The case does provide good protection for the phone, but the design is poor overall - it does not stay intact for very long. The soft part starts to break down almost immediately and both the soft and hard plastic have broken into pieces on the 2 I've had. I'm on my 3rd one, which I got a couple of weeks ago, and so far so good. However I know it will break down in the same way the last two did. I won't purchase it or recommend it.
I purchased this cover for my iphone 4s in January/14. My cell phone carrier representative installed the protective film (well done), and I was to wait 2 days to install the protective cover, which I did. One side did not quite snap into place, and I could not get it to. Eventually, one corner cracked, required replacement. This was arranged online, and the replacement was receive in less than 5 days. I tried to install the new cover, but the same problem occured, so off I went to my representative. He was able to install it properly. So the answer is to have a well qualified person install it.
I'm extremely happy with this product. I'm probably one of the clumsiest people you could ever meet. My phone goes through a lot of abuse and the OtterBox really does keep it safe. Before I invested in the case, I replaced my screen twice. The OtterBox is worth the investment if you compare it to getting your screen or phone replaced.
Both my Wife and I have had to have our Otter Box replaced as they both broke at the exact same location. On the bottom, center under the On/Off button of the phone. Hopefully the replacement versions will last longer than the 1 year the originals. Other than that, a fine product that protects our phone nicely.
I really like my otter case for my i-phone. It's very sturdy and comes in great colours. My only complaint would be that the white part of the case I bought doesn't come clean. It turns yellow The service was great and very fast. I had my replacement within a week.