Seidio Convert vs Otterbox Defender

[UncleMike]

I've had my Nexus in an Otterbox Defender since day 1 a little over a year ago. In that time I've had 5 warranty claims on the case and/or holster. The clip that holds the top of the phone in the holster has broken at least twice, the plastic case itself broke at least once (from a fall onto concrete), the belt clip broke at least once (snapped off when the holster got caught on something as I was standing up). The phone itself has survived many drops.

Otterbox has been great about replacing these things without question, but each time I've been left without a usable case/holster solution while waiting for the replacement components to arrive. Most recently, I was over 1 month past the warranty period, and they still replaced the broken parts without question. I can't say enough good things about their customer service. However, the ill-fitting case (designed for the CDMA Nexus, but used on my GSM Nexus), the down time and being out of warranty made me look for an alternative, fearing that my next warranty claim won't be honored.

I just got the Seidio Convert Combo. The case itself fits the phone like a glove - it's like night and day when compared to the Defender. I like that the spring clip locks, but when unlocked I think the spring is too weak, as is the spring on the belt clip. I also find the whole thing to be less "grippy" thank I would like.

So far I have some concerns about the Seidio Convert Combo,:

1. Do the springs hold up well?
2. Do you find the phone is released too easily from the holster if the spring clip bumps something when in the unlocked position?
3. Seeing that the port covers (USB and head phone) are only held in place by their shape (as opposed to snapping in behind the hard part of the case like the camera cover and the port covers on the Defender), do they remain in position over the long term, or do they tend to be more "floppy" over time?
4. Does the case seem a bit too slippery?

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used both cases, as well as people who only have experience with the Seidio Convert Combo.

Also - for anyone with the Seidio, what do you use for a car mount?

 

[spy_pyro]

So far I have some concerns about the Seidio Convert Combo,:

1. Do the springs hold up well?
2. Do you find the phone is released too easily from the holster if the spring clip bumps something when in the unlocked position?
3. Seeing that the port covers (USB and head phone) are only held in place by their shape (as opposed to snapping in behind the hard part of the case like the camera cover and the port covers on the Defender), do they remain in position over the long term, or do they tend to be more "floppy" over time?
4. Does the case seem a bit too slippery?

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used both cases, as well as people who only have experience with the Seidio Convert Combo.

Also - for anyone with the Seidio, what do you use for a car mount?

I have used the Seidio convert since I got my Galaxy Nexus back in April 2012, and has been the only case I've used on my phone. I actually have the regular one, and the convert for use with the Seidio extended battery. I'll answer yourt questions point by point based on my experience-

1. The springs for the clip as well as the lock have held up well for me. I have gotten worried that they'd eventually fail with all the in and out of the holster I do daily, but surprisingly they didn't die yet. And I have had my holster snagged on things like seat belts and such but it didnt die, so I'm good.

2. I haven't ever had my phone "accidentally" release from the holster. Even if I don't lock it I find that it takes an amount of force to pry the phone out or the tab up to get the phone out.

3. Nearly 1.5 years into using my cases, they have NOT begun to "tear" off nor have they lost their resiliency to go back into proper position.

4. I don't think the case is too slippery, as far as in my hand grip. If you are referring to the outer plastic part- okay, I wouldnt mind it if it had more traction on table tops and counters. The rubbery part is pretty grippy but when its laying flat on its back it does slide fairly free on a smooth surface, but if you place it glass down it doesn't go anywhere.


Hope my feedback helps you out = )

 

[UncleMike]

It absolutely did. Thanks. I've been using the case for about 1 week now and my concerns have diminished quite a bit. I've had no accidental releases, nor have I had the holster accidentally come off my belt. In fact, several times I've had trouble getting it off my belt. Otterbox disappointed me with their Galaxy Nexus Defender, and but Seidio has impressed me with their Convert case. For my next phone I expect I'll be looking at Seidio first.

 

[spy_pyro]

Since its the convert case, I pull off the body armor and just use the "surface" case, and slide it into one of those cheapy clips on ebay. sometimes i stick it to my windshield but i was willing to stick on the smooth base for the suction cup to use it dashboard mounted.