Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Skip to Conclusion if this is too long :-) I have used various cases with every iPhone (except the 4S) including Speck, Incase, Otterbox, bumpers, and InvisibleSHIELD. My preference so far is no case with a matte screen protector. That being said, I have been looking for a waterproof case-- #1 to use with my RAM mount on my motorcycle (without worrying about rain), and #2 to enable some better photo & video around or in water (specifically while flyfishing or doing cannonballs in the pool). The Lifeproof case was really the only viable option I found. I've used this case for about a week now; and have just ordered the Slipgrip RAM mount (not from Lifeproof). INITIAL IMPRESSION: I pre-ordered the case (or rather, was on the priority list to pre-order) directly from Lifeproof's website. Upon receiving the case, I found adequate written instructions inside on the packaging on use; including the recommended 1-hour soak test prior to initial use (Lifeproof also recommends to remove the phone and soak test the case again after every major drop to ensure the seal was not damaged). The case is light, and appears cheap. Holding it in my hand, it seems the focus was waterproofness over ruggedness; with it definitely striking me as being waterproof. The screen was a bit of a let-down for me (it still reminds me of a clear waterproof bag rather than any real screen protection). Once on the phone, the case appears to offer some shock protection. The case feels much slimmer than the OtterBox Defender Series Hybrid Case & Holster for iPhone 4 & 4S - Retail Packaging - Black case; with a firmer surface that hasn't caught in my pocket like the silicon sleeve around the Defender. BUTTONS: The ringer switch is opposite of normal usage (forward actually silences it)--due to design. A visual check of the ringer setting is no longer possible, as the button is activated by a lever that always appears to be in the middle. The ringer switch and volume buttons are protected by raised ridges in either side of the group to prevent accidental button presses; the buttons work readily with sufficient force. The power button is the traditional case soft cover button. SCREEN: As I said earlier, the screen reminds me of a clear dry bag more than any real screen protection. The screen protector covers the entire screen. The home button portion is recessed to follow curvature of phone's hardware button. The sensor portion at the top of the screen has multiple layers of plastic (probably for sound conduction), and the top layer is set away from the phone with small strips of foam (about 1/16-1/8" high) which give a noticeable curve to the screen protector at the top edge of the LCD screen where it meets the speaker/sensor area. I have experienced issues with the proximity sensor not turning the screen back on during a call (twice this week--once while making a call outside at night, and just now in my well-lit living room). I have not noticed any degradation on voice clarity during calls. I was informed by someone with a Lifeproof case for their iPhone 4/4S that they felt touch sensitivity was affected--although they had left their screen protector on. I have used it successfully with touchscreen capable gloves as well. I pulled my screen protector prior to installation; and have not experienced difficulty with touch sensitivity exceeding that experienced with my old Otterbox on my iPhone 4. Camera covering provides for clear photos with minimal to no image distortion (make sure your phone and inside of the case are clean prior to installation). PORTS: The headphone jack came with an installed screw-in waterproof plastic PLUG (1 extra included, along with screw-in waterproof adaptor for regular headsets). If the ADAPTOR is screwed in, calls will default to the adaptor (phone thinks a headset is plugged in). If no headphones are plugged in to the adaptor, you can hit "speaker" until you are able to unscrew it. The PLASTIC PLUG does not have this affect. It is possible to plug in headsets directly to the phone port; the case is just not watertight without either the plug or adaptor in place. The cover sealing the Lightning connection appeared to be rather flimsy at first, but on closer inspection is actually hinged on a metal rod acting as a pivot--which provides for smooth opening/closing (which is needed for every charge), and should not wear out with the amount of use this piece will see. I have not used it with any of the adaptors other than the standard USB cable; but be aware that others have experienced issues using Apple's Lightning/30-pin adaptor with cases--the Apple Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter (0.2M) seems to be a better option. The speaker on the bottom of the phone has a membrane to allow for sound; but the majority of sound is produced by the back of the case vibrating--both the large plastic portion and the thin plastic window over the Apple logo. The window produces a rattling noise and creates the majority of noise distortion. While playing music, I've put pressure on the window with my thumb to reduce the vibration produced--sound is still primarily transmitted by the back of the case with audible distortion; but not nearly as bad as with the window. On my case, there is a slight gap between the center of the back of the phone and the case (right at the base of the window). Lifeproof's website hints that this is a feature for fuller sound. I will put some foam tape inside on the back of the case later and see if that helps reduce the distortion. That being said, the majority of my listening is done with a Plantronics M155 MARQUE - Bluetooth Headset - Retail Packaging - Black; a Logitech Mini Boombox for Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops - Red (984-000209); or my Pioneer DEH-P8400BH Mobile CD Receiver with Built-in Bluetooth, HD Radio and MIXTRAX. CONCLUSION: I bought this case for the waterproof aspect; and it lives up to that. Six feet is not as deep as I would like; but that is deeper than any other case on the market for the iPhone. I am not a fan of the screen, but again, it is waterproof. Expect distortion when using speakerphone or listening to music. It should live up to my intended purpose quite well; but $80 does seem a little steep for this particular case.