The Commuter case is robust & is significantly slimmer than the bulky Defender series. However, it is unfortunate that Otterbox do not manufacture the even more slimline Symmetry cases to fit the S4 mini.
Love this case, this is my first smart phone and I wanted to protect it because it felt so thin and smooth I thought for sure I would drop it one day. So glad I got this cover, it is thin, great fitting and doesn't make the phone too big or bulky, perfect for anyone but especially for females because it's not the thicker bigger version with the clip, perfect to fit in your hand and store in a pocket or purse, I love it and I like black, it doesn't show dirt and yes it protects 100% I've dropped mine a few times no damage no matter what side it lands on, it kinda just bounces back a little, perfectly protects the phone!
I love my Commuter case. It makes holding on to my phone so much better. My phone was slippery to hold and with this case I feel secure holding my phone. I feel this case is great protection for the phone!
I purchased the Otterbox commuter series case for my S4 mini which is a work phone. I also use it for my personal phone - Samsung Galaxy S4 and love it. My only complaint is that design for the S4 mini restricts the charging cable from connecting securely. When it is plugged in, it doesn't always charge because the design on the case hinders having a tight connection. This is not the case for my personal one - which is why I still gave it 4 stars overall.
The Otter box is wonderful. It has excellent buttons and the phone fits perfectly. However, the only 2 faults I have found is the instructions for fitting the protective plastic stick on screen cover are somewhat vague. Maybe they should be shipped with 2 screen protectors, as without doubt fitting the first one will be stuffed up. The only other fault is that the phone when inside the case does not sit flat on a desk. It rocks. Still though it is an excellent product. Just needs some fine tuning.