Advice, please. Most rugged smart phone case.

[JohnHL]

I've finally been forced (by economics) to retire the flip phone and get a "smart phone".

Due to the hands-on, dirty nature of my work, I tend to beat unmercifully the things I carry with me.

I'm sure I'm not the only one around here, so give me your opinions on the cases that provided "bank vault" (or as close as possible) protection for your smart phone and where you got it and price.

Thanks!

John

 

[GaryHK]

Easy...Otterbox

 

[ContinentalOp]

Agree on Otterbox. I think it's pretty much the standard for heavy-duty phone cases. You can buy from their website. I believe Amazon probably sells them, too. I don't have one, but have thought about getting one. If I were working in a high-risk environment, it'd be my first choice.

 

[Ugly Hombre]

Carhartt RIG Case for iPhone X & iPhone Xs - 2019 Reviews - Extrevity Shop

I got one of these its very sturdy they may not fit though depending on the type and size phone you have.

I like that it has a lanyard cord capability. Keeps me from losing it CRS inflicted old guy here. lol

 

[Willie McHobblin]

I'll third the otter box. Do you know Cat makes phones?

 

[Muss Muggins]

Lifeproof. Runs circles around Otterbox, especially since the elimination of the headphone jack . . .

LifeProof Cases & Gear | Live Fulltime | Lifeproof.com

 

[bigwheelzip]

If the case is that important, you'd better pick a phone that fits the case you want Otterbox has a relatively small fitment selection.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[billwill]

Otterbox has served me well, woods, farm, town. Its been bounced in all the places

 

[DR505]

I've not tried Lifeproof, but have been using Otterbox for many years. I swear by them and I have been VERY hard on my phones. I was a bomb tech and firearms instructor before retirement and the phones hit the deck more times than I care to remember...always came through unscathed.

 

[pmosley]

I have my Fitbit smart watch enclosed in one of this company's products.

Great reviews -

Unicorn Beetle Pro Phone Cases | Supcase



Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

 

[MORSNO]

Pelican makes a weatherproof and watertight case that has a phone replacement warranty. I used it to take underwater photos in Hawaii. Apple iPhone Cases | Pelican

 

[paplinker]

Lifeproof for me also. Especially as I keep my phone in my front pocket. The lifeproof is more streamline to do that.

While I have not owned a otterbox for comparison it does appear more bulky and something you would wear on a belt clip.

The work I do a belt clip would likely get hooked on something.

 

[robrossk]

otterbox or lifeproof

 

[shell627]

I bought my son a otter box before he went to Iraq.After the IED the otterbox was the only thing that came home with him.

 

[armadillo]

My current phone wears an Otter. I had a Body Glove from a police supply for my previous phone - it was really well made, but so thick it was hard to carry in a shirt pocket.

 

[ameridaddy]

Otterbox Defender has done well for me. I would not spend the $40 or so for their hard glass screen protector. Installation of the glass is a pain, so is the fitment.
I have a Defender with just the plastic screen protector, and it's doing just fine.

 

[Marshwheeling]

Otterbox is the toughest I have used, tougher than I need, actually, and too bulky for my taste. I just got one of the close-fitting ones from Target. My phone hits the floor about three times a day. I had to drop one out of my bus onto asphalt to crack the screen.
If I go boating, or motorbiking where there are river crossings, I put it in a Pelican box.

 

[Jon651]

Lifeproof or Pelican would be my choices. However, you can't just prioritize protection above all else because even the best cases will not protect your phone's screen from a direct impact - and if it could then you wouldn't be able to use the screen.

Also, you have to be mindful that the buttons must be easy to use and the ports be accessible so you can plug in the phone. For your situation I would strongly recommend a phone with wireless or "Qi" charging so you don't have to bother ever plugging it in. I got wireless charging with an older Samsung phone many years ago and now refuse to live without it.

Do you have a dash mount or desktop stand that you use? With a thick case you have to make sure your phone will still fit into those as well.

My final thought is before you get a new phone you should also look into "ruggedized" phones (sometimes called "Mil-Spec" phones) that are built tougher to begin with.

Attached are a few photos of an older Otterbox case I used to use for a PDA many years ago. It is the most rugged case I know of - but it is a bit of overkill...

Good luck!

 

[pmanton]

another vote for Otterbox

 

[ContinentalOp]

After perusing the Otterbox website, I think their Commuter series cases might be worth checking out. Slim, but still rugged. Plugs/jacks are still accessible, just covered with tabs you can open. Thinking about getting one of those myself since I pocket carry my phone. My current case is rated for a 3m drop, and after having dropped my phone a few times on hard surfaces without effect I'd say it's good for my needs, but the plugs/jacks are open and I'd like a little more protection there.