ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
The ideal solution for safeguarding your smartphone from potential damage caused by water exposure or dust infiltration lies in using a highly reliable protective pouch. While enclosed within this pouch, every key functionality — including the touchscreen responsiveness, camera clarity, and even advanced biometric systems such as Face ID — continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. However, it is important to note that the addition of this durable accessory introduces a noticeable increase in bulk to the sleek profile of a smartphone.

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In today’s world, modern smartphones are engineered with impressive resistance to environmental hazards such as water and dust. Take, for instance, my iPhone 17 Pro Max — a prime example of engineering excellence. Its ingress protection, or IP rating, is certified at IP68. The first digit, “6,” signifies complete immunity to dust penetration, ensuring that tiny particles cannot reach the internal mechanisms. The second digit, “8,” indicates that the device is capable of withstanding immersion in water up to a depth of approximately six meters for a duration of thirty minutes. This resistance, however, applies primarily when the device is brand new and undamaged. Over time, everyday knocks, dents, or minor abrasions can subtly compromise this built-in protection, reducing its long-term effectiveness. Despite the confidence manufacturers express regarding water resistance — with companies like Apple emphasizing it in their promotional materials — the fact that liquid damage remains excluded from standard warranty coverage reveals an implicit acknowledgment that these safeguards are not absolute.

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For outdoor enthusiasts or those who frequently find themselves in unpredictable weather conditions, an extra layer of protection becomes indispensable. Personally, I prefer carrying an additional accessory when venturing into nature — one that ensures peace of mind when far from the controlled environments of cities. For quite some time now, I’ve relied on the Peli Marine phone pouch, and it has proven to be an invaluable companion. In fact, it is the very pouch I plan to take with me on my upcoming trek through the rugged landscapes of northern Spain later this year.

Crafted from a combination of high-quality, flexible, yet impressively tough black and transparent TPU polymer, the Marine pouch achieves a balance between softness and durability. It holds an IP68 certification, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to one meter deep for as long as an hour without compromising internal dryness. The front panel contains a clear window that allows for full touchscreen operation, and users will be pleasantly surprised to find that phone responsiveness is barely diminished, if at all. A smaller transparent panel positioned on the back ensures uninterrupted camera functionality, enabling crisp photo and video capture even when the device is sealed inside. Remarkably, advanced recognition technology such as Apple’s Face ID continues to perform flawlessly within this enclosure — an unexpected but welcome discovery.

The visual clarity of the transparent rear window maintains excellent camera performance, meaning neither casual photography nor professional-worthy snapshots suffer from obstruction or distortion. The pouch is sealed via a robust, lock-style clasp positioned at the top. This closing mechanism provides a reassuring click — a tactile confirmation that the compartment is securely shut — and it resists accidental opening with impressive reliability.

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Adding to its thoughtful design, the Peli Marine pouch features a loop placed conveniently at the top. This attachment point accommodates a handy lanyard — in this case, a brightly colored strip of yellow material — making the pouch easy to spot, even in the event it’s dropped or momentarily lost. Beyond visibility, this looped addition proves invaluable if the phone ever falls into water since the bright cord allows for quick retrieval. Moreover, the pouch itself is buoyant, engineered to float even when it contains a smartphone, reducing the risk of losing the device to deep water altogether.

The only minor inconvenience arises when attempting to use the side buttons of the phone while it is encased. The tactile feedback is somewhat diminished, and pressing the physical keys requires a slightly firmer touch. Nevertheless, this small difficulty is far outweighed by the overall sense of security and robust protection the pouch provides. I particularly appreciate that it not only guards against liquid intrusion but also acts as an effective barrier against dust and sand — elements that can be far more insidious than water. Though my iPhone is technically dustproof, microscopic particles can still enter its charging port, complicating the process of recharging. In fact, I often find that removing moisture is considerably easier than dealing with stubborn grains of sand lodged in a USB-C connector.

ZDNET’s Buying Advice:
The Peli Marine smartphone pouch is available in two distinct size options tailored to different devices. The standard version measures approximately 8.27 by 4.53 inches (210 by 115 millimeters) and is ideally suited for phones with displays of up to 6.1 inches. The larger XL model, measuring about 9.27 by 5.43 inches (238 by 138 millimeters), comfortably fits smartphones with screen sizes up to 6.7 inches. Pricing reflects their respective capacities, with the standard pouch retailing for $19.99 and the XL model for $24.99. For those who manage multiple devices — families, hiking groups, or professional teams — multipacks including two or four pouches are also available, offering economical value and convenience. For my personal use, I’ve been testing the XL variant alongside my iPhone 17 Pro Max, and it provides generous interior spacing that easily accommodates the phone without feeling excessively tight.

In conclusion, the Peli Marine pouch stands out as a practical, durable, and thoughtfully engineered accessory that enhances the natural water resistance of modern smartphones. It delivers dependable security against both water and dust while preserving essential usability. For travelers, adventure seekers, or anyone desiring extra assurance in unpredictable environments, this pouch represents a smart and affordable investment in device care.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-traditional-case-was-no-longer-enough-for-my-phone-so-i-travel-with-this-instead/