For vacationers, sea lovers and anyone who wants to take their smartphone into the water, there is a suitable underwater housing or underwater bag for every model that protects against dust, dirt and splash water. However, you should be careful when buying: Some waterproof plastic cases protect against splashes of water, others are complete underwater cases for iPhone etc. with which you can easily snorkel and dive up to 40 or even 60 meters deep. What are the covers and cases used for? We dived with a current iPhone (this also applies to Android devices, of course) and tested it. Does the smartphone in the underwater housing perhaps even replace the action camera when diving and snorkeling?

I'm lazy by nature, especially when it comes to lugging diving gear around on vacation - and that's exactly what has made me a big fan of underwater cases for iPhones and smartphones for years. Instead of lugging a hundredweight of photo equipment with me on my diving vacation, I prefer to conveniently put my iPhone in a compact case, screw on a camera rail for stability and several video lights. That's enough for great photos and videos while diving - you just don't need anything more. I'm very happy with it.

For sea lovers, beach vacationers and everyone who loves them Smartphone If you want to take it with you on and in the water, there is a huge selection of underwater covers and bags specially developed for each model. These offer protection from dust, dirt and splash water so that the valuable devices can be used without any concerns, even in damp environments.

But not all cases are the same: Some only offer splash protection, others are full-fledged underwater cases for iPhones and Android smartphones that you can use without hesitation Schnorcheln or even to a depth of 40 or 60 meters dive can.

Tested numerous underwater housings - these are my favorites

Over time, I have tested numerous underwater cases for iPhones. I went diving for the first time with the iPhone 4S. And over time, the quality of both iPhone cameras and waterproof cases has gotten better and better. Today (as of 2024) there are three models in particular that convince me:

The Sealife Sportdiver SL400, which I bought myself for my iPhone. The Divevolk Seatouch 4 is also very interesting and innovative. It can be operated underwater using a touch gel pad. And the third underwater housing in the group is the Oceanic+ Smart Housing, which unfortunately I haven't been able to test yet because it is not yet available in Germany.

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Capture stunning underwater images and videos with an underwater housing for iPhones and smartphones. Shop now and explore the depths of the ocean like never before!

Incredibly useful on vacation

You may be asking yourself: Why should I even get an underwater housing for my iPhone or get another current smartphone? The answer is simple: the cameras of modern smartphones are of such high quality that they can easily be used as underwater cameras. I just recently had this happen to mine Diving in Marsa Alam that I only made with an iPhone in an underwater housing. Many smartphones deliver impressive, high-resolution images of the fascinating underwater world - whether of turtles and dolphins on a dream vacation Mauritius, of colorful coral reefs in Egypt or from the breathtaking blue waters of the Mediterranean.

For many purposes – and especially for diving

Whether swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddling or even diving at depths of up to 60 meters - with a smartphone such as the iPhone or a current Android device you can often take spectacular pictures that conventional digital cameras and expensive, complex ones can take Make housing unnecessary. This is how you can do it with your smartphone – for example with the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 – take breathtaking underwater photos both on the house reef on vacation and in your own lake.

Video – Underwater housing for iPhones in comparison

I have picked out a video for you that introduces three of the best underwater housings currently available.

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Choosing the right underwater housing - a guide for every situation

As a passionate underwater photographer, I have taken many photos both in the Baltic Sea and on dives around the world. That's why I always have the right underwater housing for my iPhone with me. This useful accessory not only saves weight in your luggage, but is also extremely practical. An underwater housing for iPhone or Android is indispensable for every vacationer who not only wants to protect their smartphone, but also take impressive photos.

This applies not only to water sports, but also on board boats and on the beach. However, there is a challenge with underwater housings: Since new smartphones with different form factors are constantly coming onto the market, manufacturers of underwater housings have to constantly develop new designs. However, the latest generation of underwater housings can be used across devices. To make it easier for you to choose the right housing, we have put together some tips and recommendations here.

1. Underwater shell compatibility

If you want to use your smartphone underwater, you need a special housing that protects your device from water, pressure and shock. But not every case fits every smartphone. That's why you should check carefully whether the case is compatible with your model before purchasing. There are many different cases for the most popular iPhone models, such as the iPhone 8 (Plus), iPhone X, iPhone X(S) Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro (Max), iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro ( Max), the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro (Max), the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro (Max), and the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro (Max).

2. Protection class of the case

The case you choose for your camera should not only fit perfectly, but also offer the right level of protection against water. There are different protection classes that vary depending on the activity and depth. If you are only snorkeling on the surface, a bag that protects against splashing water is sufficient. But if you want to dive deeper, you need a bag that is waterproof up to 40 or 60 meters. These bags are usually more robust and have special closures that prevent water from entering.

3. Ease of use

You should definitely make sure that the underwater cover you choose is user-friendly. I experienced it myself recently. The bag should allow you to access all of your smartphone's important functions, especially the camera, even under difficult conditions. After all, you want to take beautiful photos of the underwater world, right? Operating conditions are difficult underwater. Your smartphone case should take this into account.

4. Materials and Workmanship

If you want to protect your smartphone from bumps, scratches and dirt, you should choose a case made from high-quality materials. These not only offer a longer lifespan, but also better cushioning and insulation. It is also important that the bag is well made so that it does not break, tear or wear out.

5. Value for money of the case

Value for money is an important factor when choosing a case for your smartphone. You currently have to pay between 200 and 600 euros for a high-quality case. The investment is worth it. In the end you can take incredibly beautiful photos while diving and snorkeling.

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Underwater housing for iPhone and Android – many smartphones are waterproof ex works

Many current smartphone models are protected against water to a certain degree ex works. Both the latest iPhone from Apple as well as many Android devices offer a certain level of water resistance. These devices are typically IP67 certified, which means they are waterproof to a depth of one meter for at least 30 minutes and will not allow foreign objects to enter.

This may tempt some people to use their smartphone in sea water without an additional protective case - for example to take photos of dolphins. Even though my iPhone wasn't damaged, I still have the uneasy feeling of exposing an expensive device to water. Therefore, it is advisable to use an underwater case for iPhone or equivalent Android smartphone to ensure a safe and worry-free solution.

It's important to know that the IP67 certification has its limitations: chlorine and salt water can damage the case and affect waterproofing. In such cases, there is a risk of water getting into the smartphone. If you want to take your iPhone or Android smartphone with you for stand-up paddling, swimming, snorkeling or even diving, you should use a special underwater case.

Waterproof case for iPhone - my tests and experiences over time

Over the years, using waterproof cases for iPhones and other smartphones has proven to be a challenge: the devices often received new form factors, while case manufacturers often lagged behind. This led me to conduct numerous tests with different underwater cases for iPhones over time. As soon as I got used to a case, a new iPhone model with a different form factor came out and the case was useless. So my first experiences with iPhone underwater cases were rather negative.

In recent years, however, some things have changed for the better. The manufacturers of iPhone underwater cases seem to have learned from the past and offer more and more universal solutions. Current cases can often be adapted to different iPhone models or even to different smartphone models from different brands. This means that with a little luck, a case bought today can also be used for future iPhone generations. However, there is no guarantee of this, because the adaptability of a case depends on the changes that smartphone manufacturers make to their devices.

That's why I will probably continue to test underwater cases for the iPhone and pass on my experiences. This constant contact with the latest models of cases also gives the opportunity to find the best solutions for different needs and requirements. As a reader, you can benefit from the experience gained and choose the perfect underwater case for your iPhone or Android device. So you're all set to take amazing underwater shots and keep your smartphone safe and secure as you explore the wonderful world of underwater photography.

Buy underwater housings for iPhones and smartphones

Below you will find some bestsellers among the underwater cases for iPhones and smartphones,

FAQs Underwater housing for iPhones – the most important questions and answers

I have put together the most important questions and answers about the underwater housing for iPhone and smartphone for you. Many users are - and rightly so - unsure whether they should take their beloved smartphone with them into the water. And yes, you have to be careful here too.

Insider tip Restube waterproof mobile phone case - a must-have for water sports enthusiasts

Anyone who likes to be active on the water knows the problem: where to put the cell phone when you go swimming, surfing or paddling? Most conventional cell phone cases do not offer sufficient protection against water, sand or bumps. And if the mobile phone falls into the water, it is often difficult to find or no longer functional. The solution is called Restube waterproof phone case. This innovative case not only protects the phone from water, but also from dirt, scratches and falls. It also has an integrated swimming aid that keeps the cell phone on the water surface if it falls into the water. So you can easily locate and recover the cell phone at any time.

The Restube waterproof phone case is made of durable and flexible TPU material that adapts to different phone sizes. The case is equipped with a double locking mechanism that prevents water from entering. The case also has a transparent window that allows you to use the touchscreen. This means you can also use your cell phone underwater to take photos or videos. The Restube waterproof cell phone case is ideal for all water sports enthusiasts who always want to have their cell phone with them without having to worry.

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Diving and snorkeling with underwater housing for iPhone - a replacement for GoPro and Co?

Since 2014 I have been using my iPhone and a matching underwater bag to take the highest quality underwater photos possible. Since then, I have had various iPhone models - from the iPhone 5 to the current one iPhone ProMax – accompanied on numerous dives, even at depths of up to 40 meters. Thanks to the advanced camera technology of the latest generations of smartphones, impressive underwater photos can be taken even in poor lighting conditions.

For dark dives, there is also the option of attaching a video light to the housing to optimize the lighting conditions. Based on our previous experience, we can fully recommend the use of underwater housings for iPhones and Android smartphones - but always at your own risk, as there is always the risk that the housing will leak and damage the smartphone.

Smartphone recording quality usually exceeds that of action cameras

Another advantage of underwater housings for smartphones is that in many cases they can replace current action cameras such as GoPro or DJI Osmo Action. The image quality of current iPhone Pro Max models significantly exceeds the image quality of the GoPro Hero 12. Smartphones enable high-resolution photos and smooth video recordings, which usually exceed the quality of action cameras. While action cameras are more compact, the smartphone in an underwater housing is my preferred choice for diving and snorkeling adventures.

Action cameras are significantly more compact than smartphones with protective cases

If you want something more compact, you can also use a GoPro. Of course, action cameras like the GoPro Hero or the DJI Osmo Action also offer excellent recording options in the water. With the special underwater housings for action cameras, these can also be easily taken into the water. However, for best results, we recommend using a red filter or an underwater video light to further improve the image quality underwater.

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iPhone underwater housing – with the smartphone and Apple Watch into the water?

My conclusion

If you choose Diving When I go and take photos and videos on my underwater tours, I always have a variety of devices with me, including my iPhone in an underwater case and my Apple Watch Ultra when diving. A UW case is useful not only for photography, but also for many other activities.

For sports enthusiasts, it is very practical to have your smartphone with you when doing stand-up paddling, for example, because you can use it to record fitness data, navigate or even make an emergency call using appropriate apps. As you can see, there are a variety of uses for the different waterproof cell phone cases that you can buy for your smartphone.

Do you already have an underwater case for your iPhone or other smartphone? Share your experiences and adventures in the comments.