Thanks to Catalyst Lifestyle, we take a quick look at their EscapeCapsule for iPhone 4. It’s a rugged waterproof case designed to protect the iPhone 4 or 4S from water, rain, snow, sand, mud, scratches. If you own an iPhone 4 or 4S, don’t discard or donate it just yet … you can convert it into a “rugged” smartphone by simply buying this case.
Yes, that’s right, we will be putting this case to the extreme of tests. Dropping it from a height, dunking it in a bucket of water and burying it in a pile of sand and dirt! Let’s see how good this case really is …
Taken from Catalyst Lifestyle’s website ….
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What is Catalyst EscapeCapsule? The EscapeCapsule® is a fully covered and sealed waterproof case engineered to protect the iPhone 4 or 4S from water, rain, snow, sand, mud, scratches or anything else that an adventure enthusiast can come up with. Each EscapeCapsule® is tested to meet our IPX8 waterproof standard of 2 meters deep for 30 minutes before being approved for sale. Your order from our website includes:
Note: Duties and taxes may be applicable and are not included in the price.
Description
The EscapeCapsule® is unique in that it bridges the gap between a fully covered waterproof housing and a fashion accessory while preserving the functionality of the iPhone 4 & 4S. It is intended to keep your device safe for days out in the rain, trips to the beach and on the ski slopes. The touchscreen is fully responsive, buttons are all accessible and the camera and video can be used underwater. Specifically engineered ports transfer sound through the case so that you can make clear phone calls, hands-free calls and face time calls. The most important design element of the EscapeCapsule® is the fact that the housing is made from a high impact crystal clear polycarbonate. This allows the iPhone to be showcased rather than hidden by the protective shell. The clear shell also allows you to easily see the edge of the “O-ring” as it seals against the housing. This ability to visually inspect the water tight seal from outside the case allows you to confidently take your iPhone into any environment.
Features
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Box and Packaging
The box and packaging is pretty decent. None of that cheap looking “made in China” style packaging. No complaints here.
The EscapeCapsule comes with a very attractive and handy rubber lanyard, which is perfect for users who often drop their phones. Not that the case can’t handle it. According to Catalyst, the EscapeCapsule can withstand a full drop of 2 meters (6.6 feet). You can also totally submerge the unit (with phone included) under water up to 2 meters. Perfect if you love swimming and the beach.
The EscapeCapsule
The overall quality of the casing is good. You can tell when detach the panel from the rest of the casing. It feels sturdy and pretty solid. Believe me, I’ve experienced some iPhone 4 Cases
A yellow rubber bung is used to cover the headphone socket. Again, the quality of the rubber is good and offers a tight fitting. There are also rubber buttons to allow easy use of the on/off, home and the volume buttons … and it actually WORKS. Touchscreen works through an optically clear scratch resistant membrane, which is pretty unique. This membrane can also be found on the speaker and earphone areas … allowing you to receive and make calls.
EscapeCapsule In Action
Installation was easy and simple. Even my 8 year old nephew was able to install my iPhone 4 into the casing within minutes (no super strength is required). The only thing I didn’t like about the EscapeCapsule is that, it literally turns your once slim iPhone 4 into a brick! My iPhone 4 is now clunky, heavy and quite big (in size).
But having said that, the ruggedness, waterproof capability and scratch-resistant of the EscapCapsule makes it all the worth while. I mean where are you going to get a casing that offers the quality and unique features that the EscapeCapsule has to offer?
Verdict and Conclusion
Well, I’m glad to say … we did complete all the tests that we said we would do. These include dropping it from a height of 2 meters (as stated on the box), dunking it in a bucket of water and burying it in a pile of dirt in our backyard. Luckily, my iPhone 4 did survive and so did the case.
All said and done, I think Catalyst has done a wonderful job of producing an “outdoor” and “rugged” casing that offers decent quality and unique features. I would recommend this case to anyone who still has an iPhone 4/4S and wishes to use it during their outdoor adventures. Pricewise, the EscapeCapsule isn’t cheap … costing $69.99 it’s definitely aimed at the higher-end of the iPhone 4 accessory market. But you do get what you pay for … quality and features.
SCORE
8/10
