OtterBox Z542133 for Apple iPhone 6/6s, Superior Rugged Protective Case, Defender Series, Black

I bought the Defender for the 3GS back in 2009 as soon as I bought the 3GS. I loved it so much that I bought the same case for the iphone 4S. But the 4S version didn't fit right - the rubber flaps for the ports was difficult to slot in and out, the case creaked when you used the phone and I ended up replacing it with the Griffin Survivor version. Whilst this seemed to work well initially, it had problems (using the flash meant there was a red cast to everything, and I ended up ripping off the charging port cover). It also left scratches on the iphone where it rubbed against it.Four years later, it was time to upgrade and I bought the 6S. Reading the reviews showed the Lifeproof and Griffin Survivor cases had problems. Early Otterbox Defender reviews were also critical but the later ones were better. On this basis, I bought the Otterbox Defender case. It was a tad tricky to peel off the rubber mould and open the plastic case but it's not something you'll do regularly.Pros - i love the feel of the case and it definitely doesn't feel like it will slip. There's a cut out for the home button which is covered with a clear plasticky film. The Touch ID feature works without any difficulty so the film doesn't appear to intefere with use. The screen feels the same as it did for the previous iterations and doesn't interfere with the use of the iphone.Cons - there's a cut out for the front camera/ear speaker and for the rear camera/flash and these are unprotected. I'm debating sticking a screen protector on the front and back to avoid any issues. The volume and sleep buttons require more force to press but nothing that I wouldn't expect from using a case like this. Again, the cutouts for the earphones/silent switch/charging port are stiff and don't fold back easily. This means it's a two handed operation to do anything - you need at least one thumb to peel out the flap and a finger from the other hand to insert charger/earphones etc. When you peel back the flap, the front bezel rubber also twists and this concerns me with respect to longevity.Currently, I'm happy with the case for its primary function - protection of the phone. I'm giving it four stars but will update if there are any changes.

firstly,I am in the creative industries where a phone is integral but can easily drop from height onto a concrete floor or need to be used immediately with greasy handsand so for about 8 years I have stood by OtterBox, when I had an iphone 4, I went through two of these previously very well made cases, and as soon as I got the iphone 6, years ago I got a defender case, once the screen cover becomes too scratched (usually one and a half to two years) I replace the case, rather than the phone-Why I ask if this is a fake is that a few years ago I ordered one from ebay reputed to be genuine and I could tell from experience that the button alignment and overall fit was ok but not at all what I had grown to expect from OtterBox, I checked the insides of the case and the official serial number wasn't present so I could easily get a refund and promptly ordered a genuine one from Amazon, which was great for a couple of years...-so now is the time to replace the case as the phone is still great-I ordered this again from Amazon and when it arrived immediately took the old case off and the new on, expecting the same smooth user experience-butthis is not the at all the case;all three side buttons need a huge amount of effort to press, when I do this the whole screen cover warps, due to the fit being so terrible.-The central finger print button was so badly fabricated that is has completely stopped picking up my finger print after only 2 days use-I really hope this is a fake! as otherwise OtterBox you have seriously gone down hill!The phone is such an important device and the interface so sensitive and to maintain this functionality while deeming the phone virtually indestructible was brilliant.-I checked the inside markings compared to my old case and it all seems in order, the only difference is that the previous case was made in Mexico and this new abomination has been made in China.-I don't usually write reviews, its just that after my experience of this I feel that I need to warn/share others.-Fortunately I didn't throw out the old good OtterBox case and will put the phone back that one while I search for a company who make the type of case I grew to expect from OtterBox.

I just realised I’ve had this on my phone for 2 years and it’s still going. Unfortunately that doesn’t include the screen section which I removed after a few days due to the annoying plastic sound and feel, and the reduction in touch screen sensitivity. So ive used this case not being waterproof, but I wanted this more as a shockproof case anyways. On occasions my phone has got wet and the screen less case has offered some protection.On a million drops, yes I’m clumsy and work outside a lot, I have smashed my screen 2 times in 2 years which is pretty good, both times the phone landed flat on its face and maybe on a stone. But those countless screen smashes I used to get before this case, from the corner tip of the screen hitting on a drop, I no longer worry about, and yes apparently that is the most common way you crack your screen. In addition this case offers a sort of grip as its rubber, so you are way less likely to drop it, or for it to slide off something, or slip out your pocket. I like it, I’d get it again, for its shockproof ability, and ease and comfort of use.Anyways when APPLE decide to play fair and put shatterproof glass on their phones, I’d probably still get this case.