Review of iPhone 4 Commuter Series Case

Usually when thinking about OtterBox cases one imagines a bulky, well built protective case. Today’s review item from OtterBox may help change that conception. The Commuter series case for the iPhone 4 is created with a slimmer profile to keep the phones aesthetic while providing OtterBox style protection.

The OtterBox Commuter Series case for iPhone 4 is composed of three layers of protection including a soft silicone inner sleeve covered by a hard external shell. Otterbox also includes a self-adhering screen protector to guard the screen of the iPhone 4.

While it is not designed to protect the iPhone 4 in hazardous work environment it does provide a fair matter protection for day-to-day use.

Info:

iPhone 4 Commuter Series Case

With all of the new features the iPhone 4 has to offer, you definitely want to protect it. The OtterBox Commuter Series case for iPhone 4 is what you need. With three layers of protection (including a self-adhering screen protector), worrying about scratches, bumps and shocks will be completely unnecessary. Nothing beats OtterBox cases when it comes to quality and toughness. About our Commuter Series: Three slender, yet sturdy layers offer tough protection in a sleek package. With a slim form factor and smooth outer layer, this iPhone 4 case slides easily in and out of a pocket, purse or bag.

Compatibility:

• iPhone 4

Features:

• Access to all buttons and features
• Silicone plugs provide coverage for ports
• Includes a self-adhering protective film

Material:

• Self-adhering clear screen protector
• Durable silicone skin
• High-quality polycarbonate outer shell

Environmental Protection:

Case provides added protection against bump and shock. Case is NOT protective against water.

What’ in the Box?

The OtterBox Commuter Series case for iPhone 4 come in a recycled cardboard package with the case prominently displayed through a clear window in the front of the box. On the back is a listing of features in six languages.

Found inside the box is the OtterBox Commuter Series Case along with a screen shield, installation applier, cleaning cloth and installation instruction slip of paper. Imprinted on the inside of the box is a pictorial demonstration of how to apply the screen shield.

The OtterBox Commuter Series Case for iPhone 4 is composed of two main components – a silicone sleeve that covers the phone and a hard polycarbonate shell that protects the back and parts of the phone’s sides. Imprinted on both segments is the OtterBox logo. It is currently only offered in black but hopefully will be offered in more colors in the future as the OtterBox Defender.

OtterBox also includes a clear self adhering screen protector to protect display iPhone 4. This shield comes with a cleaning cloth and shield applier.

Usage:

Installation of the Commuter Case involves placing the silicone sleeve on the iPhone 4 and then sliding the polycarbonate shell over it. If planning to apply the screen protector shield then you should probably do that first. Since I already have an Invisible Shield in place I skipped screen shield application.

Applying the shell over the skin is a bit tricky as the headphone flap gets in the way when overlaying the top shell. Also the side panels sometimes do not snap on right away and need to be massaged onto the silicone’s ridges.

The OtterBox Commuter Series Case protects the iPhone 4 with its hard-shell covering the back and sides of the phone while providing a tacky grip with the exposed silicon sleeve. The silicone sleeve covers the volume buttons and power button. There are flaps for the headphone jack and connector. Openings remain for the mute switch, camera, flash, speakers and Apple logo.

Compared to the OtterBox Defender, the Commuter is svelte. Although not designed for harsh environments such as its big brother, the Commuter seems built to keep the iPhone 4 safe from bumps and dings to the back and sides. The front of the case does make an elevated bezel to protect the screen from directly touching surfaces when the phone is laid face down.

Holding the iPhone 4 with the Commuter in place was comfortable and felt secure in my hands. All the controls were accessible. The flaps for the headphone jack and dock connector did tend to snap back into place quickly, which made accessing those inputs a bit of a nuisance.

The elevated silicone for the power and volume buttons allowed for no look interaction with the iPhone 4. Although many buttons and areas are covered by the silicone under-shell there are still exposed surfaces, making the case non water resistant.

Aesthetically the Commuter keeps the iPhone 4 close to its normal form factor. It does add some bulk but not much more than other cases. The Commuter is slightly thicker than some other shell cases that I have reviewed such as the Speck Fitted Case for iPhone 4 but not by much and seemed to offer comparable protection.

Conclusion:

Some OtterBox cases are big burly beasts but the Commuter Series for iPhone 4 is not one of them. Designed for style and function it is meant for everyday use where major trauma is not as big of a concern. While it does offer protection it is not built like the tank that is the OtterBox Defender Case.

Aesthetically it looks similar to other shell style iPhone 4 cases. Unlike the Defender, the Commuter series does not offer a belt clip, but OtterBox does include a clear screen shield. If you want to keep your iPhone 4 safe while keeping the form factor to a minimum then the OtterBox Commuter Series Case for iPhone 4 is an excellent choice.