Review: The 2022 Otterbox Cases Are an Excellent Choice for Your New iPhone 14 Pro

When you’re looking for a case for a brand-new phone, you want one that will protect it from all of the accidental abuse you may inflict on it. Otterbox is my go-to brand when it comes to protection. My very first iPhone, an iPhone 4s, was exclusively housed in an Otterbox case, and I have used Otterbox on several other devices, including my current iPad Air 4.

The Otterbox iPhone 14 Lineup

This year’s lineup of cases from Otterbox includes a wide selection of case styles and designs. No matter your case preferences, you’re likely to find something that suits you. In fact, I think the diversity of their selection is one of the things that really sets Otterbox apart from other case makers. They offer a variety of cases with different:

• Levels of drop protection.
• Sizes, weights and materials.
• Charging tech (MagSafe).
• Styles, colors and designs.

I got a chance to test out several of the new cases from Otterbox on my new iPhone 14 Pro. The cases each come with a drop rating which is given as [some number of times] as many drops as military standard. They range from 2X to 5X as many drops as military standard. Otterbox divides its cases into Series.

Defender Series

The Defender Series is further broken down into the Defender, and the Defender XT with a “Pro” added to the name when the case has the integrated antimicrobial tech.

These are top-of-the-line when it comes to protection. Each Defender Series case is rated at 4X or 5X as many drops as military standard. I got to take a look at the Defender Pro XT Clear in Lavender Sky ($69.95 at Otterbox MagSafe iPhone 14 Pro case | OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT) and the Defender XT in Blooming Lotus ($69.95 at Otterbox MagSafe iPhone 14 Pro case | OtterBox Defender Series XT Case).

Conclusion

If you want a case that really protects your iPhone, this is a great option. Despite the thick walls of the case, it adds little weight. The buttons are still easy to press, and the case feels nice and solid in your hand. The case may be a little challenging to put on, but if you don’t change cases often, this may not be a big deal.

Symmetry Series

The Symmetry Series is a sleeker line of cases than the Defender. There are a few variations within the Symmetry Series, and those with a ‘+’ in the name have built-in magnets for MagSafe compatibility. They are rated at 3X as many drops as military standard. I tried out two versions of the Symmetry Series, the Symmetry+ in Clear ($49.95 at Otterbox Trendy iPhone 14 Pro case | OtterBox Symmetry Series+ Phone Case) and the Otter+Pop Symmetry in You Cyan This? ($59.95 at Otterbox PopSockets iPhone 14 Pro Case | Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Phone Case). The latter is an interesting case that boasts a built-in PopSocket.

Conclusion

The Symmetry Series is a solid choice for those looking for a basic case for their new iPhone. It protects your device without added bulk and is a less expensive option for those that don’t feel they need the additional protection offered by the Defender Series cases.

Commuter Series

The Commuter Series by Otterbox is a rugged-looking, two-part case that will serve most of your iPhone case needs. It’s rated at Otterbox’s 3X drop protection, is slimmer than the Defender Series cases and much easier to put on your phone. I tested the Commuter in Trees Company ($39.95 at Otterbox Thin iPhone 14 Pro Case | OtterBox Commuter Series Phone Case).

Conclusion

For those who need a basic but rugged case and don’t want to spend too much to get it, this is an excellent option. The major downside to this case is the lack of MagSafe compatibility, but if you don’t use MagSafe accessories, this could be the case for you.

Strada Series

The Strada Series is Otterbox’s line of leather, folio-style cases. These leather cases feature a magnetic closure and a card/ID holder inside the front cover. They are rated at 3X as many drops as military standard. I tried out the Strada in Espresso ($69.95 at Otterbox iPhone 14 Pro Leather Case | OtterBox Strada Series Folio Phone Case).

Conclusion

The Strada case is a good-looking leather case with a protective rubber interior. This is a case for those who like the look of leather and would enjoy the folio-style cover. However, you may want to consider if scuffs and wear at the edges would bother you before settling on this case.

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