LifeProof Defective Battery Door - Galaxy S 4 Accessories

For anyone out there who are currently using or have used the LifeProof Fre; did you ever have any problems with the battery door cracking? I, just last week, received my second case from a warranty claim in under a year. Both times, my battery door has suddenly had a very tiny horizontal crack right at the bend just under the snap. The first time I was kinda worried that the crack may have been from a drop I had almost 2 months prior. There was no visible damage and the only way I knew something was wrong was that when closing the door, I no longer heard the familiar snap. The 2nd time I noticed the door had cracked I had been able to decidedly rule out any type of drop being the cause. The only visible signs of anything were normal wear and tear (small scratches on the back plastic from putting in and taking out of pockets), and on the sides where I had removed the case twice before.
Anyway, I was just curious how many others have had this happen to them. I would assume quite a few as mine cracked for almost literally no reason at all.

lordcheeto03 said:
For anyone out there who are currently using or have used the LifeProof Fre; did you ever have any problems with the battery door cracking? I, just last week, received my second case from a warranty claim in under a year. Both times, my battery door has suddenly had a very tiny horizontal crack right at the bend just under the snap. The first time I was kinda worried that the crack may have been from a drop I had almost 2 months prior. There was no visible damage and the only way I knew something was wrong was that when closing the door, I no longer heard the familiar snap. The 2nd time I noticed the door had cracked I had been able to decidedly rule out any type of drop being the cause. The only visible signs of anything were normal wear and tear (small scratches on the back plastic from putting in and taking out of pockets), and on the sides where I had removed the case twice before.
Anyway, I was just curious how many others have had this happen to them. I would assume quite a few as mine cracked for almost literally no reason at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the thing, for reasons I can't figure out the build materials for the iPhone Lifeproof cases and the Galaxy Lifeproof cases are not the same. I've owned and held and inspected the iPhone 5 version and the Galaxy S4 Fre. My iPhone 5 case lasted for a SOLID YEAR without any issues whatsoever. The Galaxy Fre case had the charging port door shatter/chip for nothing but normal use. No drops. I had three replacements within a 2.5 month time period when I finally just said screw it and abandoned the brand. If they would make the build materials the same I think it would last and be wonderful, and I still definitely recommend the Lifeproof case IF you have an iPhone. If you have a Galaxy avoid avoid avoid. I think I've read that better options are the Seidio Obex.

Wittyusernametaken said:
Here's the thing, for reasons I can't figure out the build materials for the iPhone Lifeproof cases and the Galaxy Lifeproof cases are not the same. I've owned and held and inspected the iPhone 5 version and the Galaxy S4 Fre. My iPhone 5 case lasted for a SOLID YEAR without any issues whatsoever. The Galaxy Fre case had the charging port door shatter/chip for nothing but normal use. No drops. I had three replacements within a 2.5 month time period when I finally just said screw it and abandoned the brand. If they would make the build materials the same I think it would last and be wonderful, and I still definitely recommend the Lifeproof case IF you have an iPhone. If you have a Galaxy avoid avoid avoid. I think I've read that better options are the Seidio Obex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. I used to work at a store that sold them and I would often have to open the packaging to show people what it looks/feels like. Definitely noticed a difference.

Wittyusernametaken said:
Here's the thing, for reasons I can't figure out the build materials for the iPhone Lifeproof cases and the Galaxy Lifeproof cases are not the same. I've owned and held and inspected the iPhone 5 version and the Galaxy S4 Fre. My iPhone 5 case lasted for a SOLID YEAR without any issues whatsoever. The Galaxy Fre case had the charging port door shatter/chip for nothing but normal use. No drops. I had three replacements within a 2.5 month time period when I finally just said screw it and abandoned the brand. If they would make the build materials the same I think it would last and be wonderful, and I still definitely recommend the Lifeproof case IF you have an iPhone. If you have a Galaxy avoid avoid avoid. I think I've read that better options are the Seidio Obex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mojito13 said:
This. I used to work at a store that sold them and I would often have to open the packaging to show people what it looks/feels like. Definitely noticed a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies. The only reason I'm still using the LifeProof is that they send me another free case when it breaks. I most certainly wouldn't still be using it if I had to keep paying full price for another. I was just curious if anyone else has had this problem. You would think that there would be more reports on this, but I haven't seen mention of it on this site...

There were when I was using LifeProof a few months ago...

Related

My horrible S4 experience

First of all, let me say that I really like the S4. I sold my iPhone 5 and be able to buy it at full price when it was released. I like the size, it's just about perfect size for me, fits well in my hand. The air gestures and air views are pretty nice, they come in handy. Coming from an iPhone, having a replaceable battery is priceless, I liked being able to swap out my low battery with a full charged one.
My first S4 broke while in my pocket on 5/6, I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, was just doing things around the house, when I pulled it from my pocket there was a crack from the upper right corner down the middle of the left side. The AMOLED display under the glass is what broke, device was unusable, nothing showed on the screen except some colors on top left above the crack.
After fighting with AT&T and Asurion the entire next day, AT&T agreed to give me an early upgrade. So I bought a new one on 5/7.
I received my new S4 on 5/10, then this morning, 5/15, while at work I was squatted down, texting, and dropped it from around knee level on carpet with padding over concrete and it cracked the AMOLED display, this time in the upper right corner, with 4 cracks from the side to about an inch into the display.
This S4 had a Spigen Ultra Thin Air case on it, as well as Spigen's Glas.t Slim screen protector.
I don't expect manufacturers to make phones that are indestructible, but this seems ridiculous to me.
I was a long time Apple user before I bought the S4, I don't think I will ever go back, but I'm regretting going with Samsung now. I've spent over $900 between both devices and now they are both in the mail (as well as almost $200 in accessories that are worthless now), for Samsung to evaluate, so for the next two weeks I'm stuck with using an old S2 that likes to reboot every 15 minutes.
I've read a few posts on here about people breaking the screen under the glass like I did. So I'd be careful if you own one.
Ryanmp said:
First of all, let me say that I really like the S4. I sold my iPhone 5 and be able to buy it at full price when it was released. I like the size, it's just about perfect size for me, fits well in my hand. The air gestures and air views are pretty nice, they come in handy. Coming from an iPhone, having a replaceable battery is priceless, I liked being able to swap out my low battery with a full charged one.
My first S4 broke while in my pocket on 5/6, I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, was just doing things around the house, when I pulled it from my pocket there was a crack from the upper right corner down the middle of the left side. The AMOLED display under the glass is what broke, device was unusable, nothing showed on the screen except some colors on top left above the crack.
After fighting with AT&T and Asurion the entire next day, AT&T agreed to give me an early upgrade. So I bought a new one on 5/7.
I received my new S4 on 5/10, then this morning, 5/15, while at work I was squatted down, texting, and dropped it from around knee level on carpet with padding over concrete and it cracked the AMOLED display, this time in the upper right corner, with 4 cracks from the side to about an inch into the display.
This S4 had a Spigen Ultra Thin Air case on it, as well as Spigen's Glas.t Slim screen protector.
I don't expect manufacturers to make phones that are indestructible, but this seems ridiculous to me.
I was a long time Apple user before I bought the S4, I don't think I will ever go back, but I'm regretting going with Samsung now. I've spent over $900 between both devices and now they are both in the mail (as well as almost $200 in accessories that are worthless now), for Samsung to evaluate, so for the next two weeks I'm stuck with using an old S2 that likes to reboot every 15 minutes.
I've read a few posts on here about people breaking the screen under the glass like I did. So I'd be careful if you own one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks dude. But hey, a little advice...fix that S2! If it's rebooting like that, there's something wrong. There are several super-stable Jelly Bean roms available for flashing these days. I come from that world, so I know it like the back of my hand...PM me if you'd like me to help you make your S2 awesome.
Before anyone says this isnt a necessary thread, I think it is.
Having a 32GB and having spent money on my device and screen protector and cases I'd like to know this too, so I would love to hear from anyone else that has broken their device easily
Damn that sucks OP. I think you have bad luck with the S4, I remember when you mentioned the S4 screen cracking while it was in your pocket. I would get another phone if I were you.
I have a really hard time "feeling sorry" for people who drop and break their phones and complain.
I don't know what kind of response (pity?) that you want from people.
Drop the iphone 4 in just the right spot and it'll crack too. Every phone is the same more or less.
Don't want a broken phone? Don't drop it. You break it that way, the fault is no ones but yourself.
Felixpau86 said:
I have a really hard time "feeling sorry" for people who drop and break their phones and complain.
I don't know what kind of response (pity?) that you want from people.
Drop the iphone 4 in just the right spot and it'll crack too. Every phone is the same more or less.
Don't want a broken phone? Don't drop it. You break it that way, the fault is no ones but yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda of an ignorant comment, the OP had his screen cracked and it was just in his pocket so no drop at all. The second time it was a drop but it is his experience and I understand it especially when you purchase a device this expensive twice. Don't be rude man.
His story for breaking in his pocket was "while around the house". So whats to say he didn't accidentally smash it again something while doing housework or anything else like a table?
Dropping your phone - what do you expect? Go buy a Nokia if you plan on dropping it. Even then im sure drop proof isn't part of any phone's warranty.
Pretty straight forward. You may not like my "tone" but you can't honestly count it against the phone if you're not keeping it safe. The error is human in this case. Own up to it and take better care of your phone.
I've cracked iphones and android screens and bodies before, it was probably my fault in handling it; but you definitely won't see me running to a forum and complaining about the manufacturer having shoddy quality when it was clearly human error.
I'm starting to wonder if maybe it's the Chinese models in specific breaking like that because I have seen multiple S4's dropped now WITHOUT ANY CASE from 6 feet and survive with only scrapes to the actual frame and here you have a case AND a glass screen protector, and it falls from half the height and suffers catastrophically.
Has to be something more going on here. Reviews will also show the phone can survive falls just like any other premium metal phone and then some, so quite an odd case here
ALSO to everyone else, stop hating on the OP. Yea I have to agree it's just really vague to say your phone was just up and broken, but I'm willing to look at it as the OP is telling the truth cause at worst, even if he is lying, it really don't matter.
No offense OP, but I'm going to call bull**** here. You have to be leaving out something -- even if it's by accident. I've had smartphones with larger screens for 5+ years now, and not once have i cracked or broken a phone. The last phone that broke was the first nokia clamshell that came out -- and that was after i dropped it from standing on to a concrete floor. Even then it worked still, the plastic just cracked a bit.
There is no way you broke your phone just having it in your pocket -- unless you were wearing super tight hipster jeans with your keys in your pocket. Futhermore, dropping your phone 2 feet on to a padded floor, won't just break your phone either....it just wont.
I've dropped my s3/s4 many times on to my wood floor now without any issues (without a case).
Also, wouldn't your phone be under the 14 day return policy anyway? If anything happens in those 14 days, you get a new one?
Overall, this just doesn't make sense. I think you are omitting some key details here; these phones ARE NOT that fragile.
EDIT-- How did you figure $900 dollars between two phones plus $200 in accessories?
A new line/renewal should be about $200-250 per phone; cases run $30-35, USBs 5-10, screen protector 7-15....
You should have gotten insurance.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I'm not asking for anything, I'm just putting this info out here.
In my experience, the S4 is easily broken.
And it's not glass that broke in both of mine, it was the display under the glass, the device was not usuable after. The glass was pristine on both, for that matter the both phones were as well, just the display cracked.
You can do what you want with the info, I'm just letting people know what happened with my 2 devices.
When you keep you phone in your pocket, make sure you always keep the screen against your leg. I broke my first Galaxy S2 with the screen out in my pocket when I leaned against a table.
I am shocked that the 2nd time with having a GLAS.t tempered glass that it broke.
You spend this kind of money on phone...treat it like your car....GENTLE. I have had a smartphone for years and not even 1 scratch on any phone I have ever owned. It is like your girlfriend or wife...Gently...
Very expensive way to learn.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Let's be realistic. It's no secret this phone is easily broken. And tbh, when you say something like "it's all your fault because you dropped it is a bit ridiculous. I've dropped my gs2 more times than I can count, face down, from up high, sliding across concrete etc, and the screen is still fine, but the build quality on the gs4 is seriously lacking. I'm scared to even buy one after hearing all these stories. For now I'm sticking to my gs2
Sent from my SGH-i777 using Tapatalk 2
artvandalay22222 said:
Let's be realistic. It's no secret this phone is easily broken. And tbh, when you say something like "it's all your fault because you dropped it is a bit ridiculous. I've dropped my gs2 more times than I can count, face down, from up high, sliding across concrete etc, and the screen is still fine, but the build quality on the gs4 is seriously lacking. I'm scared to even buy one after hearing all these stories. For now I'm sticking to my gs2
Sent from my SGH-i777 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you say the build quality is lacking if you don't even have one?
Just to be safe, think of it this way, if you drop it, it WILL crack. Of course, it might not but if you think it will every time, maybe a little more precaution will be taken. It doesn't matter if it was a mistake...just don't drop it. Any phone that is mostly screen will always have a certain level of fragility and should always be treated that way. It doesn't mean the build quality is bad.
TheAxman said:
You spend this kind of money on phone...treat it like your car....GENTLE. I have had a smartphone for years and not even 1 scratch on any phone I have ever owned. It is like your girlfriend or wife...Gently...
Very expensive way to learn.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or like telling your wife about your girlfriend... handle it very carefully... like your life depends on it.
Samsung does extensive hard use testing on its handsets so I wonder if this was a bad batch or something. Thanks for sharing your experience. Hopefully we don't see a bunch of these threads popping up.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Ya my S4 broke too, dropped mine 2 or 3 feet in a case and the screen shattered, build quality is not there imo
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
well... i was just thinking about investing in a good case.. but now, i think i will buy insurance instead.. or maybe just sell it off.. really cant afford to loose an expensive phone like this.
thanks for the info.

Obex waterproof case now available for preporder

So I just preordered mine but it is available in four different colors, comes with a headset adapter and if you want for $10 more you can get a holster with a total of $89.95. Also looks like they're shipping on the 19th.
http://www.seidioonline.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-s/8824.htm
Posted from a Galaxy S4 it was.
I will post a review once I get it.
Posted from a Galaxy S4 it was.
oxidant11 said:
I will post a review once I get it.
Posted from a Galaxy S4 it was.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't wait to read your honest review. The s3 wasn't all that great from the reviews. Hope they made the s4 one better
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I ordered one as well. If it works as advertised, it will make the S4 better than the S4 Active in the "everything proof" category. I will post my opinion also after I get a chance to use it for a while.
Im ordering one when I get paid friday
Sent from my Bonestock S4
Code TW10 for 10% discount I ordered mine. Only black with red is for pre order, the other colors say coming soon
sent from my jelly bean infused note 10.1
asked this in the other thread before I saw this new one:
Nice.. but $80?
It's two pieces of plastic.
Does that include some sort of insurance if the two pieces of plastic fail?
Yeesh I just got my hybrid today ugh
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4
joeybear23 said:
asked this in the other thread before I saw this new one:
Nice.. but $80?
It's two pieces of plastic.
Does that include some sort of insurance if the two pieces of plastic fail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two pieces of plastic and all the waterproof membranes. You're paying for the R&D as well as the quality nof a name brand. It's cheaper than the otterbox armor cases go for as well as lifeproof cases. If it's too much buy a cheap one from ebay and after you submerge it in water and your phone is garbage buy a more expensive case for your new phone.
sent from my jelly bean infused note 10.1
joeybear23 said:
asked this in the other thread before I saw this new one:
Nice.. but $80?
It's two pieces of plastic.
Does that include some sort of insurance if the two pieces of plastic fail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a couple of days to read this, here is my thoughts (LOL)...
Well, you are correct there is never a 100% guarantee, even if 99% of the units work great 1% might have problems. It reminds me of the S4 Active. The difference is that $90 for this case is a lot cheaper than taking the same gamble for a $600 phone. At least that is the way I look at it.
I'm just looking to use the case as a "what if" type of protection. Hopefully, it will be a lot better than that. I hope it will be good enough to take into the water and take pictures with or drop the phone from chest-pocket high and not have a scratch, but I'm not going to expect it to be that good until I test it to that point...slowly. The case's rating is better than the rating of the S4 Active, but that is only as good as the smallest defect might let it be.
I have square trade insurance, but I would rather not use it. I don't want to take the chance of getting a phone with MF3 as a replacement or even having to re-setup a phone that has MDL. To me, the $90 is worth the extra protection. So even if it doesn't stand up to the ideal standard, it will still be worth it for the extra protection is does give.
You see, I know the case I have on the phone now will not protect it as good as the OBEX will... I currently use the Seidio Surface and it is a real good case, but even if it only lives up to half of the hype the OBEX will protect it better.
Again, it will be a "wait and see" situation as to how good it will work. Maybe I won't throw it in the water right away, but it is nice to know if I accidentally drop it in the water that it should help.
One of the major things I want to know is how well it will handle heat displacement. Under normal conditions, my phone never gets real hot, but in my ibolt car cradle, charging with the sun hitting it through the windshield and using Navigation, it is a different story. I want to see how it handles those situations. So for me, inside forces are going to be more interesting than how it protects from outside forces. But, I will report what I find out.
I like the previous poster's thought process. I have a S4 with ATT and bought the S4 Active the third day it came out. I never used it outside of the house because there were no cases etc for it. After a week or so I started seeing reports of issues. Since I spent $640 on that phone, I thought I could do everything right with this phone and still have it get ruined by using it in a manner that they promote. I returned it after a week.
I then bought the Lifeproof case for my iphone 5 and it was amazing. I was taking pictures and video in the pool! My wife has a S3 and we bought her a Lifeproof case for our beach vacation. I was great having our phones (left my S4 at home) on the beach and the sand and in the water. Of course we tested the cases first underwater without the phones like they recommend.
I will seriously look at the Obex for the S4. The S3 model was too big and they say they have slimmed down the S4 model. $90 is great for the peace of mind near the pool or water which we are almost daily living in Dallas. Not sure I would leave it on all the time but surely on the weekends so hopefully it is fairly easy to put on and remove.
With the money from returning my s4 Active I got a S4 Google Play edition which is an amazing device! That is another post though...
scott14719 said:
If you have a couple of days to read this, here is my thoughts (LOL)...
Well, you are correct there is never a 100% guarantee, even if 99% of the units work great 1% might have problems. It reminds me of the S4 Active. The difference is that $90 for this case is a lot cheaper than taking the same gamble for a $600 phone. At least that is the way I look at it.
I'm just looking to use the case as a "what if" type of protection. Hopefully, it will be a lot better than that. I hope it will be good enough to take into the water and take pictures with or drop the phone from chest-pocket high and not have a scratch, but I'm not going to expect it to be that good until I test it to that point...slowly. The case's rating is better than the rating of the S4 Active, but that is only as good as the smallest defect might let it be.
I have square trade insurance, but I would rather not use it. I don't want to take the chance of getting a phone with MF3 as a replacement or even having to re-setup a phone that has MDL. To me, the $90 is worth the extra protection. So even if it doesn't stand up to the ideal standard, it will still be worth it for the extra protection is does give.
You see, I know the case I have on the phone now will not protect it as good as the OBEX will... I currently use the Seidio Surface and it is a real good case, but even if it only lives up to half of the hype the OBEX will protect it better.
Again, it will be a "wait and see" situation as to how good it will work. Maybe I won't throw it in the water right away, but it is nice to know if I accidentally drop it in the water that it should help.
One of the major things I want to know is how well it will handle heat displacement. Under normal conditions, my phone never gets real hot, but in my ibolt car cradle, charging with the sun hitting it through the windshield and using Navigation, it is a different story. I want to see how it handles those situations. So for me, inside forces are going to be more interesting than how it protects from outside forces. But, I will report what I find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I have the ST warranty as well on my S4 and my wife's S4 Active. I do like the idea of being able to take pictures under water, but the biggest benefit for me would be the dust proofing. I can't stand the lint from jeans pockets mixing with skin oils and getting jammed in every nook and cranny on a phone. It is gross, and eventually eats away at the finish.
I do understand the fact that we would be paying for R&D, and I am no enemy of companies making a profit, but from the consumer side (at least from my point of view) $80 is a bit steep for a couple pieces of plastic that 'may' protect your phone under water.
joeybear23 said:
Thanks.
I have the ST warranty as well on my S4 and my wife's S4 Active. I do like the idea of being able to take pictures under water, but the biggest benefit for me would be the dust proofing. I can't stand the lint from jeans pockets mixing with skin oils and getting jammed in every nook and cranny on a phone. It is gross, and eventually eats away at the finish.
I do understand the fact that we would be paying for R&D, and I am no enemy of companies making a profit, but from the consumer side (at least from my point of view) $80 is a bit steep for a couple pieces of plastic that 'may' protect your phone under water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a lot especially since I already payed a good amount for an Otterbox. But my daughter put a cup of juice on my night stand once while I was sleeping didnt know it was there and knocked it over on my droid 2 and it ruined it. I went 4wheeling with my s2 and sunk my quad with my phone in my pocket in a river and it was done for a week and then I was lucky enough it worked again but after a few months started having problems. So its worth it to me that I know if something haopens my phone will be ok. And its cheaper than paying for insurance and a deductible if my ohone got destroyed.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Mr. bird said:
It is a lot especially since I already payed a good amount for an Otterbox. But my daughter put a cup of juice on my night stand once while I was sleeping didnt know it was there and knocked it over on my droid 2 and it ruined it. I went 4wheeling with my s2 and sunk my quad with my phone in my pocket in a river and it was done for a week and then I was lucky enough it worked again but after a few months started having problems. So its worth it to me that I know if something haopens my phone will be ok. And its cheaper than paying for insurance and a deductible if my ohone got destroyed.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True.. however don't you also need the insurance in addition to this case if you live such an active lifestyle?
I am not knocking the need for the case. I just don't see the company selling all that many at that price tag. Surely they could easily cover R&D with quantity. There's maybe $5 in materials in it... purely from a business standpoint, for a more attractive price they can lure people away from the cheap knock-offs.
the case does look pretty solid, though. I doubt there will be many complaints about the quality.
joeybear23 said:
I just don't see the company selling all that many at that price tag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your point brother, but I know I'm getting it after I see a third party stress test it before I pay for it.
I work for a cell company and the case we sell the most is the lifeproof and the Atlas (also $89.99 price tag) , and at least 50% of my s3/4 customers want that option, of course I live in a rural state so lots of hunters and outdoorsy types, but point is there is a demand for them, I want mine for the waterproof, me and friends regularly go to the river on days off.
Posted from a Galaxy S4 it was.
I would like to see the Lifeproof Nuud for the S4.
In general the Obex for the S4 looks better than the one for the S3.
ricktat said:
I would like to see the Lifeproof Nuud for the S4.
In general the Obex for the S4 looks better than the one for the S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got my S4 in the Seidio Surface and with the Convert for outdoors etc. Would love to get the OBEX for those water days, but being that summer is almost over and wont see much water here in NY except for rain and snow I'm having a hard time justifying another $90 for case and holster when I already have 2. All I'd be adding is waterproof. My Convert already protected me from a 6 ft drop to cement floor.
Also thinking for those that are planning this as weekend case, what effect adding and removing the case so many times will do to its waterproof capabilities.
I just got an email saying my case has been shipped. Hopefully it has actually been shipped and not just a label made up waiting to be shipped next week like they originally said. I would like to get it before Wednesday because I'm going to the shore for a few days. It would be nice to have it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
For $4 plus tax you can get over 40 water resistant cases from the Dollar General. They're made by Glad.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4

Seriously regretting Lifeproof at this point.

Purchased original in November. Charging port door split into pieces, just got my replacement in the mail last week. Then I had it in my pocket playing music last night and the rubber stopper came completely out. This is just ridiculous. I regret my purchase. Thought I'd share for anyone debating purchase.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Wittyusernametaken said:
Purchased original in November. Charging port door split into pieces, just got my replacement in the mail last week. Then I had it in my pocket playing music last night and the rubber stopper came completely out. This is just ridiculous. I regret my purchase. Thought I'd share for anyone debating purchase.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had mine a week before I returned it. I don't make many calls so the ones I make are usually important. Got sick of people saying they couldn't hear me.
inkdup102586 said:
I had mine a week before I returned it. I don't make many calls so the ones I make are usually important. Got sick of people saying they couldn't hear me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oddly enough I never had that issue, just crappy build quality issues.
Wittyusernametaken said:
Purchased original in November. Charging port door split into pieces, just got my replacement in the mail last week. Then I had it in my pocket playing music last night and the rubber stopper came completely out. This is just ridiculous. I regret my purchase. Thought I'd share for anyone debating purchase.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this. I've been checking out lifeproof and otterbox preserver for my wilderness trips. Is yours nuud or fre?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Rakcoon said:
Thanks for sharing this. I've been checking out lifeproof and otterbox preserver for my wilderness trips. Is yours nuud or fre?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is the fre. I believe they both have the same rubber stoppers though. My husband's fre also had the charging port door split into pieces.
Wittyusernametaken said:
Purchased original in November. Charging port door split into pieces, just got my replacement in the mail last week. Then I had it in my pocket playing music last night and the rubber stopper came completely out. This is just ridiculous. I regret my purchase. Thought I'd share for anyone debating purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if this will help you but the rubber headset stopper can be reinserted with a needle if you tie thread around the plug and pull it through with the needle. That headset plug is definitely a problem if you intend to carry your phone in tight spaces where something is likely to pull on it; other than that it works fine and does provide the water protection.
Oh yeah we learned that last night. My hubby ripped the first one in half pulling it through but we scavenged the stopper out of the case with the split charger port. It's much more fragile now though, but at least the case is usable once again. I'll just need to make sure I bluetooth music, really limit my headphone usage.
I never was too fond of lifeproof, it just seems too gimmicky. Living on the beach in Miami, I never needed to being a phone in the water (not the typical facebook/Instagram addict or whatever they use nowadays). Not sure why I even need a phone when in the water? Maybe for underwater pictures? Lol
It's just a trend that I'm sure will die out soon. Best bet would be to go after the reputable brands like seido or Otterbox. Thanks for the headsup.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your case breaks, even though it's related to build quality and not being manhandled.... Is that you must return the defective case back to Lifeproof *at your expense*. Perhaps I've just been spoiled by Amazon and otterbox but for the price of the case you'd think they could not nickel and dime the return process.
richii0207 said:
I never was too fond of lifeproof, it just seems too gimmicky. Living on the beach in Miami, I never needed to being a phone in the water (not the typical facebook/Instagram addict or whatever they use nowadays). Not sure why I even need a phone when in the water? Maybe for underwater pictures? Lol
It's just a trend that I'm sure will die out soon. Best bet would be to go after the reputable brands like seido or Otterbox. Thanks for the headsup.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome keep in mind I had a positive experience with my iPhone 5 Lifeproof for a solid year. It was solid and even though I complained about losing that screw 8 million times it was vastly preferable to this new rubber system. I think they cheaped out with the galaxy cases but kept the prices the same.
Had some of the same issues. Deployed a handful of these cases to my group and they were pure trash. The sound quality was so bad one of our executives was on a call and had to jam a pen though the membrane in order to hear and be heard. It became the norm that before you made a call or answered a call you had to open the charging door to at least stand a slight chance of the person on the other end understanding you.
A couple connections from Lifeproof told me that the defect is known about. One has been holding out on upgrading to the S4 because their case is having so many issues. Their products have unfortunately degraded quite a bit over the last couple years.
I got the LifeProof Fre during the Thanksgiving holiday. I returned it about a week later. I don't think it is a very good quality case and the top layer is very flimsy and the plastic distorts the pixels. The rubber earplug is also not as durable as the iPhone version. I think the case was rushed out the door. Mine also started leaking water after about a week. Buyer beware.....
richii0207 said:
I never was too fond of lifeproof, it just seems too gimmicky. Living on the beach in Miami, I never needed to being a phone in the water (not the typical facebook/Instagram addict or whatever they use nowadays). Not sure why I even need a phone when in the water? Maybe for underwater pictures? Lol
It's just a trend that I'm sure will die out soon. Best bet would be to go after the reputable brands like seido or Otterbox. Thanks for the headsup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried the Otterbox but I had a lot of problems with Seido and returned it.
My son loves his Lifeproof so I hope he doesn't have these issues down the road. I don't need the water resistant feature and am very pleased with my Body Glove case.
2/16 Update, my replacement case has fractured in the same area as the original case. Makes no sense whatsoever why this case can't handle daily use in this particular area. Again, my iPhone 5 Lifeproof case did fine for a whole year, but it was made of more flexible plastics, I'm thinking maybe whatever material they switched to do for the galaxy series is more brittle? Just sent another warranty case to Lifeproof, this is getting ridiculous.

Life proof Nuud anytime soon?

Hey I've read another thread on this but it's a few months ago but I'm curious if anything has changed.
Any news on whether they'll be releasing the Nuud for the S5? And if they've fixed the sound issues with the Fre? I may just settle for that one.
Also your opinion on another waterproof case?
Thanks for any input.
Life proof said they weren't making a Nuud for the S5 I believe. The Otter box Preserver is a better choice over the Fre.
v3rn said:
Life proof said they weren't making a Nuud for the S5 I believe. The Otter box Preserver is a better choice over the Fre.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really. Well thanks for the input. After a bit more thought I'm leaning towards the Urban Armour Gear. Not waterproof but this S5 is supposed to be waterproof..
JJS123 said:
Oh really. Well thanks for the input. After a bit more thought I'm leaning towards the Urban Armour Gear. Not waterproof but this S5 is supposed to be waterproof..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am here researching the S5 as a new phone, but i can comment on UAG cases since the design is still the same as mine:
I have had a UAR case for about 1.5 years on my S3, that got submerged for about 10 seconds yesterday, but had no effect and did not ever trip water indicators.
UAG case fit is extremely tight, and the buttons were a little stiff to start out. Over a year later it is still fits tight but buttons are perfect. IT developed a hairline crack in the bottom 1/2 that makes it easier to get in in out than it used to be. The protection is awesome as i routinely come home and toss the shone face down across the table. 0 scratches or dents. The case has also survived multiple falls form 4-6 feet onto concrete with no sign of damage to case or phone.
The one issue i have is that the case really traps in the heat, and playing graphically intense games makes it quite hot, as well as increasing the cool down times that come from sitting in a waterproof box in the sun on a boat all day long.
Work phones are Iphones in otterbox defender cases. If someone needs to use the phone they take it out of the case since it is a PIA to use/hear/talk with the otterbox case. Also these cases are looking rough after rolling around in vehicles, being dropped, and sitting in the sun for long days.
between the two I would got for the UAG, however the case looks really bland after a while and I am wanting something a little more interesting for when i get a S5.
I have a UAG case as well as the Preserver. The problem I have with the UAG and most cases is that it's tough for me to remove the charging port cover from the phone. I don't have fingernails. So I installed one of those wireless charging pads under my battery door. But that removed the water resistance of the phone. So having the wireless charging in the Otterbox Preserver is perfect for me. Wireless charging and it's still waterproof. The UAG is nice, but if you hate removing that charging door, you'll hate it even more with the case.
v3rn said:
Life proof said they weren't making a Nuud for the S5 I believe. The Otter box Preserver is a better choice over the Fre.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. I have owned the Preserver and returned it for the LifeProof Fre. The Preserver did not hold tightly together and a drop of < 2 feet would cause the front to become separated from the back which would allow any water to enter into the case. The phone itself is only waterproof for 30 minutes at 3 feet. I love the LifeProof Fre and haven't had any issues in the month of owning it. Been thrown, dropped, submerged, compressed in pocket and not a single thing wrong with the case or phone. I HIGHLY recommend the LifeProof Fre. Also, I think I have a solution to the charger port cover being hard to get to.
Tenchuu said:
I.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, yeah I went straight to assuming the UAG on the S5 would be as great as the one they made for the HTC One. Many reviewers all have the same issues.
v3rn said:
I have a UAG case as well as the Preserver. The problem I have with the UAG and most cases is that it's tough for me to remove the charging port cover from the phone. I don't have fingernails. So I installed one of those wireless charging pads under my battery door. But that removed the water resistance of the phone. So having the wireless charging in the Otterbox Preserver is perfect for me. Wireless charging and it's still waterproof. The UAG is nice, but if you hate removing that charging door, you'll hate it even more with the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charging port is enough reason for me to pass. It's already difficult with short finger nails so it'll be down right impossible with that case.
elesbb said:
I disagree. I have owned the Preserver and returned it for the LifeProof Fre. The Preserver did not hold tightly together and a drop of < 2 feet would cause the front to become separated from the back which would allow any water to enter into the case. The phone itself is only waterproof for 30 minutes at 3 feet. I love the LifeProof Fre and haven't had any issues in the month of owning it. Been thrown, dropped, submerged, compressed in pocket and not a single thing wrong with the case or phone. I HIGHLY recommend the LifeProof Fre. Also, I think I have a solution to the charger port cover being hard to get to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the solution? And what about the mic issue during phone calls?
JJS123 said:
Hey, yeah I went straight to assuming the UAG on the S5 would be as great as the one they made for the HTC One. Many reviewers all have the same issues.
Charging port is enough reason for me to pass. It's already difficult with short finger nails so it'll be down right impossible with that case.
What is the solution? And what about the mic issue during phone calls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no mic issue during phone calls. And i have to do it yet i'll post pictures. But the mic issue was old when they were FIRST releasing their cases. They even took it off their site until they fixed it which they did now.
elesbb said:
There is no mic issue during phone calls. And i have to do it yet i'll post pictures. But the mic issue was old when they were FIRST releasing their cases. They even took it off their site until they fixed it which they did now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh great. Mic issue was a main concern of mine I heard about the removal from their site too.
JJS123 said:
Oh great. Mic issue was a main concern of mine I heard about the removal from their site too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i wanted to get one cause i couldn't stand the Preserver case but they didn't have them on their website. Best Buy was even out of stock. you could still order it but it said they were on back order. I'm quite happy with it tbh. Some say i sound muffled when in a phone call but i was messing with my ROM so i think it was that. Also, its only my father who says it, so i think its his phone/ears Just ordered pizza today and he had no issues of hearing me. Also recorded my phone calls and i sound like my normal retarded self
elesbb said:
Yeah i wanted to get one cause i couldn't stand the Preserver case but they didn't have them on their website. Best Buy was even out of stock. you could still order it but it said they were on back order. I'm quite happy with it tbh. Some say i sound muffled when in a phone call but i was messing with my ROM so i think it was that. Also, its only my father who says it, so i think its his phone/ears Just ordered pizza today and he had no issues of hearing me. Also recorded my phone calls and i sound like my normal retarded self
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha great well I am going to see if I can bring myself to spend the $90 on the case soon.
Thanks.
JJS123 said:
Haha great well I am going to see if I can bring myself to spend the $90 on the case soon.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
90? Should be around 70 or 80. I actually think there may be an issue with the mic. Second person stated I sounded muffled.Gonna call them and see if they'll replace it. Haven't read any bad reviews.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Durability

Before I post this, I have a Pixel 2 on order and am in no way bashing for the sake of it. That being said, its pretty disappointing that the pixel 2 fairs so much worse that the original pixel. The bend at the end is especially sad to see, not sure why they put a weak point in the frame almost in the middle of the one side. That being said, not planning on cancelling as it ticks all the boxes I care about and I certainly don't plan on bending/sitting on my phone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVKnt7H4zVc&t=0s
What are your guys thoughts?
i am getting the 2 xl but
i am somewhat disappointed in the bend test the rest was ok
After seeing the jerryrigeverything test, I definitely feel more cautious about how I handle the phone. I didn't want to get a case and instead opt in for just dbrand skin and screen protector. Now it looks like I at least need to purchase a bumper case
I find most of his points not something I care about.
He spent a ton of time scratching the hell of a lot of time etching the back of the phone when he made the point quickly at the beginning.
For me the phone is too slippery to not use at least a minimal case, then what is going to do all that damage.
If I put the phone on a pocket, it is a front pocket screen in with nothing on the pocket with it. I don't sit on it etc
All of my phones look almost brand new after using for a long time. I am very cautious with my equipment.
krelvinaz said:
I find most of his points not something I care about.
He spent a ton of time scratching the hell of a lot of time etching the back of the phone when he made the point quickly at the beginning.
For me the phone is too slippery to not use at least a minimal case, then what is going to do all that damage.
If I put the phone on a pocket, it is a front pocket screen in with nothing on the pocket with it. I don't sit on it etc
All of my phones look almost brand new after using for a long time. I am very cautious with my equipment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point he made was pretty crucial though. If material of pockets etc can discolour the paint on the phone, thats a disaster from the start.
The OG Pixel was very poor when it came to durability due to the soft aluminium used as opposed to the harder aluminium of more premium devices like iPhone and OnePlus 5.
The paint used will fare even worse, and unlike anodized aluminium, minor scratches wont simply "rub off", and rather, will likely be permanent.
Thats not even considering the fact that it will chip from any impact.
Also the OG Pixel suffered even when protected with the best case. A tiny piece of dirt can cause chaos if it manages to get in between the phone and case due to the soft metal, so the same will likely apply here.
Baffles me that Google have dropped the ball on hardware again.
To be honest I am a bit disappointed that Google charges so much for these phones and they still not as strong as should be.
Saying that, 6p snapped in half and during my 2 years with it not had a issue with durability so I believe my Pixel 2 will serve me well till Pixel 3 is out
wazka2 said:
To be honest I am a bit disappointed that Google charges so much for these phones and they still not as strong as should be.
Saying that, 6p snapped in half and during my 2 years with it not had a issue with durability so I believe my Pixel 2 will serve me well till Pixel 3 is out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree I had a 6 plus when bend gate went down. I thoroughly in a UAG case and didn't worry about it. I the. Gave it to my 13 yr old daughter and she had no issues. Really I cant recall even snapping a phone ever.. this is a non issue. I feel good about going with the Pixel 2 over the XL I feel it's been less issue prone.
I am in construction, and my phone sits in my pocket all day while I am working. It was in my pocket without a case all day on Friday, since my Otterbox hadn't arrived yet, and it did just fine. Since then I have had the case on it, and I don't worry about it.

Categories

Resources