LifeProof iPhone 4/4S Case

By Eugene Kim

The iPhone 4 and 4S feature stunning, all-glass designs, but they're not exactly the most durable smartphones out there. Even most adventure-averse owners can probably be found sporting a case to protect their glass-clad smartphones. The LifeProof iPhone 4/4S Case ($79.99 direct) , as its name suggests, is built to withstand whatever life throws at you. Unlike other ruggedized case options out there, the LifeProof is surprisingly thin and light. And best of all, it's completely waterproof.

You've probably seen rugged cases from Otterbox and the like?calling them bulky would be an understatement. The LifeProof case is only 0.43 inches thick (versus 0.37 inches for the iPhone alone) and weighs just under an ounce. It looks and feels like a normal, non-rugged case, which is definitely a plus. There are two interlocking plastic pieces, with a clear plastic screen cover built into the front. I'm not a fan of anything that gets between your finger and the glass, but for the sake of protection and waterproofing, the plastic cover is tolerable. It is prone to air bubbles and will flex to the touch, but this doesn?t affect usability. The plastic cover does, however, make the screen appear dimmer and more reflective than normal.

Otherwise, there are rubber buttons that allow you to use all the iPhone controls, while a sealable door and plug cover the 30-pin port and headphone jack. The port opening is very narrow, and anything thicker than the standard Apple cable will not fit. The headphone jack is also fairly narrow, but luckily LifeProof includes an adapter that acts as both a way to use headphones under water and extend the jack beyond the case. Rounding out the package is a microfiber cloth and replacement headphone jack plug.

Initial setup for the LifeProof is a bit more intense than your run-of-the-mill case. It's one of the few fully waterproof cases?not to be confused with water resistant?and must be water-tested before you begin using it. This is easy enough; simply assemble the case without a phone inside and fully submerge the case in water. Detailed instructions on setup and testing can be found on LifeProof's website, and I can't stress how important it is to follow these as closely as possible.

My initial water test went perfectly, and not a single drop penetrated the LifeProof's seal. There are vents for all the microphones and speakers, and I didn't notice any significant muffling on calls or when playing music through the phone's speakers. The lens opening on the back is covered in anti-reflective glass, which did not distort photos or wash out the phone's built-in flash. Touch gestures do not register when fully submerged, which is not the case's fault, but you can start the camera app up before going under and use the Volume Up button to snap photos or start video recordings.

All in all, my iPhone 4 was just as functional with the LifeProof case on, and the added bulk is fairly insignificant considering the vastly improved durability and protection. The case is unobtrusive enough to be an everyday case, and will add peace of mind for both the avid adventurer and clumsy city dweller. We haven't reviewed any comparable cases yet, but another option to keep on your radar is the forthcoming Otterbox Armor series, which tauts a waterproof enclosure and serious impact protection.?

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