Getting Nuud with your iPhone? Absolutely!
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Today we’re going to do the review for the LifeProof Nuud for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. This is a tough, waterproof case for your iPhones and it does it all of that without an actual screen protector.
We really like the slimness of this case as it doesn’t add much to the iPhone for a tough, waterproof iPhone case. Access to the iPhone is decent and the lack of a screen protector makes using the iPhone a joy in this case. There are a couple of issues with the accessibly of the iPhone in the case and sound doesn’t fare as well.
Based on our time with the case, we gave this waterproof iPhone case a score of 4.1 Eh’s out of 5. For this LifeProof Nuud Review, we’ve scored this iPhone 6 case better than Catalyst Waterproof, LifeProof Fre, Seidio Obex and Dog & Bone Wetsuit. Despite being rated higher than all those other cases, the LifeProof Nuud may not be the case to get if you’re planning to do a lot of water sports. If you’re wondering how this case fares against other fancier iPhone cases, check out our comparison tool!
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Design – Uniquely designed iPhone case with build quality issues
In terms of design, this is a light case. In fact, the LifeProof Nuud is as thin as most regular slim cases and is just a little wider than a slim case. However, if we compare the Nuud against other waterproof iPhone cases, the only one that is smaller is the LifeProof Fre.
Installation of the case is quick simple, as with the uninstall as there are no parts to really lose. They’ve made an improvement over previous Nuuds and even the newer Fre with the gasket on the Lightning port cover as its tucked into the flap tightly. Certain users of the case have noticed build quality issues with the bottom of the iPhone case as they weren’t snapping together but we didn’t come across theses problems with our two cases (if you do have these problems, please contact LifeProof Customer Support!)
The LifeProof Nuud feels solid. It feels like it will protect your iPhone from everyday life events as ti fits very well but one of the things to note is that using third party screen protectors with this case will most likely allow water into your case. The case holds up well from the occasional drop on concrete and despite having a clear back, the raised rubber portions keep it generally scratch free.
All-in-all, LifeProof has done an awesome job design the new Nuud for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
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Protection – Seriously, waterproof with no screen protector
In terms of protection, this tough iPhone case provides average water and drop protection at 6.6 ft/2m for both. Almost every waterproof iPhone case that we’ve reviewed will be waterproof/drop proof to 6.6 ft.
Based our own torture tests, we believe the iPhone is going to be safe in the Nuud. We didn’t discover any fatal flaws in the case unless you decide to use a 3rd party screen protector with the case (which LifeProof says not to). However, the question “Can I use a screen protector with the LifeProof Nuud” is asked a lot so we did our torture tests with a Sir Lancelot Holy Grail screen protector installed on our iPhone 6 Plus.
Right off the bat, we noticed a bulge around the front facing camera on our iPhone 6 Plus. The o-ring at the top wasn’t even sitting on the iPhone! We put the iPhone into a sink filled with water and within two minutes, water had entered the top part of the case. The LifeProof Nuud is very tightly fitting case which makes sense that adding a 2mm screen protector would make the water protection useless. Click here if you want to see the torture test videos (we’ve got a better explanation there).
Now if you really want a screen protector with your LifeProof Nuud, there are companies that make glass screen protectors that are cut to fit the LifeProof Nuud specifically. LifeProof does include an optionally installable screen protector with the Nuud but it’s not glass and doesn’t fit the cutout perfectly.
In terms of screen protection, we rated this case with the optional installable screen protector which is fairly thick. The edges of the case are high enough to keep the iPhone’s screen off a flat surface.
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Functionality – Using your iPhone like there was no case!
During our testing period for our LifeProof Nuud review, we discovered that getting to your iPhone is pretty awesome in this case. The buttons have a nice feel to them and aren’t too tough to get to. The case itself is a little slicker than other cases due to the plastic back but the rubber tops/bottoms do keep the iPhone in your hand.
In terms of hardware access, you’re really restricted to Apple’s accessories as the cutouts for the headphones and Lightning port are quite small. There is a headphone jack extension but we think that everyday usage of the headphone jack would really take away from the entire design of the case.
The Camera and Flash have their own separate cutouts so you’re not going to get funny looking flash photographs. The touch ID membrane generally works and it’s large enough for you to add fingerprints with the LifeProof Nuud installed.
In terms of screen functionality, since it has no screen protector, it’s great! Even with the optionally installable screen protector, it’s great! The edges of the case are at an angle where getting to your iPhone’s touchscreen isn’t affected.
In terms of screen viewability, it’s great! However, if you use the optionally installable screen protector, you may get a bit of diffusion along the edge of the screen protector since it doesn’t fit the cutout 100% but you’re probably not going to notice that since we’re just being incredibly pick here.
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So again, we gave the LifeProof Nuud a score of 4 Eh’s out of 5. This is one of the higher rated waterproof iPhone cases that we’ve reviewed but if you’re looking to use it for watersports, we’d recommend that you check out the Catalyst Waterproof iPhone case instead. The LifeProof Nuud doesn’t allow you to attach a wrist strap to the case so if you’re doing snorkelling or any sort of swimming, your going to lose your iPhone in the sea/ocean.
The Catalyst Waterproof is waterproof up to 16.4ft/5m and is just as tough as the Nuud in terms of drop protection but make it a little harder to get to your iPhone in the case. Check out our review of the Catalyst here!
Have questions about our LifeProof Nuud Review for the iPhone 6/6 Plus and 5?? Please ask them on our Google+ page or on our Facebook page.
Ryan
April 1, 2015 at 11:46 pm
Does the nuud feel slimer than the catalyst because on their websites it show the catalyst to be the smallest case. And also does pushing the air out of the catalyst improved screen functionallity.
Aaron Ho
April 2, 2015 at 4:22 am
The Nuud is slimmer than the Catalyst. Almost a mm in thickness and a couple of mm width wise.
Dan
April 3, 2015 at 1:42 pm
You mentioned Kiki website for a glass screen protector but I’m unable to find it on the Internet do you have a link To the website ? Thanks advance love your stuff
Aaron Ho
April 3, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Here it is: http://www.teqii.com
Nadine Morgado
April 3, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Hi, firstly thank you so much for your great reviews! have chosen a number of cases based on them. You mentioned an alternative screen protector for the Lifeproof NUUD iPhone 6 Plus, couldn’t find the brand… What was it? Thanks
Aaron Ho
April 3, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Check out: http://www.teqii.com
Chris
November 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Is there a review for the Glass2 mini by Teqii in conjunction with the LifeProof Nuud coming on your website? I am considering this combination for my iPhone 6s when it becomes available.
Thank you!
Chris
Aaron Ho
November 6, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Eventually!
Pingback: Fre or Nuud? Find out in our LifeProof Fre vs LifeProof Nuud Comparison
Steve Hanwright
May 23, 2015 at 2:02 am
I have used life proof cases on my iPhone 4s and an iPad 2. And generally very happy.
I had a nuud on my 6 for only a week and the charge port door failed to latch closed.
I could see the fine plastic clips the keep it latched had broken.. This was a big let down.
Is anyone else having the same issue?
I took it back an had it replaced but I expect it will do the same thing.
Aaron Ho
May 24, 2015 at 9:21 pm
yes, this is a know issue. I haven’t had it happen yet on my Nuud’s but I know LifeProof has been pretty good with replaying them.
Brennan Conway
June 6, 2015 at 12:47 am
Do you think the lifeproof or the catalyst offers better drop protection? I had a life proof on my 4s and was generally happy with it except for the terrible screen protector and also one drop caused the case to break. Thanks for info and the great reviews!
Aaron Ho
June 12, 2015 at 1:59 am
If I had to pick, I’d go with the Fre only because it has a latch that may keep it together longer. Both cases came apart from a 6 ft drop so its hard to say which one is exactly better.
Kristen
June 23, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Hi. Ok so…. I have children which means the phone will most likely be dropped, get dirt, and water on it. I’m not talking about extreme abuse here, just a normal person dropping it on the ground or getting water on it. I like to take pictures often and would like to start taking some under water photos. Would the Nuud be a good buy to take multiple pictures under water and handle a little dirt? Thanks
Alec Lithiluxa
June 24, 2015 at 11:59 pm
Is the nuud good for simple underwater pictures? Or should I go with a catalyst case? Thank you
Alec Lithiluxa
June 25, 2015 at 12:03 am
Is the nuud fine for simple underwater pictures because other then that I don’t put my phone in water? Thank you so much
Christian B.
June 30, 2015 at 5:39 am
Thank you for your awesome reviews. How bad exactly is the sound for the nuud? I called life proof to see if it was really bad and they said if I bought one to go to settings, general and sensibility and turn off the noise cancellation. Do you know if this works? Also, would you use the screen protector that comes in the box?
Ty
July 6, 2015 at 2:33 pm
I see you are recommending, or at least pointing out, the teqii glass screen protector. Have you done any reviews on their products yet? I have been very disappointed with my Mime Feather+ and would like to hear what you guys have to say about the teqii products before I order one.
Aaron Ho
July 8, 2015 at 11:56 pm
I”ll see what I can do.
Lou
July 16, 2015 at 2:39 pm
I bought this case yesterday from Best Buy after reading this review and I must say I was extremely disappointed. The audio quality on this case is HORRIBLE. I attempted to call several people to ask how they could hear me and I couldn’t even get one audible sentence through. Playing music through the speaker was also very bad, and the swipe up to access control center is extremely difficult due to the beveled edges. I’d advise against buying this case, or if you do make sure you can return it!
Aaron Ho
July 16, 2015 at 3:05 pm
Lou, you got the iPhone 6 version? Sorry to hear you’ve had such a bad experience with it.
The sound coming from the case isn’t great…I do agree but I found it quite bearable. From my conversations, people said I sounded a little more nasally. At least Best Buy has a good return policy.
With the waterproof cases, out of the 5 that I’ve used, the Nuud and Fre have the better sound…the others are a little worse than the LifeProof cases.
Marcus
July 18, 2015 at 11:37 pm
I have had 2 Nuud cases replaced under warranty because the small plastic lugs that allow the charge port cover to ‘snap’ shut just break – it is a design fault. Google it and you will see it is a common failure too. I’d avoid – I am looking for a good alternative but few case makers seem to have given the iPhone 6 Plus much love when it comes to tough cases – many make them for the 6 but not the Plus.
Aaron Ho
July 19, 2015 at 11:31 pm
If you’re looking for an alternative, the Catalyst for the 6 Plus is decent. I’ve been using it for a while now.http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/catalyst-waterproof-review-iphone-66-plus/
noah
August 6, 2015 at 1:55 pm
can I take photos under water with the catalyst
Aaron Ho
August 6, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Yes…using the volume button. The screen won’t work underwater (on any waterproof case)
Damian
October 7, 2015 at 3:13 am
Can a iPhone 6s fit inside a iPhone 6 lifeproof nüüd and if yes then will it still be water resistant
Aaron Ho
October 7, 2015 at 9:09 pm
No. The Nuud doesn’t close around the 6S.
Merkel
October 7, 2015 at 4:58 am
Would you say that this phone is the most dust proof of all of the ones you reviewed? If not, which is the most dust proof?
Also, would something like a cinder fit? I’m guessing probably not.
Thanks!
Aaron Ho
October 7, 2015 at 9:10 pm
Screen protectors won’t work with waterproof cases. Any case that’s waterproof is generally going to be dust proof until you open up the latch to charge your iPhone. I haven’t found one that keeps dust out all the time.
Anna
August 28, 2016 at 10:49 pm
I have just started using the earbud attachment and it works pretty well. It’s an easy alternative so I don’t have to take my case off to use an six cable. But would it be safe to use the extension cable underwater? I know that it keeps the safe waterproof but it still seems unsafe for me.
Anna
August 28, 2016 at 10:50 pm
Aux cable*