OtterBox Defender-Series Shield for the HTC EVO 4G (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Comparison with the Seido ruggedized case Seidio Innocase Rugged Case and Holster Combo for HTC EVO 4G (Black) since they are similar in function and price:
Ruggedness
- The Seido definitely wins here. The plastic used for the Seido is thicker and feels less "plastic-y", and seems to even have some reinforcement in the material. The Seido holster is more robust and holds the phone and case more securely, and I suspect would protect your phone from a drop better. The Otterbox holster actually rattles with the phone and case secured, and the clip that holds the phone has no lock as does the Seido (the Otterbox phone clip is actually just an extension of the plastic holster that fits loosely into a notch in the phone case; the Seido clip is a separate metal spring-activated secure clip with a positive lock). Seido holster uses coil springs for phone clip and belt clip, with metal hinges and rotating connector; Otterbox uses a flat spring for the belt clip and a plastic hinge and rotating connector. On the back, the camera lens, flash and speaker are completely covered in the Seido, while the Otterbox only covers the camera and flash leaving the speaker exposed. The front covering on the Otterbox also exposes more of the earpiece and front camera. Nothing is exposed with the Seido case in the holster; in the Otterbox, either the lens, camera and speaker face outward while wearing the holster, or the screen depending on how you clip it, potentially exposing them to bumps and whacks (although they are inset fairly deeply, and the lens and flash are covered with a clear plastic film). The silicone "skin" on the Seido is thicker and more rugged than the Otterbox as well, and fits tighter to the phone. The silicone on the Otterbox has a tendency to slip and is loose in places on the phone - notably on the back around the camera area, and when you recharge the phone the silicone flap pulls the skin away from the front bezel of the case and has to be repositioned each time you close it again. The kickstand on the Otterbox is its weakest point, and mine arrived broken. The kickstand on the Otterbox itself is one piece, including two integral plastic hinges that have some areas that are less than 1mm thick; this part of the case, if used frequently, looks very likely to break in normal use; a metal hinge or just a cutout for the phone kickstand would have been a significant improvement. Neither case advertises that they are waterproof, but just because of the exposed areas I would guess the Seido case is more "drip/sprinkle proof." Seido also has an extra layer of protection in the inner "Innocase" surrounding the phone as well as a hard exoskeleton and silicone case. Otterbox has an inner plastic shell and a silicone skin.
Price
- Seido (Amazon) $30-$35 ($49.95 on Seido's site; they also have a rugged case for use with their extended battery, same price)
- Otterbox Defender (Amazon) price seems to vary hourly but is sometimes even with Seido: $30-$35 range, although sometimes shows up $40-$45. ($49.95 on their site)
Weight including phone (unofficial)
- Seido: 10.2 oz (with holster); 8.2 oz (without holster)
- Otterbox: 10.4 oz (with holster); 8.1 oz (without holster)
Size in case (unofficial)
- Seido: 22mm T, 130mm L, 75mm W
- Otterbox: 20mm T, 128mm L, 74mm W
Design
- Otterbox wins for concept I think. Case includes integral screen protector, which is quite good; rear camera lens and flash are also covered with a clear screen; you have to apply a screen protector on the phone for the Seido case. The idea of a kickstand in the case on the Otterbox is commendable (the Seido doesn't have one); too bad they went on the cheap with the construction - again, a beefed-up hinge would improve durability if you use this part often. The silicone flaps on the Otterbox are easier to open and close than the Seido, but displace the outer silicone skin on the front with use, although it's easily readjusted. Having the rear camera always ready for use is a definite plus on the Otterbox; the Seido requires opening the flap and somehow holding it out of the way (the little rubber plug and hole to secure it I suspect will wear enough that it won't work eventually). On the other hand, a flap covering all the rear openings on the Seido provides more protection for camera, flash and speaker. Either case must be removed to change batteries; neither standard case works with an oversized extended battery (although Seido has an optional case that does).
Warranty
- Otterbox says they will replace the case for breakage or defects; I didn't see a warranty mentioned on Seido's site. Otterbox contacted me after a week and requested photos of the damaged case, but say they are sending a new one; +1 for customer service.
Bottom line: Both cases/holster combos provide good protection for your EVO. Both are very similar in size and weight. The Seido may be a little more protective, but you lose some convenience in use (kickstand and camera accessibility). The Otterbox appears to be more cheaply built, but provides more convenience; on the other hand with increasing use, I am finding the silicone skin pulled away from the case more and more each time the case is handled or rubbed. If you use your camera a lot, or need to view horizontal videos with your phone, get the Otterbox. If your phone is routinely exposed to dust, drops, or dings, get the Seido. Price frequently about even with Amazon (guessing Otterbox wants to be competitive). Warranty may be better with Otterbox. Either case is a great addition and essential "insurance" for your expensive Android phone!


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