JOTO Waterproof Case Review

The JOTO waterproof case and its lanyard on a kitchen scale
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If you spend time near water (kayaking, fishing or just at the beach), you know the feeling of almost dropping your expensive phone. It’s a moment of panic we’d all like to avoid. That’s why a certified waterproof case is worth having.

We’ve been testing the JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Case, a simple pouch designed to keep your phone bone dry. With an IPX8 rating, this case gives real peace of mind when you’re in the ocean or a river.

The JOTO waterproof case lying in a rock pool, with the beach behind
Into the rock pool to see if the phone stays dry

What’s in the box

A universal, IPX8 certified waterproof phone case/dry bag made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). It fits smartphones up to 7.0″ and protects against water, snow and dirt. It comes with a detachable neck strap.

What we like

  • IPX8 Certified (to 30 metres)
  • Weighs only 50 grams
  • 100% waterproof seal
  • Touch screen works great above water
  • Includes a convenient neck strap

What we don’t

  • Touchscreen won’t work underwater
  • Big phones need their case off
  • Neck strap buckle feels lightweight

Quick Specs

Spec Details
BrandJOTO
ModelWaterPBag-02
MaterialThermoplastic PolyurethaneTPU
Weight50 g
Maximum Phone SizeUp to 7.0″ diagonal screen size
Water ratingIPX8Submersible up to 30 metres/100 feet
FeaturesSnap & Lock SealNeck StrapClear Front/Back

First look

The JOTO waterproof case is basically a clear, heavy-duty TPU plastic pouch with a sturdy snap and lock mechanism at the top. It’s ready to use out of the packaging and includes a simple nylon neck strap that clips on or off. I tested the black version, and the first thing I noticed was how light it is (just 50 grams), which is great for something you might wear all day.

The universal sizing is generous. My iPhone 12 mini (5.4 inch screen) fitted easily, even with its thick silicone case on. A larger iPhone 15 (6.1 inch screen) fitted snugly, but I had to take off the phone’s protective case first, which is something to keep in mind. The clear windows on the front and back are solid, and the locking mechanism feels secure.

A phone in the clear JOTO case, propped against an orange lichen-covered rock
A clear TPU pouch with a snap-and-lock closure
An iPhone in the JOTO waterproof case with its lanyard, on the rocks
An iPhone 12 mini fits in its silicone case

Materials & Build Quality

Most of the JOTO waterproof case is Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). It’s a good material for waterproof pouches because it’s flexible, durable and stays crystal clear. The TPU is thin enough for the touch screen to work above water, but tough enough to handle stretching and general wear and tear.

The build quality comes down to the seal. The lock uses hard plastic levers that clamp down on a groove, which makes the seal airtight and watertight. That’s what earns the case its IPX8 certification, which means it’s rated for continuous submersion down to 30 metres. I tested it properly: under a shower, in an ocean pool and in the sea, under water for over 30 minutes at a time. Not a single drop got past the seal. The neck cord works but is the weakest part of the build. Since it can be detached, that’s not a big issue.

Close-up of the two plastic levers that lock the top of the JOTO case
Two levers clamp the top shut

Ergonomics & Weight

At just 50 grams, the JOTO waterproof case is very easy to carry. It’s light enough to wear around the neck all day or clip to a backpack strap. The neck cord, which detaches with a simple buckle, is a good addition, because it stops you losing your phone if you drop it while swimming or kayaking (it will sink otherwise).

The touch screen works well when the case is dry or just wet from light rain, so you can check maps, send a quick message or change the music. Under water the touch screen stops registering your finger, which is normal for capacitive screens. The fix is simple: set your phone to camera mode before diving and use the physical volume buttons on the side to take photos and videos under water. That way you still get your underwater shots.

A hand holding the JOTO case with the phone screen on, with rocks and sea behind
The touchscreen works through the case when it is dry or lightly wet
The JOTO waterproof case and its lanyard on a kitchen scale
50 g: light enough to wear around your neck all day

Performance & Features

What matters most with the JOTO waterproof case is whether it keeps water out, and it did, every time, which confirms the IPX8 rating. That makes it suitable for anything from a sudden downpour on a hike to a snorkelling trip.

The camera works better through the clear TPU window than I expected. Photos and videos taken under water are clear, so the plastic doesn’t distort much. The universal design fits almost every phone up to 7.0 inches. That’s good for compatibility, but with a larger phone you’ll probably need to remove its case first. The snap and lock is easy to use, even with gloves, and the pouch also works as a small waterproof bag for money or cards at the beach.

Conclusion: JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Case

The JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Case is a straightforward piece of safety gear that works. I trust its IPX8 certification: it kept my phone completely dry after a long time under water, in both fresh and salt water. At just 50 grams it weighs almost nothing, and the snap and lock mechanism is simple and secure. The touchscreen doesn’t work under water, larger phones have to come out of their own case and the neck strap buckle feels lightweight. Using the volume buttons to take photos is a good workaround. For trips near the coast, on the water or in wet weather, this joto waterproof case gives real peace of mind for your phone.

9.5/10
The verdictField-tested rating

A 50 g phone case that kept my phone dry under water.

It stayed sealed in fresh and salt water, the snap-and-lock is simple and secure, and the clear front takes good photos with the volume buttons. The touchscreen doesn't work under water, and bigger phones have to come out of their own case.

Best for
  • Anglers
  • Paddlers
  • Hikers
Worth the money?Value 9.8

Yes. An IPX8 case rated to 30 m that weighs 50 g costs far less than a water-damaged phone. The touchscreen stops working underwater and bigger phones need their own case removed.

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FAQ: JOTO waterproof phone case

Can I use the touchscreen on the JOTO waterproof case when submerged?
No. As with most waterproof pouches, the touch screen won’t register your finger under water. Set your camera mode before you go under and use the physical volume buttons to take photos and start videos. That way the joto waterproof case still lets you get underwater shots.
What is the maximum phone size that fits in the JOTO Universal Waterproof Case?
The Joto waterproof case fits smartphones up to 7.0 inches diagonally. With a larger model like an iPhone Pro Max or a Note/Ultra, you may need to remove your phone’s protective case first so it fits and the seal can close properly.
How deep can I take the JOTO waterproof case, and what does the IPX8 rating mean?
The joto waterproof case is IPX8 certified, the highest standard for submersion. It’s rated for continuous protection down to 30 metres (100 feet). For snorkelling, kayaking or swimming, that’s more than enough.

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