OtterBox Defender for iPhone 6

I've always been a big fan of OtterBox's Defender Series cases, regardless of which OEM device I happen to be using. In my opinion, they are the gold standard of device protection, with their polycarbonate clamshell, permanent screen protector, and rubber anti-shock covering.

Their products have saved me headache and heartache on multiple occasions when I've had a "whoops" moment due to an accidental slip or drop.

Even with accidental damage coverage such as AppleCare+ or Asurion plans offered at carriers like Verizon, device repair and replacement can take days, and the process is aggravating as well as potentially costly due to the temporary interruption of business that occurs between replacement of the device.

Additionally, such plans, particularly AppleCare+, still involve a per-incident repair cost. So having a protective case is still a very good idea.

The new Defender Series is an excellent case for keeping your expensive new toy out of harm's way. 

Unlike the previous generation case, for the iPhone 6 OtterBox has returned to the traditional design of their previous products (a design choice that I feel is necessary to preserve its protective qualities) as opposed to the thinner, more aesthetically pleasing design that more closely matched the actual industrial design characteristics of the iPhone 5S.

The new Defender's thickness of the polycarbonate and the rubber appears to have been increased in certain impact-prone areas.

Additionally, unlike the previous Defender for the iPhone 5s, where a cut-out has was made in the permanent screen protector and thus exposing the Touch ID sensor, and leaving the entire bottom bezel area exposed, the entire bottom bezel area is covered with hard polycarbonate plastic and the Touch ID button itself has a tight transparent "skin" covering it that enables the sensor to function normally but also protects it from scratching and the elements. 

As with previous Defender products, the new iPhone 6 version also comes with an optional holster clip, which can be used to completely cover the screen face when being carried. I find that this adds a nice layer of security when the phone is in my pocket or it is being tucked in a piece of carry-on luggage and the potential for being bounced around along with other objects that can potentially scratch or damage the screen is high.

Bottom view of the Defender case for iPhone 6

Bottom view of the Defender case for iPhone 6, Ports view. As with all OtterBox cases, the ports are covered with rubber tabs to prevent entry of water and dust/sand, et cetera.

Bottom/Side view of the Defender case for iPhone 6, buttons shown

The evaluation sample of the Defender was sent to me in a two tone blue and black color, which sells for $59.95. Other aesthetically pleasing color combinations (of which there are 128 variations) can also be ordered directly from OtterBox, but as this is a new product, there may be shipping delays on the custom color versions.

A close-up view of the Touch ID area on the Defender for iPhone 6. My one minor beef with this case is that the "skin" covering the Touch ID sensor/button itself is very tight, which dramatically increases the amount of pressure needed to click on the button.

Bottom view of the Defender case for iPhone 6, camera opening shown