We recently got our hands on the Lifeproof cover for the iPhone. Worth USD 79, this one promises to be water, shock and dust proof and we decided to put it to test on an occasion, none other than Holi. For the ones uninitiated, Holi is an Indian festival celebrated with colors and it gets a bit intense in my neighborhood. So how about putting the Lifeproof iPhone cover to test during Holi fun? I guarded my iPhone 4 with the Lifeproof cover one morning and headed out to face the Holi wrath in my unruly neighborhood. While 12 hours later I am still struggling to get the color off me and tears from my eyes still continue to flow (nah, not the moments, the chemicals), here is how the Lifeproof cover fared.
The Lifeproof Cover:
Described in one word, the life proof cover is ‘tough’
Lifeproof for iPhone is a two piece cover that seals your device completely and protects against water, dust and even some rough drops. The underwater capability of this is rated at 6.6ft (2 mts) and it can survive a drop from the same height. The cover has full IP-68 rating, thats on par with a Sonim.
One half of the cover encompasses the entire phone and the other half acts as a lid that seals the iPhone from all sides. There is a plastic material that covers the touchsceen (part of the top half) and still keeps its capacitive nature intact. The cover is devised such that you can talk on the phone with this cover on. There is a openable lid that lets you connect to the charging port once you are out of water (and dry 🙂 ). An openable screw that secures the 3.5mm audio port. The volume buttons and power button also work when the case is on.
The photos above were taken after the case was battered during Holi fun. The insides all clean, the outside filled with color / chemicals.
Lifeproof In Action
Given that technology has caught up only recently, obviously my friends were happy to get the opportunity to get clicked so closely on Holi eve for the first time. In the midst of all the water and colors, it is easy to grip the Lifeproof coated iPhone and the case doesn’t add much weight or size to the device either (28 gms of weight and 1.5mm width). It is hard to imagine that something so lightweight can protect the iPhone from water and harsh falls.
Being able to use the iPhone when out playing with water and colors was a bit superman like for my friends. The ones who would promptly leave their phones, watches and even rings back home before entering the Holi arena were taken back when I walked upto them with a camera shouting out to throw some water at me. After a few uncomfortable glances and questioning, I was put through the most brutal Holi I ever played. The Lifeproof took all the beating and protected the iPhone though. What I have is some pictures which would make a great memory for all of us.
Video – Water splash
Video – A casual test we did a few weeks back. A bit nervous we were, but it turned out to be just fine:
Wrap-up
Once wet, it does get a bit hard to control the touchscreen (in my case a bit of color as well). The plastic coating over the iPhone display reduces the sensitivity of the iPhone screen and we doubt if anyone would want to have the Lifeproof cover on their devices 24×7. But then, if you are a biker kind or frequent to extreme conditions, you would love this thing. It lets you use the iPhone with all its features, be it calling, camera or just browsing the web. Even the music output is loud enough with the cover on and all this while still being waterproof!
