How the Outex Waterproof Phone Case Works: System Overview, Controls, and Depth Rating
Apr 27, 2023
The Outex phone system works on the same principles as the Outex camera system: a flexible, tactile-rich cover that conforms to your device, combined with interchangeable optical glass lens ports and modular accessories. The result is a professional-grade waterproof housing that fits any smartphone and maintains full operational control in any environment.
System Components
The Outex phone kit consists of three core elements:
- Flexible cover — a proprietary, patented polymer that stretches to fit any smartphone, maintains tactile feedback through the material, and provides a waterproof seal around the device.
- Optical glass lens port — professional-grade glass (not acrylic or plastic) sized to cover all rear camera lenses on any phone. Optimises viewing angle and focal length positioning for the best imaging results.
- Accessories — wrist strap, tripod mount compatibility, and optional dome port. All accessories are modular and can be added over time.
Compatible phones: Apple iPhone (all models including iPhone Max and Pro), Samsung Galaxy and Galaxy S Ultra, Google Pixel, and most other major Android smartphones.
Installation
For full step-by-step installation instructions, see the Installation Guide.
Button and Touchscreen Control
The Outex cover maintains full access to all physical side buttons — volume, power, camera trigger, Action Button, and Camera Control button (iPhone 16+) — above and below water. The flexible material transmits precise tactile input to every control.
The cover also maintains capacitive touchscreen sensitivity at the surface, allowing you to navigate menus, adjust settings, and switch modes. Underwater, water pressure pushes the cover against the screen, limiting touchscreen responsiveness — use your phone's physical side buttons for all camera and video triggering when submerged.
For full details on underwater button use, iOS and Android settings customisation, and the air gap tip for improving touchscreen response, see the Phone Controls Guide.
Launch the camera directly from the lock screen for faster access and fewer accidental inputs underwater.
Portability and Transport
The Outex phone kit weighs less than your phone and packs flat. It fits in a pocket, a camera bag side compartment, or a day pack without adding meaningful weight or bulk. The trapped air inside the sealed kit provides positive buoyancy, and the included wrist strap keeps it safely connected to you in any environment, including underwater.
The kit is designed to be used as needed — for inclement conditions and underwater shooting — rather than kept on the phone permanently. It installs and removes quickly.
Depth Rating
The Outex phone kit is rated to 10 metres (33 feet) underwater. As with the camera system, the depth limit is primarily about operability rather than the waterproof seal. At depths beyond 10 metres, water pressure begins pressing against the phone's physical buttons, which can cause erratic behaviour or make them harder to actuate.
If controls become erratic at depth, ascend to a shallower depth — normal operation will return. The waterproof seal itself is not compromised by exceeding the depth rating. Operability beyond 10 metres depends on your specific phone model and configuration.
The Outex phone kit is well-suited for snorkelling, swimming, and freediving. It is not designed for scuba diving.
Phone Dome 120mm: Split-Level and Underwater Photography
Outex offers a Phone Dome 120mm — an optical glass dome port designed specifically for the phone cover. Like the camera dome ports, it corrects the light refraction that occurs when shooting at or below the waterline, restoring your phone camera's natural field of view and significantly improving split-level (half above, half below water) shots.
For a full explanation of dome port benefits versus flat ports, see the Dome Port Guide.
Dimensions and Fit
Outex phone case dimensions — fits all major smartphone sizes.
Lens port positioning and cover measurements across phone sizes.
Outex Phone Pro Kit with tripod bracket and underwater lights — the modular accessory system supports a full range of add-ons.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse the full Outex phone system — including the Phone Pro Kit, dome port, and accessories — in the Phone Kits section. For answers to common questions, visit the Phone FAQ.