I bought this because my husband has used and loved a Defender case for several years. He loves this one, as well, but the case comes too close to the corners of the invisible shield and pushes the corners up making it not effective. Sadly, we may have to return the case.
My new Pixel 3 (not the XL) is a super durable creature. In most day-to-day activities, I don't use a cover. After a month, it is still blemish-free.
However, it is super slippery. In fact, it is so slippery that it wants to slide out of the "X-Grip" phone holder on my motorcycle's handlebars. That means on trips where I want to use it as a GPS, I am live in constant fear it will fall out. On a motorcycle, that is certain death for the phone, because the next stop is pavement (or trail, I ride that way) and a tumble for dozens of yards.
The Otterbox Defender is perfect for this use. It is the opposite of slippery... it is grippy. It is also fat enough to make my skinny Pixel 3 wide for the X-Grip that I bought for my OG Pixel XL. In the several trips I've made so far, the Otterbox-encased phone hasn't budged a single iota.
I am not a huge fan of the belt-clip piece, because as a muffin-top, it bites into my overhang. It works perfectly, of course, and the fault is all mine by being big.
While I can fit the entire thing in my pocket, the aforementioned grippiness makes getting in and out of my pocket a nuisance. So, I have gained a lot of practice in taking the Otterbox off and putting it back on: off for day-to-day, on for "dangerous" situations like going to the zoo. There has not been any issue at all with fitment or excess tightness or sloppiness; the Otterbox hugs the phone just enough.
Speaking of the zoo, we went to see Christmas lights there. The Pixel 3 has this fabulous "Night Sight" feature that takes unbelievable photos in pitch black. See the example below. The point here is that the cover does not occlude any of the lens. The mode needs a second or more of the aperature being open, so if there was any part being blocked, you would see it cloudy. Thus, the image perfectly demonstrates that the cover openings do not impair photography at all. I've had covers that do, and I know the aggravation.
TLDR; the Otterboox Defender for the Pixel 3 is faultless.
Small investment to keep an expensive phone going for years (repeat customer from the nexus through the Pixel). However, the Pixel 3 design does not have the screen protector due to the phones screen design. I was able to buy a screen protector for the Pixel 3 and fit it under the Otterbox with minor bubbles at the corner. My opinion Otterbox didn't take the time to research a solution for the screen protector this time around.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, May 9, 2019
Hey Regular Customer,
We apologize that you're feeling so uncertain towards the screenless design for the Google Pixel 3 Defender series! This particular version of the case was engineered without the built-in screen protector in order to allow for complete display access. Although the Defender is still supremely protective, we certainly understand why you might be searching for some additional peace of mind. We do currently offer a tempered glass screen protector that is cut specifically to fit with the Defender, and should add a fortified layer of security. Please feel welcome to check it out via the link below, and call our friendly Otters at 1-855-688-7269 with any further questions!
I really enjoy my Google Pixel 3 case. I just wish that this was available at retail stores when the phone came out. I have had several OtterBox Defender cases on older phones. By far I believe this is the nest. The textures feel greatly improves the grip of the device. Which is helpful for me as I constantly drop my phone in my everyday work life.
The Defender series in my opinion are the best on the market. I especially like how they have gone screenless. My trust in Otterbox is from years of trusting the product. Never been unhappy with an Otterbox.
I have always had OtterBox cases for my phones and love them. This is my first one I am not impressed with. The side of the case where it clips into holster is not center so I am forced to have my phone in one position which is oposite how I have always clipped my phone in. Second, when I try to clip my phone into the holster it keeps pulling the rubber on the case and I have to put more pressure on the holster to essentially open it more and lock it in so I don't rip the case. I am hoping it will break in but not sure if my case will rip first.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from otterbox.comBy OtterBox, Customer Service Team, December 7, 2018
Dear Julie0117,
We apologize that you're feeling some apprehension towards this Google Pixel 3 Defender series! The belt clip was specifically built to clip around the side buttons on the device, which is why the phone must be inserted a specific way. While we understand that this change can cause a bit of an adjustment period, after some time, it should start to feel more like second nature!
It is odd that the rubber slipcover is starting to loosen and pull away, especially since it is designed to tightly wrap around the case. Please feel free to call our awesome Otters at 1-855-688-7269, and they'll gladly hook you up with a warranty replacement right away!
I've always wanted an OtterBox but never wanted to throw that much money at a case. I've decided its well worth it. I'm very clumbsy, most aestheticly pleasing cases don't hold up to my unintentional destruction. This case feels great in my hands, it's large but that makes it easier for me to hold on to, and it still fits in the stupidly small back pockets of female jeans. I drop my phone a lot less because of it's size and outside material, I love the grip, I love the weight. I love the coverage. I also think it looks really cool. I dont use the clip often, but it's handy when I'm hiking. I clip it to my backpack. I'm super happy with my purchase. Definitely getting these for all future phones.