OtterBox Symmetry Case Review: Shock-Absorbing Interior and External

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

OtterBox Symmetry Case Review

Price and Where to Buy OtterBox Symmetry Case: Prices range from $24.98-$67.42 on Amazon, and between $39.95-$54.95 on OtterBox’s website.

Pros:

Available for: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5/5S, iPhone 5c, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5
Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Thin case is pocket-friendly, so you can carry it everywhere
Shock-absorbing interior and external materials protect your phone from drops
Raised beveled edge keeps the screen protected
One piece design easily snaps on and off your phone
Lightweight

Cons:

Although the raised edge on the case keeps the glass screen on your phone somewhat safe from drops, you will probably need to also invest in a screen protector to prevent scratches or cracks. (Otterbox’s compatible Alpha Glass screen protector is sold separately, and will run you an additional $20-$30.)

How OtterBox Symmetry Case Rates:

Usefulness: 10/10. Keep your phone protected without sacrificing style.
Value: 9/10. Prices vary pretty widely on these cases, so be sure to shop around to find the best deal.
Durability: 10/10. OtterBox is the gold standard for smartphone cases, and the Symmetry line is no different—these cases are built to last (and make your phone last.)
Cool Factor: 10/10. The new colors and designs offer something for everyone—for the businessperson who needs a professional looking phone case, to the fashionista who wants the coolest looking cover.

Final Verdict: Keep your phone safe and your style game on point—the new OtterBox Symmetry Series is a great-looking (and performing) option at an affordable price.

(Photo: OtterBox)

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.