A:AnswerUsually any color other than black or pink cost more...they don't offer many colors or patterns and when they do they seem to be more expensive.
No there is not a carrying case that comes with it and there is no extra glass protection. If you want those options they are only offered in the Defender styles.
I have had both the Commuter and Defender and personally recommend the Defender. I bought a Commuter and then the additional glass protection and it was much more expensive then if I had just purchased the Defender.
If you are like me and occasionally drop your phone and don't want the fear of broken glass then I recommend the Defender. The sides on the Commuter are not high enough to ensure safety (of the glass) and it's almost guaranteed to be broken if you drop it on its face or even on the side.
My 13 yr old wanted the Commuter bc of the color and bc it is less bulky than the Defender, however, her $50 protective glass was broken within 10 days. My 17 yr old son has a Defender and has accidently dropped his phone in the river while fishing as well as dropping it often playing basketball and the phone doesn't have a scratch.
Lastly the Commuter does not offer the same protection at the charging and earbud ports as the Defender. I'd choose the Defender unless you are extremely careful with your phone and never drop it.
Hope this helps