For a product that prides itself on lasting forever, LifeProof cell phone cases aren’t as sturdy as they claim to be. Moreover, the company might consider rebranding themselves as “Six-MonthProof,” because although their product is good while it lasts, it indeed has a shelf-life.

I purchased a LifeProof case for my iPhone in May 2013 and immediately fell in love. Though it cost me a pretty penny, the color was stylish, and — best of all — it guaranteed lifetime protection from fire, water and other natural disasters. How could I resist?

For the first few months, things were great. I took my iPhone swimming, let it serenade me while I showered, and often found my dog using it as a chew toy. I rarely worried about what my iPhone endured, because its LifeProof case made it durable.

It survived being dropped underwater, thrown across the room and trampled upon by my size-13 feet but after awhile, the LifeProof case seemed to grow weary.

I was out walking my dog when I dropped my phone on the sidewalk. Annoyed, I bent down to retrieve it, presuming that no damage had been done. Much to my chagrin, however, I soon laid eyes upon the most devastating sight of my life — a cracked phone case and a shattered screen.

My first thought was to vehemently contact LifeProof and demand a refund or product replacement, but I’d long ago misplaced the receipt as well as discarded its original packaging (why would I need them if I’d have the same phone case forever?) But after considering the irony of the situation, I couldn’t help but laugh.

If you need a cell phone case, LifeProof is a quality brand, but it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever.

With standard pricing around $80, it’s a tad expensive for something that doesn’t uphold its lifetime guarantee.

That said, I can’t wait to get a new LifeProof case as soon as I’m able to afford it.

Rating: C

To contact Siali Siaosi, email seniorwriter@occc.edu.