The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX is a cutting-edge dive phone case designed for divers and underwater photographers seeking to capture the ocean’s beauty with the ease of their smartphone. In this new and fast developing niche of underwater phone housings, the SeaTouch 4 MAX is considered one of the most prominent options as its design takes a radically different approach.

Join me as we explore the features, performance, and overall value of this innovative product in our comprehensive DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX Review 2024. At the end I will share an exclusive discount code with you, that saves you real money and also share the best places to buy this dive phone case.

Overview of the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX

The innovative DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX dive phone case promises to revolutionize the way we capture the depths by offering full-screen touch access to smartphones underwater. Its design is tailored for durability, crafted to withstand the pressure of water in up to 196 feet / 60 meters of depth while providing a clear view and support for all smartphones. In January 2024, the company won the Dive Award in the category Innovation for their patented membrane technology at one of the industry’s most important conventions, Boot Düsseldorf. This highlights the radically different approach this phone case takes in contrast to other diving phone cases on the market.

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX stands out for its broad compatibility, accommodating virtually every smartphone model on the market with the help of 3D-printed adapters. With an extensive range of accessories, DIVEVOLK aims to bridge the gap between professional underwater camera set-ups and the convenience of smartphone photography. With its user-centric and easy-to-use design, there is no need for any additional apps or to establish a blue tooth connection with your phone.

Pros and Cons

In a rush? Here is a concise list of pros and cons for the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX + the link to buy it with a 6% discount, as promised at the beginning of this article.

Key Features and Benefits

Taking a radically different approach to accessing the functions of smartphones underwater, the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX stands out with unique features that we are highlighting here.

Full-Screen Touch Control

Unlike many underwater cases, the SeaTouch 4 MAX allows full-screen touch control, enabling users to utilize their smartphone functionalities to the fullest underwater. Made possible through DIVEVOLK’s patented touchscreen membrane, this is a feature not found in any other smartphone dive housing that we know of. This feature significantly enhances the user experience by facilitating easy access to camera settings, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments to capture the perfect underwater shot.

Depth Rating

With an impressive depth rating of up to 196 feet / 60 meter, the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX is suitable for both recreational snorkeling and serious diving expeditions. This depth capability is certainly enough for most occasions in which you would want to take photos and videos underwater. The case is built from sturdy materials and looks heavy-duty. Overall it is easy to see how the high-quality construction justifies a depth rating for this depth.

Universal Compatibility

The SeaTouch 4 MAX is designed to accommodate a wide range of smartphone models. By placing the smartphone on an adapter that is inserted into the case, the phone does not move around and is secured perfectly below the membrane. Every DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max comes with two different adapters, that already cover a wide range of phones, like all iPhone models from the iPhone 11 up to the newest iPhone 15. For exotic phone models, the brand offers the possibility to 3D-print an adapter for your phone.

This universal compatibility means that users can easily switch between different smartphones without the need to invest in a new underwater case, offering flexibility and convenience.

No Additional App Needed

Since the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX allows access to the full touchscreen features, this also eliminates the need for an additional app. Other phone cases that rely on external buttons regularly need the user to instal a specific app, to be able to trigger the camera shutter or settings through the external buttons. With the SeaTouch 4 MAX this is not necessary and this adds to the flexibility of this dive case, since you do not need so spend time downloading apps and setting them up for use.

No Electronic Components

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX dive case does not have any electronic components built into the housing. While this helps reduce the potential problems you could encounter with the case it also eliminates the need to charge the housing, replace batteries or even use your smartphone as powering device for the case.

Limitations

This review would not be complete without talking about the limitations and unfavorable aspects of the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX.

You Can’t Use Touch Screen Protectors

The most notable disadvantage of using the SeaTouch 4 MAX is that you have to remove your touch screen protector before inserting the phone into the housing. Leaving the screen protector on might result in your phone getting stuck inside the SeaTouch 4 MAX. Removing a stuck phone is fortunately not very hard but it requires some tools and patience.

This is why DIVEVOLK posts multiple hints and notes to remove your touch screen protector before using the dive case and I can only emphasize that again: it is absolutely necessary to remove it.

I personally do not use a touch screen protector, as I never liked the feel of it. But for those who want to protect their touch screens from unwanted damage in between dives, DIVEVOLK offers a solution: a regular protective case that can be used to fully encase your smartphone when it is not inside the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX.

Limited Access to Touch Screen Edges

There are gestures on every phone that requires the user to swipe in a certain direction across the screen. On an iPhone for example you swipe up from the bottom of the screen to switch between open apps. Performing this swipe when the phone is inside the SeaTouch 4 MAX is a bit cumbersome and might take a few attempts to perform.

For this reason, I always turn on the AssistiveTouch functionality of my iPhone. This function then allows me to switch between apps, lock my screen and perform other actions by taping a virtual button on my screen rather than performing a swipe action.

Blurry Selfie Camera

The membrane will make photos and videos taken with the selfie camera of your phone slightly blurry. The only good way to take selfies underwater is therefore to turn your phone around and use the rear camera, but then you won’t see your screen anymore.

Even though, neither full frame DSLRs nor most action cameras are any better at taking selfies, as they usually miss a second lens that could be used for that purpose.

Modular Accessories Require Patience

I own a variety of accessories for the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX and I have to admit, that mounting different lenses and using the expansion clamp requires some degree of patience. For example, when mounting the expansion clamp, you need to hold the clamp tight with one hand, while tightening the screw with the other hand. This requires a quiet minute with some space to spread out the parts. If you try to quickly mount the dome lens on a boat between dives, you have to know what you are doing.

My Personal Experience with the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX

When I first saw someone using an underwater phone case, I was very sceptical. I thought there was no way this could produce any good results. Looking back, I am glad that I eventually got one and I have used a DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX phone housing for more than a year now to record countless videos and create underwater content. Very often people are absolutely blown away when they see the footage that I am able to record with my smartphone underwater and the ease with which I am able to do so, thanks to the SeaTouch 4 MAX.

Reliability & Waterproofness

The SeaTouch 4 MAX has never let a single drop of water touch the various smartphones that I have used in the housing. Right now, I am using a iPhone 15 Pro Max with the dive case, so having it flooded would be a costly experience. Nevertheless, I have no reason to doubt the construction and durability of the housing and I take my phone on almost every dive session to never miss a good opportunity. After all, you never know when the ocean is going to give you incredible wildlife encounters.

The reason I place a lot of trust into the housing is that the tiny slot in which the adapter carrying the phone is inserted reduces the risks of flooding. In other housings, the circumference of the seal is much bigger and consequently there are more points of failure.

I have had the phone with me on extended freediving sessions of more than three hours and had no issues. My friend even dropped his SeaTouch 4 MAX in the open ocean after a Scuba dive and only realized this when we were back on the boat. We quickly started a search and rescue mission for his phone and were able to retrieve it from the bottom of the ocean at 29 meters depth. By this time, the dive case had been submerged at this depth for close to two hours and not a drop of water had entered the housing.

Outstanding Ease of Use

In the modern connected world, every new device or piece of gear requires you to download and install a new app just to be able to use it. For me it is really refreshing to see, that a great piece of equipment comes without this need to install new apps.

This also allows me to hand my SeaTouch 4 MAX to friends and let them try the dive case when we are out on the ocean. I spend five minutes explaining how to use it and of they go taking videos.

The real creativity starts when you realize that you can use all of the apps on your phone inside this dive case. I have played music underwater on safety stops and we had a little rave during those 3 minutes. When I am on the surface I can easily watch what I just recored and even start editing without taking the phone out of the housing.

As mentioned under Limitations, using and changing the accessories is sometimes a bit cumbersome and I do hope that we will see some improvements in the next versions of those accessories that make them easier and more intuitive to use.

New Phone – No Problem

Since I started using the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX, I have used three different phones and found the upgrade process absolutely seamless. Of course it helped that I am in the iPhone fraction and have upgraded from and iPhone 11 to 13 and then to 15. For all of those phones I was able to use the adapters that came with my SeaTouch 4 MAX.

I do have a friend that has an older iPhone 8 and he purchased a 3D-printed adapter for it. The fact that at most you would need to get a new and very affordable adapter when upgrading you phone is another thing that I love about this dive phone case.

Online Reviews

To give you an even more extensive view on the product and hear the voice of multiple sources, I have summarized the online reviews found on Amazon for common themes. I intentionally did not include the reviews from the official online shop to give an unbiased view on the product. There are more than 300 customer reviews available on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars for the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX.

Positive feedback centers on:

• Excellent Customer Service: DIVEVOLK’s responsiveness in providing necessary adapters free of charge and their promptness in shipping, often from overseas, signals strong customer support.

• Ease of Use and Setup: Users appreciate the straightforward setup process, the touch-responsive membrane that allows full phone functionality underwater, and the case’s design that doesn’t require complicated procedures for ensuring waterproofness.

• Quality of Underwater Photography: Reviewers are impressed with the clarity and quality of photos and videos taken underwater, surpassing those from dedicated underwater cameras. This is attributed to the case’s design that effectively utilizes the phone’s camera capabilities.

• Durability and Build Quality: The case’s construction is noted for being not too bulky yet sturdy enough to handle the pressures of deep diving and rough handling, with a secure hand strap enhancing its usability. Users say that it offers substantial protection for phones, likening it to an “Iron Man suit” for the phone.

• Versatility and Future-Proofing: The adaptability of the case to fit different phone models and the potential to use it with future phone upgrades are highly valued features.

Critiques and observations include:

• Screen Visibility and Usability at Depth: Some users noted challenges with screen glare under direct sunlight and difficulties with touch sensitivity at greater depths or when swiping at the screen edges.

• Accessory Compatibility and Selection: The need for specific adapters for certain phone models and suggestions for improvements in the accessory selection process at the point of purchase were mentioned.

• Membrane Sensitivity: The touch-sensitive membrane, while innovative, requires careful handling to avoid damage, and users suggest more robust protection options for it.

• Phone Getting Stuck: Some notable critical review involve an issue where the phones got stuck inside the case, leading to damage to the membrane. I will say it once again: Do not leave your touch screen protector on the phone before inserting it into the dive case.

Compatibility and Accessories

I cannot mention it often enough: the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX is compatible with virtually all smartphones on the markt, provided that they have a touch screen. This makes this diving phone case the most compatible on one on the market.

In 2024, DIVEVOLK has released the SeaTouch 4 MAX in two new additional colors: blue and white. This means you now have the choice between three colors to match the dive case with your other equipment.

In terms of accessories you can upgrade your SeaTouch 4 MAX with so many lenses, handles, lights and accessories that you can fully customize to your needs. DIVEVOLK offers a variety of pre-configured kits such as my favorite set-up – the Ocean Kit. This kit includes the expansion clamp which is used to mount different filters and lenses to the housing. It also includes a red filter and the wide-angle lens to get this nice ultra-wide view that some dome ports usually produce. Lastly, the Ocean Kit comes with a travel case for all the gear and the housing to be protected while traveling. Another good option for creators is the Portrait Kit with a handle that allows you to carry the dive case in portrait mode.

If you simply want to start taking photos and videos underwater with your phone, want to travel ultra-light and you don’t want to bother with too much equipment, I recommend buying only the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX without any accessories. If you do want to get the most out of this dive phone case but you get overwhelmed by the sheer number of different accessories available, I recommend to start with the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX Ocean Kit, that includes the above mentioned accessories.

Pricing and Availability

I consider the price of 229 USD for the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX as very fair, given the outstanding performance and depth rating of the dive case. Other dive phone cases come in the 300-400 USD range, while any camera housing comes at a multiple of this price.

DIVEVOLK accepts worldwide orders through their own online shop. You will also find, that the prices are generally lower on their own website than on marketplaces like Amazon. The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX for example is priced at 229 USD on their website vs. 259 USD on Amazon. Furthermore, some accessories are only available in the official online shop, where you also qualify for a warranty period of one year. I personally like to purchase directly from brands, which is why I recommend the DIVEVOLK online shop os the best source to buy your SeaTouch 4 MAX from.

Even better: you can save 6% on your order by clicking the button below that takes you to the DIVEVOLK shop. That’s more than 25 USD savings on a DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX Ocean Kit. Additonally, I will also earn a small commission for this referral and the money earned helps me keep this website alive. If you found this article helpful in finding the right dive phone case for you, please consider buying through my referral link.

If you prefer shopping on Amazon, you will find the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX along with some accessories there. The numerous kits that I mentioned before as well as the full range of accessories remain only available at the official online shop.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In my opinion the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX is the most versatile dive phone case on the market, as it is easy and intuitive to use, compatible with any phone and comes at a fair price. If you want to get started with creating underwater content with your phone, this is the easiest and fastest way to do so.