Is the LifeProof iPhone Case Really “Lifeproof?"

by
posted on January 7, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Product
Just short of a year ago, at the 2013 SHOT Show, I was given a sample of LifeProof’s iPhone 4S Case.

The Claim
The manufacturer claims that this case is “waterproof, shockproof, snowproof, and dirtproof."

The Test
Instead of merely performing a few stunts such as throwing the phone into a pool of water (which I did), or dropping it on a hard floor (which I did), I decided to really give it a test of real life.

I am hard on phones—my phone goes everywhere with me (I would get bored on the toilet without it) and I have a tendency to drop it…a lot (fortunately, not in the toilet). I’ve taken this phone to the beach, on duck hunts in the rain, on horseback hunts in the high country (rain, snow, rocks), I wear it on my arm to play music when I run, the works. All of those real-life tests would be great, but the biggest test is what I call the Toddler Test.

The Toddler Test
My daughter was 6 months old when I brought home this case, and she’s fascinated with my phone. This phone has been chewed-on while she’s teething (I washed it after the aforementioned bathroom trip), drooled-on excessively, dropped on hardwood floors hundreds of times, stepped on, and smeared with unmentionable fluids. Needless to say, my phone has had a rough go of it.

The Result
Through all of this, the case has protected my phone from all hurt, harm, and danger. I’ve literally done everything short of beat this phone with a hammer and the LifeProof case has protected it. After a year of abuse (especially the chewing), the corners are getting a little dog-eared but that hasn’t diminished the function. This case clearly meets its claims. I’ve added a LifeProof case to my iPad as well.

The Guarantee
Lifeproof has a “Total Water Protection” program where they’ll replace your phone for $50 if it sustains water damage within a year of you buying one of their cases.

Ok, maybe we'll do a little water testing

The Alternative
My wife doesn’t have a LifeProof case on her phone, and she takes FAR better care of her stuff than I do. Nonetheless, a couple of weeks she dropped her phone and shattered the screen. Even with phone insurance, it was a $100 mistake.

The Ruling
A phone can be a lifeline when you’re out hunting. The LifeProof case will protect your phone from whatever you (or your kids) throw at it.

Latest

LEDE Thompson Center
LEDE Thompson Center

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.