OtterBox Symmetry and Pursuit for the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus: Reliable drop protection without the bulk

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OtterBox Pursuit and Symmetry for the Galaxy S9 Plus

OtterBox is the Kleenex of rugged cases and the company continues to create compelling protective solutions for the latest smartphones. OtterBox offers a number of styles and colors for the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus.
I spent a few days using the Symmetry and Pursuit series on an evaluation Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.
The Symmetry case is $49.95 while the Pursuit is $79.95.
Both cases were created in compliance with the Designed for Samsung program.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Raised front on the Pursuit series

The Pursuit is designed as a single piece case, which took me a bit to figure out because it is such a well constructed case and past OtterBox cases like this had a back shell and front frame piece. I like the single piece construction, but it took a bit of effort to remove it from the case.
The raised front helps protect the display of the S9 Plus.
While I tested the black and clear case, you can get it in full black or pink too.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Lower front of the Pursuit case

The bottom of the Pursuit series looked a bit unique to me so I read a bit more and discovered that the bottom part acts to enhance the audio. The lower speaker of the S9 Plus means that sound is redirected towards the front when your S9 Plus is in this case.
You can also see in this photo that the corners are beefy on this case and it meets the OtterBox drop+ certification.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Back opening on the Pursuit series

The back opening has a seal around it to make sure the case provides extra protection for the back of you S9 Plus.
The opening makes it easy to find the fingerprint scanner and other sensors near the flash.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Look inside the Pursuit series

There are sealed doors for the USB-C port and 3.5mm headset jack.
Rigid black plastic provides the frame piece and it feels substantial while still being light. The clear back plastic is thick and I am sure the S9 Plus could withstand a few drops in this case.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Back view in water

The back panel has OtterBox branding and shows off the color of your S9 Plus.
A lanyard and opening to secure it to the case are provided in the retail package.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Left side buttons

Clearly distinguishable side buttons make it easy to control volume and activate Bixby.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Inside the Symmetry case

The Symmetry case is a bit less substantial than the Pursuit series, but still provides great protection.
I tested the all black case, but there are also two other options with burgundy/gray and pink/gray.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
OtterBox branding on the back of the Symmetry case

You can charge up your Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus and use Samsung Pay through this Symmetry case.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Back opening on the Symmetry case

The back plastic melds into the dual cameras, fingerprint sensor, flash, and health sensors on the back of the Symmetry case.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller
Right side button and OtterBox branding

The power button is easy to find and press too.

Published: March 31, 2018 -- 11:47 GMT (04:47 PDT)
Caption by: Matthew Miller