LifeProof SLAM is LifeProof’s cheapest case at $49.99 USD, The LifeProof SLAM is quite slim and is drop-rated to 2m or 6.6ft. This is also probably one of the toughest cases that allows you to showcase the color of your iPhone. But are these feature enough to save the bad handling of the case?
LIfeproof slam review- is lifeproof on a roll with the slam?
At Mobile Review Eh!, we base all our reviews on actual usage. With cases that claim to be tough, weʼll sacrifice our own iPhoneʼs in the cases to see how well it holds up. For the LifeProof SLAM, we just wanted to know if the case is actually as tough as LifeProof claims it to be.
But first thing first, weʼll be honest with you. Itʼs been very interesting watching LifeProof evolve from just being a waterproof case manufacturer to whatever it is now. The LifeProof Next
was a decent case that we enjoyed using but we canʼt say the same for the LifeProof SLAM,
SIDE NOTE: The LifeProof SLAM we showcased on our video review is an iPhone 8 Plus version of the case, But don’t worry, the iPhone X one is going to be exactly the same, We’ve seen enough cases over the last 5 years to know that companies donʼt do anything different between different sized iPhoneʼs
Design -thin but slick and wide
For the first time, we have to agree with a marketing fluff. But only regarding the slim and sleekness of the LifeProof SLAM. LifeProof SLAM is one of the thinnest cases that weʼve come across for the iPhoneʼs in the last couple of years. But it is also one of the widest. We can’t have it all.
The case will add a 1/2 cm of thickness to each side of the iPhone, If youʼre already struggling to use your iPhone 8 Plus in one hand, this might not be the case for you. Or get this case and stick a Pop Socket or Ungrip on the back of the case.
When it comes to the iPhone X, the extra width might not be as noticeable. But the texture of the case will be. Because youʼll have a lot of trouble accessing the top of the screen with the LifeProof SLAM. The texture on the front of the case isnʼt bad but the back is slick. If there’s a situation where youʼre jostling your iPhone in an attempt to reach the top, it will slide out of your hand.
The LifeProof SLAM does feel solid and it feels like it can take a hit. The clear back is a nice feature to show off the color of your rose gold iPhone 8 Plus. But it will slide around like a wet bar of soap. The clear back will also show wear and tear a little quicker than other cases. It always seems odd that companies would design a tough case with a finish that scuffs easily.
When it comes to colors, LifeProof has 4 different combinations. The case we showed in the video is called Aloha Sunset. We’re not really into color but the color doesnʼt very Aloha to us. And weʼd know because with a dark enough tan, weʼve been mistaken as an Hawaiian.
functionality- are there more pros than cons? you decide
Be prepared to be frustrated when it comes to accessing your iPhone in the LifeProof SLAM. The buttons on the case are incredibly tough to use. Just look at the image below. Look at how much we have to press down on the sleep button in order to access the button. We’re almost pushing past the edge of the case. This is ridiculous in our opinion.
The mute switch however isnʼt terrible to access through the wide case. The lightning port is large enough to use 3rd Party cables. The camera and flash arenʼt inhibited. Screen accessibility is also quite decent.
commercial break: what was lifeproof thinking?
WARNING: Rant incoming in 3…2…1
We usually donʼt pay much attention to marketing fluff but LifeProof does a doozy with the LifeProof SLAM. The LifeProof SLAM apparently is born from the school of hard knocks.
We understand what the school of hard knocks is but what life lesson has the LifeProof SLAM had to learn in order to become the LifeProof SLAM? Did the LifeProof SLAM start off as a discarded LifeProof Fre front on the factory floor and decided that it was going to make something of itself?
And what the hell is Urban Air? How does Aloha colors give the LifeProof SLAM a breath of urban air? Whatʼs the first thing you think of when you think of urban air? Smog. Pollution.
And the best piece of marketing fluff is how the LifeProof SLAM merges intense drop protection with modern styling for a case that transcends definition. What does that even mean? We were at a loss of words for this description.
RANT OVER
Protection-it's good but there are some cases that are better
The LifeProof claims that the LifeProof SLAM is drop-rated to 2m or 6.6ft. “Transcendently” drop-rated to 2m or 6.6ft.
We will note that LifeProof SLAM is going to offer better dust or crud protection than the average case. All the parts of the iPhone that are exposed such as the mute switch, speakers and port are sealed quite well. Most cases wonʼt have this design feature so it is worth pointing out. But then LifeProof decided to leave a slight gap between the camera area and the back of the case
The biggest question we had with the LifeProof SLAM is whether or not the case would come apart after several consecutive drops. The LifeProof Next and Nuud both came apart after 2 drops so we were curious to know if the LifeProof SLAM was going to be the same.
The LifeProof Next is a far superior case but it will cost you a bit more. The standout difference between the two cases is that the LifeProof Next is a little tougher as it offers slightly better dust protection around the camera area. AND it actually allows you to use your iPhone. It also handle much better than the LifeProof SLAM. However, it will cost you an extra 20 dollars so youʼll have to figure out if those mild differences are worth the price increase.
SEE ALSO: LifeProof Next Review
For the transcendent drops, we took it to the screen crusher portion of the sidewalk in front of our house. We then proceeded to do horrible things several corners drops. Our assumption for the LifeProof Slam was that it was going to come apart after each drop. just like other LifeProof case cousins. Surprisingly, it didn’t.
We decided to see what a face first drop was like so we tried it out. We were so surprised at how bouncy the LifeProof Slam was. It didn’t look like the screen was going to pop out of the screen. We then decided to take the screen protector off and let the LifeProof Slam fend for itself.
The LifeProof Slam can definitely handle a normal, Apple approved face first drop. The last thing we wanted to point out was that the melting snow around the camera cutout actually gets between the case and the iPhone. This would be seen on the image below.
We will add that LifeProofʼs return policy on broken cases is pretty solid which is one of the biggest reasons to get their cases. If it breaks, youʼll probably get a new one if you pay for the shipping.
Now if youʼre looking for a tough, clear case, you should definitely check out the Impact Protection by Catalyst. It is technically drop-rated to 3m or 9.9 ft, allows you to use your iPhoneʼs buttons without any issues, has a clear back and feels quite nice.
SEE ALSO: Catalyst Impact Protection Review
So this is our LifeProof SLAM Review! Have any questions? Leave them below! Definitely SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to stay on top of all the new things we are review!
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