OtterBox Symmetry Case for Galaxy S8 & S8 Plus Review

OtterBox has a whole line of cases for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, and the Symmetry case is their thinnest and lightest weight case available. There’s the Defender case for those that are really tough on their smartphone. Then the Commuter, for those that want something tough, but not as bulky. Finally there’s the Symmetry, which is for those that want a decent case with drop protection, but not make their smartphone look and feel so large. And that’s exactly what it does for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus.

The OtterBox Symmetry actually comes in a few different variations. There’s the clear model, a matte color model and then a metallic. Here we have the clear one on the Galaxy S8 Plus and the metallic on the Galaxy S8. They each look rather unique, although the clear one will likely be more popular, since you can still show off the Galaxy S8’s design. However the downside to the clear model is the fact that it is prone to fingerprints, much like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. The Symmetry case does add a bit of bulk to your Galaxy S8, as is expected, but it’s not that bad. It’s actually pretty average. This is also the only case from OtterBox that does not have flaps over the USB-C and headphone jacks, so that’s a good thing for users.

Now when it comes to the buttons, with this being a hard case, they are a bit tough to press. At least on the clear model. The metallic model has a TPU inner-shell which makes the buttons easier to press. But they do ease up with time, which is good to see. OtterBox does also have a cut out on the back of the Galaxy S8’s Symmetry case for the camera module. And the side near the fingerprint sensor is chamfered a bit to make it easier to use the fingerprint sensor, as well as finding the sensor. And yes, the fingerprint sensor works great inside this case.

The Symmetry case is a good looking case, although the matte finish would probably be a crowd favorite as it should offer up more grip than the metallic and clear models do. They do offer some grip, so that it is tougher for the Galaxy S8 to slip out of your hand. Like all of OtterBox’s cases, the Symmetry case is indeed drop protected. So you can drop the Galaxy S8 in this case, and it won’t shatter like it would if the case was not on the device. Which is important for a lot of people, especially those that might be a bit clumsy. Seeing as the Galaxy S8 is a pretty expensive device, clocking in at around $750. Also important is how easy it is to take the OtterBox Symmetry case on and off of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, in case you do want to use it naked for a bit.

Of course, the big question is whether you should buy the Symmetry case for the Galaxy S8, and there’s really no reason not too. OtterBox is known for their very protective cases for many smartphones, and while it may not protect the Galaxy S8 as much as their Defender or Commuter cases, it does still do a great job at protecting it, which is the reason you are buying the case after all. The OtterBox Symmetry Case starts at $39.95 for the Galaxy S8 and $49.95 for the Galaxy S8 Plus, both are available on OtterBox’s website as well as Amazon (of course, you’ll get faster shipping out of Amazon, but OtterBox is currently running a 15% off everything promo for Mother’s Day).