A new phone needs a new case to keep the phone from becoming a new doorstop after a drop.
I'm obviously a big advocate of cases for phones and tablet. The main reason is I'm a total klutz, so protecting an expensive piece of technology takes priority with me.
where it’s @
Otterbox Symmetry case for Galaxy S6 retails for $39.95 for colors to $44.95 for pattern styles. The Defender retails for $39.90. The Symmetry Folio for $59.95 for the iPad Mini 3 or $69.95 for the iPad Air 2.
When I got my hands on the new Samsung Galaxy S6, I new I needed something to protect it.
As it turns out, Otterbox was ready and waiting for the debut of the S6 with a line of cases for it. They also debuted a new style of case for tablets.
I started with the Symmetry case for the S6. The cases come in several color combinations, or you can get a couple of cases in decorative patterns for $5 more.
The Symmetry case is their most basic case for an S6. Unlike the Commuter and Defender line for S6, this case is one piece. It has a tough rubber interior and a hard exterior shell.
The interior silicone has a raised crisscross pattern inside. This is designed to cradle the back of the phone and absorb any impact, keeping the phone's glass safe. The thick rubber provides a strong grip, yet it allows the case to be bent backward at the corner. This makes it fairly easy to put the phone in it and take it back out.
Cutouts provide access to the bottom and top ports and the camera on the back. The side buttons are protected by raised rubber button covers. While the cutouts provide easy access to the ports, it also allows dust and moisture to get into them easily.
The hard shell back offers further protection for the back of the phone. More importantly, it curls around the corners to offer more protection there than just the interior rubber. This helps absorb more impact, which is good because phones dropped on the corners tend to end up with shattered screens.
You've probably noticed I've mentioned all the protection for the sides and back of the phone. What about the most important part, the screen?
The rubber folds over the front edges of the phone, raising it high enough above the screen to protect the phone from face-front drops. Aside from the raised rubber sides, the Symmetry doesn't offer any screen protection, not even those sticky things I dislike. The case will protect the screen from drops, but as for dust or scratches, you're on your own.
It's easy enough to get a screen protector nowadays -- Otterbox even offers their own line of them. However, it's an extra expense.
The Commuter does a better job with the ports and screen. It also has a silicone interior and hard shell exterior, but they're separate pieces. The silicone includes flaps that covers the charging and headphone ports on the bottom, keeping dust and moisture out. Cutouts in the silicone and hard shell still offer access to the infrared sensor, speaker and microphone, as well as the camera on the back.
The hard shell wraps around the edges of the phone but stops at the corners. However, the silicone's interior has pockets at the corners to distribute any blows.
The Commuter comes with one of those stick-on screen protectors. It's fairly easy to apply, and it sticks pretty well. In my experience, these tend to wear and unstick over time, particularly at the corners. Luckily, it's easy enough to replace.
Those who aren't klutzes like me and want quick, slim protection for their new Galaxy S6 probably want to look at the Symmetry. Those who want full phone protection, the Commuter is the better pick.
Speaking of cases, Otterbox also introduced a new Symmetry Folio line for iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini tablets.
The folio case has a hard protective shell with a tough rubber interior that holds the tablet. The rubber makes it fairly easy to take the tablet out and put it into the case, as well as protects it from serious impacts.
The tablet's case is on a swivel joint that connects to a fake leather folio case. The case not only provides a stylish way to carry the tablet, but it also doubles as a stand. Grooves in the case's screen flap hold the edge of the tablet's case, and the swivel joint means you can stand the tablet up in a horizontal or vertical position.
The folio case adds a lot of weight and bulk to the tablet. Its cutouts leaves the ports unprotected, but the case is so thick around them, it helps minimize the dust that could get into them. The bulk is a tradeoff for good protection and the great extra of a stand that can be used horizontally or vertically.
All three cases do the job intended. They provide good protection for the tablets and Galaxy S6 phones they're meant to preserve.
I know what you're thinking -- we know about the S6 cases, now what about the S6? Is it worth the upgrade? I'll let you know next week.
Melissa L. Jones can be reached via email at mljones72@me.com.
SundayMonday Business on 05/18/2015