SeaLife unveils SportDiver S underwater smartphone housing

SeaLife has introduced the SportDiver S, an underwater smartphone housing designed for divers and snorklers of all abilities. The new compact housing dives to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) and offers several updates over the original SportDiver model, the new “S” version offers compatibility with all iPhone models including Max sizes, as well as many Android smartphones.  Constructed from premium polycarbonate, stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum, and optical-grade glass, the housing weighs just 22.6 ounces pounds (641 grams) on land while offering almost neutral buoyancy in water, depending on the smartphone used. The housing has a suggested retail price of $299.95.

Ergonomically designed for comfortable handling and ease of use, the SportDiver S features a large shutter lever and rear control buttons, enabling operation even while wearing dive gloves. Photographers can expand their creativity by utilizing advanced camera settings such as zoom control, exposure adjustment, auto/manual focus, white balance, lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, and much more, depending on the phone model.

The new housing works with the free SportDiver camera app, available for both Android and iOS platforms. The app when combined with the housing, turns a smartphone into a highly capable underwater camera, and switches between photo and video modes. Additionally, the app’s power-save mode temporarily turns off the camera and dims the display, conserving battery life while keeping instant accessibility with a single touch.

The SportDiver S housing uses Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology, which automatically connects to the user’s smartphone when opening the SportDiver app. The free SportDiver app is compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones, which are available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store under the name “SportDiver”.  The SportDiver housing features ultra-low power consumption, powered by two AAA batteries that last over 50 hours of continuous use.

Three optional removable underwater color-correction filters are available for purchase; Red for restoring natural underwater colors, Magenta for color correction of green water, or Yellow for deep blue water and fluorescent lights. The filters can be attached or removed while submerged and include a safety tether to prevent loss.

SeaLife also offers optional lenses and a 52mm/67mm lens mount to further expand divers imaging creativity.

Designed for added lights and versatility, the SportDiver S housing features three 1/4-20 tripod mount options, which allows it to be mounted with any standard tripod-threaded light or light tray, such as SeaLife’s own Sea Dragon underwater photo/video lights.

Ensuring maximum protection for the user’s smartphone, the SportDiver S incorporates a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs that securely holds the smartphone in place, providing shockprotection for small and larger phone models.To ensure compatibility, users should consult SeaLife’s “fit-guide” on the website (www.sealifecameras.com/sportdiver-compatibility/) or simply scan the QR code provided to determine if their phone model will fit into the SportDiver S housing.

For larger smartphones, including Samsung’s range of Galaxy Ultra models and Google’s Pixel range, users can select the deeper diving (130’/40m) SeaLife SportDiver Ultra, which includes a red color-correction filter, seven ¼-20 accessory mounts, and a custom-fit EVA travel case.  All SeaLife SportDiver models function with the same SportDiver app, and adapt to all SportDiver accessories. SeaLife’s SportDiver S phone housing will be available worldwide in late April 2025.