I ended up cutting the flaps off for the charging and headphone port. They were always very difficult to open, and didn't really see a need to keep them on there. Also disappointed that it doesn't have the screen protector, though I understand why, but I feel like that should be a solvable problem for otterbox considering the price of the product.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 19, 2017
Dear Steve,
We apologize that you're feeling so disappointed by the screenless design of the Galaxy Note 8 Defender. This new Defender series was engineered to allow our customers the best possible experience with the awesome curved touchscreen of the Galaxy Note 8. Although this is newer territory for our Defender case, we truly feel that customers will get the most enjoyment from their device through either direct interaction with the screen or opting to add the companion Alpha Glass screen protector for extra protection. If you have any additional questions or are interested in purchasing an Alpha Glass, please give our friendly Otters a call at 1-855-688-7269. We're always happy to help!
I have been using the Defender Series cases for my last several phones. They are extremely impressive. I like the feel of the case. The most impressive thing, is the protection. I honestly don't think i could ever like a case more. The note 8 case allows me to take advantage of the fast wireless charging.
Otter Box does a wonderful job making their slip cover cases. They protect your phone from the occaisional drop and they are durable and rugged. I prefer the defender series because they used to come with a built-in screen protector, however with the curved glass of the note 8 I guess they weren't able to include a built-in screen protector. Because of this I had to buy an alpha glass screen protector unfortunately It seems to have issues fitting in the defender case and mine has touch sensitivity issues. For some reason or another it has come loose occasionaly so I opted to buy a durable film screen protector and with the defender series case the edges of the film seem to peel up even with a case friendly screen protector. So in summation the defender series works great it's just finding a screen protector that has been challenging.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 18, 2017
Hey there Silentlucidity,
We so apologize that you've had trouble with your Alpha Glass screen protector for the Galaxy Note 8! It is odd that it is not fitting well with the Defender case, considering we engineer the products specifically to fit together as companion products. Additionally, you should still be able to use your touchscreen with full functionality while the glass is on! We would love to grab more details to help you get to the bottom of this, so please don't hesitate to ring up our detective Otters at 1-855-688-7269. They'll investigate this mystery and solve it in no time!
This is my 3rd case for my 3rd phone, the few times I dropped my phones ( Galaxy Note 2, 4, 8) the have remained intact. Need a Protective, Professional and Durable case, Order Box it is.
Not bad, but could use some work on the holder/holster. It doesn't quite fit well and seems loose. Also, if you use cable to charge instead of wireless charger, you will ruin the case. Where you plug it in it pushes up hard on the tab. Over time that will be ruined.
Other then those issues, it's great as always. It's an Otterbox.