REVIEW – Normally, when folks are looking for a phone case, it’s just for the basics: corner protection in case of a gravity incident, maybe a little lip to prevent scratches when placing face-down on a table, nice grippy sides and/or back to keep it from skittering across the dashboard in that swerve to avoid the pothole. But what if your needs are a little more extreme? Like, say, scuba diving? Or sports where a minor slip is magnified by 200 feet of water below you or rocks and ice below you on the ski lift? Catalyst has created just the case for these situations, their cleverly named Catalyst Waterproof iPhone case. I was sent one to test, so let’s jump in, knowing our phone is fully protected!
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $89.99
Where to buy: Company Webstore or Amazon
What is it?
The Catalyst Waterproof iPhone case is a fully sealed IP68-rated case for iPhone.
What’s included?
- Catalyst Waterproof iPhone case (2 pieces)
- O-ring
Tech specs
• 33ft Waterproof (IP68)
• 6.6ft Drop Proof (MIL-STD-810G)
• Snow / Dirt / Sand Proof
• 5G & Wireless Charging Compatible (No MagSafe ring, may affect magnetic alignment)
• Scratch-Proof Touchscreen with 9H Screen Protector
• Face ID Compatible
• Clear Housing Showcases iPhone (translucent to see o-ring alignment)
• Hard-Coated Optical Lens for Clear Photos
• True Sound Acoustics for Clear Calls & Noise Cancellation
• Easy to Press Buttons & Camera Control (swipe movements not supported)
• Fingerprint-Free Frosted Case Back
• 2 Integrated Attachment Points for Accessories or Lanyards
• Charge Port Fits 12.5mm x 6.8mm Cables
• Washable with Soap & Water
• Cleanable with EPA-approved Disinfectants
• Premium Non-Slip Rubber Exterior
• Easy to Install & Remove
Design and features
The Catalyst Waterproof iPhone case (such a breath of fresh air – a nice, easy, descriptive name!) is made from two pieces. The front and sides are a translucent grey/black and form a coffin-like body that you place the phone in, screen-down. The rear enclosure snaps in around the entire perimeter of this box, and is sealed with a colorful O-ring for ingress protection.
The rear piece is frosted a bit, but easily clear enough that you can see the O-ring to ensure it is deployed correctly. This piece snaps into place with tabbed friction locks. You’ll know when it’s sealed, because everything is smooth.
Once it is sealed inside, you can tap, swipe, and use FaceID as normal. The camera control is limited to pressure only, but does correctly launch the Camera app. If you have your finger on the button, the exposure settings show in the Camera Control window, and can be adjusted by swiping on the screen with another finger, but that’s a bit fraught. MagSafe knows it should work (as in, it tries to hold on), but it’s not strong enough to be effective.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
This case requires a little care when putting onto your phone. The bottom left of the rear cover has a tab about halfway across that you can use to pry it up from the front. The bright blue O-ring is stretched around this rear cover. Once the phone has been inserted and you’re beginning to close it up, check to make sure the O-ring is not twisted or pinched or otherwise out of place.
Performance
Once your precious iPhone is entombed into this cover, it is protected from bumps and water and dust, etc. Sadly, it is also protected from MagSafe.
The case has a rubber plug sealing the USB-C charging port that does not hinder putting the case on or taking it off, but does prevent you from using larger plugged cables. Apple’s (and those of similar size) fit without any issues.
The Camera Control button works as a pressure button only – no touch-sensitivity is passed through at all. The other buttons are all covered by molded plastic bubbles that do not hamper their use at all. You can easily see, feel, and use them. The flash and LIDAR sensors are covered, along with the lenses, with a clear smooth cover. They seem to work normally.
Final thoughts
I have only rarely endangered my iPhone with water. My company took us on a kayak tour around the backwater of Morro Bay years ago, and I resorted to a full dry bag with a rope tether! But I have friends who are more adventurous. One just returned from Bonaire with pix from her scuba trips up against the fish wall! She didn’t elaborate on how these images were made, but I’m sure she or her family used a similar case. (Her brother is a SCUBA teacher there.) So, if you are on the road to adventure, buckle up and grab a case like the Catalyst to protect your investment. It’s amazing to me how well things worked through this defense grid.
While I’m sold on the protective capabilities, I’m not a fan of how it feels while out of the water. It will probably be used during adventures only. I use MagSafe attachments to my iPhone all the time, sometimes several different ones during the day, so having this not be available is a dealbreaker. But if it meant grabbing some pics like my friend showed, I guess I will manage!
What I like about the Catalyst waterproof iPhone case
- Strong instant protection (once it’s in there, it’s in there!)
- Total ingress protection
- Attachment points for tethers
What needs to be improved?
- Why can’t MagSafe be incorporated?
Price: $89.99
Where to buy: Company website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Catalyst. Catalyst did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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$34.90 (as of March 25, 2025 09:26 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
