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The Lifeproof Case
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If anyone is looking for an amazing iPhone 4S case, I suggest the Lifeproof. It is truly 100% waterproof, and the drop protection is great.
Search recent threads here on this case. At best, it is a 50/50 proposition as to whether you will find it without flaws and usability issues. There are a substantial number of reported problems, not to mention their recent BBB rating, which I agree with. I give it a solid F.
If anyone is looking for an amazing iPhone 4S case, I suggest the Lifeproof. It is truly 100% waterproof, and the drop protection is great.
Yup, my good friend loves his. We even tested it under water for a minute, and phone was dry as can be!
i personally hated it echo'd on speaker phone, the bubbled screen never went away, customer service was horrible
my lifeproof failed, it wasn't even competely submerged, just the top, my gut tells me its the headphone plug o-ring or the gortex they use on the ear speaker. This mistake = 200.00 apple replacement 4S 32GB and lifeproof sent back (80.00) back to me, no restocking fee. nice customer service lady felt bad.
Great case!
LifeProof has been everything they advertised for me. I like mine. I find the case even tends to make the internal speaker sound better as the back resonates giveing it a fuller sound. I wash my phone off in the sink all of the time, have never had a drop of water. The instructions should be followed, the case was assembled and tested for an hour before my phone was placed in it. I know 3 other people with this case and they're experiences are the same as mine. Money well spent if you truely need to protect your phone.
LifeProof has been everything they advertised for me. I like mine. I find the case even tends to make the internal speaker sound better as the back resonates giveing it a fuller sound. I wash my phone off in the sink all of the time, have never had a drop of water. The instructions should be followed, the case was assembled and tested for an hour before my phone was placed in it. I know 3 other people with this case and they're experiences are the same as mine. Money well spent if you truely need to protect your phone.
100% agreed. I have had 4 cases and 3 of them failed straight from LIFEPROOF themselves!
Their customer service SUCKS, their product SUCKS. Buyer beware. I wouldn't trust it especially after a 75% fail rate ... which I am STILL waiting on them to make right.
I had a lifeproof case and I really liked it a lot. The screen shield just killed it for me. I wish it were flatter and more like the Otterbox Defender screen shield. Mine never seemed to flatten out after a couple weeks either.
I ended up returning it. I really hope they can make some changes to it and I'd consider it again. Overall though, for such a slim case that is so protective, there are more pros than cons for people who need such a case.
I ended up returning it. I really hope they can make some changes to it and I'd consider it again. Overall though, for such a slim case that is so protective, there are more pros than cons for people who need such a case.
I can only speak for my own experience; I do not deny or discount (nor elevate) others' experiences with the case.
With that said, I'm so far very pleased with my LifeProof case (gen 2). My first copy had some dust caught in the glue around the seals of the proximity sensor; the replacement from Best Buy also has this to a minor degree, but I don't think it's worth taking back a second time.
The only other minor issue that I have is that there is a bulge on the top (the top of the case isn't a straight line when the phone is viewed face-on). For $80 (plus $30 for the holster), this thing should be perfect. Both the first and second copies from Best Buy exhibit this issue; after looking at it closely, it seems to come from the seal around the noise-canceling mic and thus may just be an unfortunate reality of the existing design.
It took forever and a half, a pair of rubber gloves, and judicious amounts of compressed air to get the phone in the case without dust getting in between the screen and the front plate, but that applies to any screen protector.
Once installed, the so-called pillow effect is there, though eventually you get used to it (mostly). I prefer my phone naked, but as I do a lot of hiking in canyons, some protection is warranted. While the screen protector of the case itself is crystal clear and the design makes it look like there's no case on the front plate, the slight pillowing will never let you forget that the phone isn't naked. On account of the noise your finger makes when tapping on the pillowing plastic, I turned off the keyboard click sounds as they were redundant.
So far there have been no sound issues with my copy. I love how it turns the entire back of the phone into a speaker...it sounds better than without the case. Sound quality for calls and recording are unaffected.
The holster (a separate $30 purchase) is very sturdy. Note that it will not allow you to open the charging port door while the phone is in the holster. I find it a bit much for everyday usage; the case itself is non-bulky enough to be comfortably carried in a pants pocket. The holster shines when out hiking, especially its ability to lock the phone in (no accidental releasing of the catch) and the ability to put the phone facing inwards. The belt clip spring is quite firm and takes some effort to get on and off your belt, so I don't worry about it getting accidentally wrangled off (had that happen before with other holsters).
As an anecdote about Customer Service, they were very helpful and very quick to respond when I called them about the wrong mount being sent when I first ordered the holster (they put the bike mount in instead). CS emailed me the RMA number and return shipping label, and then shipped me the correct item the same day.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the case. As a very OCDish person and someone who prefers the phone naked, the slight deformity at the top of the case and the pillowing effect are annoying (especially for the premium price tag), but when I get engrossed in actually using the phone for functional purposes in everyday business these things are less obvious. For the protection with the minimal bulk and almost-nude look of the front, though, it's a pretty damn good buy. Making a better speaker for speakerphone and playing music is nice bonus.
With that said, I'm so far very pleased with my LifeProof case (gen 2). My first copy had some dust caught in the glue around the seals of the proximity sensor; the replacement from Best Buy also has this to a minor degree, but I don't think it's worth taking back a second time.
The only other minor issue that I have is that there is a bulge on the top (the top of the case isn't a straight line when the phone is viewed face-on). For $80 (plus $30 for the holster), this thing should be perfect. Both the first and second copies from Best Buy exhibit this issue; after looking at it closely, it seems to come from the seal around the noise-canceling mic and thus may just be an unfortunate reality of the existing design.
It took forever and a half, a pair of rubber gloves, and judicious amounts of compressed air to get the phone in the case without dust getting in between the screen and the front plate, but that applies to any screen protector.
Once installed, the so-called pillow effect is there, though eventually you get used to it (mostly). I prefer my phone naked, but as I do a lot of hiking in canyons, some protection is warranted. While the screen protector of the case itself is crystal clear and the design makes it look like there's no case on the front plate, the slight pillowing will never let you forget that the phone isn't naked. On account of the noise your finger makes when tapping on the pillowing plastic, I turned off the keyboard click sounds as they were redundant.
So far there have been no sound issues with my copy. I love how it turns the entire back of the phone into a speaker...it sounds better than without the case. Sound quality for calls and recording are unaffected.
The holster (a separate $30 purchase) is very sturdy. Note that it will not allow you to open the charging port door while the phone is in the holster. I find it a bit much for everyday usage; the case itself is non-bulky enough to be comfortably carried in a pants pocket. The holster shines when out hiking, especially its ability to lock the phone in (no accidental releasing of the catch) and the ability to put the phone facing inwards. The belt clip spring is quite firm and takes some effort to get on and off your belt, so I don't worry about it getting accidentally wrangled off (had that happen before with other holsters).
As an anecdote about Customer Service, they were very helpful and very quick to respond when I called them about the wrong mount being sent when I first ordered the holster (they put the bike mount in instead). CS emailed me the RMA number and return shipping label, and then shipped me the correct item the same day.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the case. As a very OCDish person and someone who prefers the phone naked, the slight deformity at the top of the case and the pillowing effect are annoying (especially for the premium price tag), but when I get engrossed in actually using the phone for functional purposes in everyday business these things are less obvious. For the protection with the minimal bulk and almost-nude look of the front, though, it's a pretty damn good buy. Making a better speaker for speakerphone and playing music is nice bonus.
Awful Customer Service
I made a mistake buying the Lifeproof case. The reason I feel this way is because when I pay a premium amount for a product, I expect that within the price I pay, comes not only a good product, but one that is backed by exceptional customer service. With LifeProof, that is not the case.
I wrote to them on June 26 because I needed a replacement part. It's the part that plugs into the phone jack that allows you to use headphones. That part broke and the audio kept starting and stopping.
First "Customer Disservice," insisted I give them the serial number of the case. In all my life I've never heard of any non-electrical product coming with a serial number. So I had to yank the cover off (something the case is not designed for) and then I sent them the number.
I got a reply telling me how backed up their replacement center was and to expect a 7-15 business day delay.
Now, six weeks later and I'm still waiting for the part.
When I spend a premium on a product, I expect part of that cost to be for exceptional customer service and I would have to not recommend this product based on my experience. Very poor customer service can offset any product, no matter how good that product my perform.
OTOH, I had an issue with a shower-pole caddy I purchased. A shelf had broken and when I contacted that companies customer service department, they were polite and helpful and 10 days later, the replacement part arrived in the mail.
Steven
I made a mistake buying the Lifeproof case. The reason I feel this way is because when I pay a premium amount for a product, I expect that within the price I pay, comes not only a good product, but one that is backed by exceptional customer service. With LifeProof, that is not the case.
I wrote to them on June 26 because I needed a replacement part. It's the part that plugs into the phone jack that allows you to use headphones. That part broke and the audio kept starting and stopping.
First "Customer Disservice," insisted I give them the serial number of the case. In all my life I've never heard of any non-electrical product coming with a serial number. So I had to yank the cover off (something the case is not designed for) and then I sent them the number.
I got a reply telling me how backed up their replacement center was and to expect a 7-15 business day delay.
Now, six weeks later and I'm still waiting for the part.
When I spend a premium on a product, I expect part of that cost to be for exceptional customer service and I would have to not recommend this product based on my experience. Very poor customer service can offset any product, no matter how good that product my perform.
OTOH, I had an issue with a shower-pole caddy I purchased. A shelf had broken and when I contacted that companies customer service department, they were polite and helpful and 10 days later, the replacement part arrived in the mail.
Steven
LifeProof's company says that the case is waterproof, but ironically on the packaging of the product, it specifically states that they're not responsible for any damages that happens to your phone while having their product on your iPhone. Seems kind of weird that they put that if they claim it's so "Life Proof".
Because there are people out there that would go and purposely damage their phone, or not even that, just claim the case damaged their phone and get a free iPhone out of the deal. Not to mention that 99% of these failures are user error.
I have this case and I can say that it's a pretty amazing product. I agree that customer service sucks, but I've had zero issues with this case other than the pillowing effect at first. I don't hear the tapping on plastic sound anymore and the screen is crystal clear. I don't know how many times I've dumped this thing in water and dropped in but I know that every time I open it up, my phone still looks brand new. Definitely worth the money.
That's to prevent someone from "claiming" they bought an expensive case and getting a free replacement for a case they never even purchased.
Otterbox does this as well.
I work in a marine research facility so splashing saltwater is a daily occurrence for me. For years I used an Otterbox Defender but was forced to leave my phone on my desk when things got particularly wet. So the Lifeproof case held great interest to to me. After giving it a little time for them to work the bugs out I bought one. My mini review -
Pros -
It really is waterproof. I've had my phone completely submerged twice, splashed and sprayed innumerable times, covered in fiberglass dust etc. with no negative results. I now don't have to dry off and go search for a calculator. I've got one in my pocket that can be used with dripping hands. It's a real relief to not have constantly in the back of your mind "is this day I kill may iPhone?" or have to stop what I'm doing to go put my phone someplace safe.
It's much slimmer than the other "shockproof" cases I've used (OB Defender, Griffin Survivor). I've seen other people complain about the Lifeproof being "bulky". Compared to other cases I've used it's like having your phone bare.
No sound issues with the Lifeproof. Again this is compared to other shockproof cases with speaker/mic coverings not a bare phone. I've had no issues with sound .
It's got a bunch of clever design features. From the back acting as a speaker amplifier to the belt clip doubling as a stand it's got the all the features that other cases have.
Cons (these are very minor compared to the Pros) -
The screen protector does significantly dull the touchscreen. Again being waterproof/shockproof far outweighs having to press down a tad bit harder.
The dock door configuration only allows for OEM Apple sync cables. All those knockoff cheap sync cables, docks, other accessories become useless with the Lifeproof. Adapters that work without damaging the dock door (lots of complaints about leaks from damaged doors I suspect are from owners bending the door to fit accessories) are starting to come out. After some research I found a slim adapter that works on eBay.
While I love the slim profile of the case after one minor drop (off my lap onto concrete, no damage to the phone) the bottom corners of the case now look chewed up. This is a case of "you can't have everything". A silicone outer skin would prevent this but also make the phone bulkier and have the dreaded "sticky" feeling so it's trade off.
I highly recommend the Lifeproof to anyone who works around water/dust/dirt. If you're active and want to take delicate glass sandwich with you everywhere then Lifeproof is the only way to go.
Pros -
It really is waterproof. I've had my phone completely submerged twice, splashed and sprayed innumerable times, covered in fiberglass dust etc. with no negative results. I now don't have to dry off and go search for a calculator. I've got one in my pocket that can be used with dripping hands. It's a real relief to not have constantly in the back of your mind "is this day I kill may iPhone?" or have to stop what I'm doing to go put my phone someplace safe.
It's much slimmer than the other "shockproof" cases I've used (OB Defender, Griffin Survivor). I've seen other people complain about the Lifeproof being "bulky". Compared to other cases I've used it's like having your phone bare.
No sound issues with the Lifeproof. Again this is compared to other shockproof cases with speaker/mic coverings not a bare phone. I've had no issues with sound .
It's got a bunch of clever design features. From the back acting as a speaker amplifier to the belt clip doubling as a stand it's got the all the features that other cases have.
Cons (these are very minor compared to the Pros) -
The screen protector does significantly dull the touchscreen. Again being waterproof/shockproof far outweighs having to press down a tad bit harder.
The dock door configuration only allows for OEM Apple sync cables. All those knockoff cheap sync cables, docks, other accessories become useless with the Lifeproof. Adapters that work without damaging the dock door (lots of complaints about leaks from damaged doors I suspect are from owners bending the door to fit accessories) are starting to come out. After some research I found a slim adapter that works on eBay.
While I love the slim profile of the case after one minor drop (off my lap onto concrete, no damage to the phone) the bottom corners of the case now look chewed up. This is a case of "you can't have everything". A silicone outer skin would prevent this but also make the phone bulkier and have the dreaded "sticky" feeling so it's trade off.
I highly recommend the Lifeproof to anyone who works around water/dust/dirt. If you're active and want to take delicate glass sandwich with you everywhere then Lifeproof is the only way to go.
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I don't know why you say the customer service is awful.
I'm on vacation in Brazil and my case seems to have a water leak. I sent them an email explaining everything and I don't even had to send pictures or anything like that to prove my case is fault, only had to sent them my case serial number and they sent me a new one, on a saturday, by FedEx to Brazil!
IMHO the CS was GREAT!
I'm on vacation in Brazil and my case seems to have a water leak. I sent them an email explaining everything and I don't even had to send pictures or anything like that to prove my case is fault, only had to sent them my case serial number and they sent me a new one, on a saturday, by FedEx to Brazil!
IMHO the CS was GREAT!
So can anyone tell me if the Lifeproof case works for sweat as well? I am outside a lot on our family farm and keep my phone in a sweaty place so I can hear it and am used to the Casio Ruggedized phones. My hubby is tech support for Apple and has talked me into the iPhone 4s, finally.
Perhaps, but I was not asking them for a replacement case. All I needed was the part that enabled you to plug in a headphone set. Not sure why I or anyone would ask for that one part if they didn't have the case.
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My experience with Lifeproof customer service is this: On June 30 I emailed them the serial # of my case. Today I finally (after writing one very angry email a few days ago) got delivery of the replacement part. So it took them 45 days to replace a defective part. To me, that is very poor customer service. Simply based on that experience, I would not advise anyone to buy a product from them.
Steven
You waited 45 days?? Why wouldn't you be following up weekly or bi-weekly? I say this is partly your fault.
That's weird. It took 2 days from my complain to they shipping. It's just a shame that the customs in Brazil are in strike.
got a little review up on this highly controversial case. see what you guys think!
I really like it.
click this link to go to it! --> Lifeproof Review
I really like it.
click this link to go to it! --> Lifeproof Review
I have one and it works as advertised. Sound is completely normal. You can use the stock headphones provided by apple without the adapter too. Only thing is the screen has a slight pillow but I'm used to it already and it's not hard to type on. Have used the phone in the water many times already.