Haha, next time I'll listen!
I'll take a look at it. For some reason the reviews are on one end of the spectrum or the other. I took the gamble and went for it. If it really doesn't work out I'll return it.
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 Iphone 4S Case??
- Thread starter asaeta
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Haha, next time I'll listen!
I'll take a look at it. For some reason the reviews are on one end of the spectrum or the other. I took the gamble and went for it. If it really doesn't work out I'll return it.
I also tried the life proof cases. I can't get around the feel of the touch screen with so much air between the phone and the screen protector. Never even made it to a trial phone call. I am working on getting an RMA now to send back both mine and my wife's. She wasn't happy either. Sorry. We tried.
My gf and I also bought the Lifeproof cases after I just shattered the glass on my old phone. Mine went right back to the store.
Speakerphone - no one could hear me.
Audio recording (for video) - sounded like it was recorded inside a can.
Music playback - odd sounding, muffled.
Screen protector - not in contact with the screen so made a weird tick sound every time I touched it. Really annoying.
Good riddance!
Speakerphone - no one could hear me.
Audio recording (for video) - sounded like it was recorded inside a can.
Music playback - odd sounding, muffled.
Screen protector - not in contact with the screen so made a weird tick sound every time I touched it. Really annoying.
Good riddance!
I will be doing the same. I had it for a day and I already can't deal with some of the issues and the fixes listed on lifeproof's site to remedy some of these issues suck IMO.
I just installed one for my wife's new 4S, and there is no muffled audio when calling her, or any noticeable audio problems on her side.
Maybe you're holding it wrong?
(j/k)I just installed one for my wife's new 4S, and there is no muffled audio when calling her, or any noticeable audio problems on her side.
Maybe you're holding it wrong?
The audio is okay when using the normal phone feature from my experience, but it does get tricky when doing experiments with two phones using a lifeproof case. I was able to do this: Using both phones on normal ear speaker you can't tell if it's the ear speaker sounding funny or the other person's mic being muffled. Took one case off and made another call. Person on the other end sounds a bit muffled = not my earpiece being muffled, it's the case covering the mic.
Now on speakphone it's a different story. Everyone sounds muffled. My gf is still using her case while I am using my phone bare. Her voice sounds terrible but my phone is much much louder on speakerphone than it was with the case on.
For those people that have problems with the screen try this. I removed the two plastic strips on the inside of the case. They are on the backside of the screen. Then I installed (on my iphones screen) one of those anti glare screen protectors from the apple store. Then put the lifeproof case back on. The screen feels better and there is no more "oil spill" look anymore.
I tried that too. Of course that only addresses the Newton ring effect. Yes, it helped eliminate those. In the process, the anti-glare protector (a really good one from Power Support), which by itself causes reduced Retina contrast and has a slight screen door matte effect, further reduced touch response. At 70 bucks a pop, you should not have to troubleshoot or modify a product to get it to perform its most basic intended functions. Now you have a matte screen protector residing under the built-in Lifeproof one that will still produce glare and show fingerprints like crazy.
Aside from Antennagate with the iPhone 4, can you imagine Steve Jobs letting the Lifeproof case go out the door as an Apple product? I think not.
I agree, it's a bit ridiculous.
Adding screen protectors too the case with a screen protector already.
Lifeproofs site FAQ, blow air into it to remove the echo & tunnel sound, due to flucuations in pressure you may have to do it occasionally.
Some people say suck the air out of the case.
Seriously, who the hell wants to keep having to blow into the mic port and suck air out of the case? In public people would think you must REALLY love your phone! LOL
I tried their "fixes" and no matter what I always had some kind of weird echo everyone I called was telling me and tunnel sound etc. My case looks damn near perfect from a manufacturing standpoint. I think people are in denial about the issues with this case. I don't see how I could use it daily. I was really hoping it would be my end all be all of rugged cases but its far from it especially for $80.
So, just after posting this I decided to give the case another shot, and this time, no echo or tunnel sound issues....lol So it seems to be working ok at this point. I am going to test it for a few more days and see if these issues come back at all. I had already sworn off this case...maybe too soon?
Last edited:
No, not too soon. With the echo, it all comes down to the fit between the rubber seal and the top mic port. Based upon my testing with 7 fronts on five backs, it is a crapshoot. Pressure changes inside the case can make the echo rear its ugly head again. Besides, you still have the other issues (some or all) to deal with. So far, when I get rid of one, another appears.
Review in defense of the Lifeproof Case
Just got my Lifeproof Generation 2 case this weekend and have had it on my 4s since. In light of the negative comments on this case so far, I am planning to keep the case.
Let me premise this review by saying I for one, like the look of the naked iPhone. In fact, I am not planning to put any case or bumper on it unless the situation calls for it. I have never dropped my 3G while it was in my hands. Thus for me, when the naked 4s isn't being used, it's going to be in a leather holster. For you clumsy people, I hope you do buy a full cover.
I do agree with some of the comments on the Lifeproof so far.
1.The touchscreen is not as responsive as I would like because of the air space between it and the glass.
2. The film is super prone to fingerprints and glare.
3. Autobrightness does not work.
4. Can't say I agree with a huge bump in the sound quality because of the case. But that's not a huge factor for me because that tiny speaker was never much use for playing music anyway.
I have had several phone calls and no one has complained that I sound muffled. My wife said I sound much clearer on this phone than my 3G, but that may just be the hardware itself.
So why am I keeping the case? Because in certain situations, I need this level of protection and I don't want to look like I'm carrying a 4s that's on steroids. If you've even seriously considered the Lifeproof, it's probably because spend at least some amount of time doing outdoor activities. I live in Hawaii, where that means rain/humidity/sea water/volcanic ash/sand/mud/mold and all that other good stuff can ruin my 4s. I used to put my 3G in a padded Pelican case when on outdoor excursions, but that was always a bulky option. You've probably also looked at the Griffin Survivor, Otterbox Defender, Ballistic Hard Core, iFrongz BullFrogz, etc, as comparisons. To me, none of these offer the level of environmental protection that the Lifeproof offers, and everyone of them make the elegant 4s look more like a toy.
I have yet to find the one "perfect" case for a phone. Thus my philosophy is to use the right tool for the job. My plan is to keep the 4s naked most of the time, commuting with a simple pouch/holster for office days. But when it comes to outdoors activities, the Lifeproof is called to action.
The Lifeproof case does exactly what it says it will: protect the phone from the elements, but at the cost of some of the phone's basic functions. That I can live with if it means the phone still works flawlessly when I get back in the office.
I'm curious what case the people with negative feedback on this case actually ended up using?
If you're listening Lifeproof, I also have a case suggestion - add a simple lanyard loop of sort and an optional floater. That way if you lose your grip under water, or drop the phone in water, it will float to the top instead of sinking into the abyss...
Just got my Lifeproof Generation 2 case this weekend and have had it on my 4s since. In light of the negative comments on this case so far, I am planning to keep the case.
Let me premise this review by saying I for one, like the look of the naked iPhone. In fact, I am not planning to put any case or bumper on it unless the situation calls for it. I have never dropped my 3G while it was in my hands. Thus for me, when the naked 4s isn't being used, it's going to be in a leather holster. For you clumsy people, I hope you do buy a full cover.
I do agree with some of the comments on the Lifeproof so far.
1.The touchscreen is not as responsive as I would like because of the air space between it and the glass.
2. The film is super prone to fingerprints and glare.
3. Autobrightness does not work.
4. Can't say I agree with a huge bump in the sound quality because of the case. But that's not a huge factor for me because that tiny speaker was never much use for playing music anyway.
I have had several phone calls and no one has complained that I sound muffled. My wife said I sound much clearer on this phone than my 3G, but that may just be the hardware itself.
So why am I keeping the case? Because in certain situations, I need this level of protection and I don't want to look like I'm carrying a 4s that's on steroids. If you've even seriously considered the Lifeproof, it's probably because spend at least some amount of time doing outdoor activities. I live in Hawaii, where that means rain/humidity/sea water/volcanic ash/sand/mud/mold and all that other good stuff can ruin my 4s. I used to put my 3G in a padded Pelican case when on outdoor excursions, but that was always a bulky option. You've probably also looked at the Griffin Survivor, Otterbox Defender, Ballistic Hard Core, iFrongz BullFrogz, etc, as comparisons. To me, none of these offer the level of environmental protection that the Lifeproof offers, and everyone of them make the elegant 4s look more like a toy.
I have yet to find the one "perfect" case for a phone. Thus my philosophy is to use the right tool for the job. My plan is to keep the 4s naked most of the time, commuting with a simple pouch/holster for office days. But when it comes to outdoors activities, the Lifeproof is called to action.
The Lifeproof case does exactly what it says it will: protect the phone from the elements, but at the cost of some of the phone's basic functions. That I can live with if it means the phone still works flawlessly when I get back in the office.
I'm curious what case the people with negative feedback on this case actually ended up using?
If you're listening Lifeproof, I also have a case suggestion - add a simple lanyard loop of sort and an optional floater. That way if you lose your grip under water, or drop the phone in water, it will float to the top instead of sinking into the abyss...
It's the water test
The problem with muffled sound is the water that gets into the top mic hole. Squeeze it out and breathe and blow on it from both inside and out and you will hear much better results. Now just gotta reduce the pillow effect on the screen. Especially the edges Not sure if more or less air is better since more might make it less taut on the edges and touch easier
The problem with muffled sound is the water that gets into the top mic hole. Squeeze it out and breathe and blow on it from both inside and out and you will hear much better results. Now just gotta reduce the pillow effect on the screen. Especially the edges Not sure if more or less air is better since more might make it less taut on the edges and touch easier
Here is what Lofeproof has to say about fixing the light sensor issue, worked on mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyHiKVlBrAk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I got offered the case for 40 bucks but after reading all these reviews i might be a bit turned off and just get http://www.dnacaseworks.com/products/ with a invishield all around the phone...be a little more careful when I'm out and its raining or something..My biggest concern is dropping the phone and crack
Having blown over 200 bucks and hours futzing around with an assortment of case parts to get this thing to work, I am flabbergasted that people who have the refined taste that brings them to purchase Apple products defend Lifeproof's terrible quality control. As for customer service, I hope you have better luck getting them on the phone than I have in the last few weeks (no answer, no way to leave voicemail).
As for the echo/muffled sound, no, it is NOT just a water issue in the top mic port. I have had so many case backs and fronts, I have not done the water test on every case, because I have no intention of swimming with a phone. The echo and muffled sound is caused by the seal. Besides, should a user really have to periodically wrap their lips around the top of their phone and blow? Do you have any idea what it looks like to others nearby? Man that dude really loves Siri!
If you want an example of ridiculous product support, look no further than the video link posted above regarding the light sensor issue. First, Lifeproof claims the case is compatible with the 4S. Then customers report the sensor issue. They jumped the gun and obviously had not actually tested it before making the claim. So now they put their standard damage control procedures in place...let's tell the customers to fix it themselves!
Now, after already having the blow into my phone where it has holes, press it tightly and squeeze against my chest or thigh, I am supposed to either ignore the light sensor issue by cranking up brightness to the max (uhh...can you say battery drain?), or perform more surgery by removing paint? I'm sure that will look real nice when done by those who don't have steady hands and a sharp eye. I am looking forward to replacement case fronts numbers eight, nine and ten. Maybe then I will have one that performs as advertised.
I say again, if your iPhone itself had the variety of problems across the board that the Lifeproof has, would you still be justifying it? No, you never got the chance, because Apple would NEVER have let a product this fraught with design and QC issues out the door.
PS - If you want to really grasp Lifeproof's true corporate attitude, pay special attention to the CEO's statement that Apple, "in their infinite wisdom," moved the light sensor. If you understand the nuances of English, you'll get what I mean.
As for the echo/muffled sound, no, it is NOT just a water issue in the top mic port. I have had so many case backs and fronts, I have not done the water test on every case, because I have no intention of swimming with a phone. The echo and muffled sound is caused by the seal. Besides, should a user really have to periodically wrap their lips around the top of their phone and blow? Do you have any idea what it looks like to others nearby? Man that dude really loves Siri!
If you want an example of ridiculous product support, look no further than the video link posted above regarding the light sensor issue. First, Lifeproof claims the case is compatible with the 4S. Then customers report the sensor issue. They jumped the gun and obviously had not actually tested it before making the claim. So now they put their standard damage control procedures in place...let's tell the customers to fix it themselves!
Now, after already having the blow into my phone where it has holes, press it tightly and squeeze against my chest or thigh, I am supposed to either ignore the light sensor issue by cranking up brightness to the max (uhh...can you say battery drain?), or perform more surgery by removing paint? I'm sure that will look real nice when done by those who don't have steady hands and a sharp eye. I am looking forward to replacement case fronts numbers eight, nine and ten. Maybe then I will have one that performs as advertised.
I say again, if your iPhone itself had the variety of problems across the board that the Lifeproof has, would you still be justifying it? No, you never got the chance, because Apple would NEVER have let a product this fraught with design and QC issues out the door.
PS - If you want to really grasp Lifeproof's true corporate attitude, pay special attention to the CEO's statement that Apple, "in their infinite wisdom," moved the light sensor. If you understand the nuances of English, you'll get what I mean.
Last edited:
Two words...Otterbox Defender. Over the period of a year, I dropped my phone from about three feet at least twice. Not a scratch. Great case, even though a bit on the bulky side.
I've finally decided I am just going to return this case. I started having issues again while talking to people. I can't deal with a case not knowing when people can hear me and cannot, it's quite annoying.
I put this case on my son's iPhone 4 and we haven't had any issues. The few times he's used the phone for voice it has sounded fine (like most 13 year olds he mostly texts and uses apps). I definitely like the protection it provides if he gets stuck out in the rain at a ball game or something.
Radtech + external charger?
Well, I have one in the mail, but will have no problem returning it if I have these issues. I do have an important question. Weekends I am in a low signal roaming area and battery life sucks. The Radtech extender is recommended by them and fits the case. What I can't find out is whether or not I can use an external battery extender and recharge the phone through this extender? Does anyone know? Lifeproof, are you still following the thread and can you answer this question? Thanks.
Well, I have one in the mail, but will have no problem returning it if I have these issues. I do have an important question. Weekends I am in a low signal roaming area and battery life sucks. The Radtech extender is recommended by them and fits the case. What I can't find out is whether or not I can use an external battery extender and recharge the phone through this extender? Does anyone know? Lifeproof, are you still following the thread and can you answer this question? Thanks.
I bought a lifeproof case tonight with a 20% off best buy coupon and have had no issues. I did the water test and it was solid. Sound seems fine. I had an otterbox defender case for the 4 and what a train wreck. Of course it did protect my phone but the silicon stretched out and ripped. The plastic case broke off. That hole for the earphones on the wrong side which they claim was on purpose was annoying. It is bulky. I could hardly see out of the screen due to glare and dirt that kept getting under it. To top it off i was going to give otterbox another shot and ordered a defender for my 4s but they delayed my shipping until the 20th and couldn't even promise that! They told me they send to stores first and I said then why did you promise to ship it out the 14th!?!? Someone told me about the lifeproof case a couple of days ago so I cancelled my otterbox order and bought a lifeproof case. So far no issues and it feels so much better than my broken stretched out dirty otterbox.
Yeah I don't plan on running over mine with a truck but there will be the occasion that I knock it off the table. Also, Otterbox Defender for the 3GS was awesome! The 4 just didn't measure up.