[REVIEW] Cheap-a$$ waterproof cases - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE

I had an amazon gift card to use up, and we're planning a road trip to a waterpark so I decided to use the gift card to try and find a waterproof/water-resistant solution for my lte. I wasn't going swimming with these, but I did want to protect my phone from the the occasional dunk or splash, and I didn't trust a ziplock bag to do the job. I also didn't want to spend a lot (otherwise I would have gotten the overboard case).
I ended up ordering the following cases;
BestDealUSA Waterproof Underwater Pouch Dry Bag Pack Case Cover for Cell Phone PDA Blue - $2.96
Waterproof Case for Apple iPhone 4, 4S - Also Works with iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, 3GS, & Other Smartphones - IPX8 Certified to 100 Feet - $4.57
Universal Waterproof Bag Case for Cell Phone / PDA, Blue - $0.01
Universal Waterproof Bag Case for Cell Phone / PDA, Black - $1.92
BestDealUSA Waterproof Underwater Pouch Dry Bag Pack Case Cover for Cell Phone PDA Blue
The plastic material seems strong on this case, and the seal seems like it would do a good job to keep the moisture out. The evo slides in and out easily, even with a tpu case, although it does it need to go in upside down if you want to take pictures - otherwise the camera is blocked by the opaque section of plastic, but this is not a big deal. There is a raised seal around the window of clear plastic (which takes up about 4/5ths of the phone screen) that makes pulling the unlock ring a little difficult, but not impossible. This is the biggest of the cases, with the most space around the phone. Screen responsiveness through the plastic is good, and the the window is clear, so its easy to see the phone screen. Lanyard runs through the width of the case, and seems very strong - I don't see it snapping or anything.
Waterproof Case for Apple iPhone 4, 4S - Also Works with iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, 3GS, & Other Smartphones - IPX8 Certified to 100 Feet
This one looks very similar to the higher priced overboard case and has great reviews. The areas surrounding the clear windows are puffy, as if it would allow the case to float. Unlike the other cases (which use a combination of two ziplock-type closure zips), this one has a plastic mechanical mechanism to squeeze and hold the opening shut like a vise. I don't know if I would trust this case to remain underwater for any length of time. It doesn't seem to seal as well as I would like, although the reviews all rave about how watertight it is. Having said that, the phone fits in this case perfectly with the tpu case, and even better without a case (upside down again), without being too snug, and the clear windows are exactly the size of the phone screen - only the capacitive buttons are hidden. Screen responsiveness through the plastic is good, and the the window is clear, so its easy to see the phone screen. The puffy areas around the clear screen also do a really good job of holding the phone in place, but makes it a bit difficult to press the power button. The lanyard that this case with end in what appears to be a thread that you loop through an opening in the case and seems like a good tug would snap it off.
Universal Waterproof Bag Case for Cell Phone / PDA, Black/Blue
I was only going to get the black one, but when I saw the blue one for a penny, I decided why not. These are identical cases, but one is black, and one is blue. These are the snuggest cases, and its a challenge to get the phone in, even without the tpu case. The plastic material the cases are made of is very tacky on the inside, so the phone tends to get stuck when you put it in or take it out. The plastic also seems thinner on these than the other cases, and the seals around the edge don't seem very reliable. Once the phone is in though, it's the most compact and pocketable of all of the cases. These cases do not have a clear window on both sides, so if you want to use the camera, then the phone screen will be covered by the translucent side of the case. It's not too bad, and the screen is still visible, but in bright situations, this could be an issue. Having said that, screen responsiveness is very good with these cases, most likely due to the thinness of the plastic. Lanyard goes through hole in the case and seems strong enough. These also come with an arm band that may fit you if you have the arms of a small child. They're really, really small.
Final thoughts - All of these would probably do a good job to keep water and moisture off of the phone (or even sand if you're going to the beach), and I think any of them would be fine to protect against accidental splashing. If I was going diving or swimming with my phone, I would probably shell out the extra cash for the overboard, or at least do some serious waterproof testing on these first. As it stands, I think I'll end up using the first case - Not too crazy about the blue, but I think it will do the best job of keeping the phone dry, and I won't need to worry about going down the log flume with it in my pocket or around my neck (like a tourist, lol).

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Hey man, thanks for the reviews. I didn't even know you could get waterproof cases/bags so cheap.
I'll have to pick one up now.
I do suggest you update the prices in your post to include the shipping though for a better cost comparison (even though the difference here is minimal). So many venders inflate the shipping to make up the difference for a $0.01 item.
p.s. I'm going to pick up the first one as well since it looks like I can easily have it in my pocket as a just in case. (I'm in Florida and we have crazy torrential thunderstorms out of no where, so if I'm out jogging, I can have it in my pocket just in case.

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Though expensive, Lifeproof cases are really nice. Ive known many people to go out in the ocean and take pictures under water with them.

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Just an update, I did end up using that first case, and although it never went underwater, it got splashed on alot. Phone stayed dry, it fit great in the bathing suit pocket, and even took some great pics through the case. Would definitely recommend.

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Quick update from me too. I ended up ordering this case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058NXWPY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00
Used on a canoe trip. The canoe flipped and it went underwater for around a minute or so, and air dried after, did a great job. Would recommend this one!

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i am using the first case, blue, as well. Works fine, keeps my phone dry in a 10ft deep pool. Takes picture fine too. Thanks for the review OP.

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I actually prefer these right here. They come in different sizes I prefer the 6-1/2 x 3-1/4I can't confirm they work in 100 ft of water because I have no reason to be that deep ever in my life, but for the average rainy day, screwing around by the pool or working out these work great. The best part is the patented purple zip technology that lets you visibly confirm the case is sealed. Also pics turn out great. Good luck in your decision

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Asadullah said:
I actually prefer these right here. They come in different sizes I prefer the 6-1/2 x 3-1/4I can't confirm they work in 100 ft of water because I have no reason to be that deep ever in my life, but for the average rainy day, screwing around by the pool or working out these work great. The best part is the patented purple zip technology that lets you visibly confirm the case is sealed. Also pics turn out great. Good luck in your decision
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Hahaha that had me laughing so much once I read the whole thing then clicked on the link. Good one!
Sent from my EVO using xda premium