Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

LifeProof Fr iP5 case

The baby powder technique was what I used back when the Otterbox first came out for the original iphone. It took me several times to get it right....lol
I imagine you could search for "otterbox baby powder" and find videos. It would probably be the same technique as what would work for the lifeproof
 
I just attempted the 'baby powder' fix. So far I haven't noticed any oil slicks at all. It was a tricky process despite the simple instructions if you're a stickler for details. My best advice is to NOT mist the powder directly onto the screen protector. Rather, into the air and drag the top piece across... in hopes of laying a bit thinner layer of powder.
 
The best way to get all lint off is to get canned air. I use it all the time for stuff and used it before I put my phone in the case.
 
I have combined the front of the gen 3 case, with the foam on both the top and bottom, with the back of the gen 4 with the 2 plastic pieces and I now have a 100% perfect case so far. Pillowing is very minimal, not bad at all, no oil slicks on the screen, sound is perfect! Very happy now!
 
I went to Best Buy and searched through the cases they had and found groups of 27xxx, 34xxx, 87xxx, 187,xxx, and 218,xxx. I got the highest serial numbered one and found it had the same problem with the adapter screw as my first case. This flaw prevents the adapter from screwing in all the way. It was a 4th iteration case (Rev D).

I went back to Best Buy and exchanged it for one with a serial number just a few less than the one I had and tested it as working OK! I guess it's hit or miss.

Funny thing that happened is as I walked up to the Customer Service desk to exchange it, another guy also was returning his claiming he was looking for a higher revision too.

After doing the water test (passed), I put the phone in the case and no huge oil/rainbow splotches, although the effect can still be lightly seen on a dark screen. It's much better. It also seems the home button padding was made thinner or the bottom padding was removed so the bottom is smoother and closer to the screen.

Speakerphone Sound quality is still the same. The major vibrations are removed with the padding, but the case will still slightly resonate with higher volumes and certain voice frequencies. It's not that bad, but it is a slightly lower sound quality. The noise cancelling can recognize the change of audio from the speaker to the new case sound and may have some trouble with noise cancelling, but in my experience, Apple's iOS software adapts.

Voice recording and playback through the ear piece was perfectly fine. I tested the using the voice recorder and also a general phone call. It actually sounds better/louder than the previous revisions.

Finally, the proximity sensor... This one has come and gone as I've used the 1st, 2nd, and now 4th revision cases. Only time will tell. It does look like it's still not perfectly aligned... Like the hole is 1mm too high. The proximity sensor did work by turning off the screen when covered and came back on when it was no longer covered. No issues hitting End Call!

Oh yeah, and my charging port cover door doesn't squeak!
 
Last edited:
Went and got the Gen 4 case and returned my Gen 3 case.

My local Best Buy had a TON of cases. Probably 100 total on the racks split between white and black - more black though. No luck. All were under 100,000 in black. So I had to go to another BB which was another 25 minutes. They only had probably 15 cases out. All the black ones were above 270,000. Thank God! I got one that was 273,XXX.

What an improvement over Gen 3! The screen is the biggest improvement. Definitely sits very flush compared to the Gen 3. The phone seems to fit tighter in the Gen 4 version - in a good way not like overly tight. I can't see how the plastic bumpers on the back of the case would scratch the back of the phone. The phone isn't moving at all in the case - the plastic pieces are just resting against the phone. So my thought process is no movement = no scratching.

Proximity sensor works just fine (it worked in the Gen 3 case for me though). Mine doesn't have any of the rainbow slicks. Although that wasn't an issue for me bc you can't see them when using the phone at all. Only when it's locked can you see them.

Very happy I went and returned the Gen 3 case and drove to another BB to get the Gen 4!
 
secured2k said:
How can a softer substance like plastic scratch or damage a harder material like aluminum? People take metal keys to the iPhone front and back trying to scratch it and fail.
Click to expand...

Anyone with scientific facts or explanations to why people think plastics will scratch the iPhone?
 
secured2k said:
Anyone with scientific facts or explanations to why people think plastics will scratch the iPhone?
Click to expand...

The vibration from the speaker and from handling can wear on it over time and leave marks that you will never get off. Just because something soft is rubbing against something harder doesnt mean it cant leave a mark. Id rather not have a scratch or a mark, thats the point of putting it in a case. If its not plastic like stated above I wouldnt worry as much..
 
Last edited:
SchuettS said:
The vibration from the speaker and from handling can wear on it over time and leave marks that you will never get off. Just because something soft is rubbing against something harder doesnt mean it cant leave a mark. Id rather not have a scratch or a mark, thats the point of putting it in a case. If its not plastic like stated above I wouldnt worry as much..
Click to expand...

Agreed, but how about using a back skin/screen protector?
 
Thanks for the suggestions on dust removal and on getting rid of the oil slick. Much appreciated.

I tried another Best Buy today and was able to swap out my Gen 4 case for another white 163,XXX Gen 4. It's fantastic. Pulled off the plastic thing that went over the proximity sensor first thing. I'm really happy with how flat the screen protector is now and so far no problems with the sensor. Finally I'm very happy with the case...only took 4 tries!
 
Cubano21 said:
Ok so some updates, in the process of me writing this post and receiving this case from Best Buy. I already was returning and waiting for a replacement from lifeproof. I received that replacement today and it is in the 208xxx range which is higher then the so called gen 4 case. I quickly called LP and spoke to a tech, I asked if they knew of all the versions they have put out, and they said yes. So we discussed all the different versions and she was aware of all the versions. Now the one I received today from LP today was what I considered the 3rd Gen. Foam piece in the upper front case, whiteish grey foam piece above the back apple logo, and one black foam piece below the apple logo. Now I have had this type of version before and the main problem was the wavy front screen protector. Now the tech explained to me that this one was the latest version. The one with no foam piece and 2 little plastic pieces was a later version still because she said they did away with all plastic piece due to possible scratches to the phone. She also said that the foam piece in the upper front was there to help with both the mics. They tried it with out but seen there issues. Now I asked about the case numbers and the different generations and her answer was they are manufactured in a few different locations and the batches are generated from that location, so they are not consistent with each NEW version. Now I'm so lost in what is the correct version and what is not to be honest. I have done the water test on this version, spoke on speaker phone, tested the proximity sensor, played the radio, no issues so far. Now the screen seems less wavey, but again I will wait a week or so to see if it flattens out. She did give me a direct email to her and said if I have any issues contact her. She also said that they will continue to make improvements as needed to get the case to perfect condition. Like always I will keep everyone updated and hope everyone will still continues to do the same, so that we can maybe figure out what versions are working and what ones are not. I am sure at some point they will put out one consistent case.
Click to expand...


***************UPDATE*************

So I was in one of my local Best Buys doing some last minute shopping, and could not help myself to go check the LF Black cases to see if any new ones came in. Well guess what there was a whole new set some in the 260xxx and 281xxx, of coarse I look through the 281xxx and opened one up. Yes it is the 4th gen but this one had a lot tighter screen protector I mean a lot no small ripples at all. I just installed it and WoW best screen protector yet, phone fits in there the way it should very snug. Now one thing I did do is I used the gen 4 front and the gen 3 back, because like a few here I do not want my phone damaged from the small plastic tabs. Now I know a few stated that it is real tight in the case and it can not rub which may be true, but what happens if you drop it from a high area or what I do sometimes is have it in my back pocket and sit on it briefly, those tabs can't not compress but the foam can. So that's the reason of me using that combo. Now if you have the case with the hard plastic tabs and are worried, all you need to do is go to your local craft store buy 2mm thick foam padding and cut small tabs like the plastic ones and swap them out. This is again if you don't have access to a gen 3 backing. The combo I have now is exactly what I was looking for from a case from LP the first time. Phone form fits, no call issues, music issues, everyday function of the phone. Now I know I just installed the phone in this case and have done my pre testing, but we will see how everything holds up after a week. If nothing changes then I think LP should manufacture this case and get rid of all the kindergarten projects they have released already. All I know is ITS A BOUT DAMN TIME! Like always I will keep updating.
 
Last edited:
Jeremy3292 said:
Went and got the Gen 4 case and returned my Gen 3 case.

My local Best Buy had a TON of cases. Probably 100 total on the racks split between white and black - more black though. No luck. All were under 100,000 in black. So I had to go to another BB which was another 25 minutes. They only had probably 15 cases out. All the black ones were above 270,000. Thank God! I got one that was 273,XXX.

What an improvement over Gen 3! The screen is the biggest improvement. Definitely sits very flush compared to the Gen 3. The phone seems to fit tighter in the Gen 4 version - in a good way not like overly tight. I can't see how the plastic bumpers on the back of the case would scratch the back of the phone. The phone isn't moving at all in the case - the plastic pieces are just resting against the phone. So my thought process is no movement = no scratching.

Proximity sensor works just fine (it worked in the Gen 3 case for me though). Mine doesn't have any of the rainbow slicks. Although that wasn't an issue for me bc you can't see them when using the phone at all. Only when it's locked can you see them.

Very happy I went and returned the Gen 3 case and drove to another BB to get the Gen 4!
Click to expand...

Can you please post pics of your GEN 4 case?
 
I feel so odd returning a case to Best Buy 5 times trying to get one that fits the way it was supposed to...I think I should just stop reading this thread and be happy that my 256xxx is acceptable
 
Went to my Best Buy today to check out the black cases. Every one of them was 356XXX or higher. I bought one and it looks like the 3rd gen back combined with the 4th gen front. I'm not overly enthused with the sound quality of the phone while using this case. Other than that, it doesn't look too bad.
 
OK, I have gone thru over 12 different Lifeproof Fre iPhone 5 cases from the first generation all the way thru today including 3 generation 4 cases. The Fre case is fundamentally flawed and they are going to need to start from scratch if they want to make this case work.

The latest gen 4 case is no better than the first 3 versions even with all it’s glued on rubber bumpers, rock hard glued on plastic spacers and removed rubber spacers/bumpers around the ear piece ETC.

No matter what anyone says the 4th gen case is absolutely no better than the previous versions.

It still suffers from the vibration during calls around the ear piece, the speaker phone cutting out and just plain terrible sound all around. Oil slicks on the screen ETC. Remove you phone from the Fre case and you will think you have a brand new phone you have never used before.😱

I put my phone back into the 3rd gen case for the time being until the TakTik, Seidio ODEX, Otterbox Armor or something else comes along. I’m almost ready to go purchase another defender (which I hate), at least I could make calls and people could understand what I’m talking about while using that rubber brick.😛

The Fre case really gimps the iPhone 5 down and I hope that someday Lifeproof gets it right and redesigns the Fre case into a workable case and just not “Jerry Rig” the crap out of it.

Just what I think………….🙄
 
Hooterville said:
OK, I have gone thru over 12 different Lifeproof Fre iPhone 5 cases from the first generation all the way thru today including 3 generation 4 cases. The Fre case is fundamentally flawed and they are going to need to start from scratch if they want to make this case work.

The latest gen 4 case is no better than the first 3 versions even with all it’s glued on rubber bumpers, rock hard glued on plastic spacers and removed rubber spacers/bumpers around the ear piece ETC.

No matter what anyone says the 4th gen case is absolutely no better than the previous versions.

It still suffers from the vibration during calls around the ear piece, the speaker phone cutting out and just plain terrible sound all around. Oil slicks on the screen ETC. Remove you phone from the Fre case and you will think you have a brand new phone you have never used before.😱

I put my phone back into the 3rd gen case for the time being until the TakTik, Seidio ODEX, Otterbox Armor or something else comes along. I’m almost ready to go purchase another defender (which I hate), at least I could make calls and people could understand what I’m talking about while using that rubber brick.😛

The Fre case really gimps the iPhone 5 down and I hope that someday Lifeproof gets it right and redesigns the Fre case into a workable case and just not “Jerry Rig” the crap out of it.

Just what I think………….🙄
Click to expand...

I have to respectively disagree in regards to the Gen 4 case. The sound isn't as loud as without the case if you're using the speaker phone or speakers to play music, but that's expected on something that's sealed to keep out water and I think the volume level is rather impressive considering that.

Otherwise I've had no more problems with vibration, with someone else hearing me during calls, with the proximity sensor (I removed the plastic lens thing that covered it), or even with the screen cover. It fits nice and flush against the screen and has a VERY MINIMAL oil slick that I can't see when the screen is lit up (it's so miminal that I haven't bothered to try and get rid of it).

I'd say that I'm slightly concerned that the two plastic add-ons on the back cover may scratch the back of the phone a bit, but after 4 days so far they haven't and honestly I don't really care if they do.

Sorry that you haven't had as much luck and not trying to start an argument. I'm a bit annoyed that I had to go through 4 cases to get something that's good, but I wanted others to hear another opinion. I suppose I may keep an eye out for further revisions, but I'm happy with this one and expect its here to stay this time. I'll be impressed if another manufacturer comes out with a clearly better waterproof case on their first try...particularly one that's not more expensive and isn't bulkier.

Again, mine's a white 163,XXX "Gen 4.". Hope you have better luck with whatever you go with and I truly appreciate all the info you've posted so far in this topic.

----------
ajram2002 said:
Went to my Best Buy today to check out the black cases. Every one of them was 356XXX or higher. I bought one and it looks like the 3rd gen back combined with the 4th gen front. I'm not overly enthused with the sound quality of the phone while using this case. Other than that, it doesn't look too bad.
Click to expand...

I'm a little about this apparent "Gen 5" case and particularly the issues you're having with the sound. Are you having vibration issues, is the volume too limited, or is it something else?

Any chance you could add some pics? I presume Lifeproof went back to the foam on the back of the case because they were concerned about the phone getting scratched. The Best Buy I went to the other day had a bunch of back cases in the 365,XXX range I believe. I almost went with one but I wanted to stick with a white case.
 
Version 4

I have tried every version multiple times and hated them all. Today, I received the version 4 and after using it for a short time, all the issues are gone. This is so far.

Call quality is quite good. What I had to do is up my volume level one notch and its perfectly loud and clear.

The fit is very good.

Typing is enjoyable once again.

Screen is pretty flat, looks good. If anyone can confirm if the plastic front clear protector is different, let me know. To me, it looks more clear and less hazy.

Lets see what tomorrow brings.
 
I agree that the case is flawed and was a copy of the iPhone 4 version when a redesign was really needed. Many of the flaws and complaints should have been discovered with in-house testing. Why is there even an extra hole next to the front camera?

Update on my 229,xxx case.
Problems - rainbow oil slicks are returning. Perhaps this is moisture from me having the earphone port open often.
The proximity sensor started acting up again but it's not as bad as previously versions.
The sound quality of the back panel with the smaller bumpers still vibrates so its back to using a larger pad to eliminate much of the vibrations. This only happens at higher volume playback.
 
Last edited:
When I first put the gen 4 on I thought it was perfect but after using it a couple of days my mind has changed.
I purchased 3 different gen 4's and all of them had problems.

2 of them the plastic screen cover was still wavy and had quite a bit of oil slicks. The third one the screen cover was a little better but still not flat and was also pretty wavy. The vibration from the ear piece will rear it's ugly head sooner or later on the gen 4 as it did with the ones I tested.

All three have the problem while on speaker phone the first few seconds of the call was cutting in and out like you had a bad connection or something.

The rubber pieces that they added to the sides and top corners of the front cover easily peel off and after you remove the phone a couple of times they will be displaced and stuck to your phone.

The Fre case is one giant modge podge of thrown together parts.
I know everyone wants this case to work but it doesn't.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back