What are the best waterproof phone cases?
As we all know, water and technology don’t mix. There are plenty of videos on YouTube where people drop their phones into the ocean, lost forever to the tides. If you want to show those back on dry land what you found, an underwater camera is your best bet. There is another option, though. By snapping your phone into a waterproof case, you have access to its functions. You can blissfully capture crabs, sea anemones and all kinds of coral fish. The case also protects your phone if it falls into the bath, kitchen sink or swimming pool.
Compatibility
You should only use a case designed for your phone since the clips, plugs and screen protectors might fail otherwise. However, several waterproof cases are universal and can house phones of different dimensions. Their possible drawbacks are that the camera opening at the back may not sit flush with your lens, or there might be some space between the sides.
Ingress Protection rating
Any protective case, whether for phones or tablets, has a certified Ingress Protection rating. This universal system lets you know exactly what the case can and can’t protect your device from. The rating is a two-number system and easy to interpret, but a higher rating doesn’t necessarily mean it provides better security.
The first number after IP denotes the case’s level of protection against solid objects such as dirt and dust, ranging from one to six. The second number gives its level of liquid protection, ranging from one to nine. For example, a case with an IP68 rating provides complete protection against dust and contact. It also protects against continuous immersion in water up to a depth of around 6 feet.
Protection against water jets and powerful washers is between levels 5 and 6. Since effectiveness against water jets is a different test than submersion, some cases have multiple IP ratings.
Best waterproof phone cases
Joto Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
This pouch uses robust plastic with a large window on the front. It is compatible with phones up to 7 inches long, and the window allows for touchscreen functionality. Hinges and a clip on the top ensure a waterproof seal, certified for up to 100 feet deep.
LifeProof Fre Series Waterproof Case
Compatible with the iPhone 12 Pro, this waterproof iPhone case has a built-in scratch protector that is hardly visible. The thick case still allows access to all the buttons and the charging port is protected with a waterproof plug. It can submerge for an hour in 6 feet of water.
Diverbox Waterproof Case for iPhone XR
This case has a kickstand at the back so you can watch content on a flat surface. It has a raised lip around the edge of the display and by the camera lenses. It can be submerged to a depth of 6.6 feet and it clips together to create a tight seal.
Lanhiem Samsung Galaxy A53 Waterproof Case
Coming in a classy matte black finish, this case will keep your Samsung phone dry and protected from drops. The case consists of two parts that clip over the phone to give it protection down to 6.6 feet of water. It is also snow-proof, and the case keeps out any dirt and dust.
Ezanmull Universal Waterproof Phone Case
Compatible with a wide array of cellphones, this bulky case is certified to keep your phone dry to a depth of 50 feet. The second-generation case has a large camera window on the back, a built-in screen protector compatible with touchscreen operation, and a selfie-stick mount at the bottom. It has camera shutter buttons on both sides to be compatible with more devices.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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