Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
LifeProof Fr iP5 case
- Thread starter mrbunglez
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I must have got lucky because mine is overall great..people can hear me on and off speaker, i can listen to music on/off speaker, no sensor or end call issues..
hopefully you guys will get the new batch which works fine, specially if you need protection daily...i use my case once a month or so when i travel, besides that its naked..
next weekend, colorado ski trip! - record while snow boarding - check
Cancun in december - pics on the beach - check
NYE in vegas - check
just these three trips are worth the 80.00 for me.
hopefully you guys will get the new batch which works fine, specially if you need protection daily...i use my case once a month or so when i travel, besides that its naked..
next weekend, colorado ski trip! - record while snow boarding - check
Cancun in december - pics on the beach - check
NYE in vegas - check
just these three trips are worth the 80.00 for me.
Last edited:
I love mine too. I don't have any issues. Well thats after I peeled of the plastic on the back piece that covers the apple logo. Great case !!!
I hope Lifeproof will replace the cases for those of us with bad ones that don't let you end calls! Emailed a couple days ago and no response. Phone lines are apparently jammed.
An update.
I was in group A. I got my email at 12:24 EDT on November 6, 2012. I ordered around 9pm that night. The case was shipped on Nov. 7, 2012 using the free UPS Mail innovations method. I was not provided with a tracking number. On Nov. 8, I called LifeProof support that said there was a a website error that prevented them from seeing the tracking numbers but the case was shipped.
On Nov. 10, the case arrived from California to my location in Virginia via USPS.
I opened the box and performed the 1 hr waterproof test and passed. The back case was slightly warped (like a banana as previously mentioned) but conformed once the case was closed. I removed the plastic sticker/cover over the back panel circle window.
I registered the 3 serial numbers for the 1 year warranty and cleaned my phone using the included cloth. When I opened the case, the O-ring came out slightly so I had to re-seat it. I used an eye glass cleaner (which is designed to be safe on all anti reflective and coated lenses and glass) on my phone and on the case to make sure it was crystal clear and clean. The cleaner was misted on the cloth and then used to clean all clear areas of the case and phone, including the back panel.
I put the phone into the front of the case and pressed down to make sure it was firmly in, however I noticed the "rainbow" effect. A quick search shows this is caused by left over moisture (probably from my lens cleaner). I took the case and the phone to a fan for a while and then outside to a cool environment for an hour.
I installed the phone in the case again but still noted some rainbow effect, although it was much less than before. I assume that time and natural evaporation will resolve this issue over time. I snapped the back onto the case and left the bottom charge port and headphone jacks open. Since I heard so many complaints about pillow effect, I tried the FAQ solution to squeeze air out immediately. After doing this, I closed the ports and tested the phone in the case.
Results:
Pillow Effect: It can be seen at the top near the front camera/earpiece/light sensor/mic. The middle of the screen is fine. The very bottom also has a slight raise near the home button. When typing in portrait mode, pressing the space button will require more effort. Everything else seems fine.
Rainbow Effect: As mentioned, some slight rainbow-ing that I expect to go away with time. It is only noticeable on dark screens when looking at the phone on an angle.
Proximity Sensor issues: I did a test call and covered the sensor with my finger as well and raised the phone to my ear a few times. The screen cut off as expected.
Note: Pressing the End call button worked without a problem. Since it is near the bottom, it may take a slightly harder tap.
Buttons: All buttons work as they should. The mute toggle button is stiff.
Sound Quality: The case resonates on certain frequencies which lowers the quality of the playback of audio or speakerphone calls. The sound no longer comes out of the bottom ports at all; but rather seems to just come from the back panel. The volume is reduced a bit. The resonating sound is part of the case vibrating on the back panel of the phone.
Camera/LED Quality: No problems with the camera on the back or front with quality noticed. However, the lens opening on the back camera does look to me 1-2mm too small and cut some minute amount of light out of the sides.
Mics: The back microphone (in between the lens and LED light) is covered. There is only a slight "dent" there. I think this will affect some of Apple's noise cancellation or audio recording when doing video on the back camera. The same might go for the front mic. When on speakerphone, the phone turns on the front mic (located in left part of the earpiece area) to help with noise canceling. Without good feedback from the mic, echoing or improper cutouts in audio happen.
I tested Siri and Google's voice app for voice recognition and they both worked flawlessly (low noise area).
Design question: I'm not sure why there is an extra hole/window next to the front mic. This is NOT what is pictured on the lifeproof web site.
The case snaps together but there are slight variances in the width so you can tell by feel the line of where the case separates.
There is no holster for this case yet according to lifeproof support.
//Edit/Additional
It seems the cost of having a case that isn't bulky is lack of physical space to have those separate layers to really bolt the phone down or to separate the screen protector. Also the water proofing comes at a cost to audio quality. I really hope LifeProof learns from the nuud ipad cases so the new cases can remain water proof while having no (or a better) screen protector.
I'm leaving this case on because so far I don't have major problems that affect the usage of the phone. I have registered for the warranty and EXPECT to use it within the year. As time goes on, I can see refinements in manufacturing as well as a new version (just like the 4/4S case revision) that may improve upon some of the shortcomings of the case.
I was in group A. I got my email at 12:24 EDT on November 6, 2012. I ordered around 9pm that night. The case was shipped on Nov. 7, 2012 using the free UPS Mail innovations method. I was not provided with a tracking number. On Nov. 8, I called LifeProof support that said there was a a website error that prevented them from seeing the tracking numbers but the case was shipped.
On Nov. 10, the case arrived from California to my location in Virginia via USPS.
I opened the box and performed the 1 hr waterproof test and passed. The back case was slightly warped (like a banana as previously mentioned) but conformed once the case was closed. I removed the plastic sticker/cover over the back panel circle window.
I registered the 3 serial numbers for the 1 year warranty and cleaned my phone using the included cloth. When I opened the case, the O-ring came out slightly so I had to re-seat it. I used an eye glass cleaner (which is designed to be safe on all anti reflective and coated lenses and glass) on my phone and on the case to make sure it was crystal clear and clean. The cleaner was misted on the cloth and then used to clean all clear areas of the case and phone, including the back panel.
I put the phone into the front of the case and pressed down to make sure it was firmly in, however I noticed the "rainbow" effect. A quick search shows this is caused by left over moisture (probably from my lens cleaner). I took the case and the phone to a fan for a while and then outside to a cool environment for an hour.
I installed the phone in the case again but still noted some rainbow effect, although it was much less than before. I assume that time and natural evaporation will resolve this issue over time. I snapped the back onto the case and left the bottom charge port and headphone jacks open. Since I heard so many complaints about pillow effect, I tried the FAQ solution to squeeze air out immediately. After doing this, I closed the ports and tested the phone in the case.
Results:
Pillow Effect: It can be seen at the top near the front camera/earpiece/light sensor/mic. The middle of the screen is fine. The very bottom also has a slight raise near the home button. When typing in portrait mode, pressing the space button will require more effort. Everything else seems fine.
Rainbow Effect: As mentioned, some slight rainbow-ing that I expect to go away with time. It is only noticeable on dark screens when looking at the phone on an angle.
Proximity Sensor issues: I did a test call and covered the sensor with my finger as well and raised the phone to my ear a few times. The screen cut off as expected.
Note: Pressing the End call button worked without a problem. Since it is near the bottom, it may take a slightly harder tap.
Buttons: All buttons work as they should. The mute toggle button is stiff.
Sound Quality: The case resonates on certain frequencies which lowers the quality of the playback of audio or speakerphone calls. The sound no longer comes out of the bottom ports at all; but rather seems to just come from the back panel. The volume is reduced a bit. The resonating sound is part of the case vibrating on the back panel of the phone.
Camera/LED Quality: No problems with the camera on the back or front with quality noticed. However, the lens opening on the back camera does look to me 1-2mm too small and cut some minute amount of light out of the sides.
Mics: The back microphone (in between the lens and LED light) is covered. There is only a slight "dent" there. I think this will affect some of Apple's noise cancellation or audio recording when doing video on the back camera. The same might go for the front mic. When on speakerphone, the phone turns on the front mic (located in left part of the earpiece area) to help with noise canceling. Without good feedback from the mic, echoing or improper cutouts in audio happen.
I tested Siri and Google's voice app for voice recognition and they both worked flawlessly (low noise area).
Design question: I'm not sure why there is an extra hole/window next to the front mic. This is NOT what is pictured on the lifeproof web site.
The case snaps together but there are slight variances in the width so you can tell by feel the line of where the case separates.
There is no holster for this case yet according to lifeproof support.
//Edit/Additional
It seems the cost of having a case that isn't bulky is lack of physical space to have those separate layers to really bolt the phone down or to separate the screen protector. Also the water proofing comes at a cost to audio quality. I really hope LifeProof learns from the nuud ipad cases so the new cases can remain water proof while having no (or a better) screen protector.
I'm leaving this case on because so far I don't have major problems that affect the usage of the phone. I have registered for the warranty and EXPECT to use it within the year. As time goes on, I can see refinements in manufacturing as well as a new version (just like the 4/4S case revision) that may improve upon some of the shortcomings of the case.
Last edited:
TERRIBLE!!! Followed all the instructions, and I don't like any part of it especially for an $80 case. The only good thing is its waterproof and that's it.
-major pillowing
-major rainbow
-cheap plastic
-sound of music sounds terrible, major distortion
-did i mention pillowing?
-pillowing
-oh and pillowing
Obviously I don't like the pillowing effect at all. It is so bad that it really does affect typing on the display. Nothing registers correctly at all especially where the spacebar is since its the closest to the home button. Quite a disappointment.
-major pillowing
-major rainbow
-cheap plastic
-sound of music sounds terrible, major distortion
-did i mention pillowing?
-pillowing
-oh and pillowing
Obviously I don't like the pillowing effect at all. It is so bad that it really does affect typing on the display. Nothing registers correctly at all especially where the spacebar is since its the closest to the home button. Quite a disappointment.
I read elsewhere (maybe this thread) that the 30 pin adapter will not fit. Based on pictures of the adapter and physically looking at the lifeproof fre case, I would have to say it is not possible for it to fit. Only the cabled versions will work as there is about 5mm of the case in the way from the base of the phone port.
Pretty much all cases will not work with the adapter. The only ones that do are the ones with an open bottom (such as the Incipio Feather).
45 minutes doesn't even allow for the 1hr water test! What made you feel it was junk?
I found a flaw that warrants a return. I tried screwing in the headphone adapter only to find it wouldn't screw in all the way. I took some cloth and needle nose pliers to get enough grip to screw it all the way in only to find that I couldn't unscrew it at all. The casing and plug rotated but the metal part with the threads would not. I would have to break the adapter and use needle nose pliers to grip the metal threaded base to slowly unscrew the adapter.
I can and will still use the case... Once I find one that does not have issues.
I found a flaw that warrants a return. I tried screwing in the headphone adapter only to find it wouldn't screw in all the way. I took some cloth and needle nose pliers to get enough grip to screw it all the way in only to find that I couldn't unscrew it at all. The casing and plug rotated but the metal part with the threads would not. I would have to break the adapter and use needle nose pliers to grip the metal threaded base to slowly unscrew the adapter.
I can and will still use the case... Once I find one that does not have issues.
Huh? when did I say you weren't a dude. I wasn't even talking to you or about you... And yeah TC must mean thread creator, was just wondering.
The other parts of the response wasn't directed at you it was directed at the person who used "TC" chill. I Should've been more clear who it was directed to.
I did not even perform the water test since I was never planning to use it underwater (which still baffles my mind as to why a person needs a phone under wet conditions). The case has plenty of flaws such as muffling volume, static noise, front protector, rainbow effect, etc. Certainly not worth $87...I would rather use the otterbox defender which also has its own issues than the lifeproof...
You guys have the newer version with the white foam in the back or the original version with the clear plastic strip?
It's going back
I am a boat captain and musician (I suppose that's a weird combo...) and have been using otterbox defender cases on my iphones for years. I've had one on my new iphone 5 since I got it in September. I do not like the ports, and thus, dust particles getting under the screen protector...it drives me crazy! In addition, these wide-open entry points make me nervous when it comes to splashing water.
I purchased the lifeproof case on Saturday and have run it through it's paces since then. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with this case. Here are my issues (many you have seen posted here repeatedly):
1. Dust still got under the screen protector (probably through the charging port).
2. Pillowing prevents me from ending a phone call without hitting the home button first.
3. Feedback in the ear.
4. Because the back of the case is "banana" shaped, the middle touches the phone slightly which causes the whole phone to buzz when playing music or using any tones for alerts, phones calls, etc.
5.Adapter to use earphones, etc is annoying.
It's going back and my search for a case continues...
I am a boat captain and musician (I suppose that's a weird combo...) and have been using otterbox defender cases on my iphones for years. I've had one on my new iphone 5 since I got it in September. I do not like the ports, and thus, dust particles getting under the screen protector...it drives me crazy! In addition, these wide-open entry points make me nervous when it comes to splashing water.
I purchased the lifeproof case on Saturday and have run it through it's paces since then. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with this case. Here are my issues (many you have seen posted here repeatedly):
1. Dust still got under the screen protector (probably through the charging port).
2. Pillowing prevents me from ending a phone call without hitting the home button first.
3. Feedback in the ear.
4. Because the back of the case is "banana" shaped, the middle touches the phone slightly which causes the whole phone to buzz when playing music or using any tones for alerts, phones calls, etc.
5.Adapter to use earphones, etc is annoying.
It's going back and my search for a case continues...
You are a better person than I. The not ending calls drove me nuts, had to return the case because of that.
Lifeproof has already revised the iPhone 5 case and has not told it's customers. The 2nd version has a soft white foam strip on the back plate instead of the hard clear plastic strip. It also has thinner black strips around the speaker/ear piece on the front plate.
Here is a picture showing the 2 versions.
I frequently use mine in a kayak.
I commute to work via bike. It occasionally rains.
I can see why personally. That said, I've swapped mine for a Taktik Lunatik. But mine's a 4s.
I love the concept of the Lifeproof cases.
I dislike the price and I am concerned about the real world issues being brought up in this thread by others.
But the thing that extremely CHAPS MY @SS, is how the Lifeproof company uses their marketing tricks to make me feel special about being on an e-mail list for "pre-ordering", then promptly sends (at a minimum), hundreds of cases to BBY long before I get a chance to purchase one.
That alone does not make me feel special in the least. Therefore, I must not matter to them for having interest in their product long before it was available. I can then surmise that they will not miss my $100 of product purchasing.
I dislike the price and I am concerned about the real world issues being brought up in this thread by others.
But the thing that extremely CHAPS MY @SS, is how the Lifeproof company uses their marketing tricks to make me feel special about being on an e-mail list for "pre-ordering", then promptly sends (at a minimum), hundreds of cases to BBY long before I get a chance to purchase one.
That alone does not make me feel special in the least. Therefore, I must not matter to them for having interest in their product long before it was available. I can then surmise that they will not miss my $100 of product purchasing.
Lifeproof has already revised the iPhone 5 case and has not told it's customers. The 2nd version has a soft white foam strip on the back plate instead of the hard clear plastic strip. It also has thinner black strips around the speaker/ear piece on the front plate.
Here is a picture showing the 2 versions.
Image
I have the version 2 and it it terrible if you read my post above.