Otterbox Defender PRO vs. Otterbox Defender vs. Otterbox Pursuit - iPhone XS Tough Case Comparison

Looking for a tough case? Well, go with the Otterbox Pursuit. Otterbox has updated the Pursuit and this is one of the best cases I’ve used from Otterbox.

Otterbox has a GREAT deal on cases right now! 20% off! Use this link: https://mreh.ca/OtterboxJuly2019 (expires July 19, 2019)

If you’re considering getting a Defender, the Pro version has a feature that ~might make a difference for some people, for me it was being a parent and if you’re just feeling nostalgic, you could get a Defender.

Get the Otterbox Pursuit on Amazon!
Amazon US: https://mreh.ca/2IXNlcX
Amazon CA: https://mreh.ca/2IXNptd

Get the Otterbox Defender on Amazon!
Amazon US: https://mreh.ca/2IR6kpz
Amazon CA: https://mreh.ca/2IR6kWB

Get the Otterbox Defender Pro on Amazon!
Amazon US: https://mreh.ca/2ISWNOR
Amazon CA: https://mreh.ca/2ISWzHv

What's in this video:

Design Comparison: 00:01:36
Functionality: 00:06:20
Otterbox Drop+Protection: 00:08:03
Drop Test: 00:09:22
Otterbox Defender Pro vs. Defender: 00:13:54

-DESIGN-

Between these three cases, the thinnest is the Pursuit. The biggest is the Defender…Pro. Actually, the Defender and Defender Pro are both the same size. The Pro does weight a few more g’s because of the extra TPU that covers the Apple Logo.

Installing your iPhone is actually quite similar between the three cases. On the Pursuit, you have to peel back the TPU edge and remove the front panel, put the iPhone in the back panel, reinstall the front panel and then press the TPU into the front panel.

For both Defenders, you first need to remove the TPU sleeve, then take the PC frame apart and place your iPhone in the frame and reverse the process. The general install hasn’t really changed in many years.

In general, all three cases fit quite well. I might say differently if this was an older Defender as the screen protectors were garbage but Otterbox decided that the OLED screen’s were too nice to cover with a plastic screen protector.

When it comes to general wear and tear, both Defenders will suffer through drops better as the PC on the Pursuit will scuff up a bit.

When it comes to the texture of the case, it’s hard to beat the TPU all the time covers of the Defenders. Personally, I am impressed with the design of the Pursuit’s edges as the angle of the case makes the iPhone easier to use. The thicker front of of the case means that my fingertips have a stronger hold on my device which is great.

No you might be thinking I’ve left out the biggest marketing feature of the Defender PRO which is the Otterarmor Microbial Defense. According to Otterbox, this feature is going to kill off common germs.

Now as a product reviewer, I try to test these marketed features BUT given my lack of knowledge about growing microbial cultures, I have no idea if it’s going to work.

-FUNCTIONALITY-
In general, I’ve found that accessing my iPhone through Otterbox products was subpar over the years. For the Defenders, my biggest complaint was the screen protectors. They reduced the usability of your iPhone's screen by an incredible amount.

In general, the buttons on the iPhone can be accessed through the case without much hassle. For all three cases, the button access has gotten better between the older versions of the cases and the newer ones. On the original Pursuit, using the buttons was difficult because of the design. The newer Pursuit allows for better access.

The Pursuit’s mute switch is easily accessible which is different than the old version as that had an incredibly frustrating tiny switch, the sound of the speakers is projected to the front and there’s a dust mesh which is odd.

On the Defender, there are flaps that cover the mute and ports. The speakers aren’t covered like the Pursuit and the belt holster is handy for those with tight jeans and can function as a stand as well. None of this should be new to anybody because it’s been like these FOR YEARS.

--PROTECTION

When it comes to protection, it's hard to argue with the protection a multiple-layered case offers your device. We dropped our iPhone in each case about a multitude of times and the three iPhone's we used in this video came out unscathed. The screen protectors on the other hand are a different story.

Long story short, if you're planning on getting a new Defender, get a screen protector!

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