Review: OtterBox Impact case for Nokia E71/E71x

As you all know I am a huge fan of the Nokia E71 and E71x (check out our Nokia E71x Starter Guide) and primarily just pop the devices in my pants and shirt pockets. With their slim form factor and stainless steel casing I have not yet had any issue with damage and wasn’t really looking for any type of case. I then saw one of my favorite case makers, OtterBox, announce the Nokia E71 Impact Case and had to give it a try with my E71x. After using it for a week on my AT&T E71x I have to say this is a very nice silicone case that gives you some decent bump and shock protection, along with another nice surprise I was not expecting.

In the box

The OtterBox E71/E71x Impact Case comes in a clear plastic container with some OtterBox black and yellow colored materials listing the features and directions for using the case. Thankfully it is not one of those impossible to open plastic containers either and is actually simply to separate into two halves. There is a thin piece of cardboard in the shape of the E71 inside the silicone case.

I took the case out and then pulled out the written materials. I was surprised to find that there was also a screen protector inside the package, along with a installation card and small cleaning cloth. I had actually been looking for a screen protector to keep the display scratch-free while it is stored in my pocket.

Case features

The case is made of black soft silicone material that feels great in your hand. The silicone is textured on the sides and around part of the back. The words OtterBox are embedded on the back center of the case. There are opening for the camera and flash, microSD and microUSB slots, speaker, charging port, microphone, 2.5mm headset jack and infrared port.

There are clearly identified areas stamped into the silicone for the power button, volume buttons, and Push to Talk center button. I found pressing these areas easily performed the action intended by pressing the button.

The entire front is open so you can view the display and use the keyboard without any hindrance.

The case measures 4.61 inches x 2.44 inches x 0.68 inch and weighs just 0.79 ounces.

Using the case

The malleable silicone case is very easy to put on the Nokia E71/E71x as you simply place either the top or bottom of the E71 into the case and then pull up the other end over the end of the E71. The case is held on the E71 by just over 1/2 inch on each end of the device, down to the top of the display and up to the bottom of the keyboard.

The screen protector has two pieces of protective film with sticker tabs on each side that you can easily remove to mount the protector. The screen protector is easy to place on the display, uses self-adhesive, and is made of durable plastic that seems to do a great job at protecting the display.

I was still able to pop the E71x in my pants and shirt pockets with the case, but felt a bit better setting the E71x down on the table since I knew it would not slide around and would be protected a bit from bumps. The case adds very little to the E71x so you don’t have to sacrifice size much to get some protection.

There is no belt clip for this case, but I moved away from using belt clip cases just over a year ago and instead put my devices in my pockets or in my gear bag instead so I am not holding this against any case I try out.

If you are looking for a good silicone case, this is one of the best I have tried with reasonably thick silicone that feels very durable. I like the textured pieces that seem to give you a better grip on your device too. The screen protector is a nice addition to the package that gives you some front protection. I highly recommend E71x owners give this case a try if they are looking for some type of protection at a reasonable price.

Price and availability

The Nokia E71/E71x Impact Case is sold through the OtterBox website for $19.95. It comes only in black, which matches the E71x perfectly. Their cases have a one year limited warranty against defects.

There is also an OtterBox Nokia E63 Impact Case available for $19.95.