samedi 24 août 2013

Samsung Galaxy S3 Lifeproof nuud Case Review

Life Proof Nuud Case for the Samsung Galaxy S3



First I'd like to thank Pinstack, Roger, and Lifeproof for supplying this case and giving me the chance to review it.







Lifeproof offers us the Nuud case for the Samsung Galaxy S3, the only case available from them for an Android device. Lifeproof makes some amazing cases that offer up waterproof and dirt proof protection, Their iPhone cases offer superb protection and usability and have garnered some wonderful reviews.



Unfortunately the S3 version does not.



While I have no doubt that a lot of time and effort went into creating the same experience for the S3 that iPhone users have enjoyed for awhile now, the mark is missed considerably in the usability department.






Quote:




Lifeproof nuud Waterproof Samsung Galaxy SIII Case is the next big thing, for the next big thing. nuud takes smartphone protection and usability to revolutionary new levels -- so you can do everything you do with your Galaxy S III along for the ride.



Featuring Lifeproof's nuud screenless technology - the only all-protective smartphone case like it - nuud protects Galaxy SIII from plunges and fumbles while keeping the screen open for direct touch. That's right, you can touch your Galaxy SIII touchscreen. Because touchscreens are meant to be touched.



Like all Lifeproof cases, the nuud waterproof case for Galaxy SIII delivers the legendary four-proof protection you expect in all protective cases. Plus, you have complete and easy access to the camera, buttons, microphone, speakers and headphone jack. Together the protection, usability and nuud technology equip your Galaxy SIII for out-of-this-world mobility.



I copied that off the Lifeproof website. The word "usability" is used liberally here. I'll get to that in a few.



The case arrived with attractive packaging, the case, a tester for waterproofing, a cleaning cloth, directions and a adhesive screen protector. The case itself has solid construction and is pretty attractive. Smaller than an Otterbox case, it is slim enough to slide in and out of a pocket easily. The fit and finish scream quality, and if I were to judge this case on looks alone it'd score very high.



Putting the case on the phone takes effort. The case comes in two parts, front and back, with the front snapping on securely with a gasket around the edge to prevent water penetration. To achieve this it has to fit tightly, and snapping the front on required me to put the device on a table and press firmly to get a "snap". Once on the case is solid, and the device just feels like it could survive anything. There is no need for screen protection to prevent dirt and water from entering the case, but Lifeproof provides one just in case you want "complete" protection. While I'm not fond of adhesive screen protection I have to say that this is one of the better ones I've seen. I goes on easily, installed once the case is put on, and is crystal clear with no bubbles. The drawback to the protector is that it doesn't cover the entire front of the device like regular screen protectors, so once you take the case off you have a lip on either side that is noticeable when swiping.







And swiping is a problem.



While quality materials and craftsmanship are expected for $89.99, so is usability, and this case hinders that to the point of frustration. The design, while attractive and functional for protection, is flawed when it comes to actually using the devices screen. The inner edge comes right to the edge of the screen making swiping from edge out impossible. There's just no way to put your finger right on the edge of the screen. This also makes typing any letter's on the edge of the keyboard very difficult one handed. If you take your time and use both hands (one to hold the device and one to type) you can manage, but it's a slow process. This is bad enough, but the design of the inner edge makes using the menu and back keys so difficult you'll be glad of the protection the case offers since you'll throw your device across the room.







This is the biggest and most glaring flaw in this case, and it makes me wonder if it were tested before it was actually sent into production. There simply is no way to use the menu and back buttons reliably. Lifeproof touts usability in their own description, but I end up wondering if their definition and mine are one in the same. In my opinion cases should be invisible to the user when the device is in use. It shouldn't hinder, it shouldn't frustrate, and it should enhance the device it's on. This case misses the mark, and I'd hate to say Lifeproof should be ashamed of asking $90 for this. The technology it holds is impressive and would be welcome if it didn't fall short in usability. I have no doubt of the quality of the iPhone cases, the reviews tell that tale, and I would recommend a Lifeproof to any iPhone owners considering one. Matter of fact, I have at work. This case carries the build quality and materials that those do, but falls way short in being usable day to day.



So if you own a Galaxy S3 and are looking for great protection only, pick one up. However, if you are looking for a case that not only offers top-tier protection but excellent usability as well, look elsewhere. Perhaps with a redesign this could be the best case for the Galaxy out there, but not today.





Galaxy S3 nuud case by Lifeproof $89.99

http://www.lifeproof.com/en/galaxy-s3-nuud/





via Smartphones: PinStack.com http://forums.pinstack.com/f351/samsung_galaxy_s3_lifeproof_nuud_case_review-139968/

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