Best Waterproof iPhone Cases for Scuba Diving
In this blog, I focus on sharing tips to get every beginner started in their scuba diving journey. As a beginner, you may not have a professional underwater camera or a budget for it. Don’t worry you can still capture your diving memories using your iPhone or Android phone provided it’s secure in a hard waterproof housing. Below are some of my most preferred Best Waterproof iPhone Cases for Scuba Diving.
SeaLife SportDiver housing
I currently own and love this case for my scuba diving or snorkeling adventures. It fits perfectly for any iPhone from iPhone 7 to the latest iPhone 13.
The good news is that this housing is also compatible with the Samsung Note models.
I love the grip on the casing as I can relax while diving without worrying about dropping the case together with my iPhone.
The SeaLife SportDiver case is very easy to use and connect with your phone. Connect the casing to your phone using an app designed by the manufacturers. this allows you to take pictures or videos effortlessly.
Another great feature I love about this casing is the study rubber and spring grip to keep your phone secure at all times.
The case has an inbuilt leak alarm system that alerts you in case water gets into the case. Alarms are placed strategically and use multiple alert signals. This includes a beeping, LED light, and on-screen warning.
If water finds its way inside the casing the leak alarm alerts you there is moisture and also lets you know when you start diving over the recommended pressure limits.
If you are passionate about the quality of images and videos captured, having an LED flashlight with you helps improve the quality.
Luckily you don’t have to worry about carrying around a flashlight or wondering where to place it as you dive. This iPhone case can be purchased with the Sea Dragon 2500 lumen light. When buying both the casing and the flashlight the price is higher compared to getting the casing only.
With a diving depth limit of 40 meters or 130 ft., this is a perfect fit for recreational divers.
As a beginner, you can always get the casing first and invest in the flashlight later on, but there is no harm in purchasing it all in one go.
Read More: Best Snorkel Vest For Non-Swimmers
DIVEVOLK Seatouch 4 Max Diving Phone case
If you hate setting up many apps to help connect your phone to something else like a waterproof case, this is the casing for you. Grab your Divevolk seatouch 4 here
This casing doesn’t require you to download any apps in order to use your phone while diving. Just secure your phone in the casing and go diving.
One feature that stands out, in this case, is the fully functional touchscreen. There are no extra buttons or other features you have to use in order to capture a memory.
It’s compatible with iPhone 12 and 13 models including the ProMax versions. For my android divers, this case will work perfectly with Samsung Ultra models or any other phone similar in size.
In most cases, many divers are worried that their phone is too big, or slim to fit certain phone cases. If you have a Samsung Ultra you can relax as your search is over.
The waterproof case can offer protection to your phone up to 60 meters or 196 ft. This is a few meters deeper than what most recreational divers max, making it a good casing for both recreational and wreck divers.
Since the entire touch screen is functional you can take selfies or use the back camera for photography and videography.
Unlike other phone cases that may limit you to the camera apps only, with this case you can still use all other apps on your phone while diving.
Just like its predecessors, the seatouch 4 max has a waterproof standard of IPX8. (Read more on waterproof standards here)
Con
You need to purchase a handle tray or a selfie stick for the case since the grip isn’t very good. Some divers may get tired of holding onto the case during a dive.
READ MORE: Can You Use Your Phone While Scuba Diving?
DIVEVOLK Seatouch 3
If you currently own an old iPhone version, this is a better fit compared to Seatouch 4 max. Grab your Divevolk seatouch 3 here.
Seatouch 3 is compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 11 both pro and max versions.
Unlike the latest version of this phone case, the seatouch 3 doesn’t have a fully functional touch screen since the case covers some portions of the phone screen.
One feature you’ll love about this housing is that the grip is good and don’t have to buy a holding tray.
Has a waterproof standard of IPX8 meaning it can withstand an increase in water pressure up to 40 m or 130 ft.
No additional apps or Bluetooth connection is needed to use the casing while diving. Just secure your iPhone and enjoy diving or snorkeling.
It’s an easy-to-use housing, it’s very easy to access other phone apps, and easy to switch between camera modes.
Cons
Not compatible with the latest iPhone models starting from iPhone 12
The image quality can be a bit blurry especially if you have shaky hands. Investing in a holding tray will ensure you capture high-quality images.
LANYOS Diving Phone Case
Looking for affordable waterproof iPhone housing, this is a good pick on a budget. Grab your LANYOS diving case here
The case is compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 14 models. It also fits perfectly with android phones such as Samsung and Huawei.
As a complete beginner diving within 50 ft., this housing will serve you well. It however isn’t safe to use it over 15 meters while scuba diving as this will put your phone at risk of shuttering from increasing water pressure.
No additional apps are required to use the casing, simply secure your phone inside the case and enjoy scuba diving.
Snorkellers will also love this housing as it works well at shallow water depths.
It has a decent grip and coms with a wrist lanyard ensuring you don’t lose your phone while scuba diving or snorkeling.
Cons
Touch screen isn’t very sensitive underwater, you have to set it up before diving.
You can’t access other apps on your phone while diving
Read More: Best Scuba Diving Mask with GoPro Mount
What to Consider When Buying a Waterproof iPhone Cases for Scuba Diving
When taking your expensive phone while scuba diving you need to check some factors in the housing before purchase. The point is to capture memories while doing something you love and not lose your phone in the process.
In this article, I discussed whether you should use your phone while scuba diving or not. Click on the link to learn more here on my blog.
You may have to use your phone if you are a beginner and don’t have an underwater camera or simply hate carrying around a bulky camera each time you travel.
Now let’s look into what you should look out for;
Waterproof Standard
This is a rating used to determine what your phone or any other electronic device can withstand. An IPX8 is the highest waterproof standard in most phones meaning it can withstand an increase in water pressure.
The highest standard is IPX9K, with this standard the device can withstand high pressure and temperatures.
All iPhones have a water-resistant standard which shouldn’t be confused or used interchangeably with waterproof standards. Water-resistant means the phone can withstand water splashes or fall into a basin of water but as pressure increases the buttons will break.
When shopping for a phone casing always look for a HARD WATERPROOF housing. Avoid waterproof pouches as those won’t protect your phone from increasing pressure while scuba diving.
Good Grip
Look for a housing with a good grip, a grip you can lock in with your fingers. Some housings don’t have a well-framed grip meaning you have to hold the case with both hands or have a wrist strap. In case the phone case slips from your fingers you are certain it will remain secure in the strap.
If your favorite waterproof housing lacks a good grip, invest in a holding tray. This makes it easier while diving and also improves the stability of the phone thus taking better pictures.
Consider buying a holding tray with LD lights to improve the quality of your images and videos.
Easy to Use
Everyone has different preferences in terms of technology. If you are comfortable with apps and connecting or setting up multiple devices to work together then a casing requiring an app will suit you better. A perfect example is the Sea life SportDiver casing
If you are not very comfortable with technology, there are many cases available that don’t require additional apps or Bluetooth for them to work. A good example is the Seatouch 4 max.
Hard Housing/Casing
As mentioned above, stay away from waterproof pouches if you plan on taking your phone while scuba diving.
These are made for shallow waters. You can use such a casing when snorkeling, swimming, taking a boat ride or when relaxing at the beach.
Never use these pouches when scuba diving or free diving. As water pressure increases, it pushes on your phone keys/buttons and will end up crashing the buttons.
