IPX8 explained — and why it matters more than your phone's built-in rating

The IPX scale measures water resistance from IPX1 (drip-proof) to IPX8 (submersion beyond 1 metre). IPX8 is the highest standard for continuous submersion and requires testing to the manufacturer's stated depth — in this case 30 metres for 60 minutes. Your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy likely carries an IP68 rating, which is also IPX8-equivalent for water resistance. However, there are two critical differences. First, IP ratings on phones are tested with fresh water — salt water, pool chlorine, and soap all degrade silicone seals faster than fresh water, and manufacturers explicitly state their IP ratings do not cover salt water. Second, phone IP ratings are tested on new devices — the seals degrade with every drop, every port insertion, and every temperature cycle. An 18-month-old iPhone's real-world water resistance may be significantly below its original IP68 rating. This pouch provides certified IPX8 protection independent of your phone's seal condition, and does not void your phone warranty in the process.

How the double-lock seal works

The pouch uses two independent sealing systems working in sequence. The inner press-seal creates a zip-lock style closure that seals the pouch opening when pressed together along its full width. The outer roll-top mechanism folds the sealed opening back on itself twice and clips closed, creating a second physical barrier. For water to enter the pouch, both seals would need to fail simultaneously — a near-impossible scenario under normal use conditions. Before any water exposure, always close the press-seal first by pressing firmly from end to end, then fold the top down twice before clipping. Running a finger along the press-seal after closing confirms it is fully engaged across the entire width.

Using your phone through the sealed pouch

The optical-clarity PVC window transmits finger capacitance well enough for normal touchscreen operation — swiping, tapping, typing, and camera shutter all work through the sealed window without noticeable sensitivity loss. Face ID on iPhones works through the window because it uses infrared sensors that transmit through PVC. Fingerprint sensors (under-display or button-type) do not function through the material — use Face ID or a PIN while the phone is in the pouch. The camera window is optically clear with no significant distortion for standard photography; macro and wide-angle shots are unaffected. For underwater photography, ensure the camera lens is positioned directly behind the clear window area with no pouch material overlapping the lens field of view.

The card pocket — what fits and what to store

The external card pocket is positioned on the front face of the pouch, outside the waterproof seal. It is designed to hold flat items: up to three standard credit card-sized cards, a folded banknote, or a single key. The card pocket itself is water-resistant but not waterproof to IPX8 standard — it will handle rain and splashing but items stored there should not be submerged. For snorkelling or swimming, store cards in the main sealed compartment and use the card pocket for dry-land convenience (beach bar access, towel locker tokens, transport cards). The pocket closes with a press-seal that keeps contents secure during movement.

Seal testing before first water exposure

Before using the pouch in water for the first time, always perform a dry seal test. Place a piece of paper inside, seal fully using both mechanisms, and submerge the sealed empty pouch in a sink for 60 seconds. Remove and check whether the paper is damp — if dry, the seal is intact and the pouch is ready for use with your phone. Repeat this test after any period of storage longer than 3 months, after any impact that may have stressed the seal, or if the seal has been opened and re-sealed many times. The PVC and TPU materials do not degrade under normal use, but the seal should be checked if the pouch has been stored compressed or folded for extended periods.

Frequently asked questions

Will Face ID work through the pouch? Yes. Face ID uses infrared dot projection and camera sensors — infrared light transmits through the PVC window. Face ID unlock works normally through the sealed pouch in and out of water.

Can I take photos underwater with this? Yes. Position the phone so the camera lens is directly behind the clear PVC window, open the camera app before sealing, and use the volume button or on-screen shutter. The optical clarity of the window does not introduce significant distortion for standard photography depths up to 5–10 metres.

Does the card pocket get wet when swimming? The card pocket is water-resistant to splashing and rain but is not rated to submersion. For swimming and snorkelling, move cards into the main sealed compartment. The card pocket is best used for dry-land convenience between water activities.

Will my phone float if I drop it in the water? The pouch itself is buoyant when air-sealed — the enclosed air keeps it at the surface briefly. However, the weight of the phone may overcome the pouch's buoyancy depending on the phone model. The included lanyard prevents the pouch from sinking if worn around the neck or wrist during water activities. Do not rely on the pouch's buoyancy to recover a dropped phone — use the lanyard.

Does it fit the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold in folded position? Yes. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 in folded position measures approximately 153 × 68mm — well within the 210 × 110mm interior of the 8.3" pouch. The Z Fold series in folded position fits with room to spare. The pouch is not designed to fit any phone in its unfolded position.