One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199 fee, though with the recently launched AppleCare+, that price can be reduced to $49.
Most ultra-durable iPhone cases, like Otterbox's Defender or Case Mate's TANK, are merely water-resistant -- not actually water proof. They might protect an iPhone during a rainstorm, but they can't handle a dunk in the pool or -- perhaps more likely -- a drop in the toilet.
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LifeProof's iPhone case, however, promises otherwise. The manufacturer claims the case is Waterproof, Dirtproof, Snowproof, and Shockproof -- the video below demonstrates the waterproof claim. The case completely covers the iPhone, using rubber gaskets around each seal to ensure a tight fit. There is an removable screw that plugs the headphone jack, allowing easy access to that port when necessary. LifeProof also sells an adapter that allows waterproof headphones to be hooked up for use while swimming.
It's not for those who like to switch cases frequently, however. The installation manual warns that the gaskets have a limited lifespan and the case shouldn't be removed and reinstalled more than a few dozen times. Further, the installation process is a bit of a pain -- before it is installed, LifeProof recommends that the case be put underwater for an hour, to ensure that there are no leaks in the gaskets.
The $79 LifeProof case comes in black, white, pink and purple. It is available from LifeProof's online store.
Top Rated Comments
I wonder how cell reception is 10 feet under water.... I would assume that the water kills the radio signals big time.
AT&T's underwater coverage sucks...
My friend has a LifeProof case and drops in the the hot tub all the time just to freak people out.
Reminds me of when I got the original iPhone and would take people's car keys and try to scratch the screen
I never intentionally dropped my phone to test its durability against falls, and so for a while, that aspect of the case went untested, but in the last month or two, I've accidentally dropped the thing onto hard surfaces a few times. No problems, phone is great.
As for sound quality, I do believe it has an effect on the speaker, but it's not that bad. Like I said, I use the speaker every day in the shower, and it's great. Using the ear speaker it sounds normal. In terms of mic quality, it's far away better than the 3G mic with no case on, which is all I have to go by. When I made my first phone call with the new 4S, before I even had a chance to say I had a new phone, the person on the other side remarked that my voice was really clear, so I guess that says something. All the buttons work fine, the camera works fine, the headphone port is covered and the cover needs to be unscrewed before you can use it, or you can screw in the waterproof adapter and just have a dangly thing attached.
The screen protector is rather reflective, so in very bright sunlight, it might bother you. It doesn't bother me, but I thought I'd mention it.
The case itself is quite stylish, I think. Very low-profile, adds a bit of length on the bottom, but not much width or depth. It's not trying to look fancy, or rugged, or pretty, it's just a good solid case where everything works and you don't have to ever worry about it. Doesn't get stuck in pockets, all the buttons work just fine, and the belt clip you can get for it is just as solid (and locks).
Anyway, if you want to protect your iPhone, I highly recommend this case. I decided on getting this instead of AppleCare and don't regret it one bit.