OtterBox Defender Pro XT experience 😊. So happy you are enjoying your new case!
Love this review! Very thorough and well done. Helped me make an informed decision on which case to buy. Thank you!
So happy you found it useful! So…which case did you decide to buy?
@@TheTechReviewer Defender Pro XT, wasn’t as bulky as I expected, plus I have young kids. Need that 5X drop protection!
Excellent choice! And that additional port protection is a bonus too. So happy you found the right case for you!
I have the Otterbox Defender XT for my iPhone 14 Pro and I love it, it’s my new favorite case. 👍🏼 It doesn’t came off since I got it. The fit due to the 2-part design is excellent, also the grippy sides and the textures in general on the case are great. An underrated feature I love about it is the lanyard hole because you can attach a wrist strap without taking the case on and off (underrated!), I‘m attaching a wrist strap on it for some activities I do and put it off after I’m done. Also using Magsafe of course which is a prior feature in my everyday life. Perfect case for me. Greetings and keep up the good work 👍🏼
Hi @JoZibi! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the Defender XT! So happy you are having such a great time with it. And that’s an excellent point about the lanyard!! Enjoy!!
Great review, thanks
Thank you! Appreciate the support, and thanks for watching!
awesome video, beautiful narrative, i’ve been looking for a new case such as the Defender Series XT, but Otterbox never talks about the compatibility of screen protectors on or if the case comes with a protective film (i guess that’s what you could call it? wasn’t tempered glass or anything of such) so thank you so much for mentioning that you had a screen protector on!
Thanks so much for your kind words! Yes, OtterBox Defender cases used to always have built in screen protectors, but they stopped using those a few years back. Now you need to provide your own if you buy a Defender. The best way to ensure compatibility is to get one of OtterBox's own screen protectors. You'll be able to see from the product description if it is compatible with the Defender. Good luck!!
I Have The Otterbox Defender Pro XT For My iPhone 14 Pro Max & It’s A Pretty Neat Case.
Great to hear, Lorenzo! So happy you are enjoying your Defender Pro XT! And thanks for watching 😊
Wow great review .... 👏 👌
Thanks, Tony! Much appreciated!
Ended up with the defender xt. Definitely a rough installation but once it’s on, it’s definitely not going anywhere! Love it! Phone definitely feels protected and safe.
Glad to hear it!! Security is the most important thing!
Hi Kristen, as always, excellent hands on review. I hope all is well, and wanted to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. (I hear that turkey is becoming popular in China.) I’m continuing to enjoy and discover new features on the new phone. Made it through a second hurricane, Nicole, unscaved, and looking forward to Thanksgiving and appropriate blessings. 🦃🙏😀
Hi Ed! Lovely to hear from you, and so happy that you didn't incur any additional damage from hurricane #2. Quite a lot to be thankful for!
I'm not sure how popular turkey is here among the Chinese population, but among the US expats, there are many turkey options to choose from. Spoiled for choice in comparison to the situation in years past.
Thanks so much for thinking of me, and have the happiest of Thanksgivings with your loved ones!
My favorite OtterBox defender XT iPhone case
Excellent!! Do you have that case for your phone?
Thanks for great review! One thing I'd like to mention for those who wants to purchase Defender Pro XT. My case's port rubber broke off after 10 months of daily use. I charge my phone daily with lightning cable and I open and close port rubber multiple times a day. Its so itchy for me and if you plan to use your case many years, defender pro xt may not be suitable for you.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! That certainly sounds like it should be covered under OtterBox's warranty...have you contacted them about it?
I have this one it’s the best one I’ve seen
Hi @cljoe35! Which one do you have? The Symmetry+ or the Defender Pro XT?
Excelent video!!! This case is very good and look amazing. 💪😃🔥
Thanks so much, Luis! Which case do you like better? The Symmetry+ or the Defender Pro XT?
@@TheTechReviewer Greetings and thanks for asking, for me the Symmetry is more comfortable but the protection of the otterbox pro XT is better, I would go for the XT.
I hear you! Lots of protection with the Defender Pro XT!
@@TheTechReviewer protection and looks good, not a very thick and not very thin style. and I think it is the most protective of all the otterboxes. the others are very good but I understand that the otterbox XT has better certification.
@@TheTechReviewer and I bought the otterbox XT color blue after I sea you video. Is in coming, for I bought in Amazon. And thank for Your video.
I enjoyed your video. I just purchased the symmetry + in the black and I’m so glad that Otter Box made the 14 case’s compatible to use with the iPhone 13 . Also so very easy to put on and off !!! Thank you again for showing this video 😊 and Happy Thanksgiving
Hi Debrah! And Happy Thanksgiving to you too! The Symmetry Series+ is one of my favorite cases this year…I have the lilac version on my 14 Pro right now. Love the easy on and off, the look, the feel…just a superior case all around. And I’m glad to hear that the 14 is working on your iPhone 13…great to know! Enjoy your new case, and have a happy holiday week!
@@TheTechReviewer it is a very superior case. I forgot to say that my iPhone13 is the starlight color
Black + Starlight is a classic! Great look. Enjoy!!!
Nice review and content really like the protection on the case and the grip and it’s not that bulky. Can you tell me do you like the casetify screen protector as you have it on your phone does the name printed on the screen take from watching videos once again a big thanks 🇮🇪😎👏
Hi Mary! Lovely to hear from you, as usual. And I love both of these OtterBox cases…they just serve different purposes, I think. As for the CASETIFY screen protector, I’ve had it on since right after I got my 14 Pro, in late September, and I’ve been very happy with it. Blue light blocking, almost edge to edge, very nice look and feel. And although I was surprised to see those CASETIFY branding watermarks on there when I first installed it, they really don’t impact usage at all. I never notice them being in the way. The only real downside of this screen protector is the lack of an installer. You have to align it yourself…
I have the Pro XT and like it. I don’t use it all the time but put it when doing more rugged activities and want more protection. It was initially hard to get on/off but got much easier over time. Now it’s no issue. Only downside is it makes my current screen protector bubble up a bit at the corners. I suspect I need a screen protector than is less “edge to edge.”
Hi A.R.! Glad to hear that you've been enjoying using your Defender Pro XT! FYI, the CASETiFY tempered glass blue light blocking screen protector that I have on my 14 Pro seems to fit extremely well with it. OtterBox's own tempered glass screen protectors should also be an excellent fit.
@@TheTechReviewer thanks, I’ll check those out!
Happy to help! 😻
I’ve got sausage fingers and don’t seem to struggle too much with the mute switch but I agree it could be a little better
Thanks for the data point...good to know! Glad you are enjoying your Defender Pro XT 😊
Very informative review with clear demonstration thank you very much! I was wondering if the iPhone 14 Pro case as shown in your video also fits the iPhone 13 Pro before getting one myself 😬
Thanks so much, @Leader! So, OtterBox makes iPhone 13 Pro versions of these cases...you would be much better off getting one that is specifically designed for your phone model. Getting a 14 Pro case and hoping it will fit on the 13 Pro is a risky plan. I don't have my 13 Pro anymore, so I can't test any of this out, but the two phone models do have size differences, as well as button positioning and camera size differences that are going to affect case fit. Better go with OtterBox iPhone 13 Pro cases! 😊
@@TheTechReviewer Thank you!!! Appreciate it, have a good one
You too!!
Note the Pro XT has the snap on points for the belt clip, but none included or even available from OtterBox.
Hi @ag1382. Have you contacted them to ask? Looks like this should work: www.otterbox.com/en-us/protective-iphone-14-pro-holster-black/78-81081.html
And OtterBox often will send out a holster for free or a minimal charge with their cases if you contact them...
I may be wrong but I don't think you are supposed to multiply the feet of protection. When they say 5x it means it has survived 5 times the same drop, not a 5 times higher drop.
Yes, that’s correct. So, military standard drop protection requirement is for 26 four foot drops. These are certified to survive 5x the number of drops(for the defender pro xt), so 130 four foot drops, and 78 four foot drops for the Symmetry +.
I’ve got the otterbox defender XT clear for my iPhone 14 pro
Hi Jay! How do you like your Defender XT?
You mention the side buttons are “less responsive”. Does that mean it’s a tad hard to press, as some need you to exert quite some pressure when pressing.
Hi Joanne! Yes. They are a little harder to press than they should be.
Quality live lucky you are people in Europe and US, great content as always 🌹
Thank you, Umar! Really appreciate the support!!
Does the clear back of the Defender XT scratch real easy?
Does the Magsafe charger leave round marks or scratches on the back? Thanks.
Hi Log Home! Nice to hear from you!! The clear polycarbonate back of the Defender Pro XT certainly looks like it would pick up a good amount of scratches over time, but I'm afraid I haven't used it nearly long enough to tell. As far as marks from the MagSafe charger, my answer is unfortunately the same...I don't have any long term use data to be able to know. Sorry I can't be of more help!
vs Rhinoshield SolidSuit, which one do you prefer and why?
Hi Nutthawut! I'm assuming you are asking about the Symmetry Series+ vs the SolidSuit, because the Defender Pro XT is a very different type of case entirely. So, 14 Pro MagSafe SolidSuit versus 14 Pro Symmetry+: the two cases are extremely similar, and I really love them both. I happen to have both cases in a very similar shade of lilac, and they are so close to each other that it is easy to forget which one you have on your phone. Both are lightweight, flexible, MagSafe, come in a bunch of great colors and have a pleasant amount of grip in the hand. Both are extremely easy to get on and off the phone, and both provide a similar amount of lip protecting the screen and rear camera. The SolidSuit is much more customizable than the Symmetry+, however, with swappable button colors and camera rims, and it also offers the opportunity to add prints from RhinoShield's large graphics library or go with custom text. It also offers a higher drop height rating, being rated to survive drops over 11 feet high. The OtterBox Symmetry+, on the other hand, is only rated to survive drops at a 4 ft height. However, it is extremely important to point out that OtterBox rates the Symmetry+ to survive 78 of these four foot drops, whereas it is unknown exactly how many 11 foot drops are survived by the SolidSuit. As four foot drops are a lot more common than 11 foot drops, perhaps prioritizing survival of many, smaller drops rather than fewer, higher drops might make sense as a drop protection strategy.
Hope this helps a little in your decision!!
good afternoon, I beg you, please tell me the Defendet Pro XT does not scratch the sides of the shiny edges of the iPhone 14 pro? with everyday use? thanks for the answer
Hi! In my experience, it won't, but it is important to keep both the interior of the case and the phone itself completely clean, because particles trapped between the sides of the case and the phone can scratch your phone over time...
Current Otterbox has a screen protector built into the "clam shell". Does Otterbox make a 5X case for the iPhone 14 Pro with a screen protector or is that a separate purchase? If an additional purchase is needed for screen protection... what do you recommend?
Hi Michael! So, OtterBox stopped having a screen protector as a part of its Defender cases several years ago. Now, if you choose a Defender, you will need to purchase a separate screen protector to go with it. Your safest choice is probably to go with an OtterBox screen protector...then you can be assured that the two will fit together. The OtterBox Amplify Glass and OtterBox Alpha Glass screen protectors are recommended by OtterBox to fit with the Defender Pro XT. I haven't reviewed either for a few years, but when I did review them, they were very good. In this review, I have a CASETiFY blue light blocking tempered glass screen protector on my 14 Pro and it works great with the Defender Pro XT.
Alternatively, you might want to consider going with the FRE waterproof case:
www.otterbox.com/en-us/waterproof-iphone-14-pro-case-for-magsafe-purple/77-90174.html
OtterBox bought LifeProof some years back and now the LifeProof FRE is being marketed as the OtterBox FRE. It has a built in screen protector and the same 5x mil-spec protection. I haven't reviewed the FRE in quite a while, so I can't give you feedback on this year's version. Typically, waterproof cases are great if you want to protect against water, but also great against dust, dirt, peanut butter, etc. However, they do reduce audio clarity to some degree, and the screen protector is going to reduce optical clarity a little as well. My info, again, is not recent.
Hope this helps! And good luck with your decision!
@@TheTechReviewer Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I will subscribe to your channel in hopes that in the near future you may review and remove my confusion around "screen protectors" as there are an overwhelming amount of choices and prices. So many different materials, some being glass and some plastic and using different/proprietary adhesions and techniques. I've looked into in-house screen protectors from Best-Buy, Verizon and Costco costing around $40 to $50 that seem to be applied by what looks like a laminator. Best-Buy, Verizon and Costco warranty their screens but I am concerned that the removal/replacement will damage the expensive phone or screen. I have seen some self applied screen protectors that 'bubble', 'warp' or experience edge curl. Thanks again.
Hi Michael! Thanks for your kind words. If you look at my channel, you'll see quite a few screen protector reviews already 😊. So, in my experience, there are really only two kinds of screen protectors to consider: specialized impact protective polymer screen protectors (a few companies make these: RhinoShield is my favorite) and tempered glass screen protectors. There's also Sapphire if you want to shell out the extra cash...Sapphire is great, but expensive. It will almost never scratch, but is just as brittle as tempered glass, so it's not very good against impact. Tempered glass, like Sapphire, isn't great against impact, but it feels almost the same as your native glass screen and it is quite scratch and fingerprint resistant. Typically, tempered glass and sapphire are going to give you a superior user experience as compared to a specialized polymer screen protector like RhinoShield's. And all of these are going to give you a far superior look and feel compared with a built in plastic screen protector such as the FRE has and the Defender used to have. I don't have any experience with the screen protectors you mention that are being installed in store in Best Buy, Costco, etc, but for the typical good quality screen protector you install yourself, the type of adhesive they use is not going to harm your phone's screen. (There are a few specialty screen protectors out there that use less common installation methods and those make me kind of nervous...Whitestone Dome is one. It's probably fine for your phone, but I have never tried it and thus have zero experience with it.) I have installed lots of screen protectors on my iPhones over the years, and they peel off quite easily when you are ready to remove them.
A big improvement that has occurred in the past few years is the introduction of an installation system for these screen protectors. These installation frames can pretty much insure a successful screen protector alignment, and most good quality screen protectors are going to be able to be applied without bubbles. The only thing you really need to do is make sure that your phone's screen is super clean and dust free prior to installation.
Finally, as far as peeling up on the edges is concerned, this is primarily a worry with plastic screen protectors. Because they are more flexible, if they get dirt under the edges or if they don't fit well with your case and thus have their edges pushed by the case's edges, then they might bubble up or peel up. Personally, I typically use either tempered glass or sapphire screen protectors on my phones and I never have an issue with edges peeling up or bubbles forming.
Hope this helps, and thanks for subscribing!
@@TheTechReviewer Thank you very much, I had the same question wether or the otterbox screen protector was actually good and actually fits in with the otterbox screen protector, I'm about to buy a new iphone and for me keep it protect is the most important thing, thank you for your coments, and amazing review! You won a suscriber!
Thanks, Aldo! You are making my day with your kind comments! 😊
I want the clear XT for my iphone 13 pro max but there’s no availability for my phone 😓
So sorry to hear it! Are they just temporarily out of stock, or...?
Which lens protectors should I get ? Are they needed
Hi Natalie! I'm not a fan of lens protectors...I've never used them on my phones. I think as long as there is a decent rim around the camera from the case, the camera lenses should be sufficiently protected. Exceptions would be if you are using your phone in really dirty or sandy conditions...then you might want additional protection. In such a situation, I'd probably recommend a full protection case like the OtterBox/LifeProof FRE. That would protect your camera, your ports, your screen...everything.
My iphone 14 pro max will be HUGE with this otterbox cases. But the protection go first.
I hear you! It's definitely going to add some size to an already large phone. But it should be quite well protected, and with the amount of grip on the sides of the Defender Pro XT case, you are also less likely to drop your wonderful new iPhone 😊
Is the clear one more grippier than the black one ?
Hi Justin! So, the Clear Defender Pro XT is quite a bit grippier than the Black Symmetry+ case shown in this review. However, if you prefer a black case, the Defender Pro XT also comes in an all black version. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching!
@@TheTechReviewer thanks so mush for the response ! And yeah I was looking for something that was MagSafe but that was as grippy as possible! Thanks so much
Happy to help, Justin!!
Can I get the symmetry series for iphone 13pro
Absolutely. www.otterbox.com/en-us/cool-iphone-13-pro-case-with-magsafe-blue/77-83590.html
I'm going to buy a defender XT case and I want to know which screen protector Is it compatible with that case?
The Defender XT is harder to fit with screen protectors than some cases. Your best bet is getting one from OtterBox that is guaranteed to fit with that case. Hope this helps!!
@@TheTechReviewer Okay thanks for the info
The Amplify Glass and Alpha Glass screen protectors are both listed as accessories for the iPhone 14 Pro Defender XT, and the product description for the 14 Pro Defender XT states that it 'works with OtterBox screen protectors', so you should be in good shape there. The design of the Defender XT makes it intrude slightly more onto the phone screen than with some cases, so this can make screen protector compatibility trickier.
Specifically for the 14 Pro version of the Defender XT that I reviewed in the video, the screen protector I had on there at the time, which fit perfectly with the case, was the CASETiFY blue light blocking tempered glass screen protector. However, product specs change all the time, so that particular screen protector might not still fit. And if you are looking at a different iPhone version, then compatibility may not be the same either. Your very safest (and probably the most expensive) option is to go with a screen protector from the same manufacturer as the case.
@@TheTechReviewer Very good . Do you think that the Spigen brand can fit that case?
Which magsafe is better?
I think the Symmetry+ is a little better, but they are pretty similar...
I would like a Symmetry Magsafe case for my new Pixel 8 Pro but they only offer black and no Magsafe.C'mon Otterbox !
Hi Scott! Hopefully OtterBox will hear your plea! Have you messaged them directly? I do think that companies take that sort of feedback seriously...
@@TheTechReviewer yes I did and they said there were no plans that they knew of to make more production of different colors or models
@scottblanche6657 Darn!! So sorry to hear it. 😢
Nope! Purchasing that Symmetry+ was a mistake for me. It looks cheap and feels cheap. It slides everywhere and it is a lint magnet. After a months use I just couldn’t go along with it anymore and I went out and bought the Defender Pro. Definitely the better choice.
Hi @American! So glad you found the right OtterBox case for you, although I'm sorry that you got the wrong one the first time! The two cases are certainly very different, although I'm surprised that you found the Symmetry+ to be more of a lint magnet than the Defender Pro? To me, the rubber sides of the Defender Pro XT are more likely to catch lint and pet hairs than the Symmetry+...
@@TheTechReviewer Hi and thank you for responding. I went with the Defender Pro not the Defender Pro XT. The Defender Pro comes with the belt clip so I no longer slip the phone into my pocket. I might check out the Defender Pro XT in the future for its MagSafe capability. The Otterbox website does list the XT as compatible with the Pro Holster so that’s definitely a plus for me. Seeing as the Defender Pro has a whole lot more rubber on the backside I’m sure it would be a lint magnet too if I slipped it into my pocket. It would probably be harder to take out too. 😂 I enjoy your reviews very much. You’re very thorough. Keep up the good work. 👍🏽
Got it! Appreciate the clarification, and very happy to hear that you found the right case for your needs. Cases are very personal! What works for one person might be totally wrong for someone else. And thanks for the support 🤗
Gold should look so much more better. The black otter box is better honestly
Hi Nick. You don't like the way the clear back displays the Gold iPhone?
@@TheTechReviewer no the color of phone itself seethru not bad I just have the black usually
Black is always a solid option, Nick! Shows fewer fingerprints and less dirt…generally wears better over time!
@@TheTechReviewer yeah a metallic blue or red be nice change of color
That would look cool 😊
❤❤❤🎉
Thank you!!
👍
Thanks!!
My phone company wants $100 and that’s a lot of money, I am getting the end of the month
Hi Mario! $100 for these OtterBox cases? That is a lot!
@@TheTechReviewer sadly, yeah that’s how much they cost. I don’t think I am getting it because it’s too much money since I changed my mind but I will see if want it or not
@@TheTechReviewer I actually want it but at the same time I don’t like price what they’re charging in my phone company
Yeah...that's a lot of money!
😂 "Promo SM".
Sorry, what?
Just don’t drop this from a tower like Everything Apple Pro did, his back glass shattered in this case.
How unkind of him!! Poor phone, poor case! OtterBox absolutely does not intend their cases to provide that kind of drop protection. They have an interesting drop rating philosophy, actually. Rather than focusing on drop height, they focus on the number of drops a case can withstand. Military drop test standards use a 4 ft height, and 26 drops. OtterBox case testing uses the same 4 ft height, but in multiples of 26. So, the Symmetry Series+ is rated for 3x Mil-Spec, or 78 four ft drops and the Defender Pro XT is rated for 5x Mil-Spec, or 130 four foot drops. They are going for all around durability, because how often do you drop your phone from a tower??
@@TheTechReviewer He owns Phone Rebel which is his own case company he’s turned those videos into an ad for his case and the Rebel case did survive the drop. You should check out his stuff I heard phone rebel is good.
I’ve heard of the Phone Rebel case, but haven’t ever checked it out. Thanks for the suggestion. 😊
Another rubbish case 😂 useless review it's not for builders construction environment😅
Hi Raphael! Thanks for watching. So sorry that the cases don't meet your needs in such a challenging environment. OtterBox has made some changes over the years to its Defender cases to make them slimmer and better for everyday use. However, I can see how this would be a serious downgrade in your situation.