Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Catalyst iPhone X Waterproof Case, Shock Proof Premium Material Quality, Slim Design for Swimming, Beach Trips, Kayaking, Cruise Accessories with Lanyard (Black)

Quality case - first impression superior to Lifeproof Fre

Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2018

I have used Lifeproof Nuud for my past iPhones and was reasonably happy with them. I liked the fact that the screen was left uncovered. Since there is no Nuud for iPhone X I switched to Fre; that was a mistake. The charging port cover on the case opened in my pocket allowing the case to fill with water and soak the phone for over an hour. The phone would have likely survived if not for the case preventing the water from draining.

The first impression on the Catalyst case: solid build. The device is really well protected in the edges. The charging port plug is rubber and seems very unlikely to open spontaneously or as it happened with my old Nuud for the seal to unglue. The screen cover is thinner than Fre and the touch is much more responsive. Unfortunately since it is plastic fingerprints get smudged more easily than naked phone and there is more glare / graininess to the screen. This was also the case with Fre and Catalyst seems to attract fingerprints marginally less. The back is fully transparent and attractive although there is a bit of rainbow effect when it touches the back of the phone in the middle. The camera port is good quality and photos come out well. The camera lense is not recessed at all, which has me worried that the plastic lense will get scratched with time. The buttons are well articulated and easy to operate. Overall love the case - will report back after some water exposure.

9 people found this helpful

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saulty

Best Protection for iPhone I've Ever Found!

Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020

Verified Purchase

I realize most people won't read a really long review (because I wouldn't normally either) so here's the short of it:
PROS:
extremely durable
excellent customer support
long lasting
not bulky

CONS:
none really but $89 might seem expensive but when you realize you're protecting a $1000+ device, it's quite reasonable

If you want the whole review, keep reading...

I really don't write reviews for anything but the Catalyst case deserves it so I just felt compelled to. Honestly, I wish I had written a review after a couple of months of use and then again after a year but here it is a year and a half later and I'm finally writing one (again because it's THAT good).
First, when I purchased the case, I accidentally purchased a case for an iPhone X and not XS. I had thought that they were the same and I hadn't seen a case available just for the XS so I had bought the wrong one. The X case fit but had terrible sound quality but according to reviews the sound was supposed to be excellent. I contacted their customer support and after a few short emails, the correct case was mailed to me and I was told to keep the old case in case of needing replacement parts for the future.
I've used OtterBox, Lifeproof & Catalyst cases. Lifeproof is better than OtterBox and both are great but too bulky for me.
Now for the case itself. I'm a runner, weigh around 180lb and I run on rough and rocky terrain in hot climates. One day while sprinting, I fell and caught myself with my hands and my phone. My hand and knee was bleeding and the case took a nasty scratch but it DID NOT HARM the phone! The phone was in perfect condition and has since survived other falls and scrapes with no damage done to the phone!
Catalyst has a year warranty but honestly, I doubt you'll ever need it. In my opinion, it will survive whatever you throw at it and will probably outlast the phone itself.

2 people found this helpful

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Adam Blair

Waterproof feature fails after a year!

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2018

Verified Purchase

After using this item for over a year it has failed me. The wristlet fell off within the first three months. Before a year was up the case started showing some wear & tear, but of course after the ONE year warranty was up the waterproof portion of the case failed. Took it in the water with me on vacation and after two minutes of being in the water the case showed signs of water leaking in. The next thing I know my phone is saying the Face ID option is no longer optional and then went into a constant power on loop. I had to completely replace my phone and was unable to back up any of my data prior, due to this “waterproof” case failing after a years use. I thought this was my answer to my troubles with LifeProof, but I was way wrong. Very disappointed in this product.

One person found this helpful

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111Amazon Customer1

It’s not the best, it’s not the worst.

Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2018

Verified Purchase

First off I just want to say that this case is actually pretty good, solid build to it, tough enough to survive some drops, mute switch is very easy with the turn dial and the seal around the case is pretty great, reason why I’m giving it 3 stars is because of the buttons aren’t that responsive for a $90 dollar case, I’ve bought better case that were only $20. Second reason isn’t that big of a deal but I would like to say in the 3 hours that I had this case on my phone, the back was easily scratched, not just one or two but MANY scratches on the clear back, normal this really doesn’t bother me but again, I’m spending $90 dollars I would’ve thought the back to be a LITTLE scratch resistant but no. Third reason, the front screen protector is clear but when you are using you’re phone and have a light color in the background, like if you were using the Amazon app or watching YouTube videos THERE IS A RAINBOW EFFECT. All over the screen, I gave the case a chance to grow on me and I was hoping that I wouldn’t notice the rainbow after a while of using it but IT DROVE ME CRAZY. I hate this rainbow effect. I’ve had previous multiple cases for my phone, some would have a little bit of rainbow, and others would have a gritty look to the screen, but this case...I couldn’t deal with the rainbow all over the screen. This is a great case, but for the price of $90 it’s not worth it, this should be priced around $45 that would be way better of a price. I had high hopes for this case when I read about it online but I’ll just have to return it and look for another. IF YOURE NOT THAT PICKY LIKE ME and the rainbow effect on your screen doesn’t bother you, I would say this is the perfect case, just not for me.

37 people found this helpful

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VSQ

definitely the best choice I've made

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2018

Verified Purchase

As someone who always wants full covered protection for my phones there were a few solid choices but I went for this one, definitely the best choice I've made, I was heavily debating between a Lifeproof case , SUPCASE and this one, I went for this one.

The usual complaints with the lower reviews are the rainbow effect and the rear cover easily scratching. I personally have never seen a case that doesn't do that. I'd rather have the case get scratched up than the phone itself.

Though with my case I have no rainbow effect on the front, but in the back there is a small spot but it doesnt bother me at all.

The case is definitely solid and it looks amazing, it showcases the phone very well and it just looks like a bumper case.

Also there is a concern with the rubber seal at the bottom breaking off, while it is a pretty sturdy piece, it is also replaceable with parts you can buy from the Catalyst website. I'm not worried about it too much given I'd wirelessly charge my phone 90% of the time.

There is also no muffle with voice / sound, and the case doesn't affect the rear camera either.

TL:DR

Solid case, solid protection, looks amazing!

4 people found this helpful

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Keeblero Manzana

Fantastic case! One small problem and it was corrected with great Customer Service!

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2018

Verified Purchase

I purchased my Catalyst iPhone X Waterproof case at the same time I upgraded to an iPhone X in April 2018. I tested the case and made sure that was fully waterproof before putting my phone inside. I even went as far as weighting the Catalyst case down at the bottom of my pool -about 10 feet- for about a half hour and had no water intrusion. After putting my phone in, I checked the case again, although this time less than 3 feet – just in case. Again, I saw no water or indication that water had entered the Catalyst case. While I don't plan to use my phone for diving or underwater photography other than an occasional photo of the kids, I like the depth rating just in case I drop my phone in water deeper than a meter.

The design of the case is very slim considering the impact and waterproof ratings. The rubber or silicone outer case is comfortable in my hand and very slip resistant. I haven't dropped my phone yet, but feel comfortable that it would be okay if I did. My only complaints with the design are: First, that the front facing camera seems a little hazy through the plastic front screen protector. I saw this comment on a couple of other reviews but it doesn't affect my facial recognition. However, it does seem to make FaceTime video or front facing photos of little fuzzy - as if the camera lens is dirty. Since the camera is basically where your face touches the phone while you hold it to your head, I originally thought that it was just oil from my skin. After cleaning it well with a microfiber lens cloth, I believe it is the case. I think a future design with glass or a better (more clear) plastic would fix the issue. Sound quality is good both holding to your head or on speakerphone. I have had a couple of people tell me that they had trouble hearing me but that has been intermittent so I'm not sure if it's the phone, the case, or the connection.

My 2nd issue with the design is really a simple fix for the next model. There is a small rubber/silicone lip in the area that allows you to access the charging port. I never noticed any issue until I realized that this small area of the case had developed a tiny tear. Once the tear started, it is impossible to keep it from continuing to tear further without gluing; but I think that may prohibit removing my phone from the case.

Since I have only had my Catalyst case for 4 months, I contacted Catalyst customer service directly and received a response almost immediately on the same day. Because I had purchased my case from Catalyst (through Amazon) and not from a 3rd-party seller, Catalyst was fantastic about reviewing my issue as a warranty replacement/repair. I am very happy with their prompt response and fantastic customer service and am an even happier Catalyst customer considering that I had a small issue but they treated me like a valued customer.

I have had all of the other big name-brand impact and waterproof/water-resistant cases for my iPhone and Apple products and think that the Catalyst Waterproof iPhone X case is my favorite. Other than the two small issues, I couldn't be happier. (All of my other cases have had issues that could be better...). One issue for all cases of this quality is price - none are cheap! But you get what you pay for and Catalyst went above and beyond with their customer service. THANKS! K

10 people found this helpful

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Melanie Frank

The Best waterproof case for the X

Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2018

Verified Purchase

I couldn’t decide if i wanted this or the lifeproof fre for my iphone X. After reading all the reviews about how cheap the fre seemed with the grainy screen protector i am so glad i went with Catalyst. It honestly doesn’t even seem like a sealed case thats how good the sound is , from playing music or on the phone there is zero issues. And the screen protector is great, no gap between, the sensitivity is great and its not grainy! I know 90$ is alot for a case but if you’re in the market for a slim waterproof case do you’re self a favor and buy this over life proof

13 people found this helpful

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Kelly

Save your money!

Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2018

Verified Purchase

I purchased this case after reading numerous reviews on this & other waterproof cases available for iPhone X. Case leaked the first 2 times I tested it before finally staying dry on the 3rd test. Case is slim & lightweight (plus) but did concern me a bit as I had a Lifeproof Fre waterproof case on my previous iPhone model which is more substantial than this one. Anyway, I needed this case for a one week trip to the beach so despite concerns with the leaking on the test runs, I went ahead & snapped it on my phone. It is easy to install & uninstall; the back piece just snaps on & off. The two major reasons I dislike this case are #1: The waterproof plug at the bottom of the phone is not attached to the case. It fell off somewhere & is now lost. I’m sure I could order a replacement part but I have no doubt that one would fall off as well. #2: The screen resolution with the case is terrible! It’s dim & grainy (which other reviews mentioned but I thought “how bad could it be?”). Well, they aren’t exaggerating....it’s awful especially considering the price of this case. I went back to a non-waterproof case for now until some better designs hit the market.

3 people found this helpful

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TBS

Quickly fell apart

Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2020

Verified Purchase

I have an iPhone X -- an expensive product by most every standard. In preparation for an extended water-based vacation i felt it prudent to make sure my case was waterproof as well. After researching various options, i settled on the Catalyst.

I was very pleased by the sleekness of the case, having previously used Otterbox and Lifeproof cases, all of which are good, but add substantially to the size of the phone. The Catalyst is also an expensive product, but i was certainly willing to give it a go. With about three weeks go to before vacation i ordered and installed my phone in its new case. All good. Within two weeks i was surprised when the little rubber flap on the bottom, which covers and protects the power charging port and the mircophone, went missing. To my surprise this piece is not an integrated part of the case, but a separate piece. Hmmm. Fortunately i found the missing part and reinstalled it, only to have it come off again, hours before leaving the country.

If you're like me, you charge your phone everyday. Sometimes i use the power port, sometimes i set the phone on a Fast Charge dock. Nevertheless, the rubber piece at the bottom gets a little workout every day. Wouldn't you think a piece that is so vital would be integrated into the design of the case, rather than be a stand alone piece that is easily lost? Without much of a choice, i went on vacation, unprotected so to speak, and returned unscathed. This "defect" is the only think that keeps me from giving the product 5 stars. And the only thing keeping me from giving it a 1 star review is the swift reply from Catalyst's Customer Service team in addressing the issue and sending me a new case. If they're willing to give me a new case, i'm willing to give them a second shot. I think this is a great product, with a serious design flaw. My hope is that they'll get this fixed... quickly! As quickly as their Customer Service team responded to my concerns.

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Monica E

Really disappointed with appearance but it keeps my phone safe

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2022

Verified Purchase

This is my second catalyst case and I LOVED my last one. It started to look old so I finally bought a new one. I like how it looks because it provides a lot of protection without too much bulk. It is clear and black so I can add a sticker or pop socket to accessorize but it looks very sleek. My previous case held up, kept my phone safe from ocean water to MANY falls that I thought for sure would break my phone. I was impressed with the case. For my second case, the screen cover was looking scratched within a couple days. The plastic in front just looks terrible despite trying to keep it in my pocket or purse away from things that could damage it. Additionally, people keep mentioning that the they can’t hear me when talking on the phone. If I remove the charging port plug, the sound improves. I never had this issue with my previous case and while the screen aged, it took much longer before. This will probably be my last purchase now due to the way the front of the case is scratching so easily.

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