OtterBox Symmetry Opal Prism Case REVIEW

Stylish, Sleek, Attractive, Magsafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max from OtterBox.

As we approach the start of the Christmas season, I imagine many will be looking to upgrade to a new iPhone.  Even though some choose to risk it and go au natural, sans case, in the buff, and free, I cannot imagine simply “risking it” with such an expensive device.  I want a drop protective, grippy case with responsive buttons, an accessible USB-C port, and screen/camera protection.  For those looking to upgrade their visual and physical iPhone experience, consider picking up an OtterBox Symmetry case.

The OtterBox Symmetry Series case arrived in classic OtterBox style.  The OtterBox name and logo were listed at the top left, and the product name was listed at the top right in bold white font upon a dark, black background.  The lower segment of the panel listed several product features (MagSafe compatible, 3x tested to Military Drop standard, Bounce-back buttons react to touch) and had an iPhone 17 Pro Max sticker. The primary focus of the cover was the large central open window view of the pastel blue case.  The back panel provided a few extra case features in a variety of languages (Hassle-free limited warranty, Raised edges protect camera and screen, built-in anchors for phone straps.  Lastly, the side panels listed the product name, and the bottom panel provided company contact information. 

I lifted the top panel and slid the 1.2-ounce, 3 13/16-inch-wide by 6 5/8-inch-tall by 1/2-inch-thick case from the packaging.  I removed the cardboard spacer and set it aside for later (QR code to learn more).  The left side panel had an etched OTTERBOX name and a 1 5/8-inch-long by 3/16-inch-tall recessed cutout with a 5/16-inch-long by 1/8-inch-tall action button and dual 1/2-inch-long by 1/8-inch-tall volume buttons.   The right side panel provided a 13/16-inch-long by 3/16-inch-tall recessed cutout for the 11/16-inch-long by 1/8-inch-tall power button, and a 7/8-inch-long by 3/16-inch-tall recessed cutout for the touch-sensitive 3/4-inch-long by 1/8-inch-tall camera button.  The bottom panel had a 1/2-inch-long by 1/4-inch-wide oval-shaped USB-C port and flanking 5/8-inch-long by 1/8-inch-wide speaker cutouts.  Lastly, both rounded bottom corners had a convenient accessory lanyard loop cutout (not included).   

The iridescent, light blue-pink-dark blue, back panel had a white MagSafe ring along the middle segment and an upper camera protective border that extended 1/8-inch above the backplate (total thickness=5/8 inches). I slid the left side (volume button side) of my iPhone 17 Pro Max into the case, then pressed the top, right, and bottom panels into place.  I liked the snug fit, the easily accessible USB-C port, and the texture/feel of the side panels. Each of the buttons matched the phone’s buttons precisely and provided a responsive, comfortable experience. The rigid, yet smooth back plate connected to the rubbery, grippy silicone side panels.  The case felt silky in my hand, yet had a gummy feel to the sides, which improved grip/feel.  I liked that the case’s front panel protruded above the screen and offered glancing protection.  The case easily accommodated an OtterBox screen protector without any modification. Additionally, the posterior MagSafe ring provided strong attachment to magnetic stands and wireless charging through MagSafe chargers.

My biggest concern about the case was with the camera protection.  I liked the raised, camera-protective edges, but was less comfortable with the wide-open, unprotected middle segment.  I preferred the more protective, surround-style backing of the ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case, and the way the plastic encompassed the three cameras, lidar, flash, and microphone.  In contrast, the Symmetry case provided similar side and glancing protection for the camera but less direct impact protection.  To test the case, I dropped the protected iPhone onto a hardwood floor from approximately three feet to simulate a phone being knocked off a table.  I repeated the test three times, each time landing on a bottom corner or flat on the bottom panel.  Each time, the case bounced a few times before settling onto the back panel.  The raised protective lip kept the camera angled up and away from the floor’s surface.  I was pleased to find no damage to the case and phone after the tests. I did not want to recreate the test over a bunch of debris, like rocks or other sharp/hard items.

Even though the ESR case gained favor on the camera protection, I preferred the lanyard ports on the Symmetry case.  I attached a CASTiFY Lovestruck Blues Phone charm to the case and found that the pink/blue color matched the case’s colors perfectly. The lanyard port was easier to use than the small port on the right side of the ESR case.  It is important to note that the built-in phone strap anchor is an intended feature of the Symmetry case and not an OtterBox defining feature.  For example, neither the OtterBox Commuter case for iPhone 17 Pro Max (review coming soon) nor the Defender Pro XT case for iPhone 17 Air (review coming soon) had lanyard ports.  Lastly, the Symmetry Series case had a protective, touch-capacitive layer over the camera button.  According to several websites, the cost to repair the camera button can approach $750.  The Symmetry case’s protective layer did a great job at protecting the button and maintained the touch-sensitive functionality. 

Learn more about the Otterbox Symmetry Case and follow OtterBox on Facebook and TikTok.