My iPhone is probably my most important piece of electronic travel gear and the LifeProof Nüüd Case for iPhone 5 can solve a big problem I have. When engaging in activities as kayaking, boating or dancing in the rain, I’ve been leery about taking my smartphone along. Why? Well, remember when my iPhone jumped ship (my pocket) into the toilet?
I’m concerned the same thing will happen when I’m out playing in and near water. I do have an Aqua Box but the issue with it is I need take the iPhone out of its case and lock it into the box. It’s a little bulky and although it has a membrane covering the glass to access the screen, it’s not seamless to use. I can take photos however a bit of the case causes a concave look on the sides.
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Here’s where the LifeProof comes in. They have developed the first waterproof and shockproof smartphone case WITHOUT a screen cover, LifeProof nüüd available for Apple iPhone 5 , Lifeproof Nüüd Case for iPad 2/3/4 – Black (1101-01) and LifeProof nüüd Case for the Samsung Galaxy S III / Black. Yeah, that’s right. It does NOT HAVE a screen cover.
Why?
Here’s where science and technology have created something pretty groovy, LifeProof’s patent-pending Screenless Technology. It uses a compression lock system that forms a waterproof seal between the case and the device touchscreen. Think of it as a seal around your car’s windshield.
The result is a four-proof protection while maintaining perfect clarity and touch. The LifeProof nüüd case is screen-free, yet is still waterproof, with an IP68 rating for submerging 6.6 ft./2m underwater for one hour. The new case is also built to survive a 6.6 ft./2m. drop and exceeds military specifications for shock, drop and vibration protection.
Think about it. The touchscreen is glass why would it need to be waterproofed? No protective covering over the touchscreen means it can be accessed the way Apple intended.
“The LifeProof nüüd design is ground-breaking and offers an entirely new level in waterproof protection that has never been done before. Now smartphone users can get perfect visual clarity and touch experience on their phone, without worrying about dropping it or getting it wet,” said Gary Rayner, LifeProof founder. “The LifeProof nüüd case for iPad launched last year with a similar design has already proven that you do not need a cover on the screen to offer full protection.”
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LifeProof nüüd for Samsung Galaxy SIII and iPhone 5 offer these benefits:
- First screen-free, all-protective case on the market
- Thinnest and lightest all-protective case available
- Fully submersible and completely waterproof
- Totally sealed from dirt and dust
- Complete access to all buttons, ports, functions and features
- Maximum sound output and clarity
- Anti-reflective optical glass camera lens
The case works pretty well. I really appreciate it doesn’t interfere with the camera or flash, unlike previous non-LifeProof cases I’ve owned. Before giving it the “submerge in water” test, be sure to perform the initial water test before installing your phone. While LifeProof tests every case at the factory, it wants to make sure customers feel comfortable with the waterproof feature (and know how to properly install) before using the case with their device.
Two things that didn’t work quite right were:
It may be by design in order to protect the iPhone but the covering for the charging port is a little difficult to open and release. Again, this may be by intentional design to prevent water from entering.
It took a bit of jiggling to access the volume control on the iPhone but once I did, adjusting the volume was easy. Maybe the case had to get used to the phone!
The LifeProof nüüd case is pretty much functional and attractive. What else can I say?
I spend a lot of time with people who work in the outdoors and several have LifeProof cases and another friend has a LifeProof nüüd case who swears by it. He even (accidentally) dropped it in saltwater when fishing and the phone survived because of the case.
Various accessories are available including an armband, bike and bar mount and the LifeJacket so the device will float when (accidentally) dropped in water. If you’re interested in more phones or maybe even a custom phone case check out getcustomphonecase.com. They have a brilliant customization platform, so I hear.
The LifeProof nüüd case is functional but most important, it protects your smartphone investment making it the ideal travel gear companion.
All LifeProof products are sold at www.lifeproof.com as well as Best Buy and Amazon.
Read what fellow outdoorsman Capt. Rick Davidson has to say about the Lifeproof Nuud Case on his blog, Bite Me Fishing.
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iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Disclosure: I received a LifeProof Nüüd Case for iPhone 5 to test and all opinions are my own.