LifeProof case for iPhone 4/4S (black)

Pros: -Dirt, snow, shock, and waterproof
-Really easy to assemble
-Sleek and lightweight
-Waterproof headphone adapter included
-Buttons work perfectly, including the mute switch
-Doesn't interfere with the ear piece sound
-Enhances sound from the speakers

Cons: -Once its on, you cannot take it off as you please
-Dust collects underneath the plastic screen
-Plastic screen takes some getting used to
-Flushed headphone plug in and charging port
-Muffles the sound from speakers a little

Summary: First of, I would like to thank Lifeproof for such an amazing case which, in my opinion, have bested all other cases I have used (Otterbox Defender and Commuter, Ivyskin Wrangler, Trident Cyclops, Speck Candyshell, Casemate Popcase, and a Speck Pixelskin HD).

I have used this case for a month now and I am constantly surprised on how sleek and lightweight it is. Power button, mute switch, and the volume buttons are a little stiff at first, but its nothing a couple days with the case won't fix (Note: with the mute switch on this case, it is reversed, meaning you push the button towards you to mute and away from you to unmute).

A minor problem I have encountered is that the plastic screen cover is slightly over the screen of the phone, so you have to press a little harder to get the touch functions to work, but its easy enough to get used to it. Whats more of a problem, again for me, is that dust collects under the plastic screen and I think this is due to the opening of the charger port flap. It wouldn't be a big deal if one could take the case off as they please, but having the ultimate protection has its price. Once this case is on, it is NOT recommended that it is taken off often. This is because the seal that makes it waterproof will wear and become loose with constant taking apart of the case.

In addition to problems, the headphone jack plug in and the charging port are flushed and it seems that OEM Apple products are the only things that fit. Third party headphones and chargers of equivalent sizes might fit, but no guarantee. The good news is that there are adapters that can be used to use third party items, such as a waterproof headphone adapter that plugs into the case and still makes it waterproof (which is included with the case package).

One last thing to note is that although sounds from watching videos or listening to music are enhanced, I find that when the phone is ringing or an alarm is going off, it is, again this is my opinion, muffled just a bit to where I almost cannot hear it. Vibrations is a lot more stronger, and sounds coming from the ear piece is not interfered at all with the plastic screen cover blocking it with rubber to make it waterproof.

Now for a life story. I work as a ware-houseman and go around in big box trucks for deliveries. One day while doing a delivery, my phone was left on my lap (I do this often for some odd reason) as I hopped out of the truck. From my lap to the paved ground was an estimated height of 8-9 feet. My phone falls face down on the paved ground and when I had picked up my phone, the screen was not cracked. I then popped open the case to check the back and that was not cracked. There were minor scratches on the case, but nothing big.

Overall, this is an amazing sleek case that, with a few flaws to note, does what a case is supposed to do and them some with your expensive gadget without the bulkiness.

Updated on Jul 24, 2012

Although I favor this case over all the other cases I listed, they are still great cases that I recommend to anyone who is wanting to buy any of those cases from the great case makers.