REVIEW – Otterbox is a name that is almost ubiquitous for device protection. I am not a big fan of overly thick, bulletproof-proof cases, but their Western Noir moniker is cute and the patterns are interesting, so when they were offered to the team, I volunteered. And maybe they can be protective without hampering the feel of my already-pretty-big-phone. Let’s take a look.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $49.95
Where to buy: Otterbox.com
What is it?
The Otterbox Symmetry Series Western Noir is a protective phone case with a Western design pattern on the back.
Tech specs
- Moody monochrome color treatment with Western-inspired patterns
- Ultra-sleek design that flows with the lines of your phone
- Built-in anchors let you connect phone straps and charms
- Tactile buttons feel just like your phone’s
- Raised edges around the camera protect against hard hits
- Screen lip keeps display hovering safely off surfaces
- Rigid case design with reinforced corners
- Built-in magnets snap firmly to MagSafe chargers and accessories
- Simplify with OtterBox cases, power and accessories for MagSafe
- Works with OtterBox screen protectors
- Limited lifetime warranty and hassle-free customer service
Design and features
The Western Noir series of cases from Otterbox is a set of four themed designs. I was sent the Buckaroo, a black leather-feeling case with simulated white over stitching. There is also the Midnight Ride, (a black/grey/white case with a cowboy roping on a range with Seguro cacti and mountains in the background on it), Bronco (black with white running horses in a pattern on it), and Holstein (looks like cowhide – or a Gateway computer box).
The cases are typical Otterbox – beefy side/edge protection, form fitting, with integrated buttons that press the actual buttons while protecting them. The edge over the new Camera Control button is cut away and you use the actual button. (This new feature of the iPhone 16 series was unknown before launch, so manufacturers were all shooting in the dark about how it would work. The button accepts both clicks and touch movements, so building a new interface was a bet not all manufacturers were willing to take. If it failed, there would be a lot of returns. Many followed a similar path to the one Otterbox did and just allowed access directly to the phone. I’m sure their labs are already designing a protected button for the next phone!)
Setup
It’s a case. Put it on your phone. I recommend putting it on starting with the edge that has the most buttons first. Your mileage may vary.
Performance
My criteria for phone cases are simple: does it prevent the phone from slipping out of my hands or across a surface like a car hood? And does it not overly enlarge the phone by being too thick or adding bezels and such? The Otterbox Western Noir case succeeds on both points. Bonus points for the two lanyard attachment points on the corners near the port and speakers. I’ve not used lanyards except when on boats or when in really high profile pickpocket areas, but having them built in is certainly a nice feature. The case feels good. You can tell it’s not leather, but it is close. The “stitching” looks great and doesn’t show any signs of wearing off after a few weeks of use.
The camera button cutout was something to get used to. I haven’t yet started to use this new button much, so I’m accidentally hitting it as much as I did with just the phone sans case and other cases with a window over it. Having the case edge just “go away” was strange the first few times my hands felt it, but I soon got used to it. It’s just how the case is. MagSafe items snapped into place easily and never once slipped. I use a lot of MagSafe items throughout my day, so this was important. When you’re holding your $1300 phone by a handle that is held in place with magnets, you have to trust them.
Final thoughts
Otterbox is probably the most recognized name in phone cases. I remember some of their earlier cases for Palm devices back before the earth’s crust was fully hardened. I’ve not used them, however, because they have tended to be pretty bulky. When we were offered this current lineup, however, I softened a bit. I have a friend who has a 16 Pro Max and works on a ranch in Texas. In the worst-case scenario, I could give it to her if I didn’t want to keep it. The first time I went out in public with it on at a game night, a friend spotted it in my shirt pocket and squealed “I love your iPhone case!” I sent my Texas friend a pic and she loves it as well. OK, maybe there’s something to be said for style after all. I’m not gonna go out and buy cowboy boots anytime soon, tho.
What I like about the Otterbox Western Noir iPhone case
- ”Very cute designs
- Buttons function well
- Decent protection for camera mesa
- Lanyard/charm attachment points built in
- Solid edge and port area coverage
What needs to be improved?
- The cutout for the Camera Control button is a bit abrupt. Due to the thickness of the case, it’s quite stark, but the edges are smooth. I’d just have preferred an insert.
Price: $49.95
Where to buy: Otterbox.com
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by OtterBox and the company did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
