Love this case, Hard core case was the perfect answer, buttons are easy to push and the phone is always completely covered. I often go without the extra silicone layer but put it on if I know I'm doing something which is a little more intense. The waterproof mesh proved its merit when I dropped my phone in a parking lot March 2013 and it was covered in really wet snow. Phone stayed nicely dry. The one reason it is not 5 stars is there is not plastic over the front facing camera. Occasionally dirt gets inside through that area. I then have to remove the case to clean my screen.

These cases are the best there is! In two words (Bomb proof).

I work in a messy business. I owned an Otterbox Defender, touted by Verizon as an "unbreakable case". Within 3 months the port-covers had either fallen off, or were beginning to fall off, the silicon layer. Additionally, rogue particles, liquid spills, etc., were often found to penetrate the case - which means it is not even water resistant. I had heard of Ballistic via the iPhone's "Best Cases" article, and inquired if one would be for sale for the S III. I waited FOUR months. However, the wait was not in vain. Immediately, the fit and finish is superior to the Otterbox defender. There are no gaps in the silicone / hard shell layers, there are no real ways to compromise the port-covers, since they can be further covered by an outer layer of silicone. Additionally, the screen is EASIER to tap with the Hard Core protection case than with the Otterbox's, which means fewer typing or clicking errors when trying to make a note, or even check up on my academics (yes, I'm also a student as well). Two thumbs up.