Outex vs. Plastic Bags vs. Hard Cases: Waterproof Phone Case Comparison
Apr 26, 2023
Outex was designed to combine the best of the underwater housing world into one smartphone waterproof solution: professional optical glass port performance, universal compatibility for any phone make and model, upgradeable modularity for accessories, travel-friendly design, and affordability. This page compares Outex against the two most common alternatives — plastic bags and hard cases — across six key dimensions.
Competitive Comparison Chart
The chart below summarises how Outex compares to plastic bags and purpose-built hard cases across imaging performance, compatibility, functional control, accessories, transport, and price.
Imaging Performance
If imaging quality matters, you need a solution that lets you take full advantage of your phone's optical and digital capabilities — all lenses, all features, all settings. Plastic bags degrade image quality through the plastic material itself. Most hard cases use acrylic or polycarbonate ports that scatter light and reduce sharpness over time as they scratch.
Outex optical ports are made from American and European professional-grade glass — not plastic or acrylic — including the dome accessory port. There's a reason camera lenses use glass instead of plastic. The Outex ports are also large enough to accommodate the variety and placement of lenses across virtually all phone makes and models, including multi-lens arrays.
Outex Phone Dome Kit — optical glass dome port for split-level and underwater photography.
Compatibility and Fit
Like the Outex camera system, the Outex phone kit is designed to fit any smartphone make or model — iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and others. The flexible, patented cover not only fits different phones but provides full functional access to all buttons, switches, and the touchscreen. This means you can use different phones over time without buying a new case as phone models change.
Functional Control
Most hard cases restrict access to specific buttons and prevent use of newer control interfaces. The Outex flexible cover gives you full access to every control on your phone — including the iPhone 16 Camera Control button, which supports press, slide, and double-press inputs through the cover material.
Unlike hard cases, Outex does not limit which controls and buttons you can access. You can fully customise your side buttons for quick access or other preferred functions. Many Android phones also have an "Increase Touchscreen Sensitivity" setting that can be enabled when using the phone inside the Outex case.
The iPhone 16 Camera Control button — fully accessible through the Outex cover for press, slide, and double-press inputs.
Accessories
The Outex phone system includes:
- Cover
- Optical Glass Flat Port
- Optical Glass Dome Port (available separately or as part of the Pro Kit)
- Wrist lanyard
- Neck/shoulder lanyard
The system is also compatible with virtually all third-party imaging accessories — mounts, selfie sticks, lighting trays, audio, triggers, repeaters, and other professional gear. Like the camera system, the phone system is modular: replace individual components as needed, or add accessories over time.
Outex Phone Pro Kit with snorkelling tray and underwater lights.
Outex phone case on a tripod mount — compatible with standard tripod systems for selfies and time-lapse.
Transport
The Outex system adds virtually no bulk or weight to your kit. It packs flat, fits in a pocket, and installs in seconds. You won't have to decide whether to bring it — it's always there when you need it.
Outex phone case packed flat — fits in a pocket alongside your phone.
Usability
No product is perfect for every use case. Plastic bags are an inexpensive way to protect a phone for basic use. Hard cases can be appropriate for specific applications such as scuba diving at depth, where rigid construction and rated pressure resistance are required.
Outex is designed as an all-around solution — blending professional imaging performance, universal compatibility across any phone over time, travel-friendly design, and affordability. Like any tool, it has a learning curve: the most common adjustments are managing touchscreen sensitivity underwater, learning to create the right air pocket when sealing, and customising side buttons for your preferred workflow. The Phone FAQ covers all of these in detail.
Pricing
Consider both the immediate and long-term cost of your choice. Plastic bags may be cheap but are insufficient for serious imaging use. Hard cases are model-specific — every time you change phones, you buy a new case. Outex is universal and backwards compatible: the same kit works with your current phone and your next one. Your smartphone is a powerful and valuable imaging tool. The Outex phone system protects it while maximising its capabilities.
Browse Phone Kits
Browse the full Outex phone system — including the Phone Pro Kit, dome port, and accessories — in the Phone Kits section.