I'm looking into getting either a iPhone 4 or 4s. I'll definitely need a case though.

What case are y'all using?

The Otterbox Defender seems to have good reviews.

I'm using a LifeProof case.

I thought they were only available online but Best Buy carried them.

Look them up!

Joel

I got the bigger otterbox one. Excellent. If you screen bubbles put a MIST of baby powder on it from about 2 ft away and it won't be a problem anymore. That is the only negative thing I can say about it.

The elago one on amazon and I love it!

Here's the link where I bought mine.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0041ST5L2

Lifeproof here.

Defender. Love it.

Really good price on that one, but not sure how protective it would be. I'm worried that the iPhone is more prone to cracks because it doesn't have Gorilla Glass.



I spent the last 2-3 hours watching/reading reviews of the Defender and Lifeproof. Seems like the Lifeproof is the way to go. Thinner than the Defender, yet offers more protection.


How is the picture and audio quality of the Lifeproof?

There is a little echo from the plastic screen over the ear speaker but the actual "stereo" audio is really good. Camera takes great pic's through the case.

One I got at the mall for $20.00.

It's slim and made out of gel. I just threw it over my shoulder accidentally because I was tossing my headphones over my shoulder and didn't realize I didn't have a good grip on my actual phone. Still haven't shattered the screen in almost 2 years of ownership. I also have a Otterbox Defender series which I switch between the current one and the Ob.

Keep in mind I have the 3GS.

I have the Elago, bought on Amazon as well.

It is great. I don't need a big bulky case because I have insurance & it is a work phone.

Lifeproof FTW. Been dropped, dropped in water, handled dirty, and swam with. Video/touchscreen are great...Wepps hit the sound pretty dead on...I'll shower with mine playing in the AM...Works great!

wow!!!

i've seen the vids on the lifeproof site but haven't gotten my phone/case wet yet.

i bought the case for the Just In Case factor

i'm glad it does everything it supposed to do!!!

to the OP, if you use any wired headphones you will need to use the provided pig tail and remove the little cover to use a wired headset.

the little cover thing has a rubber o-ring to help seal the case from the elements.

also, if you need a belt clip for the phone it is available online and at best buy.


joel

WANT.

I have tried them all!! All the big brands: otterbox, speck, casemate, etc..

A few things you need to know from MY experiences:

1. iPhone 4S requires a BIG camera hole on the case because of the improve sensor for camera, it needs a big hole to let in light. iPhone 4 can make do with a smaller camera hole, but i would just go with a 4S case just to be sure. In addition, a big camera hole helps avoid "flash washout".

2. Unless you go swimming or are around water, you probably don't need Lifeproof. Lifeproof is an excellent case, but it does decrease quality of sound such as thru earpiece. In addition, it has a a small camera hole...and a piece of glass (with anti-reflective coating) covering it. I am sure that it takes OK pics with the case on, but why take a risk of ruining picture? Again, if you're around water or really clumsy around water, then Lifeproof is your best choice.

3. Otterbox Defender case are excellent, but bulky. And the two that i have had creaks and groan after a while. And for those with Defender, i HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting rid of the attached screen protector (very easy to do)!! Instead, use another screen protector with it (such as Zagg HD or PowerSupport Crystal) along with the Defender case...trust me, you will thank me for it!

4. The TPU and silicone cases are nice, but not very protective if your phone flies out of your pocket and hit pavement glass first. (Trust me i know!) The problem is that the corners (esp corner where volume/headphone jack) peel back on impact...thus, exposing your screen. The same applies to Otterbox Commuter.

5. Slider cases are cool, but they get loose after a while (esp. if you take it off frequently) and leaves big gaps in the front. Otterbox slider has been known to scratch the metal ring around iPhone!

So, you may be asking...why did i finally end up with?

The case and holster combo that i have now is my favorite:

1. Case: Amazon.com: Puregear Iphone 4 Hard Shell Case for Verizon & At&t: Cell Phones & Accessories

You can get this case on Ebay for $12: eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Why is this case good? It is a hard case...so, it will help protect for accidental drops. This case is not for you to kick or drop from high places. It is basically a 2-piece case AND a slider all in one. Unlike a slider case, the gaps are on the side of the phone, not the front. In addition, it is a slide-n-lock mechanism (not just a slider only)...so, it probably won't get loose over time. This case is NOT for someone who likes to take their case off frequently...it snaps on (two pieces come together) AND then slide to lock. It is NOT easy to take it off quickly. The corners of the case is slightly thicker for impact protection. But, again, this is NOT a soft case. This case, for me, represents the best of what i am looking for. It is slim yet protective enough for accidental drops.

BTW, this case is NO LONGER in production...so, i would buy one now just in case.

2. For the belt holster (which is a must have for me) for the case, i use this: Core Protective Gear....CRC91997 (UPC 004385962618), made by Body Glove. It is only $10 and fits most slim cases well. And it is cheap. See pic below for case.

Just my experience.

Attached Images

 

I'm a minimalist, so I chose this Griffin case:



I think it's perfect. I've dropped it a ton with no damage. It has a very slight lip around the front which when you lay it on its face or drop it on its face, it hits that and not the glass. That has saved me more than once.