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OtterBox Symmetry Series Review – A Durable Yet Slim iPhone 5/5s Case

OtterBox's Symmetry Series keeps your phone well protected without the unnecessary bulk.

Get The Best Price On An OtterBox Symmetry Series Case

OtterBox was the first major accessories company to hit it big with iPhone owners and their Defender Series developed a huge following when it debuted several years ago. While the protection of the Defender is stellar, many consumers are hesitant to purchase it due to significant bulk it adds to your naturally slim device. To combat this issue, OtterBox has recently introduced the Symmetry Series, a thinner and lighter design that removes a lot of excess bulk without sacrificing much protection.

The Symmetry Series is available for the iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 5c, Galaxy S4, & Galaxy S5 in a variety of colors and patterns. With a retail price of $39.95, it is easier on your wallet than most of OtterBox's models although I'd still be weary of counterfeits via resellers like Amazon or eBay (both OtterBox and LifeProof are faced with this problem). We received a review sample of the Symmetry Series for iPhone 5/5s in a white/gray finish at CES last January so it is about time we write a full review on our experience using the case.

Unlike the Defender and Preserver Series whom both feature 2-piece design, the Symmetry Series is composed of a only single piece. The build material is a combination of a synthetic rubber interior coupled with a durable polycarbonate outer shell. This allows the design to remain slim and appealing while still offering excellent protective benefits. After using the case on a regular basis for around a month, there is some noticeable signs of wear and tear although it isn't anything major. In terms of size, it is significantly thinner than the Defender Series and slightly thinner than the Preserver Series.

With the case equipped, it offers a durable layer of protection for the back and sides of your phone. When your device lies down with the display first, the outer sides are raised high enough to keep the screen from touching most even surfaces you'd place it on. However, front screen area are exposed and subject to harm so I'd recommend investing a few dollars in an adhesive screen protector to aid in the protection efforts. As you can probably guess, there are no advanced features within this case so don't expect any waterproof capabilities, built-in batteries, or fold out kickstands.

Since switching to this case for full-time use, I've dropped my phone on more than one occasion without incurring any damage so the case has effectively done its job. It's slim design keeps it from being annoyingly bulky and you barely notice the case after a short while. Since the exterior is made of a polycarbonate shell instead of the synthetic rubber slipcover found on the Defender Series, you do have a less “grippy” feel although I actually prefer it as I can easily slip my phone into my pant's pocket or backpack without it getting annoyingly caught up on something.

Overall, I found OtterBox's Symmetry Series to be a real winner as it still offers excellent protection without the added bulk and weight found in the popular Defender Series. The one piece design is straight-forward yet appealing and the build material is excellent for the price. If you're in the market for a protective case for your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device then I'd highly recommend checking out the new Symmetry Series as you get a lot of value on the dollar.