The DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus is a versatile underwater phone housing that provides full touchscreen access, allowing you to use your smartphone’s native camera app and other apps easily underwater.Initial thoughts on the DiveVolk underwater phone housing
The DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus stands out from other housings with its robust build, secure locking mechanism, and full underwater touchscreen access. This means that, while many other housings limit phone functionality underwater, the DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 allows users to open any app, including Fish ID, Notes, and other tools.
We’ve tested both the standard DiveVolk housing and the aluminum housing in a variety of underwater environments, both with and without the red filter, trays, and lights.
Adding the phone to the housing and getting it ready was easy and fast. And, even better, you don’t need any apps to use this housing. The membrane touchscreen responded well underwater, with no major sensitivity issues.
Our main concern before testing was whether the touchscreen would work smoothly at depth.
How effective is the touchscreen underwater?
Before buying a DiveVolk housing, most people are looking for the answer to one question— how does the touchscreen work underwater?
Before placing your phone inside the housing, make sure to enable AssistiveTouch in the phone’s Accessibility Settings. This makes navigation easier because sliding your finger on the screen doesn’t work that well underwater. Instead, single taps work best. Swiping is still possible if you must, but it’s not good for the membrane’s longevity, so it’s better to avoid it when possible.
On the surface, the touchscreen responds well. You can adjust settings, switch modes, and get your top-side shots before the dive.
Underwater, the experience is surprisingly smooth. I didn’t notice much difference in responsiveness. You can tap the screen to operate apps and take photos without issue.
During our tests, I tried not just the camera but also writing notes and opening various apps, all of which worked fine.
And yes—if you’ve downloaded Netflix videos beforehand, you can even watch them during your deco stop.
Camera performance: How do the photos look?
Talking about image quality with any underwater housing is tricky because it all depends on the phone you’re using. But I’ll give you my impressions based on our photos and my overall take on how the images turned out.
For testing, we used the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which has an incredible camera. It’s actually the same phone we use above water for most of our photos and videos at DIVEIN.com.
The good news? Photos taken through the DiveVolk lens are sharp and crisp. The glass doesn’t distort images, and you get full use of your phone’s native camera app, just like you would above water.
Most underwater housings don’t allow you to use your phone’s default camera app. Instead, they require a third-party app to take photos and videos. These apps work with the phone’s camera hardware, but don’t have full access to advanced image processing features like Apple’s Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, or certain Android camera optimizations.
With DiveVolk, you just open your regular camera app and start shooting—no extra app needed. That means better image quality straight from the camera and no need to rely on third-party apps that may limit features or reduce image processing quality.
And the bad news?
Unless you’re diving really shallow, most photos will have a blue look. Unlike modern action cameras or smartphone housings like the Oceanic+, the DiveVolk doesn’t have built-in color correction. Once you drop a few feet, that missing color correction becomes obvious.
Fixing the blue
There are two ways to fix that persistent blue look.
Add a red filter
This adds warmer tones to the image and is easy to flip on and off. I liked having the option, as I didn’t want the filter on all the time. The downside? If direct sunlight hits the lens, you get a red glare in your shots. During several dives, when I was filming, the red glare popped up as soon as the sun hit the lens, ruining the shot. The moment I panned away, it was fine again.
Use artificial lighting
This is the best way to get true-to-life colors. We tested the housing with DiveVolk’s SL120 dive lights, and the difference was massive. If you’re serious about getting high-quality underwater shots, lights make all the difference.
So, can the DiveVolk housing help you produce great photos and videos? Absolutely. But without a red filter or lights, expect a lot of blue in your shots.
Handling and usability
How does the DiveVolk feel to use underwater? After multiple dives, here’s what stood out.
Inserting the phone is easy. The sliding mechanism works smoothly, and once inside, the phone feels secure. You lock it in place with two screws, giving it a solid, watertight seal. No issues there.
Using the touchscreen takes a little adjustment. Taps work great, but swiping isn’t ideal, which is why enabling AssistiveTouch before diving is wise. This way, you don’t need to rely on swiping at all.
Taking photos feels different compared to using a traditional camera or action camera. Instead of an index finger shutter button, you tap the screen with your thumb. It’s not difficult, but it takes getting used to. I caught myself instinctively trying to use my index finger a few times before adjusting.
However, DiveVolk now offers an optional Bluetooth index trigger accessory. This lets you take photos with an index finger press like a traditional camera. It solves the thumb issue, but adds an extra cost.
I had no complaints, however, with touchscreen responsiveness underwater. I never felt like I lost control of the phone. I was able to open apps, switch camera modes, and even write notes without trouble.
Price/Quality Ratio: Plastic vs. Aluminum DiveVolk housing
The DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus comes in two versions: standard (plastic) and aluminum.
At first glance, the plastic model seems like the budget-friendly choice at $239, while the aluminum version comes in at $400. But once you factor in the accessories you’ll need, the price gap isn’t as big as it looks.
Breaking down the cost
Plastic housing ($239)
- Needs a clamp ($80) to attach a tray or red filter
- Needs a red filter ($22) if you’re not using artificial light
- Total cost for a working setup: $320
Aluminum housing ($400)
- Doesn’t need an extra clamp
- Needs a red filter ($22) if you’re not using artificial light.
- Total cost for a working setup: $420
So, realistically, the difference is only about $100 once you add the necessary accessories.
Which one is better?
- Choose the plastic housing if you want to save money and don’t mind adding the extra clamp for accessories.
- Choose the aluminum version if you prefer a sturdier build and want to avoid the hassle of extra mounting gear.
For frequent divers, the aluminum version is the better long-term choice. It’s more durable, doesn’t require the $80 clamp, and feels more premium in hand.
But if you’re just looking for an affordable way to take your phone underwater, the plastic version still does the job well.
Do we recommend the DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus?
After multiple dives and a lot of testing, we do recommend the DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus, with a few things to consider.
It’s one of the best smartphone housings out there, mainly because you get full access to your phone’s native camera app. That means better image quality than most housings that force you to use a third-party app. The touchscreen works well, and the build feels secure underwater.
But, if you’re not planning to use a red filter or artificial lights, be prepared for a very blue look in deeper water. The lack of built-in color correction means you’ll need to adjust your setup to get natural colors manually.
Who is it best for?
- Casual divers who want an easy-to-use housing without complicated camera settings
- Underwater photographers who want full control over their phone’s camera settings
- Divers who need or want to use apps, take notes, or even watch videos during deco stops
Who should consider other options?
- Divers who want built-in color correction—the Oceanic+ housing does a better job processing colors.
- Anyone who prefers physical buttons—Using the touchscreen is easy, but it’s different from pressing real camera buttons. If that’s a dealbreaker, you’ll need the optional Bluetooth index trigger (which costs extra).
Final thoughts
If you want a smartphone housing that doesn’t limit your phone’s full potential, the DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus is a great choice.
Just make sure to budget for a red filter or lights if you care about getting the best underwater colors.
Would I personally use it? Absolutely—but always with a red filter or proper lighting.
Specs & Features
| Dimensions | SeaTouch 4 Max Plus: 226 mm x 120 mm x 44 mm; SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum: 226.5 mm x 120.2 mm x 42 mm |
|---|---|
| Phone compatibility | Smartphones up to 180 mm x 82.5 mm x 11.2 mm (length x width x thickness) |
| Weight | SeaTouch 4 Max Plus: 13 ounces (375 g); SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum: 1.6 pounds (748 g) |
| Materials | Plastic or aluminum |
| Depth rating | 200 feet (60 m) |
| Touchscreen access | Fully functional underwater |
| Camera app compatibility | Works with iPhone and Android native camera software |
| Security | Dual screw-lock system |
| Accessory support | Works with light trays, clamps, macro lenses, and dome ports |
Take a moment to look at this.
