Testing the iPhone 5 LifeProof Fre waterproof case

After testing and
very much appreciated thefirst version of the LifeProof, it was
pour
the iPhone 4 / 4S in this article, today we will focus on
the iPhone 5 version.

It is necessary first of all to remember that LifeProof cases, literally "at
the ordeal of life" have no equivalent on the market. In fact,
They are shock resistant, that again, it's classic, but it is
Above alltotally waterproofwhile maintaining the completeness
accessible phone functions: calls, sound, touch and a very large size
reasonable …

It is available in several colors: black (model tested
below), white and gray or even blue and pink.

Does it keep all its promises? Forward to the discovery of a
single shell:

The packaging remains faithful to what we noticed on the version
previous: the possibility of discovering the shell without opening it, just by
raising the flap located on the front. This ensures good protection for the
delivery while allowing you to discover the case in a store if
need.

Inside, we find the shell made up of two parts, a cloth, a
small guide as well as an extension for the helmet, essential to be able to
plug in, we'll come back to that.

The shell is made of a quality rigid plastic, but which remains
quite fine. The front part which will protect the screen is made of transparent plastic
semi-rigid, and painted black on this model, or white on the other
model.

The notable change compared to last year is the appearance of a
window also protected by a transparent plastic part, on the front
rear, it allows you to take advantage of the Apple logo. Not essential, but this has
been requested by customers.

We can also clearly see the yellow seal which will be responsible for ensuring watertightness.
and the safety of our precious machine.

The hull being waterproof, it is clearly indicated that it is necessary to carry out a
test before setting off on an adventure. To do this, simply close the shell without
iPhone inside then immerse it for around twenty minutes and check
then that there is no water infiltrated inside.

Here we see the waterproof speaker protections:

No problem in our case, we were able to move on to setting up
l’iPhone.

Setting up is extremely simple: just slide the iPhone
in the front part, then clip the rear side on top.

On the lower part, a screw cap will protect the headphone jack and a
the flap closes on the lightning socket, ensuring
the seal with a yellow part serving as a seal.

This is done without difficulty; it is of course necessary to check that
the whole is well closed in order to guarantee watertightness, but the whole,
perfectly adjusted, with a reassuring side.

That's it, we have an iPhone with an all-terrain shell. However, this
is not a huge brick, the hull remains quite reasonable in size
compared to all the waterproof or robust cases that we have come across at
Otterbox par exemple.

As for the buttons, they are accessible whether on the front panel
through the plastic that protects the screen or on the sides with references
on the hull itself. No worries when using them, they are completely
easy to handle.

The principle of this case is to protect without in any way restricting
usage. For this, the speakers are protected but allow
sound, specific locations are provided for the sensors (proximity
and brightness for example) and the photo cells as well as the flash have
from their own location. everything is in the right place, no worries
adjustment.

But it was necessary to check that the case left the iPhone completely
functional on a daily basis, for this, we tested by leaving it in place a
full week: skiing, work and intensive use were at the
programme.

On the screen side, the protective plastic film allows electricity to pass through well.
fingers andthe touchscreen works perfectly well. Par
against, you should know that this membrane, different from a plastic film glued
on the screen, makes typing a text message, for example, less easy than protections
usual, it moves slightly under the finger and we lose precision. Nothing
catastrophic or surprising, it is simplyimportant to
notice that typing comfort is less. For the rest, none
problem, the apps react to the eye and the eye.

We also notice that the relatively shiny front face is subject to
to reflections, particularly in the sun.

Regarding the sound, on the previous model it was muffled during
of a telephone conversation, which could make calls difficult for
the interlocutor. With this version for iPhone 5, no worries,the sound
is very clear. The speakers, for their part, let through well
the sound, no problem to note on that side either.

informative update on this important point: our model does not have
encountered concern about muffled sound, but a reader in the comments
tells him he has the problem, any differences depending on the manufacturing?

The side button allows you to switch from silent mode to alarm mode
works very well, only difference with use without the shell,
the absence of visual information on the mode in which we find ourselves. As a result,
to check you have to manipulate the button and switch to one mode and the other
in order to check.

Finally, for those who wish to keep the shell for long periods of time, it
You should know that the size of the opening for the sync/charging socket does not
will not allow the use of the 30 pin Lightning adapter by
example.

After several days of use, without sparing the case with the iPhone,
both inside and outside, no marks to deplore and above all,
no scratches on the transparent front side. It is important that she does not
does not scratch to guarantee a display that remains clear over time.

The real difference with classic use of the iPhone protected or not is
located when you want to use headphones. In fact, the grip is too
pressed so that the jack does not reach it and an accessory is provided. It is
a small extension to screw into the shell which plugs into the jack of the
phone and allows you to plug in the headset of your choice. Be careful not to
then lose the small screw cap. But again, a hood is a good idea.
additional is secured to the extension. Good idea that should be used for more
from a LifeProof owner.

What about waterproofing then?

This is an important point, the real differentiator of this solution
facing the entire market.

For our usual tests, we do it in a swimming pool, with videos and photos
underwater, but given the period, there is no question of freezing underwater.
However, the hull was completely submerged, passed under water, buried
in the snow and used constantly on a daily basis in the office and when skiing, no
No concerns about infiltration or damage have been noted.

But we promise, wewill complete this test at the bottom of the water
as soon as the season is better and we will update.

Note that a location for hanging a flange is provided in one of the
corners, it's a very good idea, especially to take the hull under
water.

To take the iPhone out of its case, if you haven't read the instructions, it's a bit
complicated, because everything is sealed very well, but the trick is to use
a coin to unclip the assembly at one of the corners.
Then, simply continue opening by removing the back side. She
is slightly flexible, so should not break, we will nevertheless proceed
with precautions. Then, you must slightly unscrew the plug cap
headset then the iPhone is extracted by tapping the hand or a cloth. With
Usually this is done without problem.

Conclusion

Once again, without changing the almost miracle recipe deployed in the
iPhone 4 version, but improving it slightly, particularly with regard to
the sound captured by the microphone, LifeProof offers aamazing hull,
as compact as possible while still providing incredible protection
against shock, dust or water!

Suffice to say that it is theshell recommended for athletes
who will appreciate being able to keep it all weekend, or for
those whouse their machine in exposed work for example
on construction sites, while wishing to use it with all its
functions.

But is it ashell that we will keep all week
work if we are not in the previous conditions?I will have
tendency to saynon, mainly because of the screen
plastic which reduces the typing precision and the specificity linked to the
headphone jack, but we are not far from being able to do it if we are not very
anxious about your iPhone, in this case, you can rest easy, it's fine
safe from life!

Protection thathas no competition to match it in terms of
size/protection ratio so far, which is not really
cheap sinceit costs around 83 euros, but the
manufacturing quality and functional appearance are there.