My wife had both the commuter and lifeproof case for the iPhone 4. They were quite similar in thickness. However the lifeproof is wider and taller to make room for the waterproof seals.
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LifeProof Fr iP5 case
- Thread starter mrbunglez
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My wife had both the commuter and lifeproof case for the iPhone 4. They were quite similar in thickness. However the lifeproof is wider and taller to make room for the waterproof seals.
Finally got the new one on. Much better fit screen wise. No issues with the prox sensor. Still vibrated but easily resolved with an additional piece of padded tape towards bottom of case.
Slightly pillows at the top and bottom, but not exaggerated like my last case.
So after playing around with the Fre case for a little more than 2 weeks now, the sound has improved quite a bit, but if you hold it or press it a certain way it'll buzz, as long as you leave it alone its fine. The other problems still persist, rainbow, pillowing (there's enough play to lightly touch around the home button), proximity sensor is off.
I got both the 1st and 2nd generation frè cases.
The 2nd generation has foam on the back which creates proximity issues which creates buzzing while on calls.
The 1st generation gets clacking when on speaker caused from the clear part from the back panel (which I suspect they tried to fix on the 2nd gen by putting foam, but I think the foam pushes the front panel too close to the proximity sensor). This can be solved by putting a small piece of paper on lower portion of the back panel.
I do like this case, just thought people should know what to do if they wanted to fix this problem on the 1st gens.
The 2nd generation has foam on the back which creates proximity issues which creates buzzing while on calls.
The 1st generation gets clacking when on speaker caused from the clear part from the back panel (which I suspect they tried to fix on the 2nd gen by putting foam, but I think the foam pushes the front panel too close to the proximity sensor). This can be solved by putting a small piece of paper on lower portion of the back panel.
I do like this case, just thought people should know what to do if they wanted to fix this problem on the 1st gens.
Sound Vibration issues can be fixed by adding a very thin layer of padding on the back of your iphone so the back of the case doesn't vibrate on the back of the case. I put folded tissue paper in there (1-2mm thick) and it got rid of most all of the sound quality issues on speakerphone.
Ideally LifeProof will make this fix in the future revisions of the case, but for now this will work as a temporary solution.
Ideally LifeProof will make this fix in the future revisions of the case, but for now this will work as a temporary solution.
The first gen has plastic strip on the top of the back case. The 2nd gen has foam on the back case.
I think the first gen can be fixed with a small paper on the back to fix the clacking during speaker.
2nd gen has the proximity buzzing during a call which I have no idea how to fix.
Buzzing on both revisions is from the back case. The proximity sensor's problem is a problem with spacing or clarity of the lens used.
I didn't get any proximity buzzing on the first gen. I think it's because the foam pushes the sensor too close to the front case on the 2nd gen.
Got a replacement from BestBuy and its better but still not perfect. It is the second gen. with the foam in the rear. In comparison to my friends iPhone 4S 2nd gen. case I found the following.
-pillowing is better but i find you still have too much of it towards the home button area. 4s feels much more flush in that area especially to the sides of the home button.
-rainbow has improved quite a lot but is still somewhat of a problem. You really have to look at it when the screen is dark. 4s case has none whatsoever.
-sound is 100% better, no vibrations.
-haven't tested the proximity sensor yet, will have to wait till tomorrow.
-pillowing is better but i find you still have too much of it towards the home button area. 4s feels much more flush in that area especially to the sides of the home button.
-rainbow has improved quite a lot but is still somewhat of a problem. You really have to look at it when the screen is dark. 4s case has none whatsoever.
-sound is 100% better, no vibrations.
-haven't tested the proximity sensor yet, will have to wait till tomorrow.
Is it just me or is Lifeproof's CS really that terrible? I have tried calling day and night to get nowhere. Its either a busy signal or an extremely long wait (about an hour) only to get nobody. I've tried e-mail, which is the only way that has yielded any type of response and that usually take on average about a month or so.
//rant
//rant
I was on hold for almost 45 minutes on Nov. 19 and finally talked to someone. She was very helpful with my warranty claim and replacement. I had no issues with their CS.
is there a 3rd generation? im holding out for a new improved fre and if there is anyone out there who have the fre and commuter case to do a side by side comparison. i would so love you 
I did get in contact with someone finally but it took forever. She was nice and all but man people shouldn't have to wait an hour. Its worse than the DMV!
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is there a 3rd generation? im holding out for a new improved fre and if there is anyone out there who have the fre and commuter case to do a side by side comparison. i would so love you
I'm unaware of the 3rd generation. I'm on the list to have a replacement case that is supposedely coming at some point. I'll update as soon as I receive it.
I guess I was right, I was holding on getting this case, because I was afraid it would scratch my black I5... And it did, after 48 hours of use... The "texture" they put on the back pice is too much for the black I5 (And yes, I checked my phone closely before installing the case, and after removal since I was worry about this)
I think they had dropped the ball with this case big time, the 2 parts do not join well at all, in mine, the back pice would stick out, I hate that it does not seat flat when I put it on the table, and removing all the glue from the orange sticker on the back of the case was a PITA... I will give it a couple of weeks, and take it back for a replacement.
I think they had dropped the ball with this case big time, the 2 parts do not join well at all, in mine, the back pice would stick out, I hate that it does not seat flat when I put it on the table, and removing all the glue from the orange sticker on the back of the case was a PITA... I will give it a couple of weeks, and take it back for a replacement.
I originally called on Nov. 10 reporting my issues and it's been a little over 2 weeks but I have just received my shipping confirmation that they are sending me a replacement case. If I do not return the old one within 15 days, they will charge my original billing method.
I called LifeProof Support at 3:08 EST. 20 minutes later, I was able to speak to someone who was able to look up my account by my name and provide some information.
My case was a 18000 production and already had the foam back and extra padding around the proximity sensor. I questioned the support representative about any changes but he was only able to list those 2 changes for the "2nd revision" case. Do his defense, he also claimed not to be directly in touch with the engineering and development department so minor tweaks may have happened.
My case does sit flat.
After cleaning the case and installing the phone, rainbowing happens. However, every time I leave the phone and case open and out for a while and reinstall the case, the rainbowing disappears.
Proximity sensor/End Call issues - Unless I press down on that proximity sensor's padding at the top, the phone does not like to register that I'm not holding the phone up to my head. The block to the end call or other buttons is a protection apple has to make sure you don't hang up with your face.
My headphone adapter was broken. It would not screw all the way in or unscrew. The threaded part was loose inside the outer plastic casing.
Speakerphone and back vibrations. This happens and is the worst part. I made my own fix by folding tissue paper a few times and placing it over the apple name on the back of the phone. I closed the case with this little extra padding and 95% of the vibrations and speakerphone quality issues disappear.
About scratching the phone - I do not see how it's physically possible for a stationary material that is softer in hardness to scratch the phone. People have taken metal keys to the back without scratching the metal. I have re-installed my iPhone at least 6 times in this case and I'm intentionally rough with it and after a microfiber wipe down, it is in pristine condition. I have dented the screen protector slightly.
I called LifeProof Support at 3:08 EST. 20 minutes later, I was able to speak to someone who was able to look up my account by my name and provide some information.
My case was a 18000 production and already had the foam back and extra padding around the proximity sensor. I questioned the support representative about any changes but he was only able to list those 2 changes for the "2nd revision" case. Do his defense, he also claimed not to be directly in touch with the engineering and development department so minor tweaks may have happened.
My case does sit flat.
After cleaning the case and installing the phone, rainbowing happens. However, every time I leave the phone and case open and out for a while and reinstall the case, the rainbowing disappears.
Proximity sensor/End Call issues - Unless I press down on that proximity sensor's padding at the top, the phone does not like to register that I'm not holding the phone up to my head. The block to the end call or other buttons is a protection apple has to make sure you don't hang up with your face.
My headphone adapter was broken. It would not screw all the way in or unscrew. The threaded part was loose inside the outer plastic casing.
Speakerphone and back vibrations. This happens and is the worst part. I made my own fix by folding tissue paper a few times and placing it over the apple name on the back of the phone. I closed the case with this little extra padding and 95% of the vibrations and speakerphone quality issues disappear.
About scratching the phone - I do not see how it's physically possible for a stationary material that is softer in hardness to scratch the phone. People have taken metal keys to the back without scratching the metal. I have re-installed my iPhone at least 6 times in this case and I'm intentionally rough with it and after a microfiber wipe down, it is in pristine condition. I have dented the screen protector slightly.
So here's my issue... My music will only play in speakerphone with this headset adapter. So I must've had the version one before and I did the water test, and got condensation. So I took it back to best buy and got a version 2. I noticed differences like the earpiece portion east padded grey like my first one.
But back to my issue, I kept the version one edition of the headphone adapter and the adapter from my 4s version an NEITHER play music. What do I do?
But back to my issue, I kept the version one edition of the headphone adapter and the adapter from my 4s version an NEITHER play music. What do I do?
When they are plugged in does the iPhone detect its plugged in (as in sound is not played back through the internal speakers by default)? If the iphone does not detect the plugged in jacks, it's probably the same issue I had where the adapter does not allow it to be screwed in all the way. If it does detect the jack is plugged in then the adapters are bad.
Mine is a similar issue, but I don't think it has to do with the adapter just the iOS. Everytime I unplug it, I think the iPhone thinks there's still something plugged in so there's no music or anything coming out of the speakerphone (yes, I checked the silent switch is off).
My suggestion is to call lifeproof or e-mail them if you can get in touch with them and tell them what your issue is.
Speaking of which it really sounds like there are only 2 or 3 people working customer service which is really pitifull if you ask me. I mean come on, how long does it take to have an order cancelled, 1 year??
My suggestion is to call lifeproof or e-mail them if you can get in touch with them and tell them what your issue is.
Speaking of which it really sounds like there are only 2 or 3 people working customer service which is really pitifull if you ask me. I mean come on, how long does it take to have an order cancelled, 1 year??
What happens if you use a link that was sent to someone else to order?
I can get a discount on the case so I'm prolly gonna pull the trigger even though I hated the pillowing and poor sound quality on the 4s case I had.
I have an otterbox defender now and love how the screen fits but I am drawn the waterproof ability of this case. I'd probably use my defender still as my every day case.
Any clue if the taktik is able to be submersed?
I can get a discount on the case so I'm prolly gonna pull the trigger even though I hated the pillowing and poor sound quality on the 4s case I had.
I have an otterbox defender now and love how the screen fits but I am drawn the waterproof ability of this case. I'd probably use my defender still as my every day case.
Any clue if the taktik is able to be submersed?
My $.02 on my Lifeproof. Mine is a 2nd gen model. There's a bit of "oil slick" on the screen, but I had that with my Otterbox Defender, as well. I haven't had any issues with the proximity sensor. People have been able to hear me just fine (and vise-versa). Both cameras work fine.
The only issue I've experienced is the "rattle" when the speaker is on. This comes and goes in terms of severity, but it doesn't bother me too much. I don't really listen to music on my phone's speaker so maybe that's just me.
The case doesn't quite sit flat - it wobbles a little bit. Thus, if it's on a hard surface, it vibrates quite loudly.
Overall, I think this is a great case. It rained yesterday, and I was able to text and make a phone call without worrying about the phone. Some food got on it the other day and I washed it off in the sink. I plan to use it sailing and rowing, so obviously I'm not using this case needlessly. However, even if I weren't, my drunken life presents something of a water damage potential. All things considered, I'm definitely going to use the case all the time. The minor annoyances are more than worth it.
The only issue I've experienced is the "rattle" when the speaker is on. This comes and goes in terms of severity, but it doesn't bother me too much. I don't really listen to music on my phone's speaker so maybe that's just me.
The case doesn't quite sit flat - it wobbles a little bit. Thus, if it's on a hard surface, it vibrates quite loudly.
Overall, I think this is a great case. It rained yesterday, and I was able to text and make a phone call without worrying about the phone. Some food got on it the other day and I washed it off in the sink. I plan to use it sailing and rowing, so obviously I'm not using this case needlessly. However, even if I weren't, my drunken life presents something of a water damage potential. All things considered, I'm definitely going to use the case all the time. The minor annoyances are more than worth it.
OK, got the 3rd generation of the Lifeproof case today and I'll post a picture showing the 3rd generation later tonight.
Here is the picture I did of version 1 & 2 a while ago and I'll get the 3rd version up here later.
Here is the picture I did of version 1 & 2 a while ago and I'll get the 3rd version up here later.