In the past I have used dry bags, waterproof phone holders, etc. These are similar to some that I have used before, but way more functional. Inside the drybag and submerged underwater, I was able to operate my phone. The way that the dry bag closes, creates a seal, completing protecting my phone from any water. In the summer, my family is always on the boat and in the lake. I bought the 4 pack so that instead of us all having to hide our phones from waves and splashes, we can carry them with us the whole time and capture every moment.