One of the most successful casing for protection is the Otterbox Defender Series. It provide protections against drop / impact, dust / debris and scratches. However, like any other products, the Defender has some serious challengers too. Today we will introduce the Newertech NuGuard KX for iPhone 5S.
What's in the package, warranty & Price
Otterbox Defender
- Otterbox Defender Casing
- Holster / Belt Clip
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
- Price: RM189
Newertech Nuguard KX
- Nuguard KX casing
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Price: RM180
Size and Weight
Size
Otterbox Defender - 5.32 in x 2.75 in x 0.64 in
Newertech Nuguard KX - 5.15 in x 2.6 in x 0.48 in
Weight
Otterbox Defender - 65gm
Newertech Nuguard KX - 30gm
Verdict: Unless you are looking for a Bulky Protective Case for your iPhone 5/5S, then Otterbox will be your choice. But since most of us would prefer a thinner case, as long as the protection is the same, the Newertech Nuguard KX with smaller dimensions and weight will be the clear winner.
NUGUARD KX Wins.
Safety Profile - Drop Protection
Otterbox Defender can protect against drop up to 6.6 feet while The NuGuard KX has been tested to withstand impact from a height of 20 feet on solid ground. Nuguard KX also dropped from a Wind Turbine with a height of 200 feet to the snowy ground.
Verdict: While not many of us will drop their phone from 200 feet, but there are incidences where phones are drop from 1st floor to ground floor. So, it doesn't harm much to get a better drop protection case.
NUGUARD KX Wins.
Safety Profile - Dust Protection / Scratch Protection
Otterbox Defender comes with 1 layer of integrated Plastic Screen Protector that helps to prevent scratches and protect against dust. While the integrated screen protector can be scratched, it does protects the iPhone 5/5S screen. Meanwhile, the Newertech NuGuard does not come with any front protection. You will need to get a separate screen protector to prevent the screen from scratches. And you can only use those case friendly screen protectors such as the XtremeGuard for iPhone 5/5S.
Verdict: Money savings for Otterbox Defender. Since there is an integrated Screen Protector, you do not need to pay extra to get a separate screen protector. On the other hand, XtremeGuard is currently not available in Malaysia so it will be difficult for user to get one.
Otterbox Defender Wins.
Well, these are some of the points that you might be considering when choosing between the two case. Both have their pros and cons.
Otterbox Defender
The size of the casing is the main weakness of the Otterbox Defender. To have a full comfortable grip on the phone, you will need a bigger hand and this narrowed their market. Most ladies will find it challenging to hold the case properly. It comes with a belt clip although I find it difficult to remove and attaching the phone. The drop protection are up to 6.6 feet which is higher than an average adult height, no problem if you drop your phone when you are talking on the phone. However, if you accidentally drop it from the upper floor, then you might face the risk of damaging your phone.
The main benefits for the case is the protection against dust and scratches. If you are someone who works in a construction site or other field with a lot of dust, then this case will be a good purchase. And the integrated screen protector also protects your phone's screen from scratches. Having said that, the plastic screen protector itself is not resistance to scratches, so over a period of short time, you will find a lot of tiny scratches on it. And soon, the case will not be usable as it will be full of scratches.
Newertech Nuguard KX
The main weakness of the case is the compatibility of screen protectors. Although the iPhone 5/5S screen comes with a scratch resistance properties, it's not scratch proof. In my opinion, a phone without a screen protector is prone to scratches. This is the area Newertech will need to improve. Rumours that Newertech is going to launch a new glass screen protector that is 100% compatible with the case, and if this is true, then this will be the greatest improvement. But until then, the best option for the time being is the Liquid Screen Protector or the XtremeGuard Case Friendly Screen Protector for iPhone 5/5S.
On the positive end, Newertech NuGuard KX is the only casing that have been tested against drop from a Wind Turbine at the height of 200 feet to the ground. And they are also the first to offer a limited lifetime warranty for the casing. This proves on the high quality material that can fight against time.
Note: To overcome the weakness on Newertech NuGuard KX, Connect2U are currently providing FREE Liquid Screen Protector for buyers. We are planning to get the XtremeGuard Case friendly screen protector for our customers too. Until we able to get the stocks in, we are to continue to offer the liquid screen protector.
For more information on both casing, kindly contact Connect2U at cc@connect2u.my or reply below.
Thank you for reading.
