LifeProof case for the iPhone 4S review [giveaway]
While at the most recent Show Stoppers event, I had the opportunity to check out the LifeProof case for iPhone 4S (and iPhone 4). Protection is always key for any of our beloved electronics, and whether you are a mountain biker, a swim lover, or a karate king trying to keep your iPhone protected while doing your favorite event is a struggle -- until you meet LifeProof. The folks at LifeProof have spent a lot of time (over two years) designing this case, and a whole lot of money (over two million dollars) into making sure that their product was the best to hit the market.
Whether in rain, snow, ice, dirt, sand, or any other horrid condition you can think of with your device the folks at LifeProof know that their case can protect your device without you needing to take any additional precautions. So, does the case really hold up to its name? Let's take a look at some video action and check out some more images of the case on the device.
Pretty impressive stuff, huh? Not just everyday would you trust a case enough to just toss it in a tank of water, or drop it from six feet onto the ground without cringing in fear of what damage was just done to the device. We know, you understand that it can keep the device protected, but you want to know how much bulk it adds to your device, and if it is comfortable in the hand, right? Well, short answer, yes -- and let's take a look at why.
Personally I always fear the super protective cases because I know you need to add bulk to protect, and often times companies love to go overboard with the bulk, and it makes holding the device feel unnatural, and it no longer comfortably fits in your hand and pocket, but this case is different, very different. Adding only 1/16 of an inch, or 1.5mm, and adding less than an ounce of weight, to say the case is surprisingly small would be an understatement.
Featuring a two piece snap together design the case fits very snug over the device, making getting the case on and off a bit of a struggle, but that is their intentions for the waterproof seal that the case offers. The top piece includes an attached scratch resistant and waterproof screen protector that still allows for complete operation of the touch screen, and with the waterproof seal around the edge of the case you don't have to worry about any dirt or dust getting under there.
The headphone jack is sealed by a screw in cap that can be removed and they include a headphone extension that screws in for those of us who wish to use their headphones will keeping the device protected. The charging port is covered by a flip down piece that seals very tightly. The cut out will allow chargers to be plugged in to the device without the removal of the case, and LifeProof also offers a dock extender that plugs into the charging port and allows the device to be docked with the case on.
Overall the case does an extremely good job at protecting the device while adding minimal bulk to the slim profile of your iPhone 4S (or iPhone 4). The look of the case is quite plain, but they do offer a few different color selections such as black, white, pink, and purple, and the color covers the complete device, including the front so you can make it appear as though you have a totally different color iPhone than you really do!
Giveaway
We are giving away our review unit; it was used slightly (don't worry it isn't the one in the test video!) and it is in near perfect condition. Simply leave a comment letting us know what kind of abuse you put your iPhone through that requires LifeProof to protect it.
More: LifeProof
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My little girl loves my gadgets. I want to ensure she gets familiar and learns how they work. Id love for my iPhone to have LifeProof protection while she carries it around.
my buddy's sister makes $80/hr on the internet. She has been without work for 7 months but last month her income was $8995 just working on the internet for a few hours. Read this web site http://ufil.ms/jfiHL
I do love this case! I talk on the phone during showers all the time. I have dropped it a few times and all is well. However, after dropping it on concrete it broke a piece off the charger opening. My advice would be to some how make that stronger... I don't know just a thought. Keep up the good work!
The abuse my phone goes through? One word, the mother.
My phone is usually carried in my hands to show it off and is odropped when they are full. My 1 year old likes to play with it and put in his mouth and don't let my dog (Boxer) get ahold of it. I need something sturdy and durable.
I'm a police motorcycle officer and My iPhone definitely goes through a lot! This case would be awesome for me!
Any reason to get rid of this worn out Otterbox is a good one!
I never abuse my iPhone 4S. Lifeproof = peace of mind. That's what I'm after.
Why would I want Lifeproof Protection? The mother.
This looks like a fantastic design and worth looking at.
Having three small kids under 6 my iPhone attempts to survive daily life. Having a case like this I could relax much easier when they manage to grab my phone to play that game of angry birds as they wait for our meal. I really like the look of this case versus the alternatives.
I have this case. It works very well except if you're underwater; you can't click the icons on the screen. Which is the main reason I got this case was to take underwater pictures...oh well, still works good.
You can use the volume up button on the side of the phone to take pictures you don't need to touch the screen
hope that helps
I listen to music in my car a lot with my iPhone on my lap. Too many times I've jumped out of the driver's seat with the phone STILL IN my lap smh lol
I use my iPhone on stage to control a video screen while my band is playing. Playing in bars is reeeeeally dangerous for a phone, especially one that is part of the show and has to be dropped quickly so I can pick up my drumsticks again... I've had several near-misses with my phone, and have actually shattered my iPad 2 screen once this way.
Need it for snowboarding! Would work great!
I am a father of two, and a fifth-grade math and science teacher. Did you read that? 5th grade! I need all the protection I can get! My kids and I love to go geocaching with the phone, and I am very reluctant to let them wander through the woods with my phone. A case like this, I wouldn't have any problem!
I would use it in the snow. Where I live in upstate New York, we have a lot of that and I was never able to use my phone. It also rains a lot and I'm such a heavy texter, I need it in the shower! Maybe I won't video chat in there, but texting would be awesome. I drop my iPhone all the time and this would be perfect, because it doesn't add bulk and it protects the screen too! Most cases, if all, can't do that with such a small design. I'd use this...well, everywhere. This would be something I can't break, since I seem to do that a lot lol. Good luck everyone!
as a police officer this case would definately protect my beloved Iphone 4s through any condition I might en counter while working. Well almost any condition. I didnt see a bullet proof test.
I work at an aquarium and have dropped 3 phones in the water.... I need this case.
I can give you three reasons I NEED Lifeproof Protection....ages 9, 5, & 3. Enuf said!
A day after I got the 4S I dropped it on my fireplace. To my horror, it took a small chunk out of the bottom plastic part. Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!!
I'm a FedEx express delivery driver and I'm using my phone non stop trying to stay in contact with dispatch and using maps to find a location. I'm also outside during inclement weather and the Lifeproof case would give me the peace of mind that my iPhone 4S is protected.
I work at an aquarium and have dropped 3 phones in the water.... I need this case.
I work in a wear house with moving equipment. I am always bumping into something. Or something is always banging into the phone on my hip holster.
I work at an aquarium and have dropped 3 phones in the water.... I need this case.
I work at an aquarium and have dropped 3 phones in the water.... I need this case.
I work at an aquarium and have dropped 3 phones in the water.... I need this case.
I am a LT. in a Fire department. I would love to test out the 5th proof of FIRE PROOF if i got this case.
I am a LT. in a Fire department. I would love to test out the 5th proof of FIRE PROOF if i got this case.
I am a LT. in a Fire department. I would love to test out the 5th proof of FIRE PROOF if i got this case.
An 18 month old baby. Who has gone through my collections of toys and gadgets. Would looove one please.
We've lost three phones to the lake. 'Nuff said.
I am super clumsy. A friend handed me his iPhone 4 and it immediately slipped out of my hand onto the sidewalk, causing the screen to scatter. I need Lifeproof to help me from destroying another iPhone.
I love to go snowboarding in the Swiss Alps where having a waterproof and shockproof case is always a good idea! Thanks for the article, I was just looking for something like this for when I get my iPhone 4S next week.
I work at UPS! Nuff said!
My daughter is on her 3rd iPhone, and I really don't want to buy her a 4th (just yet).
One iPhone though a washing machine cycle and one in a cat water dish I'd love to win one of these for my wife!
I work at my school part time as lifeguard and also love swimming. Obviously I will not take my phone swimming with me but it will be good to know that it is protected from splashes. Also I had an iPhone 4 before 4s and cracked the screen when it fell out of my gym shorts while getting out of the car.Lifeguard looks solid. I really hope I win this. Never won anything.
I go rock climbing camping and love to swim but when I go to these trips I need to take those low end Nokia phones and not able to take pictures while on the trip because I care about my phone too much. I've been looking for cases like this but now that I got the 4s.... Cases are too much.
I'm a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service so my iPhone 4S is subjected to all kinds of inclement weather. I also use it as a GPS if I ever need to find a location. The Life Proof case would be great to keep my protected while I'm at work.
A 7 month old ... Need I say more?
I just got my Iphone4S yesterday and I almost dropped as soon as I walked out the Best Buy store I always seem to drop my phones the very first day I get I need a case badly
I have wanted this case since it came out. I want protection but don't wantto sacrifice bulk for it. I am a dad of two under the age of 3 and a youth pastor...needless to say my phone needs some protection. I would be ever so grateful for your case.
By the way... You guys ROCK!!! thanks for the giveaways!
Well I suppose it's needless to say but I REALLY need AppleCare+
I just started my new job with General Motors, and within the first week my 3GS died from having the dust in the factory find its way into the dock connector and shorting out the battery. I went and picked up the iPhone 4S and every case so far tried is a balancing act of protection and thickness. On the far end of protection they are too thick to be practical, and on the other end they are thin enough to be practical, but don't offer the protection from the dust that I'm trying to find. A lifeproof case would be awesome, protecting the phone from metallic dust, splashes of grime and the occasional drop.
Clumsy so I drop my iPhone a lot. I could really use this as I find the ottorbox too bulky.
This is my first iPhone and first high end phone. I absolutely love it, but get very nervous when I hand it over to my 11 and 4 year old when they want to play games or watch videos on it...especially when my son takes it from me and sprints across the yard to show his buddies, who happen to be fishing in the pond behind out house! I think my heart skipped a beat that day!
I'm a pretty big nerd and just this school year alone, I've been slammed inside a locker, pushed into the pool (twice) and dragged down the hall by my feet. The last time, my iPhone fell out of my pocket and it was kicked across the hall and down the first flight of stairs. I could use the iPhone protection. Do they make one people sized?
I will pray that stops. I am so sorry.
Using my iPhone 4S in the rain to do site surveys.
I recently gave my upgrade to my wife so she could get an iPhone 4S. She needed it because of the abuse our FOUR boys under SEVEN give her phone. Our 20 month old is constantly finding phones and tossing them in the toilet. The other boys are always clamoring over it with grubby little hands, shaking and dropping it, while playing games.
I use my phone to work out with. with this case it looks like i can take it in the pool when im swimming laps.
I would love one of these. I am a cable guy and my phone goes where I go. Under houses, in attics, on 30 foot ladders and anywhere else that can be dangerous for the phone. I definitely could use the extra protection and this case looks like it will fit the bill
I'm a realtor and I use my iPhone4S to open my lock boxes while showing homes and I'm dropping it a lot because of all the papers I have to along with trying to open the lock box.
Great protection, NOS I can give one to my wife!
My phone lives the hard life of an active college student with butterfingers...
My phone lives the hard life of an active college student with butterfingers...
My phone lives the hard life of an active college student with butterfingers...
I have had 2 iphone 4 broken. The first i leave it in my pocket and forget to get it out and i washed my cloth by the time i realize that it was in the pocket the phone was dead. The other iphone i was running with the phone on hand, i drop the iphone and both back/front screen crashed because of the cheap cover that i used. Now i got my 4s in excellent condition.
i ride the nyc subway 6 times a day. lifeproof me
I have two young boys. My iPhone is constantly in danger of them putting it in a toilet, a sink, being thrown across the room, etc
I've spent a pretty penny on my precious iPhone purchase. I would love to preserve it with a quality case like the LifeProof case. My life is busy and at some times dangerious it would be great to have this case and be rest assured my iPhone with Siri is safe and sound.
I have had 2 iphone 4 broken. The first i leave it in my pocket and forget to get it out and i washed my cloth by the time i realize that it was in the pocket the phone was dead. The other iphone i was running with the phone on hand, i drop the iphone and both back/front screen crashed because of the cheap cover that i used. Now i got my 4s in excellent condition.
Great proctection case I would use it to go climbing for sure , I'm always afraid my phone will get scratch on those rocks
cool case. Sign me up!
Looks awesome! Would be great protection against a third and future drunk dropping your iPhone into a toilet while pulling it out of your pocket to check something while peeing! That is if your that sort of drunken alchy to do something line that twice over the last three years!:-)
I play in an 80's tribute band and it would help keep it safe on stage.
I don't abuse it now, but with a LifeProof case I would mount it on my motorcycle
I need one of these. I work on a construction site and my phone goes through everything on site. It gets dropped, dust all over it every day and some times wet from the rain. This would be great.
I'm a student researcher in a metallurgy lab so anything that I take with me ends up with loads of metal particulates in it. I pre-ordered a 4s and have already had to replace the first one because the metal caused a short in the charging port and bricked it. I definitely need a leak-proof case if I want to be able to have my phone anywhere near me in the future.
As a ski guide at in the Wasatch mountains, a great case would be very valuable. Lktalbot@comcast.net
Lets just say my iphone literally is by my side all day...its like a third so it has to take some abuse...poor iphone 4!!! Shes really good to me!!!!
I have had 2 iphone 4 broken. The first i leave it in my pocket and forget to get it out and i washed my cloth by the time i realize that it was in the pocket the phone was dead. The other iphone i was running with the phone on hand, i drop the iphone and both back/front screen crashed because of the cheap cover that i used. Now i got my 4s in excellent condition.
Tired of the otter box case and the cases that are more about being a fashion assesory. I simply just need solid protection from the everyday use in environments that I find my self in, such as the cliffs that I rock climb on or in my kayak that I paddle in.
Definitely on my Christmas list!
Looks like the old style Otterboxes, before they got generic.
My phone literally is by my side!!! Arghhhhhhhhh!!!!' i need help!!
My phone literally is by my side!!! Arghhhhhhhhh!!!!' i need help!!
I never used a case on my 3GS because of bulk, but I think I'd use this one on my 4S.
I'm a grave digger and I work in all kinds of weather. Jumping out of a tractor constantly, carrying caskets, and going inside mausoleums with tons of dust . I need this.
Being in the military your phone is always being put in abusive situations that this case might just help reduce... I have been through 2 iphone 4's already cause I put them in my jumper pocket and one was caked with swamp water and the other was full of mud and some other un-identified material...
I'm an extreemest who's phone goes everywhere with me. From snowboarding to rafting and I'll tell you, you look pretty funny pulling out a ziplock with your phone in it in those situations. This case would be put to the test with me!
Looks better then the OtterBox. I hate fussing with that rubber outer skin..
I'm a grave digger and I work in all kinds of weather. Jumping out of a tractor constantly, carrying caskets, and going inside mausoleums with tons of dust . I need this.
I tend to break everything electronic I touch.
I would love to have the protection of an otterbox without the bulk. Would make this Marine Corps life a little easier...
I would love to have the protection of an otterbox without the bulk. Would make this Marine Corps life a little easier...
I take a lot of video and need something to take underwater videos as well since I started snorkeling:) this would be awesome for my 4S!
Im a weatherman, enough said
Currently have the 3GS and the otter box has been rock solid. About to get the 4S and the otterbox for the 4 is not as good. I drop my phone multiple time a day and the kids play with my phone and I don't want to worry about the safety of my phone.
My life is active and my iPhone is subject to a lot of abuse I would love to have a case as durable as the LifeProof case. The most alluring feature is its ability to protect yet remain slim.
i broke 5 iPhones in 2 year. enough said
i broke 5 iPhones in 2 year. enough said
I want to take this case fishing
I put my iPhone through the pain and suffering of being a firefighter/paramedic. Rain storms, snow storms, wind, smoke, blood etc. Several drops on the floor, water from various activities and whatever else I get myself in to. Not an easy day for a phone..
Rescue swimmer with the coast guard, with this case I could have my iPhone 4s with me on my personal training swims.
Snowboarding!
When I run my iPhone flies out of my pocket. Now I use an old iPod instead but it would be nice to have my phone with me. Lifeproof me
I just ate it on a skateboard with my iphone in my hand, luckily I took the damage
I just ate it on a skateboard with my iphone in my hand, luckily I took the damage
I just ate it on a skateboard with my iphone in my hand, luckily I took the damage
I seem to have a problem putting my phone in the washing machine
I seem to have a problem putting my phone in the washing machine