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Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

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Every new generation of iPhone seems to also usher in a new generation of phone cases. Most of the time the cases are a slightly different size to fit the dimensions of the new phone – but this time Lifeproof is offering something completely different.

Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

The construction is classic Lifeproof with a two piece design that snaps together – and this time there’s even an included pry tool to get it apart without searching for a quarter. What’s vastly different however, is the lack of a protective screen. Instead, every opening on the case is sealed with a rubber gasket. In theory, this should protect the more vulnerable parts of the phone, while allowing unfettered access to the screen.

Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

Each button is completely sealed and includes a rubberized stand in, similar to Lifeproof cases in the past. The mute button however has transitioned from a rubber slide, to a plastic switch which rotates to turn the phone from loud to silent. Since the home ‘button’ is no longer a button, there’s no reason to cover it up resulting in better fingerprint reads and easier home access.

Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

At the bottom of the phone, the speakers are open to the elements, though they are protected from dirt and snow with a fine mesh. However, there are rubber gaskets on the inside of the case which seal the speaker opening from the rest of the phone – we’re assuming the phone’s water resistant nature will keep the speakers safe from intruding water. Finally, the Lightning port is sealed with a rubber flap that opens to the side.

Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

Compared to the Incipio case that I was using, the Lifeproof NËXT is about 7mm wider and taller, yet it’s actually a tiny bit thinner. I should note that I’m using a tempered glass screen protector on my phone, and it works with the NËXT without any issue since the two do not overlap.

Hands On: Lifeproof NËXT loses the screen for dust / dirt / snow / drop proof case for iPhone 7 / 8 / X

With the introduction of the iPhone 7, Apple finally got close to catching up to their rivals in terms of protection from your phone’s mortal enemy – water. As one of the countless people who have lost an iPhone to an accidental drop in the drink, even the lowly IP67 rating of the iPhone 7 and now 8 & X comes as a much needed improvement. According to the experts, IP67 rating means the phone can withstand up to 30 minutes in water up to 1m deep.

But wait – don’t jump in for some pool selfies just yet. While the phone should theoretically withstand those conditions, that’s in standby mode, and Apple says that the phone is water and splash resistant. 

With the addition of the NËXT, that doesn’t really change. However, they do claim that the case will protect the phone from drops up to 2 meters, and adds an IP5X rating for blocking dirt, sand, and snow. If you’re looking for true waterproof protection, the Lifeproof FRĒ will soon be available for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus which keeps the screen for protection at up to 6.6 feet for an hour of submersion.

Long story short, the Lifeproof NËXT builds on the phone’s own water resistant rating and provides improved protection from drops, dirt, snow, and water short of full submersion. That should make it a great option for a jersey pocket or a pack, even if you’re caught in a rain storm. Lifeproof NËXT cases are available for preorder for iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (also compatible with iPhone 7) for $79.99 in four colors, with iPhone X cases available soon.

lifeproof.com

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25 Comments
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Mr. De Facto
Mr. De Facto
6 years ago

Bikes?

Dirty Deeds
Dirty Deeds
6 years ago
Reply to  Mr. De Facto

dude! he got a free phone case for the review. Let him be…

I’m just glad they made a water proof case for a water “proof” phone.

Carl
Carl
6 years ago
Reply to  Mr. De Facto

Yes you can use this while riding your bike! I appreciate the occasional “related” reporting BR does.

TYler durden
TYler durden
6 years ago

samsung S7 Active….

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  TYler durden

It’s nice for people who don’t have or don’t want a Samsung S7 Active to have choices.

Antoine
Antoine
6 years ago
Reply to  Robin

Have regular S7, brilliant rider phone. Waterproof, ant+ compatible, lots of battery, can get a quad lock case for safe bar connexion and protection.

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  Antoine

Yup, it’s certainly one of the many options that people can choose from.

christ
christ
6 years ago

Bought this case and returned it the next day. Horrible design.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago

What is the point. Pretty much every modern phone is dust proof and can be submerged beyond most owners standards

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

Waterproof phones don’t necessarily stay waterproof. There’s all sorts of wear and damage that can make something that was waterproof not so waterproof any more.

blah blah blah
blah blah blah
6 years ago

do an article about an ebike and ya get “this is not motorbike something something …” ahh but a phone and people be like ” yeah sweet lets talk phones” but then if apple brought out an ebike and you didn’t cover it they’d say “why aren’t you covering the latest tech in bikes”

Tom
Tom
6 years ago

It seems like Zach Overholt has many unread emails…

gringo
gringo
6 years ago

-”resulting in better fingerprint reads”-
If you trust a huge multinational with critical security data like your fingerprint then you deserve whatever you get. Remember a few years ago when it came out that Samsung TV’s can be used to watch you while you are at home, or how Facebook sent it’s technicians to alter the outcome of the US election in 2016?

If you are using fingerprint data as phone security you are feeding the beast.

FWIW I did ride some moist single track this weekend and it was great.

Tim
Tim
6 years ago

Don’t know why they’re calling it the “first screenless waterproof case” My NUUD for iPhone 6s is described as (and is) a screenless waterproof case.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
6 years ago
Reply to  Tim

My thoughts exactly unfortunately the Nuud just like other Lifeproof cases covered up the microphone so badly no one could hear me. With the new iPhones being waterproof I doubt I will use anything but a basic wallet case which is my current set up + a plastic baggie

Jeff
Jeff
6 years ago

I could understand if you reviewed the Quad Lock case but this is kinda ridiculous for a bike company to review some random phone case.

Are we going to a review of the next macbook pro cause you could use it to edit your biking footage? or how about the next LG electric cooktop cause that heats up your pre ride egg bake. I hear that Keurig has a new coffee maker. I really hope you have a chance to review that

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

You tell ’em, man. No one at all uses smartphones–an iPhone in this case–in place of bike computers. Why in the heck would they do that? And even if they did, why in the heck wouldn’t they use the one phone case/holder that you approve of?

You should come over to my place. We can sit in lawn chairs, drink PBRs and yell at people to get off my lawn.

Jeff
Jeff
6 years ago
Reply to  Robin

And how do i attach this case to my bike to replace said bike computer? Oh that’s right i put it in a pocket or bag. so i cant actually interact with it while riding. like i said the first time, i could see if it attached to a bike somehow but since this is just like literally 100 other cases, why was this reviewed?

Speck makes some cool cases, so does Spigen. I hope to see those companies next. not sure if they will fork out some cash to get reviewed but you never know. it would give BR one more useless article to fill their pages.

Now get off my lawn

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

There are a number of phone mounts for bikes to which phones in cases like this can be attached. Just because you haven’t such mounts doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

And why are you still on my lawn?

Kristi Benedict
Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

Jeff,
Perhaps we aren’t clear on our ad policies and need to post this somewhere on our site.
From Tyler: We do not run “paid ads” as articles. We do not post “sponsored content” that’s written or edited by a brand. We do offer brands the opportunity to sponsor sections and features, much like we did with Park Tool’s sponsorship of AASQ. That, and any other such partnerships, will be made blatantly obvious so there is no confusion. Otherwise, articles, reviews and news here is posted based on our opinion and in our sole discretion. So, to be clear, this (nor any other review) is not an “ad”.

yomama
yomama
6 years ago

WTF is wrong with you people? Almost everyone I ride with has an iPhone, almost everyone I ride with has a Lifeproof case…. Seems biking related to me!?

Jeff
Jeff
6 years ago
Reply to  yomama

They also have cars and homes so should BR start reviewing those too? Since this is not a bike specific phone case i ask why this case and why not other cases too. they could do like 100 articles on all the non-bike specific phone cases.

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

You should ask for a refund on either your subscription to BikeRumor or on your mouse because its faulty scroll wheel doesn’t allow you to scroll past stories that upset you.

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