Customer reviews from otterbox.com
OtterBox - Refurbished Excellent - Defender Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Note8 - Black
Average customer rating
4.1
(424 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 424 reviews
5 Stars
236
4 Stars
79
3 Stars
58
2 Stars
30
1 Star
21
83%of customers recommend this product.
(
332 out of
399)
Customer Reviews for OtterBox - Refurbished Excellent - Defender Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Note8 - Black
Customer Rating
3
Fairly sturdy case, but holster is unreliable
on September 18, 2017
Posted by: JimmY
Verified Purchase:Yes
The case is fairly sturdy, but I've had the phone fall from the holster many times. It seems the case sometimes comes unlatched from the holster and eventually falls out.
One other thing I don't like is, when using the holster as a stand, I have no access to the fingerprint reader to unlock the phone. It would be better to have a stand on the case itself.
It would also be better to have a screen protector with the case.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 19, 2017
Hey there JimmY,
While we're glad that your Galaxy Note 8 feels safe and secure in the Defender, we definitely want you to be able to use the belt clip holster to full efficiency! It's strange that it's not holding your phone tightly, and we would love to take a closer look. Please feel welcome to call our awesome representatives at 1-855-688-7269, and they'll be happy to help with troubleshooting tips or even a warranty replacement, if that's what it takes!
As for the screen protector, we truly believe that our customers will have the best interaction with the curved display through either direct contact or use of our Alpha Glass screen protector. If you're interested in an extra layer of protection, check out our fortified Alpha Glass by following the link below!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
While we're glad that your Galaxy Note 8 feels safe and secure in the Defender, we definitely want you to be able to use the belt clip holster to full efficiency! It's strange that it's not holding your phone tightly, and we would love to take a closer look. Please feel welcome to call our awesome representatives at 1-855-688-7269, and they'll be happy to help with troubleshooting tips or even a warranty replacement, if that's what it takes!
As for the screen protector, we truly believe that our customers will have the best interaction with the curved display through either direct contact or use of our Alpha Glass screen protector. If you're interested in an extra layer of protection, check out our fortified Alpha Glass by following the link below!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Tee 043
Verified Purchase:Yes
Excellent product but missing a screen protector which l am still waiting for
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Nking77750
Verified Purchase:Yes
I've had one of these on every phone for last ten years. Never had a phone damaged with this case.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Adriane
Verified Purchase:Yes
Case is beautiful and fits in hand great, I feel as though adr should have had a screen cover because if I drop phone is not protected phone sits at top of case, which could lead to cracked screen, had to go purchase screen cover.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Andrew
Verified Purchase:Yes
Used Otterbox since 1st Smartphone.Started with "free" phone from MetroPCS. Moved to T-Mobile: Galaxy S3 x2 (+wife) - Galaxy S5 - Google Motorola - Samsung Galaxy S7Edge - Galaxy S8 (wife) - Galaxy Note 8. Dropped them all many many times. NEVER had a phone damaged. Proof is in the pudding (protection).
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: LisaRed
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought the case as I need maximum protection for my phone - I tend to drop my phone often - for whatever reason - and actually destroyed my Note 5 by a freak fall. That case was a knock off ... Therefore - I am now an Otterbox lifer!
As the Note8 needs a 'naked' screen, I was a bit disappointed that it didn't have a cover - but time will tell! I may add the glass protector.
I would love to see a red one for my Note 8
As the Note8 needs a 'naked' screen, I was a bit disappointed that it didn't have a cover - but time will tell! I may add the glass protector.
I would love to see a red one for my Note 8
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Customer Rating
4
I always buy Otterbox and always will but...
on September 18, 2017
Posted by: CliffDog
Verified Purchase:Yes
Let me start off by saying that this is a great case and I highly recommend it; HOWEVER, read on for a one MAJOR DRAWBACK you WILL want to be aware of. But first, let's start off with the Pros:
*Otterbox has improved on their Defender Series design and this is the best version of this series that I have used so far.
*It is not bulky and fits easily in my hand (albeit a guys hand).
*It is the typical 3 piece Otterbox Defender Series design with the two, hard plastic inner pieces clicking together to form a shell around the phone with the rubber casing forming the final layer of protection. This makes it very easy to install and remove the case.
*I am able to use all functionality of the curved edge infinity display. The case does not hamper the phone in anyway.
*Nothing is blocked on the phone by the case that shouldn't be (ie all of the speakers are uncovered etc.).
*The S-Pen is uncovered and easily accessible
*The case provides a nice raised bezel above the glass at the top and bottom of the phone.
*the finger print scanner can easily be reached with the right hand. It is slightly more challenging to reach for a left handed person by doable. I have my scanner set up for both left and right index fingers and ave been able to unlock with both - you just have to be a little more deliberate with your left finger.
*The plastic prongs which hold the covers for the audio and power jacks have been thickened so they will not break off easily as was the case in the defender case for my note 3.
*Otterbox has improved on their Defender Series design and this is the best version of this series that I have used so far.
*It is not bulky and fits easily in my hand (albeit a guys hand).
*It is the typical 3 piece Otterbox Defender Series design with the two, hard plastic inner pieces clicking together to form a shell around the phone with the rubber casing forming the final layer of protection. This makes it very easy to install and remove the case.
*I am able to use all functionality of the curved edge infinity display. The case does not hamper the phone in anyway.
*Nothing is blocked on the phone by the case that shouldn't be (ie all of the speakers are uncovered etc.).
*The S-Pen is uncovered and easily accessible
*The case provides a nice raised bezel above the glass at the top and bottom of the phone.
*the finger print scanner can easily be reached with the right hand. It is slightly more challenging to reach for a left handed person by doable. I have my scanner set up for both left and right index fingers and ave been able to unlock with both - you just have to be a little more deliberate with your left finger.
*The plastic prongs which hold the covers for the audio and power jacks have been thickened so they will not break off easily as was the case in the defender case for my note 3.
Now here are the Cons. Note, that I only took one star off for the first con because the other things are just more part of the design necessitated by the shape of the phone and utility.
*WIRELESS CHARGING DOES NOT WORK WITH THIS CASE, both my brother and I pre-ordered the Note 8. I opted for the 360 camera while he went for the SSD and wireless charging station. Unfortunately, the phone will not charge through this case. With that said, I think the trade-off in protection is worth the loss of wireless charging. I am not sure if this occurs do to the thickness of the case (I don't think it is overly thick but it is probably one of the thicker cases available - hey, that is the cost of drop protection). However, if an opening could be made in the case (similar to that for the camera) where the wireless charging converter is located this could possibly fix the issue - Again, this would need to be tested because maybe the phone simply needs to sit closer to the charging station in which case a hole will not matter.
* It is slightly hard to unlock the phone using the fingerprint scanner with your left hand but it is doable. As I stated above I regularly unlock it with my left index finger even tho I am right handed. You simply have to be a little more deliberate in your placement.
*Opening the headphone jack and USB-C cover is not as easy as it has been with other cases. They have made the rubber a bit thicker so it takes a bit more to open the covers. I prefer this because it means they aren't going to open accidentally but just something to be aware of.
*As with other Defender series cases, the rubber shell is warped slightly (not horribly but a bit) when a charging cable or headphone is connected. Time will tell if this will permanently warp the case or only when devices are connected (too bad wireless charging doesn't work or we could avoid opening this cover all-together).
*Because of the curved sides of the infinity display, the cases bevel does not extend above the level of the screen on the sides. There isn't really much that can be done about this without compromising the functionality of the phone. As noted above, the top and bottom of the case extend well above the surface of the screen and should provide more than adequate protection when the phone is dropped face first.
*There is no built in cover over the screen as has been included in previous defender series cases. Again, this is due to the curved sides of the infinity display. Because of this, there is nothing to stop dirt from slowly creeping behind the case but this is a problem with almost all (if not every other) case made for this phone on the market.
* It is slightly hard to unlock the phone using the fingerprint scanner with your left hand but it is doable. As I stated above I regularly unlock it with my left index finger even tho I am right handed. You simply have to be a little more deliberate in your placement.
*Opening the headphone jack and USB-C cover is not as easy as it has been with other cases. They have made the rubber a bit thicker so it takes a bit more to open the covers. I prefer this because it means they aren't going to open accidentally but just something to be aware of.
*As with other Defender series cases, the rubber shell is warped slightly (not horribly but a bit) when a charging cable or headphone is connected. Time will tell if this will permanently warp the case or only when devices are connected (too bad wireless charging doesn't work or we could avoid opening this cover all-together).
*Because of the curved sides of the infinity display, the cases bevel does not extend above the level of the screen on the sides. There isn't really much that can be done about this without compromising the functionality of the phone. As noted above, the top and bottom of the case extend well above the surface of the screen and should provide more than adequate protection when the phone is dropped face first.
*There is no built in cover over the screen as has been included in previous defender series cases. Again, this is due to the curved sides of the infinity display. Because of this, there is nothing to stop dirt from slowly creeping behind the case but this is a problem with almost all (if not every other) case made for this phone on the market.
Unless you absolutely must have wireless charging this is the case I would whole heartily recommend. I kept both my S4 and Note 3 in Defender series cases for a combined total of 4+ years and neither was ever broken during that time. I am extremely hard on my phones and drop them regularly. This is the case that will keep your phone protected.
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: David Fox
Verified Purchase:Yes
I rely on Otter box for every phone I purchase and I have had dozens of phones.. After FINALLY receiving my otter box I was EXTREMELY disappointed that it had no built in screen protector, which is my main reason for buying it, there was no mention on the website that the screen protector was sold separately which is why I've decided to purchase it from another retailer...VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE OTTERS
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 19, 2017
Hey there David,
We deeply apologize about any confusion caused by our design for the Galaxy Note 8 Defender. Although our website page for the Defender case does specifically point out the new screenless design, we understand that customers who have used the Defender before would naturally expect the traditional built-in screen protector. We expected that a built-in screen protector on the case might hinder customers' use of the uniquely curved infinity display, so in order to forego that frustration, we made the decision to not include one. If you're looking for additional screen protection, please feel free to check out our Alpha Glass screen protector by following the link below, and reach out to us at 1-855-688-7269 with any inquiries!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
We deeply apologize about any confusion caused by our design for the Galaxy Note 8 Defender. Although our website page for the Defender case does specifically point out the new screenless design, we understand that customers who have used the Defender before would naturally expect the traditional built-in screen protector. We expected that a built-in screen protector on the case might hinder customers' use of the uniquely curved infinity display, so in order to forego that frustration, we made the decision to not include one. If you're looking for additional screen protection, please feel free to check out our Alpha Glass screen protector by following the link below, and reach out to us at 1-855-688-7269 with any inquiries!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com