Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

LifeProof Next for Samsung Note 9: Clear drop protection with little added bulk

1 of 6 NEXT PREV
  • LifeProof Next retail package and case design

    LifeProof Next retail package and case design

    The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, see our full review, is a fantastic phone for business users and thanks to the S Pen, I take it out into the field to take handwritten notes on a regular basis. While it is great for field notes, I do worry about dropping the $1,000 phone. That is where LifeProof steps up to the plate with a compelling case option.

    A LifeProof Next in black crystal arrived for testing and for the last couple of weeks I have been using it while commuting, working, and fly fishing on the Yakima river. It offers excellent drop protection while being slim, sleek, and light weight.

    Samsung Unpacked

    • Galaxy S21 is official: Release date, price, features, specs and more
    • Galaxy S21 starts at $799.99
    • Galaxy Note's future in question
    • New S Pen opens up business uses cases
    • New $199 Galaxy Buds Pro will turn off ANC when you start talking
    • The best Samsung phone for you
    • New Galaxy Chromebook 2 is more affordable and boasts a QLED display
    Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Dual rear cameras and fingerprint sensor

    Dual rear cameras and fingerprint sensor

    LifeProof advertises the Next as being dropproof, dirtproof, and snowproof. I dropped the Note 9, tossed it in the dust, and put it under the water while fishing, but I did not get a chance to test it out in the snow. The LifeProof Next case consists of two pieces that snap tightly together to seal in your Galaxy Note 9. The back is composed of a rigid clear plastic that extends up to the four sides to hold your Note 9 in place without any ability to shift. There is an inner seal around the dual camera and fingerprint scanner, as well as along the four edges.

    The front piece has clear plastic and colored softer material that fits over the top of your Galaxy Note 9. The silicone material is black, but there is also a cactus rose (light pink) color available. After placing your Samsung into the back piece, this top part snaps in place. Make sure to go all around every edge as you will hear a lot of clicking as the front locks in place.

    Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • S Pen cover on the bottom

    S Pen cover on the bottom

    There are raised buttons for the power button on the right side and volume/Bixby buttons on the left. Covers protect the USB-C port, 3.5mm headset jack, and S Pen along the bottom. I have short fingernails and found it just a bit challenging to open the covers and with my frequent use of the S Pen, it was a bit frustrating. Then again, having a secure cover over these ports and the S Pen ensures they are protected and dropping the Note 9 won't result in the S Pen flying around the shipyard or wreck site.

    Wireless charging and Samsung Pay work well with your Note 9 inside the case. With Bluetooth and wireless charging, the only port cover I opened regularly was the one for the S Pen. Honestly, I would like to see a S Pen cover that was a bit easier to open since I use the S Pen so often.

    Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Front raised edges of the LifeProof Next

    Front raised edges of the LifeProof Next

    There is no cover on the front of this case so if you want to protect the display then you should consider a tempered glass screen protector. I'll be testing one of these from OtterBox shortly. The Galaxy Note 9 does have an IP68 dust and water resistant rating so you could drop your Galaxy in this case in the water, but I would try to avoid that if possible.

    The edges of the case are raised a bit so your display is protected when placed on a table. The case fits perfectly up along the edges so that the Edge Panel functionality works perfectly too.

    Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Bottom port covers protect the device

    Bottom port covers protect the device

    The LifeProof Next case is quite slim for a protective case and you no longer have to double the thickness of your phone to get a solid level of protection. I've spent years with massive cases designed to protect my phones so it is refreshing to have slim cases provide 2 meter drop protection. It is available now for $79.99.

    Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Raised buttons for volume and Bixby

    Raised buttons for volume and Bixby

    The raised buttons in the silicone material are large enough for easy manipulation, but not too large for accidental pressing.

    Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 6 NEXT PREV
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • LifeProof Next retail package and case design
  • Dual rear cameras and fingerprint sensor
  • S Pen cover on the bottom
  • Front raised edges of the LifeProof Next
  • Bottom port covers protect the device
  • Raised buttons for volume and Bixby

The Galaxy Note 9 has a high level of dust and water resistance, but it is still made of glass panels and isn't made to be dropped. LifeProof has a case option designed to protect from drops while also showing off the cool Samsung color schemes of the device itself.

Read More Read Less

LifeProof Next retail package and case design

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, see our full review, is a fantastic phone for business users and thanks to the S Pen, I take it out into the field to take handwritten notes on a regular basis. While it is great for field notes, I do worry about dropping the $1,000 phone. That is where LifeProof steps up to the plate with a compelling case option.

A LifeProof Next in black crystal arrived for testing and for the last couple of weeks I have been using it while commuting, working, and fly fishing on the Yakima river. It offers excellent drop protection while being slim, sleek, and light weight.

Samsung Unpacked

  • Galaxy S21 is official: Release date, price, features, specs and more
  • Galaxy S21 starts at $799.99
  • Galaxy Note's future in question
  • New S Pen opens up business uses cases
  • New $199 Galaxy Buds Pro will turn off ANC when you start talking
  • The best Samsung phone for you
  • New Galaxy Chromebook 2 is more affordable and boasts a QLED display
Published: September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 6 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Google Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | September 3, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Mous cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21: Drop protection and magnetic accessory features

    Mous has a couple of case options for the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. Both models offer AiroShock drop protection while the Limitless 3.0 case includes strategically placed magnets ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Dual-layer and compostable options

    Wrapping your expensive phone in a case is a good way to provide extra protection. Dual-layers, enhanced grip, and even cases you can easily recycle are available from Incipio and ...

  • Gear4 and InvisibleShield for Galaxy S21 Ultra: Impact protection and anti-microbial treatment

    ZAGG has Gear4 case options and InvisibleShield screen protection for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Various levels of drop protection are provided in different case models. ...

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Speck Presidio cases: Drop and antimicrobial protection

    Speck cases are designed to help you hold onto your phone and if you happen to drop it then the case is there to aid in the likelihood of survival. 13-feet drop protection and Microban ...

  • How to test chargers and power banks to make sure they don't blow up your expensive smartphone

    I test dozens of chargers and power banks every month, and you can be guaranteed that plugging my expensive iPhone or iPad into them isn't the first thing I do. (Updated: October 2018) ...

  • Spigen cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21 series: Affordable prices, professional looks

    Spigen offers a wide range of case options for the new Galaxy S21 series with prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99. All the cases are available in black with a couple subtle color options ...

  • First look: Galaxy S21 and everything else announced at Samsung Unpacked [in pictures]

    Browse all the products and highlights from Samsung's January 2021 Unpacked event.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums