LifeProof has announced a new waterproof battery case for the iPhone 6: The LifeProof FRĒ Power Case. The new case basically takes LifeProof’s popular frē waterproof case — read our frē review — and adds a fully-sealed battery pack that will charge a spent iPhone.
For outdoor adventurers, the combination of a full recharge and the waterproof rugged case create a compelling new option for using an iPhone as a backcountry GPS unit, as well as a waterproof camera — or even to read ebooks while stuck in a tent during a rainstorm.
The challenge for adventurers is two-fold: If you use your iPhone 6 in the woods, you might run out of battery and not be able to use it to make an emergency phone call or text message. Similarly, if you get your iPhone 6 wet or drop it while using it, you might break it — again, rendering it useless for an emergency.
Of course, there are plenty of times where a rugged waterproof charging case could come in handy much closer to home, like at the beach, boating, or trail running.
Inside the LifeProof FRĒ Power Case
FRĒ Power’s lithium ion battery boasts 2,600 mAh, which you can tap into simply by pressing a button. The iPhone 6 will then charge to 100% and automatically stop, saving the leftover charge in the case, ready for another charging boost. LED lights show how much battery life is remaining on the case in 25% increments.
FRĒ Power is waterproof to 6.6 feet (2 meters) for one hour, drop proof up to 6.6 feet and is totally enclosed from dirt and snow when the case and all ports are sealed, LifeProof says. The case includes a built-in screen protector, and the entire unit meets military standards for drop and shock protection, with an IP68 protection rating against dust and water.
Optional LIFEACTÍV QuickMounts
To make the new FRE Power Case even more compelling, LifeProof has created a line of quick mounting LifeActiv accessories that attach to most smooth polycarbonate or metal cases — including the LifeProof FRĒ Power and original frē waterproof case lineup. The universal accessory line uses a low profile adhesive mounting plate that attaches to the back of your case and then to a mount. LifeProof offers a Bike + Bar Mount, Belt Clip, Multipurpose Mount, and Suction Mount.
You can preorder the FRĒ Power for iPhone 6 for $129.99 on lifeproof.com — LifeProof expects it to become in stock June 19.
