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
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: bill
Verified Purchase:Yes
the snap in part does not fit as good, the price was high or higher but it did not include the screen saver section and there is no opening were the extra memory chip is loaded.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 19, 2017
Hey Bill,
We apologize that the Galaxy Note 8 Defender does not hold a candle to your last case! We understand your apprehension due to the lack of a built-in screen protector, but we're confident that our customers will have a better experience with the uniquely curved display through either direct contact or use of our separate Alpha Glass screen protector. As for the snap in part and the extra memory chip, we would love to grab more details to see if we can help those issues at all! Please don't hesitate to call our reliable Otters at 1-855-688-7269, and they'll help as much as they can!
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
We apologize that the Galaxy Note 8 Defender does not hold a candle to your last case! We understand your apprehension due to the lack of a built-in screen protector, but we're confident that our customers will have a better experience with the uniquely curved display through either direct contact or use of our separate Alpha Glass screen protector. As for the snap in part and the extra memory chip, we would love to grab more details to see if we can help those issues at all! Please don't hesitate to call our reliable Otters at 1-855-688-7269, and they'll help as much as they can!
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: lea002
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased a Defender case for my wife's iPhone 7-8 years ago when my phone of choice was a Nokia brick device. After she got it all put together, I decided there was no other way to go. We've both been through multiple iPhones and Androids and they've all had Defender cases. As far as we're concerned, all our future phones will have Defenders as well. I am disappointed however that my Defender for my new Note8 did not come with a screen protector. I will be watching for one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 25, 2017
Dear lea002,
We apologize about any disappointment surrounding our screenless style for the Galaxy Note 8 Defender! We truly feel that our customers will enjoy the uniquely curved display so much more by being able to directly touch the screen. Another possible option would be a tempered glass screen protector, such as our Alpha Glass, which adheres separately to still allow full functionality of the touchscreen. Please feel free to take a closer look at the Alpha Glass by clicking on the link below, and ring up our support team at 1-855-688-7269 if you have any questions!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Regards,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
We apologize about any disappointment surrounding our screenless style for the Galaxy Note 8 Defender! We truly feel that our customers will enjoy the uniquely curved display so much more by being able to directly touch the screen. Another possible option would be a tempered glass screen protector, such as our Alpha Glass, which adheres separately to still allow full functionality of the touchscreen. Please feel free to take a closer look at the Alpha Glass by clicking on the link below, and ring up our support team at 1-855-688-7269 if you have any questions!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Regards,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Soso
Verified Purchase:Yes
These covers have saved my phone for years but this one has no screen protection and therefore I am using another less bulky setup with panzer glass.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 25, 2017
Hey Soso,
We're sorry to hear that your experience with the Galaxy Note 8 Defender has been disappointing, to say the least! To allow full functionality of the uniquely curved infinity display, we decided to forego the traditional built-in screen protector for this Defender series. However, we do carry the Alpha Glass screen protector, which provides additional protection on top of the security that our cases already offer. The Alpha Glass pairs perfectly with our Defender, but also with our slimmer cases such as the Commuter and Symmetry. If you are looking for a combination of screen safety with sleek protection, we have multiple options to choose from. Feel free to check out the links below for the previously mentioned products, and please reach out to us at 1-855-688-7269 with any questions!
Alpha Glass:
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Commuter Case:
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/commuter-series-case/sam4-galaxy-note8.html
Symmetry Case:
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/symmetry-series-case/sam28-galaxy-note8.html#start=1
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
We're sorry to hear that your experience with the Galaxy Note 8 Defender has been disappointing, to say the least! To allow full functionality of the uniquely curved infinity display, we decided to forego the traditional built-in screen protector for this Defender series. However, we do carry the Alpha Glass screen protector, which provides additional protection on top of the security that our cases already offer. The Alpha Glass pairs perfectly with our Defender, but also with our slimmer cases such as the Commuter and Symmetry. If you are looking for a combination of screen safety with sleek protection, we have multiple options to choose from. Feel free to check out the links below for the previously mentioned products, and please reach out to us at 1-855-688-7269 with any questions!
Alpha Glass:
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/alpha-glass-screen-protector/sam38-galaxy-note8.html
Commuter Case:
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/commuter-series-case/sam4-galaxy-note8.html
Symmetry Case:
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/symmetry-series-case/sam28-galaxy-note8.html#start=1
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Scott
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought this case about a month ago it is a good case just wish the phone fit a little tighter in the case. The phone doesn't fall out of the case just feels like it needs to be tighter
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, September 26, 2017
Dear Scott,
When you ordered that case, you certainly did not order a loose Defender! We so apologize that you're experiencing that issue, and it sounds like your Galaxy Note 8 is not settling into that case as snugly as we want it to. Please give our expert Otters a call at 1-855-688-7269 - they'll make sure you have a Defender that fits your device perfectly!
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
When you ordered that case, you certainly did not order a loose Defender! We so apologize that you're experiencing that issue, and it sounds like your Galaxy Note 8 is not settling into that case as snugly as we want it to. Please give our expert Otters a call at 1-855-688-7269 - they'll make sure you have a Defender that fits your device perfectly!
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Justin
Verified Purchase:Yes
Better looking and feeling desing than last year but i dont like your screen protector so i had to go with a different brand. Not happy that i cant wirelessly charge standing up. Not happy with the power port at the bottom. I actually had to remove it entirely. Other than that its great.
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, October 2, 2017
Dear Justin,
We apologize that you're finding the Defender charger port area not to your liking! In the future, we might suggest checking out our Symmetry case, which does not have a flap covering the Galaxy Note 8 charging area. Additionally, the Symmetry case is compatible with all forms of wireless charging, including the standing configuration. Please feel welcome to check it out by following the link below, and call our helpful Otters at 1-855-688-7269 with any further questions!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/symmetry-series-case/sam28-galaxy-note8.html#start=1
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
We apologize that you're finding the Defender charger port area not to your liking! In the future, we might suggest checking out our Symmetry case, which does not have a flap covering the Galaxy Note 8 charging area. Additionally, the Symmetry case is compatible with all forms of wireless charging, including the standing configuration. Please feel welcome to check it out by following the link below, and call our helpful Otters at 1-855-688-7269 with any further questions!
http://www.otterbox.com/en-us/galaxy-note8/symmetry-series-case/sam28-galaxy-note8.html#start=1
Sincerely,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Smitty
Verified Purchase:Yes
Good quality case that adds protection grip and bulk that the note 8 needs but its not really in the same class as earlier defenders
Besides no longer having the screen protector that was a pain in certain light there is very little protection for the screen when impact cames from the side because the screen rises above the the level of rubber
Top and bottom is good but on the sides unless its a bump the screen will be broken
Not sure that I'd recommend first
Besides no longer having the screen protector that was a pain in certain light there is very little protection for the screen when impact cames from the side because the screen rises above the the level of rubber
Top and bottom is good but on the sides unless its a bump the screen will be broken
Not sure that I'd recommend first
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, October 2, 2017
Hey Smitty!
We're so sorry to hear that you're feeling less than confident in your Galaxy Note 8 Defender! Rest assured, the cases are put through an extensive amount of testing to earn the Certified Drop+ Protection rating (over 238 hours, to be exact!). We are confident that the Defender should keep your Galaxy Note 8 protected going forward. If you run into any questions or comments about the case, please feel welcome to reach out to our support team by following the link below!
https://www.otterbox.asia/contact-us.aspx
Regards,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
We're so sorry to hear that you're feeling less than confident in your Galaxy Note 8 Defender! Rest assured, the cases are put through an extensive amount of testing to earn the Certified Drop+ Protection rating (over 238 hours, to be exact!). We are confident that the Defender should keep your Galaxy Note 8 protected going forward. If you run into any questions or comments about the case, please feel welcome to reach out to our support team by following the link below!
https://www.otterbox.asia/contact-us.aspx
Regards,
OtterBox Customer Service Team
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com
Posted by: Tbone
Verified Purchase:Yes
Nice rugged case. Fits well in hand. For the money should come.with screen protectotr
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting otterbox.com