There is no such thing as a waterproof iPhone. An iPhone may temporarily resist water under specific conditions, but it isn’t truly waterproof. Considerations Understanding IP codes Not all waterproof cases are made the same. This one from Case-mate is more of a pouch than a case, but it functions in mostly the same way. Obviously it’s not as form-fitting as the typical case, but the see-through material gives you full sight of and access to your device. As for its waterproof capabilities, it can be fully submerged in water up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) deep for up to an hour. It's touchscreen-compatible, so you can actually use your phone underwater, and it has a clear flat panel over the cameras so you can take photos underwater. You've probably heard of the brand Otterbox — it's one of the biggest names in phone protection, well regarded for its drop protection. LifeProof is one of its branches, and it's focused on making not only drop-proof cases, but also waterproof, dirt-proof, and snow-proof ones that can handle whatever life throws your way. The FRĒ case has been part of the LifeProof family since 2008, and since then, the team has continually refined the product to be as slim as possible without decreasing its protection levels.

If you plan to use a waterproof case while on vacation or a day at the beach, it’s handy to get one that also can replace your wallet by allowing you to store a few other essential items, such as the card key for your hotel room or a little emergency cash. For those who intend to bring their waterproof carrying case swimming, you should also make sure the case doesn't have a pressure sensor or has a very deep pressure sensor so it doesn't turn your phone off at a certain depth. Further, the hard-coated optical camera lens will protect your iPhone’s lens without impeding the quality of your pictures. It also features a rotating mute switch for easy access, a soft rubber grip, and an attachment point for lanyards or other accessories. Hard: A hard case clamps securely over your iPhone using a seal that keeps the water out. Hard cases are designed to specifically fit only one model of iPhone. If you’re getting a hard case, make sure you get one that is exactly the size you need.Adventures who prefer to travel light will like what Joto’s Universal Waterproof Case offers since it protects your smartphone and has enough room inside for a few credit cards, cash, or even a slim wallet. This means you’ll be able to head out for a day’s worth of adventures with everything you need in one place. I hope this guide helps you make an informed choice too. If you have any further questions, shoot them in the comments below, and I’ll try to answer them. IP stands for “ingress protection,” which means how easily unwanted items, specifically dust and water, can get inside your device. An IP code has two numbers that detail this. The first number ranges from 0 to 6, while the second number ranges from 0 to 9. The higher the number, the greater the protection. Hence, IP00 means that there is no protection against dust or water, while IP67 means that something keeps dust out and can be immersed in very shallow water under the specific conditions defined by the manufacturer. If the IP code has an X, that means there is no data available to specify a rating. Soft vs. hard case At the same time, it’s compatible with Qi/MagSafe wireless charging and boasts True Sound Acoustic Technology for crystal-clear audio. Here is our roundup of what we believe are the best waterproof cases for the iPhone 12 right now. We have options for various use-cases and price points, as well as iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Premium smartphones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra take great photos on land and above water. Still, if you’re looking to explore the final frontier of underwater photography, you’ll need a case like the Willbox Professional Diving Case. The sturdy case protects your smartphone for extended periods at depths of up to 50 feet, so it’s great for everything from skiing and surfing to snorkeling and diving. I’ve been a long-time fan of Catalyst cases, and I can tell you they are the real deal. The iPhone 12 model is waterproof up to 33 feet, compatible with Apple’s MagSafe chargers, and it has two lanyard attachment points for adding on accessories like bungee cords and wrist floats.Some waterproof cases and pouches are not touch-sensitive, so you won't be able to use your smartphone through them. If you plan on using your phone in wet conditions, make sure that the case is touch-sensitive. If you’re looking for the best quality waterproof case for your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro, it doesn’t get better than Catalyst. All said and done, the best waterproof case for your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro depends on your unique use case. My go-to choice is the Catalyst case because of its superior protection up to 33 feet into the water, which makes it perfect for diving and other underwater adventures.