Otterbox Pursuit vs Defender: What is the Difference?

Numerous different Otterbox cases have come out, and all of them protect smartphones well. But how can anyone decide on a phone case when so many promising options exist? When you compare the Otterbox pursuit vs Defender, you might better know which case is best for you.

If you’re a tech lover or own a smartphone, you’ve probably heard much about Otterbox cases. When we look at the Otterbox Pursuit vs Defender, we can see if improving upon the best smartphone cases out there is possible.

We’ve all become familiar with the Otterbox Defender case. The Defender is a heavy-duty protection system you can use, so you don’t have to treat your expensive device like a piece of glass all the time.

The Otterbox Pursuit case has a modern design that offers high levels of protection for your device, and it is one of the newer options from Otterbox.

By comparing Otterbox Pursuit vs Defender, you can see exactly what is different about each and which case may be better for you. As always,  it will come down to personal preference.

But you will be able to make a better decision when you know what the difference is between Otterbox Pursuit and Defender cases.

Otterbox Pursuit vs Defender: What is the Difference?

Otterbox Pursuit

The Otterbox Pursuit is something slightly different. In fact, size alone is a major difference between the Defender and Pursuit. Pursuit cases are built with a modern design that is thinner than the Defender but still thicker than the average case.

The thickness adds to the protection, but it’s not thick all over. Right in the middle of the case, where you would usually grip your phone, the Pursuit is thinner, which makes it feel less bulky than it is.

The rubber on the bottom and the sides makes it easier to grip, but the back is smooth and somewhat slick.

Otterbox Defender

The Defender is a heavy-duty protection system, as the design reflects. Those who have used a Defender case know that it adds to the size of your device.

Some people prefer the additional size and weight because it feels more sturdy and can be handled better. It’s been a long time since the first Defender case was released, and it is not unusual for people to pull the port covers off and for the case to stretch out a bit over time.

But it’s also normal for the Defender to last for 3-4 years before it would be time for a new case.

Otterbox Pursuit vs Defender | Protection

Otterbox Pursuit

The Pursuit is built for protection, just like any other Otterbox case. The port cover is thick enough to ensure that no dust or particles enter the case or phone.

The camera cutout is surrounded by foam, which ensures that dust and particles don’t slip through that back hole or build up around the camera.

The edges of the case are built in such a way that if your phone drops flat on its face, the edges will prevent your screen from hitting the ground.

Otterbox Defender

The Defender case is built to be a smartphone tank. In fact, people have tested the drop protection of the Defender and say you could drop it from whatever height you want, and your phone will be fine, maybe not from the top of the Eiffel Tower, but from high enough to not worry.

The Defender case has been known to have dust build up around the edges of the front and around the portholes. But as far as drop protection goes, the Defender is the case to rely on and has been for some time.

Otterbox Pursuit vs Defender | Conclusions

The Pursuit and Defender designs are meant for protection, but the Pursuit is thinner and has a more modern design. If you compare the protection on a scale, the Defender offers slightly more drop protection than the Pursuit.

However, with that protection from the Defender comes more weight and bulk. This is where it comes down to personal preference. Would you prefer a case with a lot of protection but is bulky or a case with slightly less protection but is thinner?

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