Snow Lizard Products SLXtreme iPhone 8 Case - Hunter Camo

Let me start by saying snowlizard gave me no compensation for this review and did not even ask me to write it. this case is purpose built for conditions and usage that are well outside what would commonly be considered, normal daily usage. This is easily the best case I have ever owned but it is certainly not a daily commute, office desktop, indoor kind of case. This is the second Snowlizard I’ve owned and this one actually seems a bit better than the 6s model. For clarity, this review is about the yellow, iPhone 8 model.First – Important points that can lead to frustration.· The case is bulky and heavy, it adds a lot of size to the phone. In order to accommodate the battery, solar panel, waterproofing and additional reinforcement there is a tradeoff for size, however it really is pretty compact for all that it does.· It is difficult to clean inside the case so be sure to thoroughly clean your phone before putting the case on. I like using canned air or something of the sort to dust out the inside of the case any time I put in or remove the phone.· The included lanyard is flimsy, the string at the end is weak as is the metal ring and I would never trust it to hold anything even close to the weight of this case plus a phone. Normally this wouldn’t impact my rating but seeing as this is included and anyone buying it would rightfully assume they could safely use it which can very quickly lead to a lost phone, I felt it merited at least some weight.· The clips that hold the bottom on, while I’ve never had an issue, are plastic and I feel that should really be something sturdier than what it is. Again, I’ve never had an issue and they seem solid.· The case has a battery that can charge by sitting in the sun, this generates heat, as does using your phone. I’ve never had it overheat but it is a good thing to be mindful of. I suspect more ventilation and thinner materials could compromise the protection of the case.· There is not currently a waterproof adapter for the micro USB port that would allow you to use wired accessories with the case. Micro USB to 3.5 mm adapters do exist but I have never used one and can’t speak to their ability to work with the Snowlizard case.On to the good points!· Waterproofing works perfectly, tested it multiple times under several inches of water for times well in excess of the recommended test time with zero leaks.o Common capacitive touch screens do not work underwater so please remember that to take photos you must use the volume buttons as you will not be able to use the touch screen at all.· Camera is unobstructed and the lens is very clear, but be sure to dust out the case whenever you open it to help prevent buildup on the inside of the lens.o In previous models the camera’s flash would often bleed over and shine on the inside of the lens covering the camera, in my testing this has not been an issue for the iPhone 8 model.· All 9 sections of the solar panel seem to be working just fine and it is effectively trickle charging the battery.o The solar panel does not charge the phone directly, it only charges the backup batteryo Charging with the solar panel is not a fast process but it is great for helping keep it topped off, Snowlizard even refers to it as trickle chargingo The solar panel will not effectively charge the backup battery while the battery is turned on and charging the phone.§ whether or not it just doesn’t work is unclear to me but the draw from the battery to the phone is much higher than the panel’s capacity to charge the battery.· The backup battery has significant capacity, 1.5 charges is pretty spot on, and does charge the phone as fast as you’d expect a wall charger would. Closing apps and setting the phone to airplane mode etc… does help the process.· The case feels and looks better than previous models, it looks cleaner to me and has no visible manufacturing irregularities (superficial scratches, inconsistent adhesive, discoloration etc…)· The grip around the side is very well textured and extremely sturdy· The phone had a worryingly snug fit at first but after a little use it fits very well and requires minimal effort to put in or take out, but does not simply slide out when you open the case.· The micro USB port in the base of the case allows charge and sync of your phone without issue· The sound is better than on the iPhone 6 model, that being said, it is still not as good as it is without the case.o Both speaker and handset mode are fairly clear, both to you and to the person you are talking to, but in my experience they can hear you better when using it as a handset. I personally use a Bluetooth headset (which is conveniently stored in the dry box) when needed.· The front facing camera lens cover is much easier to clean than the previous model as well, one solid piece now covers the speaker and camera.· The case allows for full functionality of the phone, the buttons can be a bit stiff at times as can the ring/vibrate knob but every feature of the phone is still accessible.Overall I am extremely happy with this case and actually had a hard time deciding on the 4 or 5 star rating, but the number of minor things (lanyard, ease of maintenance, plastic clips and the lack of a waterproof micro USB adapter) added up to one star in my opinion. Remember that this case should not be used for anything beyond its IP rating such as scuba diving and charging it up with the panel can take a little time, but this is by far the best utility phone case I’ve ever had. As a result of past experience, I only order Snowlizard cases when they are in stock on Amazon, fulfillment used to be somewhat unreliable from Snowlizard directly but it looks like they may have gotten over that hurdle. It is a great case and what you are buying is, an armored solar powered waterproof backup battery case that is designed for use in environments and at times where impact resistance and waterproofing may be needed while charging isn’t something that would be readily available. It isn’t magic but it is a heck of a case.

I’ve had it for two months and the plug that covers the charge port broke off compromising its water proof ability. A slim piece of plastic is not enough to keep it tethered.There is no after market belt holster available for it X-)

Too big, not reliable. Tried two of them and they both stopped working for different reasons. I could not rely on this product in the field.

It is quite big. If your looking for slim, this is not it but it’s durable and it works great.Update: bought this case at the end of feb. the charging system has already broke. I now have to take my phone out of the case to charge every day from my phone it can not be charged through the case like it’s designed to. Working on getting a replacement or refund. I’ll update after

Great phone case. It’s a bit bulky but I don’t mind that. Do not take your phone out of this often. It scratches the inside of the screen protector inside the case

Latch broke from a three foot fall. Mfg said they would replace so I returned it and now they will not answer emails as to status of replacement!

Clips broke after first use. People say my voice sounded like I was talking through a wall. Very Heavy and bulky. Don't waste your money.

Charges even when phone is fully charged and makes it heat up