Join me as we explore the features of the KRH08 V2 & KRH07 V2 Pro and find out if one of the diving phone cases by this Canada based company is the right one for you.

Overview of the Kraken Sports KRH08 V2 & KRH07 V2 Pro

The Kraken Sports KRH08 V2 & Kraken Sports KRH07 V2 Pro are the latest versions of smartphone underwater housings by Kraken Sports. The two underwater phone housings are essentially the same, but the KRH07 has an additional depth gauge and temperature sensor built in which the KRH08 is lacking. This gives the KRH07 additional features, potentially replacing the need for a dive computer. Both variants use the ‘housing + app’ approach that is most commonly seen in dive housings for smartphones.

Pros and Cons

In a rush? Here is a concise list of pros and cons for the Kraken Sports KRH07 V2 Pro & KRH08 V2 + the link to buy it, as promised at the beginning of this article.

Key Features and Benefits

Impressive Depth Rating

Kraken Sports’ underwater housing boasts an impressive depth rating of 85m (280 ft), making it one of the ‘deepest’ diving phone cases out there.

Universal Compatibility

Both dive cases are designed to fit all phones with dimensions not exceeding 174.40mm x 8.8mm x 81.30mm on any side. This includes compatibility with all models up to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as all Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Mechanical Buttons & Separate App

The housing features mechanical buttons that require a separate app to unlock its full potential. With a large camera shutter button, the housing makes it easy to capture the right moment. Additionally, its 5 mechanical buttons offer an experience akin to using an actual camera, making it easy to navigate through camera settings.

App Features

The Kraken Sports app provides access to enhanced photo and video settings and color correction features. If you have the Kraken Sports KRH07 V2 Pro this app also adds dive computer functionalities like a depth gauge with significant value for serious divers.

Charging Capability

Notably, the design allows users to charge their phone while it remains inside the housing, ensuring uninterrupted use during extended underwater adventures.

Design Elements

When using the app underwater you can opt to show a compass instead of the camera shutter, adding an additional feature and conserving battery at the same time. Furthermore, the housing supports a selfie mode, expanding the possibilities for underwater photography.

Vacuum Pump Required

Setting up the housing involves using a vacuum pump to create a vacuum inside the housing. This checks the integrity of your seals and reinforces the closing mechanism, making leaks even less likely. While this is a common safety feature among professional dive housings, it also represents an additional step in the setup process.

Limitations

Battery Charging Required

One significant limitation of the Kraken Sports underwater housing is the necessity to charge its battery. If overlooked, users may find themselves unable to use the housing at crucial moments, potentially missing out on capturing underwater experiences.

Connectivity Requirements

The housing also introduces additional points of friction for users, as it requires both Bluetooth and cable connections to operate fully. This dual-requirement can complicate the setup process, particularly in scenarios where quick preparation is essential.

Susceptibility to Damage

The presence of electronic components within the housing, while enhancing its functionality, also makes it more susceptible to damage. This risk is notably heightened in wet environments, where even minor compromises in the housing’s integrity can lead to malfunctions or damage to both the housing and the enclosed smartphone.

Limited Wide Angle Lens Access

Kraken Sports mentions another limitation in their YouTube videos, which is that the app does not always provide access to the phone’s wide-angle lens. This limitation can restrict photographers from utilizing one of the most compelling features of modern smartphones, especially in capturing expansive underwater landscapes.

Vacuum Pump Setup

Finally, the requirement to use a vacuum pump to expel air from the housing during setup adds an extra step to the process. While this feature enhances the housing’s seal and reduces the likelihood of leaks, it also demands additional time and effort from users, potentially complicating the preparation for dives.

My Personal Experience with the Kraken Sports KRH08 V2

To keep it fair and straightforward: I did not try the Kraken Sports KRH08 V2 myself. I do like however the impressive depth rating of 280 feet / 85 meters which lends a lot of confidence in the construction of the housing. Another great feature is the universal compatibility, ensuring that my next phone will also fit inside the case.

As I have mentioned on this website a few times, I am a fan of having less batteries to charge and less apps to download. The housings by Kraken Sports require both a charged battery of the housing and an additional app. On the other hand, this also makes me curious to try the interplay of app and housing and to see if the experience is well designed and worth the extra effort.

Compatibility and Accessories

If you opt for a Kraken Sports KRH08 V2 you can chose from a variety of useful accessories. In order to mount different lenses to the housing, you will need the lens adapter first. The adapter allows the use of 67mm and 52mm threaded wet lenses. Wether macro or wide angle lenses, you can chose from the range of lenses Kraken Sports offers for their housing or any other threaded wet lenses that you come across.

One of the most useful accessories for any dive phone case is a red filter and of course there is also one available for the KRH08. Lastly, if you need more stability for your shots or want to mount lights and flashes to your housing, consider the Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray.

Pricing and Availability

In the Kraken Sport online shop, the KRH08 V2 is available for 399 USD while the KRH07 V2 Pro with additional features is priced at 499 USD. This is certainly in the upper part of the price range of dive phone cases. For the price you get a housing that is waterproof up to 280 feet / 85 meters and comes with the option to use a variety of different lenses and accessories.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The Kraken Sports underwater housing merges professional-grade features with your smartphone, making it a great choice for experienced divers familiar with underwater photography gear. Its professional touches, like vacuum pumping and a physical shutter button, cater to divers who demand high performance and versatility for different underwater environments.

However, its limitations, including battery dependency, connectivity requirements, and limited lens access, alongside scarce online information and availability, might deter some potential users. Despite these challenges, for those ready to handle its complexities, the housing offers a robust solution for enhancing underwater photography experiences.