LifeProof Disappoints in So Many Ways!

**sailtrueblue#IM** · 11-23-2012, 09:07 AM

I have yet to receive my case from LifeProof that I was given the opportunity to buy "early" and they have already lost me as a customer forever. Let me count the ways they disappoint:

- They offered to sell the first cases to folks that signed up for news of the new iPhone case. My date was 11/21 and sure enough, I got a link to purchase a case on 11/19, 2 days earlier than promised. So far, so good. I placed my order right away. The next day, I saw threads posted here that the cases were already in stores! Thanks for nothing, LP.

- When I went to Best Buy's site to check availability, sure enough they were on the shelves in my local store. So now it's been two days since I placed my order, it hasn't shipped yet, and I could've pick it up locally and had it right away. Feeling less special by the minute, but not that big a deal.

- What caught my eye on the Best Buy was how many negative reviews there were - more 1's than 5's, most people that bought the case would not recommend it. That made me worry about my decision to buy an $80 case that would likely end up unused in a drawer.

- Next, I checked LP's site and found that they charge a 15% restocking fee. They're really looking out for the folks that buy from them! Even though they don't have to share the markup with the retailer, so presumably the cases they sell on their site are much more profitable.

- Finally, I called their customer support to see if i could cancel the order and wait to see if they made changes to make the case more usable (they've already added foam behind the phone to dampen the vibrations when using the speaker). I was told that the order hadn't shipped and LP would cancel it for me. Their BIG FAIL came the next day when I received an email that the cancelled order had indeed shipped. I verified that my card has been charged.

All in all, one of the poorest performances I've seen from a premium vendor. I'd avoid LifeProof like the plague from now on. BTW, while they claim to be waterproof to 2m, they offer no warranty for your phone if the case leaks beyond "Goodbye, good luck."

**LSglock89** · 11-24-2012, 06:46 AM

That is really disappointing to hear because I was really considering purchasing one.

I had issues with Otterbox and they sent me a new Defender case that I have yet to open. I have no desire and would rather sell it. Looking for an alternative and I thought LP would have been that.

**trtmazda3** · 11-24-2012, 07:54 AM

Steer clear of LifeProof. I have heard that the model for the iPhone 5 is even worse than the model for the iPhone 4 was.

**Alli** · 11-24-2012, 08:01 AM

I love the LifeProof case. As a matter of fact, yugster.com has the LP for 4/4S on sale for $40 today (11/24).

**bamf-hacker** · 11-24-2012, 08:20 AM

I second Alli. I have the LifeProof for my old 4s and LOVE it!

**phreddyl** · 11-24-2012, 08:43 AM

The cases that best buy were selling were the first gen of the 5. They have worked the kinks out. Lifeproof replaces the ones that have issues. Everything I have read is the new ones are great and have no issues. They make great cases and I can't wait to get mine! Will be delivered on Tuesday.

**Droidrage729** · 11-24-2012, 10:05 AM

I'm waiting for mine to come in ordered last Saturday I figured thanksgiving threw the delivery off. I wanted the protection this case provides without the build of the otter box defender case.

**phreddyl** · 11-24-2012, 06:00 PM

Ok mine came early. No issues with it. Spent 20 min on the phone with my friend. Had no problem with that. Texting and screen response is good.

**Droidrage729** · 11-24-2012, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by phreddyl

Ok mine came early. No issues with it. Spent 20 min on the phone with my friend. Had no problem with that. Texting and screen response is good.

How is the screen protector? Does it stick to the screen and make like a bubble effect . Seems to be the only complaint. Although some have said they fixed that. And confirming the apple logo as well as the camera is covered? Thanks mine should be in tues.

**phreddyl** · 11-24-2012, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Droidrage729

How is the screen protector? Does it stick to the screen and make like a bubble effect . Seems to be the only complaint. Although some have said they fixed that. And confirming the apple logo as well as the camera is covered? Thanks mine should be in tues.

Screen protector is snug to the screen. No bubble effect. Yes both camera and logo covered.

**Droidrage729** · 11-24-2012, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by phreddyl

Screen protector is snug to the screen. No bubble effect. Yes both camera and logo covered.

Awesome I can't wait for mine to get in. I have this otterbox commuter case on now and it's fine but the unprotected camera lense and the big hole in the case on the back make me nervous.

**phreddyl** · 11-24-2012, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by Droidrage729

Awesome I can't wait for mine to get in. I have this otterbox commuter case on now and it's fine but the unprotected camera lense and the big hole in the case on the back make me nervous.

I had the commuter before I put this one on. You don't think the commuter is bulky until u put this one on.

**Droidrage729** · 11-25-2012, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by phreddyl

I had the commuter before I put this one on. You don't think the commuter is bulky until u put this one on.

It's looks thinner and sleeker then the commuter. Looks less boxy.

**Droidrage729** · 11-26-2012, 06:32 PM

Got mine in today first impression is good. The outer layer scratches easy I scratched mine just trying to pull it apart. The warning sticker that comes on the back is ridiculous I tested and confirmed it was waterproof while I scrubbed all of the adhesive off of the back of it.

**Droidrage729** · 11-28-2012, 09:47 AM

Update: apparently lifeproof redesigned their iPhone 5 case and I got one from the batch that wasn't corrected. Apparently the new designed cases fixes sound issues and touch screen issues around other stuff. For 89.99 sound have been fixed out the gate but ill give a replacement a shot if its no good it's refund time

**LSglock89** · 11-28-2012, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Droidrage729

Update: apparently lifeproof redesigned their iPhone 5 case and I got one from the batch that wasn't corrected. Apparently the new designed cases fixes sound issues and touch screen issues around other stuff. For 89.99 sound have been fixed out the gate but ill give a replacement a shot if its no good it's refund time

I will definitely be interested to know your thoughts.

**Droidrage729** · 11-28-2012, 12:31 PM

Yea I was shocked when I told the woman over the phone all my issues she acknowledged they were all issues they were aware of. I mean I couldn't end a phone call the touch screen just wouldn't work no idea why. And the sound vibration was terrible . I hope the replacement fixes the issues ill report back when I find out.

**justinkk2005** · 12-02-2012, 12:44 PM

I just got mine from best buy. NO issues other than the slight vibration during loud playing of stuff. Call quality is great. Screen is great. This case does have the foam in the back.

**donemt** · 12-04-2012, 05:53 PM

Have my iPhone 4s in a Lifeproof and have no complaints At all. The screen protector, sound quality, and easy manageability are what makes this a great case!

**tritan** · 12-04-2012, 07:14 PM

Aqua otter coming to the rescue in jan.

**LSglock89** · 12-04-2012, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by tritan

Aqua otter coming to the rescue in jan.

Link?

**tritan** · 12-05-2012, 02:39 PM

Look on there front page of the website. Just got a follow up email and they have a sign up now to follow this case. They started making it in July for 4s but then held production to release the iPhone 5 and s3 till after the first of the year. Announcement on release will be at ces on jan 3.

**tritan** · 12-05-2012, 02:41 PM

Jan 8. Correction.

**Droidrage729** · 12-08-2012, 10:27 AM

The second lifeproof case arrived and while it was slightly improved I'm just not willing to give up the speaker quality for a waterproof phone. Ill stick with my incipico frequency case I love it sturdy but thin.

**JDabney** · 01-09-2013, 11:16 AM

I just received my 3rd lifeproof case in the mail and I am pleased to announce that all previous problems with the case have been fixed! First case I had, had the "pillowing" effect on the top and the bottom of the iPhone, had the high pitched noise come out of the earpiece, and couldn't end a call. I got my 2nd case, still had the "pillowing" effect on the top and the bottom, but not as bad as the first generation. It fixed the high pitched noise and the ability to end a call. The only reason I sent it back was because they sent me the wrong color. Very good customer service. Got my 3rd case in the mail today, and I am pleased to announce this 3rd gen case is much, much better! No "pillowing", no high pitched noise from the earpiece, and can end a call! Slim, sleek, waterproof, dust proof, etc and can fit easily in the pocket. Sound is much better too! Overall a 10/10 for sure!