Almost everybody in the tech community has been raving about the new LifeProof case, and it almost seems like the be-all, end-all iPhone 4 case. Waterproof, shock proof, snow proof, almost everything proof in a very slim design. Could you ask for more, is there really anything else you would ever want in an iPhone case? That’s the question I am set out to answer and see if the LifeProof may very well be the last iPhone 4 case you ever purchase.

The Design
The design of the LifeProof case is very different, if I were to put it in my own words. Unlike the bulkiness that most protective cases are known for, LifeProof has taken a different approach. While losing the thickness of silicone and adding in TPU, the LifeProof also adds a larger overall perimeter, without being too thick around the edges. The drop protection that this case offers is absolutely marvelous. I dropped the LifeProof case literally half a dozen times, and while there were visible bumps and nicks around the corners of the case, the iPhone on the inside remained to be unscathed. In terms of the water proof abilities, the LifeProof succeeds greatly. Throwing this around in a pool, washing off in the shower, or being productive in the rain all worked perfectly, and I have a video coming up soon to prove that statement, er, excuse me, fact.



Is it Really LifeProof?
Now, your probably wondering why I didn’t go in depth on that previous paragraph. Well, isn’t saying that the waterproof ability is perfect good enough? If not, look to another review, and I guarantee they will all say the same thing. The LifeProof is exactly 100% waterproof, no if ands or buts about it. Getting back to the design, we have a front covering for the screen that, while being very protective, isn’t the most responsive at times, and actually clicks since the screen guard isn’t actually touching the screen. That same statement can be said for the rather stiff buttons, which have a very non responsive touch to them, and barely make a click or tap when you're registering. The speaker holes are covered with some sort of fabric, and unfortunately, the quality of the audio coming through is greatly impacted. It sounds muffled, muddy, and very bloated when compared to the iPhone naked.



The dock connector flap is covered in foam that prevents water from ever getting in and will only work with Apple sized dock connectors, so do not give or take a few millimeters. Beefier size connectors from Griffin & Schosche simply won’t work. Interestingly enough, the headphone port is very small and will only work with the stock Apple earbuds or smaller jack. Fortunately, LifeProof realized that this was a problem and added a water proof female to male adapter that will work with any type of headphone or earbuds. A very interesting feature to point out though is that the vibrate switch is a bit tricky to operate the first time. To silence, you press forward, and vice versa, which is opposite when you are not rocking a case on your iPhone. A little bit weird, but you’ll get used to it within the hour. Lastly, the camera cutout is made of a very thick and durable glass covering, and surprising as it is, I have not experienced any flash issues despite the horrifically small flash opening.



Disadvantages
There are two thing to complain about though, and that is the quality of the materials and the fragile nature of the case. Even though the LifeProof remains as one of the strongest cases I have tested, even able to pit its own against the likes of the Griffin Survivor, I still don’t think that the quality of the materials are all that great, which you’ll realize immediately when holding the case. It just feels cheaply made. Not only that, but the small covering for the speakerphone and the mic start to become scratched overtime and eventually become perforated, which completely defeats the waterproof functionality of the LifeProof.



Final Thoughts
At the end of the day however, I really do like the LifeProof case, and while it may not be for everyone, the protection that this case offers is marvelous, and if LifeProof can fix some of the issues stated above, then this case would be a no brainer at $80. You simply can’t beat this protection in such a small package, and I am giving it a Editors Choice Award simple due to the sheer amount of protection.





LifeProof for iPhone 4 @LifeProof