It was said by otterbox.com that the iPhone 4 Otterbox Defender case doesn’t fit the iPhone 4S because “They made a change to the camera and proximity sensor.” I couldn’t find anything to back this and even when contacting Apple, they said no changes were made. It led me to a question. Spend $50 on a model made specifically for the 4S, or spend $16 for a model that Apple says should fit the same? Easy choice.
I received both my iPhone 4S and $16 Universal iPhone 4 Otterbox Defender from Amazon in the mail today (please note as indicated you need to purchase the Universal iPhone 4 Otterbox Defender). As you can see in the picture above. There is no proximity sensor issue. The camera lines up correctly, as does the front speaker. The home button functions perfectly as well.
Looking at the device from a side angle you can see that the vibrate switch is towards the bottom of the opening. However, as it may not be apparent. The button is not touching the case and fully functional. While I don’t have specific clearance dimensions, I’d say it’s about 0.150 mm. Close, but not to where it’ll cause an issue toggling the switch or hitting the case.
The volume switches are lined up correctly and work as intended as does the power switch.
The big question of course was the rear camera. As you can see from the picture, the flash is perfectly centered. The 8MP camera lens is not blocked at all by the case opening. There is a metal ring around the camera lens. The camera cutout rests on this ring, so it does no interfere at all with your shots or appear in your pictures. The case works perfectly on the iPhone 4S, just as it did/does on the iPhone 4. I’m the kind of person that goes for the best deal, so as this case works fine. I see no need to spend more money on the current model.
A lot of people get confused about the top port on the otterbox and complain about it not lining up with the headphone port / earphone jack. This is not a defect and as you can see in the above is by design. The opening is for the top microphone to the right of the headphone port. As you see it lines up correctly. To use headphone you will always need to flip the tab out. Again this is not a defect and is by design.
Thank YOU! I was almost going to buy the 4s case, but my gut told me they were misleading when they said the 4 case wouldn’t fit. Ordered on Amazon tonight.
thanks for the info!
You did not show if the port for the ear phones lined up or if I had to open the flap to use the ear phones. please help thanks
The hole on the top is NOT for the ear phones. A lot of people get confused about that. The hole on the top is for the microphone to the right of the ear phones. It does line up with that as intended.
To use head phones you have to open the tab. I’ll put up a pic later to demonstrate.
updated it with a picture
Hi, thanks for the info. Can you tell whether the Defender case interferes at all with the camera flash. Some cases deflect the flash back into the camera lens and cause a ghost or glare effect. I’m hoping the Otterbox doesn’t do this, because I’d like to get it for my new 4S
Good question. No, this case doesn’t cause any glare issues. If you look at the back you’ll notice the camera and flash have two separate solid cutouts. This keeps flash contained within it’s space.
To my knowledge, the flash issues were with cases such as the original Griffin Reveal, where it was a single tight cutout shared with the flash and camera. That allowed it to deflect back into the lens.
I’ve taken several pictures with flash. No issues.
You never mentioned anything about the heat sensor. They are saying not just that there were problems lining up the buttons and the camera lens but that the heat sensor was having problems. When you have a 4 case on a 4s phone, the screen doesn’t dim when your holding it up to your ear to talk.
Didn’t mention because it’s not an issue. The screen dims just as it should.
Also, the raise to ear to use Siri functions just as it should. The screen dims or brightens based off the light in the room as it should, etc..
Everything functions like it’s supposed to..
I’ve been using this case since Friday. Would’ve taken it off already if there were issues. I may make another quick video just to show the sensor function, etc..
This is what I have been debating for weeks on buying: http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-Defender-Case-iPhone-White/dp/B0049MEDAI/ref=sr_1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1318820833&sr=1-2 I just want to make sure that everything should work properly. Everyone is telling me it’s a no go. I get more concerned since it’s a universal and might fit differently than a regular defender. What’s your wisdom?
That link is listed as AT&T otterbox. That will not fit. You have to make sure it’s the universal one http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-Universal-Defender-Silicone-Plastic/dp/B004M5KV3A/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1318821396&sr=8-7
Otherwise the vibrate button will definitely not as the AT&T button higher then Verizon / 4S
I have an at&t 4s though.
Me too. Universal, just meant that it fit both the Verizon iPhone 4 and AT&T iPhone 4.
The iPhone 4S (all carriers) has the same layout as the Verizon iPhone 4. That’s why any case that was designed for the Verizon iPhone 4 and/or for both (Universal) work on the iPhone 4S.
Michael Williams you are the man.
Thank you for this very helpful article and video!
does it also fit iPhone 4s in black?
they both have the same dimensions, so yes it will fit the black 4s as well.
In the cmpolaicted world we live in, it’s good to find simple solutions.
i tried it this morning but idk if the otterbox i tried was a universal are there other otterboxs that arnt universal?
Yes. There are otterbox cases that are only for AT&T models. Those will not fit. The vibrate switch will not line up correctly.
The universal case should have the following text in the bottom left corner “Compatible with all versions of the iPhone 4.”
I purchased the universal Otterbox from the above link but it does not say “Compatible with all versions of the iPhone 4.” The Amazon description does say for Verizon.
I bought the universal one from the above link at Amazon. It says that it will fit the veizon but does not have any writing on it that says “Compatible with all versions of the iPhone 4.” I dont have the 4s yet but am wondering if not having that inscribed on the case will make a difference.
The wording on my box is like this
I’m not certain if you are referring to the wording on the box (as in you received it already), or the Amazon description being different?
At any rate, the Verizon iPhone 4 and all iPhone 4S models are virtually if not identical in spacing. So either way you’ll be fine. See this pic. Left to right it’s: Verizon iPhone 4, ATT iPhone 4, iPhone 4S.
what about the proximity issue?
doesn’t exist
should i get the invisa shield as well? the tech at the store said that dust can get in where the speakers are and scratch the lens
No, don’t get it. These cases are fitted and designed to be used without a shield. Over time, or if you remove the phone from the case. The shield will end up peeling off. So you’re going to end up wasting the money you paid for the shield.
Also keep in mind the lenses have cutouts on the shields so even if installed they’d still be exposed anyway.
I don’t think it’s worth it, but most of all. From the other reviews I’ve looked it. The shields always peeled when mixed with this case and seemed to interfere with the touch as the otter has it’s own from shield. Basically makes it twice as thick.
Side note, if you’re talking about a Zagg invisible shield. In my experience on multiple devices, with multiple installations. They are junk.
I bought a purple universal one from Walmart,and the part where the proximity sensor is at had a black strip on it. So it was blocking my sensor…I don’t know why they would put that on there..but I cut it out with a razor blade and it works fine now:0)
Thanx M!
Back-Order means not available / not in stock currently.
You’d want that number to be 0, meaning all your items are available.
Black strip would’ve been a product defect. I’d have exchanged, but yes, removing it would do the same.
No they put it there to block sensor…I work in electronics at Walmart it’s on all of them..I guess that’s why they are not compatible..because the purposely blocked the sensor…def not a product defect..
Will my Iphone 4 car charger also work with the the 4S?
Yes, the opening is large enough to fit any type of charger
Thanks, I ordered the same case from Amazon & just got my 4S, glad to know the Defender will fit!
I’m seeing that Otterbox claims that the universal case will NOT WORK on 4s (White) phone. Can you confirm\deny this claim?
I’m purchasing four 4s AT&T phones- they should arrive in two week ( 3 black and 1 white). I just want to make sure before I order these through Amazon. Thanks for your help
Lies. I have a white iPhone 4S as posted above. Been using since the 14th. No issues at all.
Thanks Michael…you just saved me over a $100!!
Do you know if the Commuter case for iPhone 4 fits the new white 4S ? this seller clamies it, is that true ?
Best regards
Nicklas
As long as the case is universal it will work.
This article, video and your responses to questions has helped me more than any other. Thank you!
I’m glad I found this article, I got my 4s a few days ago but have been carrying it around in its box due to lack of case! I wanted an otterbox and your link came up when I googled to see if 4 cases would fit 4s phone. Thanks for saving me much needed cash!
My question is, do you advise against getting ANY sort of screen protector? I’ve been going through amazon looking for a decent set with good reviews and haven’t really found much.
I’m really anti-scratches. I had a screen on my ipod touch when I had one last year. The blackberry bold I just retired in favor of the 4s had tiny little scratches all over the screen from kicking around in my pockets, purse, etc. I HATED it and want to avoid it with this phone.
Thanks for the advice!
Does the “oil slick” appearance continue to be an issue with the Otterbox Defender screen. I had to use an anii-glare protector first to avoid this issue on my Iphone 3GS with the Otterbox.
I got the oil slick a couple of times but found out it’s a sealing problem. After 3-4 tries, I was able to slide the case on with a bit of pressure held down on the back, forcing the screen into the protective screen and sealing it. Haven’t had a problem since.
Michael, thanks for making the internet a better place! Great information.
I got two sets from Amazon after reading your post. Just wanted to say thanks for helping me saved some money.
I just purchased the AT&T Apple Iphone 4S.I also ordered 2 Universal Otterbox Defender Series for Iphone 4 on Amazon they were deliver b4 the phones arrived and b4 I found out that it may not fit. Thinking my wife had purchased her Iphone 4S but instead she bought the HTC Android.Thank God that the Otterbox Defender Series for Iphone 4 I am using on my Iphone 4S fits well and haven’t had no problems with.I check Otterbox website which they state that the case does not fit for Iphone 4S its only for Iphone 4.The only issue is as the video Michael points out the mute switch is blocked by case plastic frame but is not touching it.Its not a big issue and is accessible. I guess I will keep extra case for a christmas present. Thanks a lot I started to return the cases via Amazon but STOP and waited fir th phones to arrived and it worked saved the money only paid $21.25 each for them. Thanks for the video.
Thanks michael for all your comments and insights. Is there a reason why I need to flip open for audio head set? The hole next to it is for video microsoft, but there could have been another hole for audio jack…..
Just wondering, and also noticed that when inside the hard shell, audio jack will not work or could break the cover.
Would welcome expert opinion and also if there is a version that provides a hole in hard shell version.
Will the iPhone4 car charger work on a 4S? There are few on Amazon for $3 but they warn against 4s use. Are the connector different on 4/4s or its just a gimick to charge more? Thanks in advance.
I am using my Ipod touch charger with no problems.:)
Sorry with multiple Q, but as I was researching for Otter defender Series Universal iPhone 4 case, I also noticed fale and real cases which are being sold (fake box print in poor quality). Is there a safegaurd against ending up with a fake otter defender and finding the hard way when this fake case is dropped on a concrete….? If you have a real case, I will like to know the seller…I am looking for blue/black color. Thanks.
Mudit…The real Otterbox products are marked with symbols and numbers.They located on the inside plastic hard shell;the inside silicone protector and on the inside belt clip case holster.Look for those three symbols two square with round corners one is label ‘REV (LETTER) CAV(#) on the left.The other square with round corners shows a four digit # on the left side.I the center there is a circle with a dial with numbers from 1-12 and there is an arrow pointing at one of the numbers on the dial as the arrow shows in the center of the circle the number is pointing too. That was the first thing Otterbox requested me when I had a warranty issue wih my case. I bought two cases at Amazon for my Iphones at a great price.It was worth it but buyer beware.Peace
Thank you. I just dropped and damaged my iphone 3gs. I replaced the glass and everything worked except for the voice on the phone. So I managed to get a white 4s from Rogers (I’m from Canada). I love the Ottobox Defender 4 white case. This white case colourway is not available in the Defender 4s series.
I bought my all white case to go with my all white 4s phone. Thanks my brotha!
Hi could you tell me if the ipod touch 4g fits any other otterbox defender case. These are for my children for christmas and just can’t afford to pay what they want for the ipod touch right after i just dropped 500.00 for 2 ipod touch’s . Any info would be grately appreciated .
Thank you very much for providing this information. Based on your your experience and description, I ordered, and just received, an iPhone 4 case for my 4s. It fits just fine (a little tight by the vibration switch, as you mentioned, and I am happy to have saved $30.
I have a square credit card reader and tried using it with my ipad with the otterbox case on. It would not work because the case kept the jack for the square from going down far into the earphone jack enough to work.
I am getting and iphone soon and love the protection and otterbox gives my tech stuff. Does anyone know if the otterbox on a iphone will work with the square? I had to take off half the otterbox on my ipad to make it work.
I don’t have one to say for sure, but from looking at pics online and doing a comparison. I’d say no. You should look into something like a Headphone Adapter. Quick solution.
Hey Mike, your info saved me on a few extra bucks and a waste of valuable time in buying another case made especially for the 4S. I really appreciate thoughtful people as yourself who share valuable info like this especially during these stressful economical times.
Thanks again.
blackhammer
Would you happen to know if the attachable fisheye or the wide angle lens can be attached to the back camera while the iPhone is in a 4s defender or reflex series Otterbox?
I’ve looked at a few lenses and don’t see any that would work with the otterbox. The ones I saw don’t look like they’d really work with any case though.