The PaleKai is the second water-proof case for iPhone 4 I have tried out. What sets it apart from my previous experience in the rugged water-proof segment is how easy it is to insert the phone into. Three screws are all that is needed to dismantle the back of the case. Once open a hinge in the bottom folds out allowing me to place my iPhone 4S inside it. Worth noting is that even though it might be quite easy to get a perfect seal this is by no means a casual case for everyday usage.
I will refer to the case as water-proof because that is what it says on the box, what the site selling them is called and my simple tests have shown it to be just that. With the sample I got a disclaimer stating that “underwater use is not recommended”. To be frank I would not use my iPhone 4S at all under water personally, but hey I am not a diver. Being able to take a single extra case with you on your diving holiday might be perfect to keep it casual instead of lugging around extra cameras, and whatnot. The disclaimer is still there to warn you that you use the case, and your expensive iPhone under water at own risk.
For everyday use the case is not recommended at all due to the simple fact that you can´t access all the functions of the phone. It might be inane of me to mention, but of course you can’t use headphones or charge the phone when inside the case. For simple usage the fact that you can’t use the silent button is more of a problem, and quite frankly that is a problem when using it underwater as well. Not being able to turn off the phone, or the screen drains battery. In the event that you fail to seal the case properly it is also imperative to be able to shut off the phone immediately, but that can’t be done without removing it completely from the case. Volume controls, and mute switch are also covered by the case.
When inside the case the core aspects of the phone still works fine, and those are the touch screen and speaker/microphone. You can still use any application you need using the screen. Calls are slightly muffled, but still able to make. The camera also works well, as long as you don’t use the flash. The clear plastic around the camera cut-out interferes with the flash giving whiteouts to images, and whitening to videos. If you seriously need to use the flash underwater to light up your images I think you need to paint the cut-out with a black marker pen.
For convenience there are a lot of ways to wear the case. A lanyard can be used in special holes at the bottom, and there are holes for using arm bands on the back of the case. The case is also quite rugged, and can withstand scraping against rocks and even a fall or two. It needs to be checked properly between uses, especially if you have dropped it. As this is a case you only use at special occasions it is vital to store it safely, and make sure to always be thorough when inserting the phone into it.
I have only made a couple of trials using pieces of paper inside the case, and then submerging the case at different depths. My tests have not shown any leaks at all, but they have all been controlled tests. No drops, scrapings or quick movements in the water. I have just submerged the case, held it down for two minutes, and then extracted it. Even though I have not seen any tendencies of leakage, or condensation the disclaimer of course still stands that you use it at own risk.
As water-proof cases go the PaleKai Waterproof iPhone 4 case is an easy to use alternative that keeps the touch screen, and phone functionality intact. It is by no means something you use to school, work or at home. It caters to a small speciality user that look for an option to have the phone underwater, as a beacon or as a camera.
Final Rating
PaleKai at Bestwaterproofiphonecase.com $39.99
