> It seems odd to prioritize buying a thin, light phone and then put it in an Otter Box
Not everyone prioritizes buying thin phones, but it appears aesthetics is a big deal for you. I'm your opposite: all I want to see when I'm using my phone is its screen. Having a case made out of soft material that can absorb energy when it is dropped (not "if") has saved it on multiple occasions at the cost of adding ~1mm to the thickness.
