Travel Tech Review | LifeProof iPhone Case for 4/4S

This weeks travel tech review takes a close up look at the LifeProof iPhone Case; a waterproof, snowproof, dirtproof, shockproof case. As someone who just received his brand new iPhone 5, I can now understand what it feels like to have a newborn cradled in my arms. So fragile, so valuable…

As sexy as the iPhone is, it’s important to protect your investment with a case that can shield your most beloved gadget and keep it safe from drops, spills or worse.

So when LifeProof sent me their “Water Proof, Dirt Proof, Snow Proof, Shock Proof” iPhone 4/4S case to review, I was beyond excited to feel that warm, fuzzy feeling of complete protection; especially considering how well reviewed the case is on almost every shopping site.

I judge all products by my TSO reviewing system:
Travel-Friendly
Sexy
Operational

LifeProof iPhone Case Review

Travel-Friendly
Right off the bat, it’s obvious that this case stands up to the claim of being almost “everything proof.” The plastic feel sturdy yet flexible (without being heavy), and while it was a little frustrating how hard it was to open up the case to put the phone in, it gave me the security of knowing that once inside, the phone was going to be protected from my drunk-late-night-toilet-phone-drops. I already breathed a sigh of relief before the first tequila shot. I would feel completely safe bringing this case with me to the beach, camping, or even fishing!

What is NOT so travel friendly is the headphone jack access plug. It’s a tiny, thumb-tac sized screw top that fits over the headphone jack port to keep the case water proof. If you spend your day plugging headphones into your phone and taking them out again multiple times, this little cap is hard to keep track of, and once lost, it pretty much makes the water proof case…not so waterproof. An easy solution to that, in my opinion, would be to attach the cap to the top of the case with a small plastic tether, so you never lose track of it.

LifeProof’s solution was to include a headphone adapter that screws into the top of your case so you can listen to tunes while keeping the case waterproof. A great touch, especially if you plan on using your headphones while boating, hanging near a pool….or drunk in the bathroom….no judgment…While I like the idea of the headphone adapter, it just ended up being another small accessory that got thrown into my desk. I’m constantly plugging my headphones in throughout the day and didn’t want to have to bother with the dangling adapter getting in my way.

Sexy
If you’re into rugged & functional, this thing will turn you on more than Alcide chopping wood shirtless. If Bill Compton is more your style, this case will feel a bit clunky and too militaristic. In MY opinion, it could have easily gone the extra mile to follow the simple, understated design of the iPhone. The case comes in a TON of colors, so at least you get to express yourself a little bit!

Operational
While I would NEVER submit my iPhone to testing the water proof capabilities of a case, I did however stuff the case with paper and submerge it for 30 minutes and found it’s waterproof claim to be true! The case is water proof up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) so don’t go DIVING with it. But rest assured, any accidental drops into water, mud or your vodka soda will leave you praying to the gods of LifeProof!

As with any case, none will protect a phone from someone throwing it against the wall in frustration at the Mets, but this case is tested to withstand drops of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters…I see a theme). Most drop tests are from 4 feet, so 6.6 feet is pretty impressive!

Summary
While the LifeProof iPhone 4/4S case wouldn’t be my case of choice for day to day business, it’s worth holding on to for the next time I take a trip or vacation near the water or snow. You bet your ass my phone will not LEAVE it’s LifeProof Case.

Click to purchase the LifeProof Case for iPhone 4/4S

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