Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro vs Otterbox Defender: Which Armor Case is Better

Over the years, Supcase has slowly and steadily established itself as a trusted maker of phone cases, flagships to be more precise. Its range of armor cases such as the Unicorn Beetle Pro has proven to be a popular and trustworthy choice for they can take almost anything you throw at it without breaking a sweat (or a component).

The Otterbox Defender is another series made for flagships like the Galaxy Note 9 and iPhone XR. These phone cases are known to be perfect for clumsy people. Otterbox promises the ultimate level of protection from its Defender series, be it an accidental drop or regular wear and tear.

But if you were to pick one between the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro and the Otterbox Defender, which one would you choose? And more importantly, how would you know which case is better suited for your needs?

Well, that’s what we are going to find out today in this cases comparison.

Let’s find out!

Design

With case makers churning out unique and chic cases these days, it’s important that the case also does justice to the beautiful designs of smartphones these days. However, at the same time, it shouldn’t undermine the quality of the case.

Let me clarify that when you buy an armor case, you have to compromise on the looks of the phone to a great extent. Such an armor case hides the svelte looks of your Galaxy S10/S10 Plus or iPhone XR a few layers of shockproof material.

Under the rugged look of the Otterbox Defender lies a series of layers that are meant to shield the phone. And as we mentioned above, these layers combine to give the phone an ugly and bulky look. Plus, there’s the case of the holster clip to consider. This one adds considerable bulk to the overall phone. On the upside, this removable clip also doubles as a kickstand for a hands-free movie watching experience.

A typical Otterbox Defender for the iPhone XR measures about 6.4 x 3.5 x 0.6 inches, according to Amazon, while the actual phone measures 5.9 x 3 x 0.33 inches. So, you can calculate the added bulk that this case brings with it.

Interestingly, the Unicorn Beetle Pro has the same dimensions (for the iPhone XR). However, that’s where the difference ends. Firstly, it has a built-in kickstand at the back of the case, and as far as the holster is concerned, you can clip it on/off whenever you like.

Secondly, there’s the case of the screen protector. Unlike the screenless Otterbox Defender cases, this one bundles a hefty screen guard that keeps the screen safe from ugly scratches and in worse case scenarios, cracks, and bruises.

The openings for ports and buttons are precisely cut. And staying true to the promise of dust and dirt protection, both the cases have covers that wrap around these ports.

Also, both cases come in a bevy of colors and patterns. While the Defender cases for the Samsung Note 9 and Galaxy S10 have three color options, the ones for the iPhone are available in an assortment of beautiful colors and patterns.

As opposed to it, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro for both the iPhone XR and the Galaxy S10 Plus are available in many colors. But if you are looking for patterned cases, you’d be disappointed, at least for now.

Pricing

The Otterbox Defender retails for $59.95 for the Galaxy S10, $69.95 for the Galaxy Note 9 and the iPhone XR, and $49.95 for the Google Pixel 3.

You can save about $8-$10 if you buy from Amazon.

On the contrary, the Unicorn Beetle Pro for the iPhone XR retails for $28 while the one for the Samsung Galaxy S10 is priced at $38. Again, you can get it for as low as $18.80 on Amazon.

But at the end of the day, does the massive difference mean that poor quality or subpar protection in the case of the Unicorn Beetle Pro? Well, let’s find out.

Do the Cases Stay True to Their Promise?

Both the makers claim that their respective cases can keep out dust, dirt, and moisture and protection against accidental drops. Otterbox claims that its multiple layers are designed to deflect shock and absorb impacts.

If we go by the user reviews, the Otterbox Defender series cases have more than 79% positive reviews, with a huge chunk of users praising its quality against drop protection.

The OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone XR has around 4.5 stars out of 5.

The only issue is that it doesn’t provide a 360° protection. If you want to protect the screen from scratches, you’ll have to invest in an Alpha Glass which costs an additional $15.95 for the iPhone XS. Plus, some users have found some issues with the wireless charging through the Samsung Wireless PowerShare.

Interestingly, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro cases have seen far more reviews than the Defender series.

The one for the iPhone XR has more than 600 reviews and has grabbed a 4.5 rating on Amazon.

At the same time, people have praised it for its durability and ease of use. Unlike the Defender series which can be a tad difficult to install, this one’s installation is a breezy affair.

Note

: The Galaxy S10’s case doesn’t come with a screen protector.

Which One Should You Buy?

Quality flagships call for quality phone cases. But, it depends on other factors like your budget, your usage pattern, and other variables. If you are someone who keeps dropping their phone often, then the Defender Pro would be a better option.

But if you are more careful about your $1000 phone and do not drop them but want something to back them should the inevitable happen, you can settle for the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro. These are value-for-money cases and should keep them in pristine condition.

Next up: Confused between silicone or leather cases? Read the following comparison to make a better buying decision.