The LifeProof Next is drop-rated of 2m or 6.6 ft and is suppose to block dirt, dust, snow + debris. Unlike the LifeProof Nuud, the LifeProof Next is not waterproof at all. But the LifeProof Next does come with several water resistant features which includes a seal along the front of the case and a seal along the camera cutout.
To test how good the LifeProof Next seal is; we took our iPhone 8, put on the LifeProof Next and dumped the iPhone into a sink filled with water. Within seconds, water had started to seep between the camera cutout and the lighting port. Now it wasn’t a full blown disaster. The LifeProof Next will actually reduce the amount of water reaching your iPhone. You may not think this isn’t going to help but it will make a difference if you accidentally drop it in salt water.
Next thing we tested was the fact that LifeProof claims the LifeProof Next blocks snow. We found some snow and tossed our iPhone with a LifeProof Next into it. We weren’t expecting anything to happen to the iPhone 8 or the case but it did occur to us that snow will eventually turn into water. And we know what water will do to the LifeProof Next.
When it comes to dust and dirt, we found out that the seals are doing a good job keeping larger particles like dirt out. When we tested for dust, the only solution we could come up with was to take some flour, put it in a Ziplock with an iPhone in it, shake it around and see if any flour got past the seals. Some flour were able to get past the seal.
When it comes to drop protection, we tested the LifeProof Next with an iPhone 8 in it and dropped it from over 6 ft. The iPhone is fine but each 6 ft drop resulted in the case coming apart slightly. This was the same issue we had with the LifeProof Nuud. So technically, the case does protect your iPhone, just make sure snap it back together after each accidentally drop.
Now if you’re still concerned about the drop protection, even if the front bumper was to come off, your iPhone is still going to be sitting in the back frame. It’s actually quite difficult to remove the iPhone out of the LifeProof Next.
When it comes to screen protection, the LifeProof Next provides above average protection between the case edge and the screen. LifeProof is able to do this because of the extra width of the case. When it comes to the type of screen protector, you need to go with a non-edge to edge screen protector.
The edges of the LifeProof Next will press against an edge to edge screen protector, causing it to pop off the iPhone. We have a Uolo 3D shield on a black iPhone and it doesn’t work with the LifeProof Next. We have a Rhinoshield Impact Screen protector on the white iPhone 8 and it fits the LifeProof Next well.
With all things considered, the LifeProof Next is going to do a decent job keeping bad things from your iPhone 7 or 8.