Your choice of smartphones shouldn’t be a factor that limits or determines what adventures you can pursue. To solve this problem, LifeProof™ has designed cases for your iPhone and Galaxy S4 that provides uncompromised protection and functionality under almost any conditions. Now with the nüüd line of cases, LifeProof ushers in the next evolution of protective mobile phone design.
On Performance and Design…
True story: While on a recent trip to the coast, my wife dropped her iPhone 5 into the vast wetness that is the Pacific Ocean. Exactly one week later, my new Samsung Galaxy S4 found its way from my sure handed granite grip, to the unforgiving concrete driveway below.
Here’s the dirty little secret of phone ‘insurance’. Despite being covered by insurance my wife’s iPhone cost $300 to replace, and the Galaxy S4 ran a solid $200. The problem wasn’t that we dropped our mobile devices. The problem was that we didn’t have them properly protected.
Shortly after our “dropsies” incidents, the new LifeProof nüüd Case arrived at our doorstep. LifeProof has earned a reputation as an industry leader in designing cases that protect against the everyday hazards of life. Whether that hazard is a white out on the chair lift, a spilled cup of coffee, or simply falling prey to the not-yet-so-dexterous hands of a toddler, LifeProof™ ensures that you can take your smart phone with you wherever you go.
For their latest innovation, LifeProof has gone nüüd. While most cases rely on clear urethane windows for “full use of touch screen buttons” the nüüd utilizes LifeProof’s screenless technology — the first of its kind in a smartphone case. nüüd protects your mobile phone from plunges and fumbles while keeping the screen open for direct touch. Imagine that… a protective case that let’s you actually touch your touch-screen!
The nüüd is easily the most advanced waterproof case we’ve put through the paces. The secret lies within a waterproof seal that exposes only the screen while creating a water-tight gasket around the rest of the phone. Each of the ports and buttons are covered by a thin layer of plastic. As an added consumer bonus it’s available for both the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S4.
Now we know there are those that shy away from using a protective case because of the “bulk factor” the LifeProof nüüd is still sleek and stylish. When you consider the fact that this case is waterproof and drop-resistant from up to 6.6 feet, it’s rather remarkable that the case weighs just 1.44 ounces for the iPhone 5s, and 1.6 ounces for the Galaxy 4s.
Like any protective case, the nüüd does add a bit of bulk to the otherwise slender frames of these mobile devices. But at the end of the day we’re talking about meager millimeters, and for the level of protection you get in exchange, it’s certainly well worth the trade-off.
Notes from the Field…
Over the course of our review period the case has lived up to it’s billing as waterproof, shockproof, snow proof and dustproof all while continuing to provide the uncompromised functionality you need. However, we did come away with two specific critiques.
The first minor issue is that the case does offer a narrow port opening which can prove to be cumbersome. While it does not inhibit functionality, it did take our test team a bit of getting used too.
Yes, the LifeProof Nüüd does come with a hefty price-tag. But speaking from experience, the cost of the case is far less than paying the insurance deductible. Secondly, there’s no other waterproof case in the market that boasts a no-compromises access to the screen. The design and craftsmanship are top notch and the case holds up on all its promises.
Bottom Line…
Whether you’re prone to dropping gloves off of chairlifts on sub-zero days, or seeking additional protection from the overly eager hands of your kidlets, the LifeProof nüüd family of cases grants you peace of mind for your life of adventure.
*Gumption Gear Review received a product sample of the item featured in this review from LifeProof™ at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.