Take your Phone for a dive - Underwater Smartphone Housings Overview

Choosing the Right Underwater Smartphone Housing in 2023

It has become very clear that the trend in underwater photography is going towards using the camera you always have in your pocket and know inside out, to also take underwater photos. Smartphone cameras have become such powerful and high resolution cameras that many reconsider buying yet another camera when considering underwater photography.

When buying an underwater smartphone housing, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your phone is adequately protected and you can capture great underwater photos and videos. Some key factors to consider are listed below:

* Compatibility:
Ensure the housing is designed to fit your specific smartphone model. Some underwater smartphone housings like the AxisGo are designed for specific phone models, so make sure it's a perfect fit.

*Depth Rating:
The depth rating of the housing indicates how deep you can take your phone without risking water damage. Make sure the depth rating exceeds your planned diving or snorkeling depth.

*Material and Build Quality:
Look for housings made from high-quality materials such as polycarbonate or aluminum. They should be durable, corrosion-resistant, and capable of withstanding underwater pressure.

*Seal and O-ring:
Check for a reliable sealing mechanism and O-rings that provide a watertight seal. Regularly inspect and maintain the seals to prevent leaks.

*Controls and Buttons:
Ensure the housing allows easy access to your phone's camera functions and other essential features. The two general methods to control your phone is via accessible buttons conneted to your phone via bluetooth or retaining your phone's touchscreen capabilities.

*Port for Lens:
If you plan to use additional lenses, make sure the housing has compatible ports or attachments for these accessories.

*Buoyancy and Handling:
Some housings come with integrated buoyancy, making it easier to handle underwater. Buoyancy can help you keep your phone stable for better shots.

*Leash or Lanyard Attachment:
Look for a housing with a secure attachment point for a leash or lanyard to prevent accidental drops.

*Lens Quality:
In addition to your phone's often various camera lenses, high-quality external optical lenses can sometimes be added to smartphone housings. The more professional shooters prefer interchangeable lenses for different shooting conditions.

*Maintenance and Cleaning:
Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the housing. Ensure it's resistant to fogging, and you may want an anti-scratch coating.

*Price:
Housings come in a wide price range. Balance your budget with the level of protection and features you need.

*User Reviews:
Read reviews and user feedback to get a sense of the housing's real-world performance and durability.

*Warranty:
Check if the housing comes with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions in your country and there is someone there willing to pick ip the phone if you have problems.

*Accessory Compatibility:
If you plan to use accessories like selfie sticks or tripods underwater, make sure the housing has the necessary mounts or threads.

*Customization:
Before using your smartphone in an underwater housing, it's essential to practice using it in a controlled environment like a pool or shallow water to get accustomed to the controls and handling. Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your underwater housing and protect your smartphone while allowing you to capture stunning underwater photos and videos.

Underwater Smartphone Housings at Underwater Australasia

Sealife Sportdiver SL400 and SL401

The Sealife Sportdiver is definitely our shop’s favourite for many reasons. It fits nearly ANY phone including all iPhone from 8 and above and most android phone. To double chek your housing is sealed, it has a vacuum system that keeps your phone safe. The free Sportdiver app is one of the most amazing parts of the Sportdiver housing; it is intuitive, easy and super fun.

The Sealife Sportdiver comes in a great zip-up case that protects it during transport and is available as a standalone housing or as the Pro kit which includes the Sealife SeaDragon 2500, a powerful and reliable video light AND a great tray to allow for easy light placement. The housing comes with a red filter that simply pops onto the port window and magenta and yellow filters are available as well. External lens mounts and optical lenses are planned and coming in late 2023.

Kraken Sports Universal Smartphone Housing 2.0 - Pro KRH07 and KRH08

The latest versions of the Kraken universal smart phone housing fits most iPhones and most android phones and connects via bluetooth and the Kraken app. This housing is made from aluminium and is tested to 85m. Useful for those who go beyond the recreational diving depth of 40m. Some people worry about the battery life of their phone while using it on multiple dives, but this housing can charge your phone battery while in use.

The Pro KRH07 version of the housing includes depth and temperature sensors you can choose to display on the screen while diving, and an automatic dive log will be created each time you dive. Downside in our mind is the clunky software and the housing is not cheap and quite heavy. On the up side, the external lens mount is already available.

Nautismart

Made in Italy and individually tested to 60m the Nautismart housing is compatible with most iPhone and Android phones. It is made from polycarbonate material which makes it lightweight, yet durable. It includes a bayonet attachment which is compatible with many wet lenses. With its clear back, it is capable of capturing underwater selfies as the back facing camera is usable. The app is basic and simply puts the housing buttons in the right position to touch your phone's touchscreen while in the housing.

JOBY SeaPal

JOBY SeaPal Underwater Smartphone Housing supports all the latest features of the iPhone 15/14/13/12* models and Samsung Galaxy S23/22 series phones. No 3rd party apps required. Just use your phone, your way. This housing can be used when surfing, snorkelling, fishing, free diving, kayaking or just taking photos of the kids in the backyard pool. Capture beautiful images and stunning video with your phone down to depths of 10m/33ft.

One of the outstanding features of this case that makes it the perfect choice for surfing, shallow water diving and snorkelling is the optional JOBY SeaPal 6" Dome lens (to shoot great over-under / split shots) as well as the optional Bluetooth Pistol Grip that allows you to take photos without touching the touchscreen or in video mode, stop and start recording. The amazing over-under kit from JOBY is a firm favourite for any water sports enthusiast.

Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone

The Oceanic+ is a 60m waterproof housing with a vacuum system is targeted specifically for SCUBA divers. With the Oceanic+ app (a subscription based app) and Dive Housing, your iPhone also becomes a fully-functional dive computer. If you pay for the app subscription many features of this housing become unlocked. All your dive information is displayed on your phone screen including safety warnings.

One definitely cool feature when you have the app, the Oceanic+ Dive Housing allows you to add your photos and videos to your Oceanic+ logbook post-dive, providing a comprehensive record of your dives. A very cool new addition to the choice of underwater smartphone housings with the only cons in our mind being the need for the app subscription and the fact it can not accomodate android phones.

Sublue H1

Made of the Sublue H1 ultra-durable, high transparency bio-based polycarbonate resin it is waterproof for up to 10m (33ft) and is perfect for snorkeling, swimming and especially cool for attaching it to the Sublue series of underwater scooters for the ultimate fun. The Smart Waterproof Phone Case H1 is compatible with 99% of the major smartphones in the market and connects to your phone with the free Sublue app.

Overview Smartphone Housings at Underwater Australasia