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How to Choose an Underwater Smartphone Housing for Scuba Diving
Smartphone cameras have improved dramatically, making it easier than ever to capture high-quality photos and videos without carrying a dedicated camera. But can you take that same smartphone scuba diving?
With a purpose-built underwater smartphone housing, you can.
Unlike a simple waterproof phone case designed for the beach or swimming pool, a smartphone dive housing is engineered to withstand pressure at depth while giving you access to your phone’s camera controls.
For scuba divers and snorkelers, this creates a compact and convenient underwater photography system using the smartphone they already know.
But which underwater smartphone housing should you choose? Let’s look at the most important factors and compare the SeaLife SportDiver S and SportDiver Ultra.
What Is an Underwater Smartphone Housing?
An underwater smartphone housing is a protective enclosure designed to keep a compatible smartphone dry while allowing its camera to be operated underwater.
For scuba diving, the housing must withstand considerably more pressure than a typical waterproof phone case.
A proper dive housing should therefore offer:
- A suitable depth rating
- A secure sealing system
- Easy camera controls underwater
- A clear optical lens port
- A method of checking the seal before entering the water
- Compatibility with your smartphone
- Attachment points for underwater photography accessories
The housing effectively transforms your smartphone into a compact underwater camera system.
Choosing an Underwater Smartphone Housing
Before choosing an underwater phone housing for scuba diving, there are several important factors to consider.
1. Depth Rating
The first consideration is how deep you intend to dive.
Never assume that a waterproof phone or waterproof case is suitable for scuba diving. Water pressure increases with depth, so equipment used for diving must be specifically designed and rated for underwater use.
For recreational diving, a housing rated to 30 or 40 metres will cover the requirements of most divers.
The SeaLife SportDiver S is depth-rated to 30 metres / 100 feet, while the larger SportDiver Ultra is rated to 40 metres / 130 feet.
2. Smartphone Compatibility
Not every housing fits every smartphone.
Phone dimensions, camera position and operating system compatibility all need to be considered.
This is particularly important with larger flagship smartphones. Some Samsung Galaxy Ultra and other large-format phones may require a larger housing.
Always check the latest smartphone compatibility information before purchasing your housing.
3. Leak Protection
Your smartphone may contain your photos, contacts, banking applications and other valuable personal information, so protecting it from water is obviously important.
A quality underwater smartphone housing should provide more than a simple mechanical seal.
SeaLife’s SportDiver housings use a Dual Leak Avoidance System, including a vacuum pressure alarm and moisture alarm. This allows the diver to check the integrity of the housing before entering the water and provides additional protection during the dive.
Correct preparation and maintenance of the housing and O-rings remain essential.
4. Underwater Controls
Touchscreens are not practical underwater, so a smartphone dive housing needs physical controls that allow you to operate the camera.
The SeaLife SportDiver system communicates with the smartphone using Bluetooth Low Energy and the dedicated SportDiver app.
Depending on the features supported by your smartphone, the app provides access to functions such as photo and video capture, zoom, lens selection, exposure, white balance and other camera settings.
This makes the system much closer to using a dedicated underwater camera than simply placing a phone inside a waterproof case.
5. Expandability
If you’re getting started with underwater photography, the housing alone may be all you need initially.
As your photography develops, however, you may want to add:
- An underwater video light
- A tray and handle
- A wide-angle lens
- Filters
- Additional arms or mounting accessories
Choosing a housing with accessory mounting options allows your system to grow with you.
SeaLife SportDiver Smartphone Housings
The SeaLife SportDiver range is designed to transform compatible iPhone and Android smartphones into underwater cameras.
Instead of purchasing a separate camera and learning an entirely new system, you can take advantage of the camera technology already inside your smartphone.
For most divers, the main choice is between the compact SportDiver S and the larger SportDiver Ultra.
SeaLife SportDiver S – Compact and Travel-Friendly
The SeaLife SportDiver S is the smaller and lighter option in the SportDiver range.
It is depth-rated to 30 metres / 100 feet, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling and many other underwater activities.
The compact design makes the SportDiver S particularly attractive to travelling divers who want to keep their underwater photography equipment small and lightweight.
It works with compatible iPhones and a wide range of Android smartphones and features an optical-grade glass lens port, physical underwater controls and SeaLife’s Dual Leak Avoidance System.
For many recreational divers, the SportDiver S provides an excellent balance between portability, protection and underwater camera control.
→ View the SeaLife SportDiver S Smartphone Housing
SeaLife SportDiver Ultra – More Space and Greater Depth
Divers using larger smartphones or requiring a greater depth rating should consider the SeaLife SportDiver Ultra.
The SportDiver Ultra is depth-rated to 40 metres / 130 feet and its larger internal dimensions accommodate many larger smartphones, including compatible Samsung Galaxy Ultra and Google Pixel models as well as iPhones.
It retains the main features of the SportDiver system while offering additional room and accessory mounting possibilities.
The Ultra is therefore particularly suitable for divers with large flagship smartphones or those who regularly dive beyond 30 metres.
→ View the SeaLife SportDiver Ultra Smartphone Housing
SeaLife SportDiver S vs SportDiver Ultra
The right housing depends primarily on your smartphone, the depth you plan to dive and the size of system you prefer.
| Feature | SportDiver S | SportDiver Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum depth | 30m / 100ft | 40m / 130ft |
| Housing size | Compact | Larger |
| Best for | Recreational diving & travel | Larger phones & deeper recreational diving |
| iPhone compatibility | Compatible models | Compatible models |
| Android compatibility | Many models | Wider range of larger models |
| Accessory mounts | 3 × 1/4-20 | 7 × 1/4-20 |
| Leak protection | Dual Leak Avoidance System | Dual Leak Avoidance System |
| Smartphone app | SeaLife SportDiver App | SeaLife SportDiver App |
If your phone fits the SportDiver S and you normally dive within 30 metres, the smaller housing provides a particularly compact solution.
If you have a larger smartphone, want more mounting options or require a 40-metre depth rating, the SportDiver Ultra may be the more appropriate choice.
Always check the latest SportDiver Smartphone Compatibility Chart before ordering.
Underwater Housing for iPhone & Android
One of the advantages of the SportDiver system is that it isn’t limited to a single smartphone manufacturer.
There are options for compatible Apple iPhones and Android smartphones, including models from Samsung and Google.
However, physical fit is only one part of compatibility. The smartphone also needs to work correctly with the SportDiver app, and available camera functions can vary according to the phone’s hardware and operating system.
For this reason, check compatibility for your exact phone model rather than assuming that every iPhone or Android device will fit.
→ Check the SportDiver Smartphone Compatibility Chart
Underwater Smartphone Housing vs Waterproof Phone Case
A waterproof phone case and an underwater smartphone housing are not the same thing.
Basic waterproof cases are generally designed to protect a phone around water or during relatively shallow activities. A dedicated diving housing is engineered to withstand the increased pressure encountered during scuba diving.
A smartphone dive housing also provides physical camera controls and an optical port designed for underwater photography.
If you plan to take your smartphone scuba diving, always use a housing specifically designed and depth-rated for diving.
Do You Need an Underwater Light?
You can start taking underwater photographs using only your smartphone and housing, particularly in shallow water with good natural light.
However, water progressively absorbs light and colour as you descend. Reds and other warm colours disappear quickly, which can leave underwater photos looking predominantly blue or green.
Adding an underwater photo/video light can dramatically improve colours, contrast and detail, particularly when photographing subjects at close range.
A tray and handle can also make the system easier to hold steadily and provide mounting points for one or more lights.
This means you can start with a simple smartphone housing and gradually build a more advanced underwater photography system.
→ Shop Underwater Photo & Video Lights
Is a Wide-Angle Lens Worth Adding?
A wide-angle lens can be one of the most useful upgrades for underwater photography.
Underwater photographers generally try to get relatively close to their subjects. Reducing the distance between the camera and subject means shooting through less water, which can improve clarity, colour and contrast.
A wide-angle lens allows you to capture a larger scene while remaining close to your subject.
This can be particularly useful when photographing coral reefs, wrecks, large marine animals and divers.
Tips for Better Underwater Smartphone Photos
Even the best underwater smartphone housing won’t automatically produce great photographs. Good underwater photography still depends on technique.
Try to get close to your subject rather than relying heavily on digital zoom. Keep the camera stable and, whenever possible, position yourself slightly below or level with your subject rather than always photographing down toward the seabed.
Use natural sunlight in shallow water and consider adding an underwater light when diving deeper or photographing subjects at close range.
Most importantly, maintain good buoyancy and never touch or damage marine life simply to get a photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my iPhone scuba diving?
A compatible iPhone can be used for scuba diving when installed correctly inside a purpose-built underwater smartphone housing with an appropriate depth rating. Never rely solely on the phone’s own water resistance for scuba diving.
Can I use an Android phone underwater?
Yes. SportDiver housings support many compatible Android smartphones. Compatibility varies by phone dimensions, operating system and model, so check the current compatibility chart before purchasing.
How deep can the SeaLife SportDiver go?
The SeaLife SportDiver S is depth-rated to 30 metres / 100 feet. The SportDiver Ultra is depth-rated to 40 metres / 130 feet.
What is the difference between SportDiver S and SportDiver Ultra?
The SportDiver S is smaller and depth-rated to 30 metres. The SportDiver Ultra is larger, accommodates a wider range of large smartphones and is depth-rated to 40 metres. The Ultra also provides more accessory mounting points.
Do I need an underwater light for smartphone photography?
Not necessarily. In shallow, clear water there may be enough natural light for attractive photos and videos. At greater depths or when photographing subjects close-up, an underwater video light can restore colours and improve image quality.
Can I use my normal phone case inside the housing?
Phone fit is critical. Remove accessories or cases if required by the housing manufacturer’s instructions and follow the compatibility and installation recommendations for your specific smartphone.
Find the Right Underwater Smartphone Housing
Ready to take your smartphone diving? Explore Aquamaster’s range of underwater smartphone housings and cameras, including the SeaLife SportDiver S and SportDiver Ultra.
Shop Underwater Smartphone Housings →
Not sure which model fits your phone? Contact Aquamaster and our team will help you check compatibility.
