MiniReview: OtterBox Commuter Case for HTC Droid DNA

OtterBox is known as the leading provider of durable cases for phones. This one, their Commuter series for the HTC Droid DNA, is the smallest case they offer for the phone, and can be found for $25 on Amazon.

The back of the case. Note that it covers the rear notification light.

I've had the OtterBox Commuter on my HTC Droid DNA for half a year now. The case is two parts, a grey rubber part that slides onto the phone first, and a white ABS plastic sheath that slides on top. So far the case has protected the phone from many drops. Take note though that this case will not protect from severe drops/accidental "tosses" (those of you who have done it will know what I mean) of your phone. I accidentally dropped my phone from about 6 feet and it must have landed in just the right way that the screen on the corner of the phone cracked.

The front of the case, showing the coverage of the provided screen protector.

Also, the product comes with a screen protector, but they are just the regular plastic ones that scratch easily and create glare, and are nothing like Zagg or Military Shield. The glass on the DNA does not scratch easily enough that I found it worth the hassle of using a screen protector.

The case is pretty solid and takes a lot of effort to get on and off. One thing that could have been better quality-wise is the rubber material of the first case layer. Over time it has rubbed/peeled away, and I can imagine by the time my two-year contract with Verizon has run out, there will be parts of the rubber that has torn or worn away to nothing.

For $25 though, you're getting a solid case from a brand you know and trust. Also, while the $5 case from your dollar store may work for iPhones and smaller phones, I'd recommend you invest some money in getting a good case since the screen of the phone is so big and liable to seriously cracking if dropped.