Just wanted to post a review for my generic LifeProof case that I got yesterday, purchased on eBay for around $10.99 (including shipping). If anyone is interested in a case like LifeProof but can't justify spending $80.00 on a case, this could be a good read for you...
I know many sellers on eBay sell knock off LifeProof's CLAIMING it's a real one, but the seller I bought from clearly admitted and made it clear that this case was generic.
Case physically looks identical to a real LifeProof. It's a white/grey color combo case (I have a white 4S). Came with all accessories included with the real LifeProof: cleaning cloth, extra headphone jack cap, waterproof headphone adapter, etc.
Did a water test and the case seals 100%, not a drop inside. Now, who knows if the case will be waterproof for hours, but it passed the test after about 5 minutes.
However, even though it passed the test, I didn't actually purchase this case to take my phone underwater. I feel that even if a case virtually had no chance of letting water seep in, I still would be extremely hesitant to take it and submerge it completely in water.
I simply purchased this case to be safe. If something happens to spill on it, or if someone happens to place it down on a wet table, etc, I won't freak out. And another reason why I wanted this case was because it covers and seals all the speaker/receiver ports (that love to collect dirt and lint). My 2 year old 4S actually looks brand new still because I have used charge port covers and headphone jack covers since buying. This case will insure that it stays in mint condition!
Quality of the case seems pretty good. The plastic isn't as "rubbery" as the actual LifeProof, but the only difference physically, between this case and a real LifeProof is the "LifeProof" logo on the back. This case simply has "Patents Pending" where LifeProof is usually printed. I have a friend with a white LifeProof and side by side you can't even really tell which one is the real one. Pretty damn legit knock off.
Sound quality seems to be fine. I made several calls yesterday, and didn't have one person ask me to speak up, or tell me they couldn't hear. I can also hear the other person 100% fine, with no noticeable reduction in volume or quality.
One thing I noticed is the speaker loudness seems a bit lessened, I'm sure this is typical. However, just like the real LifeProof, the back of the case almost acts as a sub woofer, so if you are playing music and you lay the phone on it's front face, it actually gets louder. Also, simply unlatching the charge port cover also brings back the original sound quality and loudness. Even with the case on, the speaker is still loud enough to allow me to listen to Pandora at a loud enough volume. Sound quality also seems a tad "tinny" now, again nothing that bothers me.
Touch screen operation is a bit different. There is a slight gap between the built in protector and my screen, so sometimes I have to push slightly more to get the screen to react. But I am starting to get used to it, and my typing is going back to normal. One thing also, they recommend taking your screen protector off, I kept mine on, so I essentially have two screen protectors. But in my opinion, having the extra screen protector closes the gap a bit and makes the screen MORE responsive, then if it were naked.
Volume buttons, mute rocker are sort of hard to activate. Power button works great. The sides of the case are a bit more rigid, so you really have to sort of press (use your nail) to push the side buttons, but it doesn't bother me enough to hate it. Ive also noticed that in one day of putting it on, that they have become easier, so it's something that eventually will wear in.
The only thing I can't vouch for is the cases drop protection. I don't plan on testing that at all, however I have heard from some people with the real LifeProof, that their iPhone shattered after a fall in the LifeProof. Maybe because it's a more rigid case? Either way, many others also claimed that they have dropped it several times and it's fine. So I guess it's just the luck of the draw.
That wraps up my review of my LifeProof knock off. Seems to legitimately do just as well, and reading reviews from real LifeProof owners, users complain about similar issues that this generic has (screen sensitivity, speaker volume, etc)
I know they say you get what you pay for, but in this case (no pun) I got a bargain for 1/8th the price of a real LifeProof.
We will see how this case fairs. I might keep my 4S because it's still mint and works perfect, but I might decide to get the 5S in the fall, and will certainly buy a generic LifeProof for that as well.
Thanks for reading, generic LifeProof get's 9/10.
I know many sellers on eBay sell knock off LifeProof's CLAIMING it's a real one, but the seller I bought from clearly admitted and made it clear that this case was generic.
Case physically looks identical to a real LifeProof. It's a white/grey color combo case (I have a white 4S). Came with all accessories included with the real LifeProof: cleaning cloth, extra headphone jack cap, waterproof headphone adapter, etc.
Did a water test and the case seals 100%, not a drop inside. Now, who knows if the case will be waterproof for hours, but it passed the test after about 5 minutes.
However, even though it passed the test, I didn't actually purchase this case to take my phone underwater. I feel that even if a case virtually had no chance of letting water seep in, I still would be extremely hesitant to take it and submerge it completely in water.
I simply purchased this case to be safe. If something happens to spill on it, or if someone happens to place it down on a wet table, etc, I won't freak out. And another reason why I wanted this case was because it covers and seals all the speaker/receiver ports (that love to collect dirt and lint). My 2 year old 4S actually looks brand new still because I have used charge port covers and headphone jack covers since buying. This case will insure that it stays in mint condition!
Quality of the case seems pretty good. The plastic isn't as "rubbery" as the actual LifeProof, but the only difference physically, between this case and a real LifeProof is the "LifeProof" logo on the back. This case simply has "Patents Pending" where LifeProof is usually printed. I have a friend with a white LifeProof and side by side you can't even really tell which one is the real one. Pretty damn legit knock off.
Sound quality seems to be fine. I made several calls yesterday, and didn't have one person ask me to speak up, or tell me they couldn't hear. I can also hear the other person 100% fine, with no noticeable reduction in volume or quality.
One thing I noticed is the speaker loudness seems a bit lessened, I'm sure this is typical. However, just like the real LifeProof, the back of the case almost acts as a sub woofer, so if you are playing music and you lay the phone on it's front face, it actually gets louder. Also, simply unlatching the charge port cover also brings back the original sound quality and loudness. Even with the case on, the speaker is still loud enough to allow me to listen to Pandora at a loud enough volume. Sound quality also seems a tad "tinny" now, again nothing that bothers me.
Touch screen operation is a bit different. There is a slight gap between the built in protector and my screen, so sometimes I have to push slightly more to get the screen to react. But I am starting to get used to it, and my typing is going back to normal. One thing also, they recommend taking your screen protector off, I kept mine on, so I essentially have two screen protectors. But in my opinion, having the extra screen protector closes the gap a bit and makes the screen MORE responsive, then if it were naked.
Volume buttons, mute rocker are sort of hard to activate. Power button works great. The sides of the case are a bit more rigid, so you really have to sort of press (use your nail) to push the side buttons, but it doesn't bother me enough to hate it. Ive also noticed that in one day of putting it on, that they have become easier, so it's something that eventually will wear in.
The only thing I can't vouch for is the cases drop protection. I don't plan on testing that at all, however I have heard from some people with the real LifeProof, that their iPhone shattered after a fall in the LifeProof. Maybe because it's a more rigid case? Either way, many others also claimed that they have dropped it several times and it's fine. So I guess it's just the luck of the draw.
That wraps up my review of my LifeProof knock off. Seems to legitimately do just as well, and reading reviews from real LifeProof owners, users complain about similar issues that this generic has (screen sensitivity, speaker volume, etc)
I know they say you get what you pay for, but in this case (no pun) I got a bargain for 1/8th the price of a real LifeProof.
We will see how this case fairs. I might keep my 4S because it's still mint and works perfect, but I might decide to get the 5S in the fall, and will certainly buy a generic LifeProof for that as well.
Thanks for reading, generic LifeProof get's 9/10.
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