Underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones are very trendy because you can save using an underwater camera in this way. This makes these travel gadgets a great vacation companion for swimming, snorkeling and diving. But does the technology really keep what it promises? I've had my experiences with it over time Underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones and have put together the best models for you.

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The triumph of the smartphone is unstoppable. The practical Travel Gadgets Taking it into the water is not entirely unproblematic and makes many users feel uneasy. Because: job contacts, e-mails, photos and music are lost in the event of flooding if they are not backed up beforehand. Reliable protection through underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones is all the more important in order to protect the precious piece, which often costs many hundreds of euros.

An underwater housing for smartphones often helps you in the rain, on holiday at the sea or lake and also when diving and snorkeling. But what good are these practical ones? Holiday gadgets and are they really safe? Over the years I have put a number of underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones through their paces.

The range of underwater mobile phone cases on offer is large: from splash water protection to the noble housing for tech divers with a depth of 300 meters, everything is included. The price range starts at ten euros for soft cases and goes up to over 400 euros for the high-end hard cover made of aluminum or plastic. Of the Mobile Phone Photographer can therefore choose from a wide range of different cases and underwater cases for smartphones, which differ mainly in design, feel, handling and price.

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Underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones tips

When it comes to capturing photos or videos while swimming, diving or snorkeling, an underwater case for your phone or smartphone is a great alternative to an expensive underwater camera. Cases are getting better and better and manufacturers are investing more and more money in the development of these travel gadgets.

But before you buy an underwater case for your cell phone or smartphone, you should consider a few things. Because not every case is suitable for every purpose and not every case is the right choice for every cell phone model.

In this guide, I'll show you what to look out for when buying an underwater case for your cell phone or smartphone. You will also find out which models are currently the best on the market and what you should pay attention to when using them.

Underwater phone cases are available for all popular models of iPhone, Samsung Galaxy smartphone, Sony Xperia smartphone, Huawei P and Mate smartphone, Google Pixel smartphone, LG smartphone, Motorola smartphone and Nokia smartphone.

Why an underwater case for your cell phone or smartphone?

Before we get to the buying tips and the best models on the market, we first want to answer the question of why you should even consider an underwater case for your cell phone or smartphone. After all, there are some good reasons for this:

1. You don't need an additional underwater camera: Unless you're a professional photographer or videographer, the photos and videos you take with your cell phone or smartphone will probably be just as good as those you take with an underwater camera. And if you're not sure, you can always try them out in a pool first.
2. Underwater cases for cell phones and smartphones are cheaper than an underwater camera: A good underwater case for your cell phone or smartphone costs around 100 euros. A good entry-level underwater camera, on the other hand, costs around 800 euros with camera and housing - without flash. If you don't plan on using the camera very often, an underwater case for cell phones and smartphones is a cheaper alternative.
3. It is more versatile than an underwater camera: Most underwater cases for cell phones and smartphones also offer protection from splash water, dust and sand - features that are rarely found in underwater cameras. This means that you can use your phone or smartphone without any problems even on the beach, in the desert or in the snow.
4. You always have your cell phone with you: Most of us always have our cell phones with us - even when we go swimming, diving or snorkeling. So if you want to be able to take photos or videos at any time, an underwater case for cell phones and smartphones is a good choice.

What should you look out for when buying an underwater case for mobile phones and smartphones?

Now that we've answered the question as to why you should consider an underwater case for your phone or smartphone, let's take a look at what to look out for when buying one. As I said, not every case is suitable for every purpose and not every case is the right choice for every model of phone. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Purpose

As I said before, not every underwater case is suitable for every purpose. If you just want to take some photos while swimming, a simple underwater phone and smartphone case will do. However, if you plan to dive deeper or use your phone in salt water, you should look for a more durable case.

Cell phone model

Not every manufacturer offers cases for all mobile phone models. So before you buy an underwater case, make sure it is compatible with your phone model. In our guide, we only recommend underwater phone and smartphone cases that are suitable for the most popular models of iPhone, Samsung Galaxy smartphone, Sony Xperia smartphone and Huawei P and Mate smartphone.

water resistance

Most underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones only offer protection against splashing water, but not against deep water. So if you're going to dive with your phone, make sure the case you're looking at is waterproof to a certain depth. In our guide, we recommend cases that are water resistant to 50m (5 bar).

Material

Most cases are made of plastic, but there are also some made of metal or glass. The advantage of plastic is that it is lighter and cheaper. The downside is that it's not as sturdy as metal or glass. So if you are looking for a case that can withstand a lot, you should choose one made of metal or glass.

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How can I use my mobile phone or smartphone under water?

Now that we've answered the question of what to look for when buying underwater phone and smartphone cases, let's look at how you can use them once you have them. Because even the best case is useless if you don't know how to use it. Here are a few tips:

1. Test the bag before use: Even the best bags can leak. Before using it for the first time, you should test it in a pool or bathtub to make sure there are no leaks. Fill the bag with air and submerge it in the water. If no air bubbles come out, the bag is probably properly sealed.
2. Don't use the touchscreen underwater: Most touchscreens don't work underwater. So if you want to take photos or videos, make sure you set them up before submerging the case under water.
3. Take your time: It takes a while to get used to using a phone in an underwater case. So don't expect to be a pro from the start. It takes practice to take good photos and videos.
4. Be careful with your phone: Even if it's in a waterproof case, your phone is still vulnerable. So be careful not to drop it or hit it against something hard. Otherwise you could damage it - even if the sleeve is not leaking.
5. Don't use the flash: Not only is the flash underwater useless, it can also damage your eyes. So make sure you turn it off before you put the phone case under water.
6. Keep an eye on the depth gauge: When you dive with your phone, you should keep an eye on the depth gauge. Most hulls are only designed for a depth of up to 50 m (5 bar). As you dive deeper, the pressure could cause the shell to leak.
7. Rinse underwater cell phone and smartphone cases after use: salt water is corrosive and can damage your bag’s seals over time. Therefore, after each use in salt water, rinse the case with fresh water and let it dry completely before storing it.
8. Store the case properly: Most cases will do well if you store them in a cool, dry place. However, some manufacturers recommend storing them in the refrigerator to keep the seals from drying out.
9. Check the seals regularly: even the best underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones can leak over time. Therefore, regularly check the seals of your bag for signs of wear and tear. If you find any, replace the seals or buy a new case.

With these tips you should be able to use your underwater case for mobile phones and smartphones without any problems.

Underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones: waterproof cases also have disadvantages

The big disadvantage of all underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones in the test is that the internal flash has to be deactivated when using it. Therefore, the recordings often get a clear blue tint even at low depths. However, lightning can often be retrofitted externally, which makes UW protection a real alternative. Another major disadvantage is that smartphone manufacturers are constantly launching new models in new formats. Accordingly, you then also need a new underwater hull. For example, we have a iPhone underwater case tested. 

All in all, the underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones offer a good and inexpensive alternative for everyone who wants to use the variant in their smartphone instead of an additional digital camera. The major disadvantage of all tested products is their susceptibility to small and large scratches. The plastic already looks worn after a few days of intensive use.

In addition, the smartphone diver has to decide before the underwater tour whether he would rather take photos or videos. Due to the software, this cannot be switched via the UW housing. In the meantime, however, there are more and more underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones that allow you to switch between photo and video. The underwater housing for smartphones is always sufficient for a few great vacation shots and “selfies” with manta rays and whale sharks. If you have higher demands on your pictures, you should get into the compact camera class.

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Five important tips for underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones

... and for the perfect dive with the smartphone

1. Be sure to read the operating instructions for the respective underwater case for mobile phones and smartphones beforehand. Input errors can have unpleasant consequences
2. Make a backup of your phone to back up data before the UW tour.
3. Always charge the battery at 100 percent before the day in the water.
4. To save battery power, use the "Home Button" to exit Camera Mode and only call it when you want to take photos.
5. Rinse the case thoroughly with fresh water after using it in the sea. Remove the o-ring with a credit card or o-ring remover after each use. Lightly grease with silicone to keep the seal pliable. Check the groove carefully.

Underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones - models

There is now a huge range of underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones. I have tested many models for iPhones and Android smartphones over the years. Current models are now of course much more advanced. For example, underwater cases for mobile phones and smartphones can now often be connected to the inserted smartphone via Bluetooth. That was unthinkable in the past.

Rollei Marin UW-I5 UW-I S3/S4

With these cases, the manufacturer sends two attractively designed cases into the race, which are among the best underwater covers for smartphones in terms of operation, processing and value. The underwater case for smartphones can be opened via a double-locked latch. The rubber studs on the inside make it possible to fit the devices perfectly, so that the buttons match perfectly with the home buttons and the buttons in the app. The case is waterproof up to 40 meters.

We think: perfect all-rounder under water, because design and workmanship are absolutely convincing. Price: around 100 Euro www.rollei.de

Patima iPhone 4 (S) case

The Patima iPhone 4 (S) immediately stands out with its special aluminum look. The solid, robust aluminum housing is thicker and wider than other sockets. Unfortunately also much heavier. On both sides there are closures, which are double secured. With this luxury Case you could dive deep down to 300 meters - technical divers get their money's worth.

We think: The noble case of Patima is built extremely robust. An iPhone 5 version is now available. Price: from 289 to 429 Euro www.uw-fotopartner.com

i-Divesite i-Pix Waterproof case for iPhone and Galaxy

The UW covers from the "i-Pix" series impress with their striking appearance, that gives the device a certain grip at the same time and good handling. Because it is completely made of plastic, the "i-Pix" cases are very light. Small disadvantage: in the iPhone version of the shutter the smartphone so well that the frame is sometimes a little difficult to reopen. When underwater housing for smartphones for the Galaxy this problem is solved by a rotating thread.

We mean: Good beginner accessories for diverswho prefer a firm grip when photographing and want to cross the 40 meter limit when diving. According to the manufacturer, they are waterproof up to 56 meters. Price: around 120 Euro www.i-divesite.com

Nauticam NA-IP4 / 5

The manufacturer has a handy and lovingly designed case on the market, the with her sophisticated mechanics as the only one in the test allows the operation of only one button. When it comes to design, Nauticam relies more on round shapes with associations of an analogue camera. The plastic used makes the case very light.

We think: Different iPhone models of the 4er and 5er series can be fitted. Great: the big trigger button and the screw cap. Price: around 150 Euro www.nauticam.com

Value Saver soft bag

The Value Saver soft case with practical, removable carrying strap comes in several colors to give the appearance an individual touch. The closure is simple and convinces with its reliable sealing of the cases. The manufacturer has integrated a transparent window into the case so that photos are possible at any time.

We think: Very good is that the touch screen remains fully functional at all times, So theoretically, you can make a phone call in the shower or write a text message down to a depth of ten meters. Value Saver is a practical companion as well on the dive boat, for very shallow dives and outdoor sports, Price: around 30 Euro www.diewaren.com

H2O Tools Waterproof soft case for smartphones and tablets

These plastic pouches are simple companions to Electronics and valuables to protect against splashing water, The double closure is simple and allows the device to be quickly inserted and removed. The lanyard is detachable and attached to the cover twice.

We think: H2O-Tools softbags score particularly by their price-performance ratio. As a protection against splashing water, dust and scratches on rough surfaces, the soft bag is also universally applicable on the submersible as well as jogging. Price: from 10 Euro www.nauticam-europa.com

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Do underwater cases for cell phones and smartphones make sense?

My conclusion

So far we've been safe from touchscreen phones in two places in the world: in the air when flying and underwater when diving. The latter changes with the current UW cases. In the Mediterranean on the holiday island of Cyprus during a wreck dive and in the coarse sand on the Baltic Sea beach, the cell phone cases had to show what they could do. Because in the last and current generation of consumer electronics, the built-in cameras with brighter lenses are quite competitive with compact cameras. Underwater housings for smartphones are therefore definitely worth purchasing!

After changing a few settings on the telephone, the wireless camera is ready to go in two minutes. Practical: the systems not only cut a fine figure on the seabed, but also on diving boats as scratch and impact protection, as an “action cam” for water sports and on the beach against the enemy of all precision mechanics: sand. One manufacturer even recommends its product for making phone calls in the shower. We are always testing practical gadgets and apps such as the frequent flyer app App in the Air. Sascha Tegtmeyer has developed the latest underwater protective cases for the popular Samsung Galaxy S and smartphones for Just Wanderlust Apple iPhone tested extensively. Conclusion: flight mode on and off into the water with the mobile cams.

Do you already have an underwater case for your smartphone? Share your experiences in the comments.