Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ Review

A high-value underwater phone housing that delivers impressive performance for casual and travel divers. With full touchscreen control, support for any camera app, and compatibility with accessories like filters, lights, and macro lenses, it offers a modular and intuitive solution without locking you into a proprietary system. After testing it extensively in Fiji, I now trust it enough to use with my daily phone and have made it my go-to rig for warm-water diving. The only real limitation is its lack of strobe support, but for most recreational photo and video needs, it excels.
Overall Score: 8.9 / 10 (Strong)
Last updated: July 2025
I used the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ with the Filter Kit on a dive trip to Fiji, paired with an old iPhone 13. As a diver who prioritizes streamlined gear, simplicity, and value, I was curious to see if this setup could deliver decent photo and video performance without needing a dedicated camera system. It did. I dove it using a one-handed tray and have since upgraded my setup with external lights and a macro lens, confident enough now to use it with my daily phone going forward.
Setup was incredibly easy, assuming you get the correct tray insert for your phone model. I used an iPhone 13 and had no issues. A big plus: you're not locked into any proprietary app. You can shoot with any camera app of your choice, giving you full control.
Yes—surprisingly well. The touchscreen was responsive and reliable at depth. I never had trouble tapping to focus, change modes, or shoot. No issues with fogging or water intrusion across multiple dives.
For a phone-based rig, the results were better than expected. My shots were as good as I could have gotten topside. The kit includes both a saltwater and freshwater filter. Like all underwater photography, there's a learning curve to filter use based on lighting and depth—but that’s true of any camera system.
Not at all. I clipped it off when giant striding and had no trouble climbing back aboard. The housing feels solid but not bulky, and it’s easy to grip and operate even with gloves. My one-handed tray made it even more stable and comfortable to maneuver.
After a full dive trip in Fiji, it showed no signs of wear, fogging, corrosion, or flooding. It required minimal post-dive maintenance beyond standard rinsing and drying. I'm now confident enough in its watertight integrity to use it with my primary phone.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Responsive underwater touchscreen | Requires correct tray insert |
Easy setup and wide phone compatibility | Not a true substitute for pro cameras |
Can use any camera app | Strobes not supported |
Includes salt and freshwater filters | One-handed tray must be purchased separately |
Excellent value for price |
Why I Chose Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+
I wanted a travel-friendly underwater photo setup that wouldn’t require me to pack a separate camera or commit to a system with heavy accessories and battery maintenance. The SeaTouch 4 Max+ looked like a clean, flexible solution that let me repurpose an old iPhone. I started with a spare phone due to initial concerns about flooding, but I now trust it enough to use with my daily driver. I’ve since added a macro lens and external lights as I continue to expand how I use it. Compared to pricier housings that lock you into an ecosystem or specific apps, this was an easy win on simplicity and cost.
Verdict
The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ has earned a permanent spot in my kit for warm-water trips, reef dives, and anything where I want to shoot decent content without much hassle. It hits a rare balance of performance, ease of use, and affordability that makes it ideal for casual divers who want more than GoPro footage but aren’t chasing magazine covers. It’s not a strobe-ready system, so if that’s part of your workflow, look elsewhere.
Would I buy it again? Yes. It’s the only phone housing I’ve used that feels like a complete product, not a compromise.
Who Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who want better photo control than a GoPro allows
- Travelers looking for a compact underwater camera setup
- Divers using a spare or primary iPhone
- Divers who want a smoother experience than what most phone housings offer
It may not be ideal for:
- Photographers needing optical zoom or strobe support
- Divers unwilling to research filter use by depth
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
---|---|---|---|---|
Function & Performance | Exceptional | 9.0 | 30% | 2.70 |
Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
Versatility | Strong | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
Durability & Build Quality | Exceptional | 9.0 | 15% | 1.35 |
Value | Exceptional | 10.0 | 10% | 1.00 |
Brand Trust & Transparency | Strong | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
Total | 8.85 / 10 |
Rounded Display Score: 8.9 / 10 — Strong
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9: Reliable, dry, and responsive underwater. Works exactly as advertised.
- Ease of Use – 9: Minimal learning curve. Setup and in-water operation are simple.
- Versatility – 8: Works with any app and multiple phone models. Limited by phone camera hardware and no strobe compatibility.
- Durability & Build Quality – 9: No signs of wear or failure after travel and dive use.
- Value – 10: Delivers results far beyond its price point. Arguably best in class.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 8: Reasonably well supported and documented, though not a major name brand.
My Custom Setup or Configuration
I used an old iPhone 13 with the correct Divevolk tray insert. The kit includes both saltwater and freshwater filters. I later added external lights and a macro lens once I decided to make this my go-to rig. I used a one-handed tray mount for stability during my dives.
- Phone Model: iPhone 13
- Filter Kit: Saltwater and freshwater filters
- Tray: One-handed Divevolk tray (purchased separately)
- Accessories: External lights, macro lens
The configuration evolved over time, and I'm happy with how modular it’s proven to be. The only thing missing is better strobe support for those looking to build a full-featured photo rig.
Performance in the Water
- Touchscreen Responsiveness: Excellent at depth and on the surface.
- Grip & Handling: Easy to secure and operate, even in gloves.
- Visual Output: Crisp, bright images under good conditions. Filters add depth when used correctly.
- Maintenance: No issues with flooding, fogging, or damage over a week of diving.