Best case for iphone 5s for clumsy DD16?

[mermaidwannabe]

I've been looking at reviews on Amazon, articles, apple, etc. and my eyes are starting to cross! I have decided on an Otterbox Prefix for an ipod Touch we are getting, but I can't decide on the a case for the iphone 5s. Doesn't seem to be a leader for best case. Should I stick with Otterbox and get a Defender? My DD16 has a regular phone (not smart phone) right now and has dropped it into a milk glass, sink and tea cup plus dropped it on driveway, so she isn't exactly careful. So what do all you DISers say? Which case should I get? Thank you!

 

[disneymom2003]

If you are looking for a waterproof case I would get the Lifeproof. I have an IPhone and ALWAYS buy Apple Care plus. You can only buy it from Apple but no matter where you buy the phone you can go to Apple and buy AppleCare plus (I think you need to do it in the first month ). It is $99 but it covers the phone for two years.

 

[disneychrista]

I have OtterBox for my iPod and it has taken all the abuse I have given it. I plan to buy one for my new iPhone 5 too. I won't even use it until it has a case. I was the same way with the iPod Touch.

 

[packofjedis]

Personally, I would get a Ballistic case. I have had them for my past several phones and I can tell you my phone was unscathed after slamming it in a car door, bouncing it down the sidewalk, and several drops onto the garage concrete floor. They do tests on their cases like tossing them off a 4 story building and out of a moving car. They're awesome cases and cheaper than the Lifeproof.

 

[Megkel]

I've had otter boxes on all my iPhones. I have thrown my phone into a wall without it breaking before. A friend of mine threw her phone outside and it landed on the cement just fine. I wouldn't suggest doing those things though. I haven't dropped it in water yet that is the one thing I have avoided. Right now I have the defender case and I love it. It seems bulky at first and I hate that getting in and out of my pockets is a pain however you do become accustom to it.

 

[ms1031]

We put a Lifeproof case on my daughters iphone, and it was very hard to hear it ring with it on.

Threw that thing away and put an Otterbox Armor case on it.

 

[blessedby3]

We have used Otterbox for our kids iPods and we just got new iPhone 5C's on Black Friday.
We went with the Otterbox Defenders for them (son got a Lifeproof). I think they do a great job

 

[wiigirl]

I have OtterBox for my iPod and it has taken all the abuse I have given it. I plan to buy one for my new iPhone 5 too. I won't even use it until it has a case. I was the same way with the iPod Touch.

x2 for the otterbox.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thank so much for the responses! I did look at the Lifeproof ones and yes, they are expensive but then so is the iphone yikes! Will look at the others mentioned including the Otterbox again. I know she would like it not bulky, but with her track record on dropping, she will have to. The waterproof idea with Lifeproof is a good idea for her lol, but maybe this phone with its case will be too big to fall in a cup. How does she do that??? And twice!!! I am definitely getting the Apple Care plan thanks! Don't know if I will get it for the ipod touch I am getting as well, but prob should.

Thank you so much for your input!!!!!

 

[ms1031]

Though bulky the Otterbox Armor is waterproof.

The Armor Series is waterproof for 30 minutes in 6.6 ft., survives 10 ft. drops, allows for zero entry of dust and debris and can withstand two tons of crushing force. We know how heavy the burden of a damaged device can be, which is why we don’t take protection lightly. The Armor Series outperforms what was ever thought possible for a smartphone case. It’s the toughest case ever built.

 

[jedijill]

Look at a warranty through Squaretrade. They often have coupon deals on their warranties. I bought one for my Ipad.

Jill in CO

 

[reginaastralis]

Another great thing about the otterbox is that the cases are covered under warranty. My sister is almost 16, and she's been through three otterbox cases! Don't ask me how, I have no idea ... but she hasn't broken a phone ... yet.

 

[descovy]

You mentioned the 5s. That is the one with the fingerprint scanner.

I doubt that it would work with the defender or life proof cases, or any case that is waterproof or covers the entire face of the phone.

At least keep that in mind while checking.

I have a otter box commuter case. And that's as bulky as I am willing to get.

I suggest going to best buy where you can see (and maybe touch/feel). Even if you plan to purchase online (just saying!)

 

[sunlover13]

I have the 5s and the Otterbox Defender series. It is not as bulky as the Otterbox Defender I had for my Iphone 4. They changed the design. I've only had it for a week and like it.

They have a cutout for the finger print so that button is not covered.

It is NOT waterproof. That's the only downside if you are looking for a waterproof case.

 

[DawnM]

We put Otterboxes on everything.

iphones
ipods
ipads

I just got a new phone (switched to Android ) and got a Ballistic case. I think it will work fine.

 

[js]

I am very, very hard on my phones.
I have an iPhone 5S and have the Otterbox Defender in Purple and
it has held up to all my abuse and dropping it on the floor way more
than I would ever admit.

 

[Ariel484]

I have a Lifeproof case and like it. Not too bulky. I got it because I wanted to be able to use my phone (iPhone 5) as a waterproof-camera and it worked great. My cousin has one as well for her iPhone 5 and she made a video with the phone going down a waterslide and it was fine.

 

[sunlover13]

I was thinking about getting a Lifeproof case, but then read some bad reviews that the sound is muffled.

Those that have the Lifeproof case, do you find you have problems hearing the person on the other end of the phone?

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Love all the info! I have heard Square Trade is a good one too and may go that direction for the ipod touch but think I'll go Apple Care for the iphone. I'm going through the thread and making notes on each that have been mentioned thank you! Wish I could go to a Best Buy, but we don't have one sadly.

 

[tinkgirl1984]

Normally, I would say Otterbox Defender without a doubt. I'm on my 3rd phone with a defender (upgrades, not breaks. Lol. I have a 5s right now. I also had a 3gs and 4s with defenders) and I'd never have another case. However, like a pp said, they're not waterproof, and a Lifeproof is. On the flip side of that. If she drops it anywhere other than in water, Lifeproof isn't nearly as protective as Otterbox. You have to decide which is more important.