Quick answer
Choose the SportDiver Ultra if you dive to 130 feet, carry a large Samsung S Series Ultra or Pixel, or want a bundled light. Choose the SportDiver S if you snorkel or dive shallower than 100 feet with a standard-size iPhone or Android and want a lighter, more affordable housing.
Depth rating: 100 vs 130 feet
The most obvious difference is depth. The SportDiver S is rated to 100 feet (30 meters), while the SportDiver Ultra goes to 130 feet (40 meters). If you only snorkel or dive on shallow reefs, the S is enough. But if you plan deeper recreational dives, the Ultra gives you a 30-foot safety margin that matters when you're chasing a turtle at 110 feet.
Depth rating isn't just a number—it also affects the housing's build. The Ultra is designed for more demanding conditions, which partly explains its larger size and higher price.
Phone compatibility: bigger phones need the Ultra
The Ultra holds all iPhones from iPhone 10 through iPhone 17 Pro, plus larger Android models including all Samsung S Series Ultra and Google Pixel phones. The S also fits iPhones from iPhone 10 and up, including Pro Max models, and many Android phones—but it does not guarantee the largest Ultra-sized Androids.
If you carry a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or a Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Ultra is the safe bet. If you have a standard iPhone 15 or a mid-size Android, the S will likely work, but you should check the exact dimensions against the housing's internal size before ordering.
Weight, light, and price: what you gain or give up
The SportDiver S is compact and lightweight—about 20% lighter than the SportDiver Ultra. That makes it easier to travel with and less tiring on a dive. But the Ultra can be bundled with the Sea Dragon 2500 Photo-Video Light, which is a big deal for color accuracy at depth. Without a light, your photos will shift to blue and green the deeper you go.
The Ultra Pro 2500 Set costs $502.47 (compared to $749.95), while the S alone is $162.47. The Ultra housing alone is $221.96. So the S is the budget pick, but the Ultra set gives you a complete photo kit in one package.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Depth: 100 ft vs 130 ft: The S is rated to 100 feet; the Ultra to 130 feet. If you dive deeper than 100 feet, choose the Ultra for the extra margin. Check your typical dive profile before deciding.
- Phone size: standard vs Ultra-sized: The Ultra fits all larger Samsung S Series Ultra and Pixel models; the S fits many Androids but not guaranteed for the biggest ones. If you have a large phone, go with the Ultra. Measure your phone against the housing's internal dimensions if you're unsure.
- Weight and price: light vs bundled: The S is about 20% lighter and costs $162.47; the Ultra alone is $221.96, and the Ultra Pro 2500 Set is $502.47 with the Sea Dragon 2500 light. If you already own a dive light, the Ultra housing alone is a good middle ground.
Product facts
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SportDiver Ultra Pro 2500 Set for iPhone & Android: The SportDiver Ultra Pro 2500 Set combines the SportDiver Ultra housing with the Sea Dragon 2500 Photo-Video Light, rated to 130 feet (40m). You get both a housing and a light in one purchase, which is essential for vivid colors at depth.
SportDiver Ultra Pro 2500 Set for iPhone & Android
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SportDiver S Smartphone Housing for iPhone & Android: The SportDiver S is rated to 100 feet (30 meters) and fits iPhones from iPhone 10 and up including Pro Max models, plus many Android smartphones. If you stay shallower than 100 feet and use a standard-size phone, the S is a lighter and more affordable option.
SportDiver S Smartphone Housing for iPhone & Android
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Snorkelers and recreational divers who stay above 100 feet and use a standard-size iPhone or Android
- Budget-conscious divers who want a lightweight housing without extra features
Not for
- Divers who regularly go beyond 100 feet or want a light included
- Users with large Android phones like Samsung S Series Ultra or Pixel Pro XL
