OtterBox iPhone 5 Defender Series Case {Review}

When I arrived to drop Little Sister B off at school recently, I noticed the signup form for conferences had been posted. Doing what any digitally savvy mom would do, I reached into my pocket for my phone, pulled up my calender, and was able to quickly flip through my family members' schedules to pick out the day and time that worked best to sit and have a chat about my darling daughter.

A perfect example that, although I was a little late to the game when it came to trading my old school cell phone for a smartphone, I have since come to recognize the ease, versatility, flexibility and extreme convenience that it has added to my life. How could I go back to not having communication, the internet, my email, a map, my favorite games, my children's entertainment and much more right at my fingertips?

However, along with figuring out all of the ins and outs of using our favorite smartphones and other tech devices, one of the most important things that we need to do is keep them protected. Considering how much I have come to depend on my phone, I cringe at even the thought of it being damaged by being accidentally dropped, stepped on or turned into a chew toy by a rambunctious puppy.

And the name that knows all that there is about high quality, functional, stylish cases for all of the hottest technology on the market is none other than the one and only OtterBox.

As the number one selling case for smartphones, OtterBox has the design, color and functionality that you're looking for, no matter if you are shopping for an iPad, iPhone, Android phone, Windows phone, Blackberry, Kindle, Nook or more.

Take your iPhone to work and back daily? Strap your Android to your arm to work out? Bring your Blackberry with you rock climbing? Have a toddler that believes he is the rightful owner of your Kindle Fire? Whatever the case, OtterBox has your technology covered and protected for every situation that might arise.

Considering that I've long heard the name OtterBox mentioned (quite positively, mind you), I knew that when I upgraded my phone that it deserved the best case around.

While all of the OtterBox iPhone 5 cases looked pretty great, when the iPhone 5 Defender Series Case in White/Gunmetal Grey arrived (very soon after I ordered it), I couldn't wait to put it to work keeping my phone safe and sound.

Pulling each of the pieces out of the package, I was immediately impressed with the various aspects and how each layer works together to protect the entirety of the phone.

While there are times that I feel as though I need a PhD to assemble new products, OtterBox made it extremely simple to get all of the pieces of the Defender Case in place simply by following their clear, illustrated instructions.

It only took four easy steps — and approximately a minute or two — before I had my phone happily in its new case and ready to go.

First, I removed the rubber slipcover and separated the plastic interior shell into the backing and the screen protecting front. Second, I placed my phone into the front of the shell, extremely pleased that the built-in protective membrane required no separate (sticky) installation and that it would keep my screen safe from scratches.

Then, I snapped the backing securely into place, glad to see that it fit perfectly to the dimensions of the phone. Finally, it took a second or two of maneuvering, but the rubber casing provided the perfect finishing touch to have the entire thing prepared for any amount of light or heavy use.

Voilà!

While I had assumed that I would like my OtterBox case more than the previous one that I had been using, I hadn't anticipated being quite so thrilled with it. I love the way that it completely encases my phone with three layers of protection, making sure that dust and dirt stay away and that every inch is safe from accidental drops.

At the same time, I appreciate that all of the ports and buttons are protected by their own individual covers (the camera and flash remain uncovered, of course), yet each one can easily be moved out of the way when you need access.

While I'm still conscious about being careful and try to avoid accidents just as much as the next person, OtterBox has given me extreme peace of mind that my phone could really only be safer if I carried it around while wrapped in bubble wrap.

The only reason that I could think of to not purchase a Defender Series Case for your iPhone 5 is if you're someone who often carries your phone in your pants pocket, as this case does make it much less slim and sleek (OtterBox does offer their Commuter Series iPhone 5 case which might work better for you).

For me, I'm just in love with being able to reach into my purse or jacket pocket and pull out my phone knowing that it is totally safe from dirt, cracks, scratches and more. And, if I ever find a burning need to carry this another way, I can always use the included holster to hook it right onto my belt!

Retailing for $49.95 and available in a variety of styles and colors, the OtterBox iPhone 5 Defender Series Case is a high quality, fashionable way to keep your phone safe from accidental impact, while still giving you full access to all of the features, functions and touchscreen without any loss of sensitivity.

If you're going to invest in a piece of technology that is going to be used day after day, week after week, don't skimp on keeping it safe!

Find out much more about their complete line of cases for all of your tech gadgets by visiting OtterBox.com and connecting with this innovative company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Other than the Defender Series Case that I was provided by OtterBox in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion (and deep love) about this product.