Diving in Malta and Mexico, snorkeling, and kayaking – I have spent a good amount of time in and on the water in the past year. And given that photography is one of my biggest passions, I obviously took a lot of photos during those adventures. But unlike before, I often also used my iPhone to capture those moments, as I was testing the Divevolk diving phone case.
And after more than one year of traveling with the underwater iPhone case and using it in a range of situations, I am happy to share my observations with you. When it comes down to it, this article is more than a Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max product review as it also answers relevant questions and includes tips on how to use the diving phone case.
But let’s start with some things I liked before we dive into the details: with this case, you can use the touchscreen and can therefore use most functions of your phone underwater. You can use whatever camera apps you want and it is even possible to play games during deco stops.
And of course, you can also film the walk to shore diving sites without having to worry about where to safely store your phone while you are diving, as you can continue to use it below the surface. This makes it a content creator’s dream.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.
Disclosure: The underwater iPhone case was given to me so I could test and review it. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced in any way.
Advantages of using a Diving Phone Case
There are many advantages to using a diving phone case, but the number of benefits varies between individual housings. However, the following two key arguments in favor of using one are relevant for all of them:
It is cheaper than having to buy a new camera and fitting housing for it. You already have your phone, so all you need is the housing. And even if you do own a camera it is cheaper, as reliable underwater housings for cameras are incredibly expensive.
Everything you shoot while underwater is already on your phone, so you can share it on social media or edit it on your phone without having to import and export it from your SD card.
And another benefit: Unlike a plastic pouch, a proper diving phone case will keep your phone safe from the pressure at depth. Please do not trust a flimsy waterproof pouch that is only suitable for swimming and surface snorkeling when you go diving with your phone.
Can I take my phone scuba diving?
You can take your phone scuba diving and even use it to take photos, but only if you have a good diving phone case that protects your phone from the water and pressure. While many modern smartphones are water resistant to a certain depth (e.g. 6 meters from iPhone 12 onwards), they are not waterproof, and will therefore be damaged if you scuba dive with them.
Underwater Photography with an iPhone
I have been known to intentionally dunk my iPhone to film reels, so I was no stranger to phone underwater photography prior to owning a diving phone case. And yet, using the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max housing for the first time opened up a whole new world. After all, I never would have dared to take my phone diving with me without the proper means to protect it.
And while I will always keep my regular underwater camera on me, my iPhone 13 Pro is now going to be diving with me as well. Given the high quality of the images it takes and that it excels in conditions where popular non-professional underwater cameras fail, it is the perfect backup. And of course, it is also ideal if you want to film while diving so you can share your experience as a reel.
Please keep in mind that the underwater photography capability of your phone depends on how good the camera of your phone is. Therefore, you will have much better results if you dive with an iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 14 in an underwater iPhone case than with an older model.
Feature: Low-Light Conditions
Low-light conditions are a challenge for many cameras and even more so if we are talking about underwater photography. And I am not afraid to admit that it has been a point of discontent for me for years. My Olympus TG5 is good for many things, but taking photos or videos in low-light conditions is not one of those.
My iPhone 13 Pro on the other hand has no problem at all when there is little light. So of course, this was one of the things I wanted to test while diving.
And as the photos of a cave and underwater tunnel in Gozo show, low-light underwater photos taken with an iPhone 13 Pro in a diving phone case are great.
In fact, I can attest to the fact that they are much less pixelated than those taken by some underwater cameras.
The iPhone has no issue when it comes to finding the right shutter speed and ISO, which is a massive advantage to the automatic mode of many cameras for hobby photographers.
How does it compare to popular underwater cameras?
When it comes to image quality, I was in for a bit of a surprise, as the capability of my iPhone far exceeded my expectations. I expected that the quality of unedited photos taken with an iPhone 13 Pro in a Divevolk diving phone case, with a DJI Osmo Action, and with an Olympus TG-5 would be the same. And then it turned out that I was wrong, as my phone surprisingly ended up taking more detailed photos than both action cameras in the respective diving housings.
If you look at unedited photos, you will notice an unexpected difference when it comes to the contrast and also the coloration. I personally did not expect this to be the case as I considered the devices to be rather equal in capabilities, but somehow the iPhone 13 Pro came out on top during this test.
In part, I would attribute this to the fact that the iPhone camera has its own internal processor that already edits photos a bit by giving it a sharpened appearance. It is not a feature you can influence, but then again you would not want to when it comes to wide-angle underwater photography, because it clearly enhances the photo.
When it comes to macro photography, the zoom of the Olympus TG series is still one of the best options on the market. But at this point, it would not surprise me if there is no noticeable difference if you use the new Divevolk macro lens.
In terms of videography, the video quality is more than up to par if not better than popular underwater cameras. Just ensure that you use the right videography settings on your phone. I recommend filming in 4K at 30 FPS.
Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max
The Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max is the underwater iPhone case I have been using for more than a year now. It is waterproof to a depth of 60 meters, which means it is a good option for recreational and (most) technical divers alike. With a weight of around 375g and a size of 120x226x41 mm (4.73×8.9×1.61 inches), it is easy to bring it along even if you are flying.
The thing that makes it unique is the touchscreen membrane, which is a dual-film and filled with a gel-like liquid. Said liquid is non-compressible, which allows you to use the touchscreen of your phone while diving.
It also has a pressure balance system in the form of a physical airbag in the grip. Therefore, it maintains an even pressure inside the diving phone case at depth.
And unlike other diving phone cases, your phone is placed in a plastic inlet thanks to which the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max is very compatible.
Compatibility
I often call the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max an underwater iPhone case as I only tested it with an iPhone. However, it is a diving phone case for nearly all recent smartphones.
Thanks to the use of adapters in which you place your phone, you can also use this diving phone case if you have a phone produced by Samsung (including non-foldable Galaxy, Ultra & Note models), Huawei, Google, Sony, and a series of other brands.
You can check the full list of all compatible phones for which an adapter can be 3D printed here on the product page.
Add-Ons for this Diving Phone Case
If you just want to be able to take some good photos and videos while diving, it is more than enough to simply use the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max diving phone case. But if you want to take things to the next level, there are also add-ons that allow you to take your photos to the next level.
Hereby, most of the add-ons can be attached to this diving phone case by using the Divevolk Expansion Clamp. This clamp allows you to attach color filters and a wide-angle 0.6x conversion lens but is also necessary to attach the housing to a tray with strobes and video lights.
Tip: If you have an underwater camera like the Olympus TG5, you can also attach the lens to it – therefore, it has dual use.
In addition to this, there is also a split-shot lens, with which you can take incredible photos. Just know that you should not take it diving.
External Underwater Monitor
If you already have a good underwater camera, you might be wondering how you could benefit from an underwater phone case. And while the simple answer would be that you could use your phone as a backup and take videos without having to change the settings of your camera, there is a much better reason.
After all, the Divevolk housing enables you to turn your phone into an external underwater monitor. In order to do so, you need the Divevolk Sealink which can easily be attached to the Divevolk diving phone case. On one hand, this option is significantly cheaper than traditional underwater monitors, and if you already wanted an underwater iPhone case anyway, it is also a weight-saving option.
Read more: Using Your Phone as an External Underwater Monitor
Pros & Cons of the Seatouch 4 Max
There are many different underwater iPhone cases on the market and ultimately, you have to find the one that is best for you. Hopefully, this list of pros and cons which highlights what makes the Divevolk diving phone case different from other phone housings will help you decide if it is the right product for you.
You do not have to download any apps to connect your phone to the housing or have to press buttons. After all, you can use the full functions of your phone (aside from underwater calls and roaming) by using the touchscreen.
You can still use it if you buy a new phone (even if it is not an iPhone). After all, you place your phone in an adapter which is then pushed into the housing, and said adapter can be swapped to one that fits your new phone.
It is easy to use as you only have to place your phone in the adapter before pushing the adapter into the diving phone case and properly tighten the screws to seal the opening.
Thanks to the touchscreen membrane, you can use your phone’s camera in ‘manual mode’ by using apps like Lightroom.
You can use it to watch videos or play games during deco stops. Bye, bye boring deco stops in blue water!
You can also use it as an underwater notepad by using the ‘Notes‘ app.
If there is something wrong during the dive, you can use your phone to call help the second you reach the surface. There is no need to take it out of the housing!
While there are many aspects that make the Divevolk diving phone case amazing, there are also two ‘downsides’ to having the touchscreen membrane. I think it is an amazing product despite these two things, but I have to mention them to provide honest feedback. Especially, as the company extended the product range to add. things that ‘fix’ the problems.
Due to the touchscreen membrane, it can be tricky to see the screen if the sun is super bright and you are at the surface or very shallow. This is especially noticeable if you are snorkeling or kayaking. However, you can now buy a foldable screen hood that makes it easier to see the screen at the surface.
You have to be more careful so you do not break the touchscreen membrane. Therefore, I highly recommend also buying the protective cover and the transportation box.
Tips for Using the Divevolk Underwater iPhone Case
Given that I have used the Divevolk diving phone case for everything from diving in Malta, Gozo, and Comino to snorkeling in Case Cenote in Mexico and kayaking, I would be inclined to say that I have more than put it to the test. And of course, this means I have some tips on how to use it.
While they might seem obvious now that you are reading them, I have to admit that there was some trial and error on my part. Hopefully, my trials and tribulations that led to these tips will help you avoid some of the things I did (and the things I thankfully did not do):
Turn on ‘AssitiveTouch’ & actually use it to turn off the screen when you are not taking photos or filming. Doing so helps preserve the battery life of your phone and ensures you can use it on two consecutive dives. (Here’s how to do it: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssitiveTouch > On)
I did not turn the screen off during one of my first dives with the diving phone case and my phone’s battery died just as I dove deeper to film flying gurnards.
Not going to lie: I thought that the pressure change had killed my phone, but obviously, it was just a dead battery.
Open the seal of the housing if you are flying with it. Otherwise, the touchscreen membrane can be damaged.
Do not immerse it in water if it is empty. The touchscreen membrane needs your phone (or the plastic inlet the diving phone case is delivered with) to be able to handle additional pressure. Travel with the plastic inlet if you want to test it before using it (again).
Remove the protective screen cover of your phone. Otherwise, your phone can get stuck in the underwater iPhone housing and it will also be significantly harder to use the touchscreen at depth.
I intentionally tested this to see how much a protective screen cover impacts one’s ability to use the touchscreen underwater, and can only recommend you to remove it. Also, do not just use the adapter of the iPhone Max so you can insert your phone with a regular phone cover. I might have done so while explaining the diving phone case to someone and it was not fun to get it out again.
Always double-check that nothing is caught in the seal. As is the case with every underwater housing things like sand or hair in the seal cause leaks.
Use your hand if your phone’s camera has focus issues. Every now and then your phone might have focus issues underwater. if this is the case, it helps to hold your hand in front of the lens for a few seconds and then slowly pull it away. Double-check that your camera settings are in accordance with the recommended by Divevolk and update your iOS if the issue persists.
I had severe focus issues when I first started using my phone in the diving phone case, and no one could figure out why. And then I updated to a new version of iOS that had just been released and the issue vanished.
How to attach the Divevolk Seatouch 4 MAX while diving?
Given that I often feel like a diving Christmas tree thanks to all the camera gear, I more than get wanting everything to be properly attached. After all, no one wants to lose gear, get tangled up, or have dragging gear destroy the natural environment. And yet, I was surprised by how many people asked me how I attach the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max.
Generally speaking, the way I personally attach it depends on which setup I am using for the specific dive and is adapted to the D-rings of my BCD (ScubaPro Hydros Pro). I never just use the provided wristband as I believe it is crucial to have your hands free so you can deploy your SMB or climb up a ladder.
Seatouch 4 Max with Cover — I attach the loop at the side of the case to a spiral lanyard which I then attach to the upper D-ring. Additionally, I attach the clip of the Seatouch 4 cover to the D-ring near my weight pockets. This way I can put on the cover when I’m not filming and thanks to the positioning it does not dangle at all.
This setup also works quite well if you want to attach the underwater iPhone case to a life jacket while kayaking.
Seatouch 4 Max with a tray — I attach two spiral lanyards on the handles of the tray and then clip the other ends to the left and right upper D-rings.
Underwater iPhone Case FAQ
Is the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max diving phone case worth the money?
In short: Yes.
But let me explain why I think so: There are cheaper products on the market (including mere plastic pouches), but is it really a good idea to trust a cheap product to protect your expensive phone at depth, where the pressure is compressing your phone? I certainly would not trust it to keep my phone alive.
Meanwhile, the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max diving phone case protects your phone from the pressure while also allowing you to use the touchscreen – something that no other diving phone case on the market allows you to do. I would say that makes it worth the higher cost.
Can you use the selfie camera if your iPhone is in the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max?
Yes, it is possible to use the selfie camera of your iPhone through the touchscreen membrane. I tried it several times with my iPhone and had no issues. However, I also know that models of other brands can have some focus problems.
Is the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max the best underwater iPhone case?
At this point, there are many different underwater iPhone cases on the market, and many of them are good and will satisfy your needs. And yet, the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max diving phone case is the best, as it is more versatile.
Thanks to the touchscreen membrane you can use all functions of your phone (aside from making calls underwater) and the performance of your phone’s camera is not limited by an app you have to use to connect phone and housing.
And of course, there are also many add-ons for the Divevolk housing which further extend the range of things you can do.
While I would love to see some additional features in the future, I feel confident in saying that it is currently the best diving phone case on the market.
More about Diving
If you love diving, you might also be interested in these guides:
Diving Gear for Woman
Snorkeling vs Diving
What made you want to buy a Diving Phone case for your iPhone?
Let me know in the comments!
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