Almost every flagship phone these days has some level of waterproofing or water-resistance. Where early generation devices were more susceptible to water damage, phones with a higher IP rating like the ones listed below will be water resistant to some level.
While no phone can truly be waterproof, there’s peace of mind in knowing that if you spill, splash or submerge your phone it’s not doomed. In this guide we look at the difference between waterproof and water resistance, and the best waterproof phones across iOS and Android.
- What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
- Best waterproof iPhones
- Best waterproof Android smartphones
- Best cheap waterproof phones
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
While we love the idea of proofing something; waterproofing, childproofing, dustproofing, fireproofing, realistically you can never guarantee the safety and security of something to the elements (and yes I am including children as a force of nature in this one).
So while waterproofing may be the more widely used term, water-resistance is a more apt descriptor when it comes to mobile phones. Basically waterproofing means that an object is impervious to water, while water resistant devices are able to resist the penetration of water to some extent but not entirely.
While we still have gaps in phones such as charging ports, and speakers mobile phones will never be fully waterproof, but they can take more moisture now then they could previously.
Water and dust resistance is measured by a benchmark IP scale. Below are the most common ratings seen in phones and the level of water resistance they come with.
| Depth | Duration | Dust-resistance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Up to 1 metre | Up to 30 minutes | Yes |
| IP68 | At least 1 metre* | Up to 30 minutes | Yes |
| IPX8 | At least 1 metre* | Up to 30 minutes | No |
Actual specifications vary depending on manufacturers and the state of your device. If for example you have a broken screen, it's likely your device is no longer water-resistance.
Before we have a look at some of our choice water-resistant phones, it's important to understand exactly what water-resistance means. Here are a few key things to remember:
- It applies only to fresh water. Water-resistance ratings specifically refer to fresh water. While a water-resistant phone will still survive an encounter with salt water, chlorinated water, or even beer, you'll need to rinse it off with fresh water as soon as possible. Not doing so can lead to corroded components.
- It's probably not covered by your warranty. Even if a phone is water-resistant, there's a good chance water damage isn't covered by your standard warranty. As such, think of water-resistance as a feature that's more about peace of mind. It's not an invitation to use your phone underwater.
- It's not designed to survive high velocity water. High velocity water can still damage a water-resistant phone. This can include direct contact from some taps and showers, but also activities like surfing, jet skiing, and wake boarding.
- It's not permanent. Water-resistance is not a permanent condition; wear and tear can decrease the water-resistance of your phone. If you've cracked your screen, there's a good chance your phone isn't water-resistant any more.
- Never charge a wet phone. If you get a water-resistant phone wet, you should always ensure it is completely dry before charging it again. Also, never try to dry a water-resistant phone using an external heat source.
Already got your phone wet?
Eep, we've all been there. Just because your non waterproof phone had a swim it doesn't mean that it's all over. Read our guide on what to do if you drop your phone in water.
Best waterproof iPhones
iPhone 12 series
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- A14 Bionic chip
- From 64GB storage
- 12MP + 12MP wide and ultra wide lenses
- Up to 17 hours
- From $1,349
Every iPhone since the iPhone 7 has had IP67 water-resistance, however the iPhone 12 series stepped it up a notch with improved submersion and splash defence.
Regular IP68 rated handsets are water resistant up to one meter for 30 minutes, while the newest iPhone iteration can be submerged up to six meters for 30 minutes. Each phone in the series has the same IP rating, so regardless as to whether you go mini or Pro Max you’re just as protected.
Here are the most popular iPhone 12 plans available in the 128GB storage option.
Popular iPhone 12 128GB Plans
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iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- 4.7-inch LCD display
- A13 Bionic chip
- From 64GB storage
- 12MP wide lens
- Up to 13 hours
- From $679
Of course not everyone wants or wants to pay for the latest Apple tech, but the second generation iPhone SE has a very respectable water and dust resistance of IP67.
This is the ole regular IP rating though, meaning it is rated for up to 30 minutes submerged under one metre of water. It means that your phone will be protected from splashes, spills, or even a quick dip in the pool, which is more than ample.
Best waterproof Android smartphones
Google Pixel 5
- 6.0-inch FHD+ display
- Snapdragon 765G
- 128GB storage
- 12.2 dual-pixel
- 4,000mAh battery
- From $999
Although on paper the Pixel specs pale in comparison to other Android devices, in our review we absolutely adored the Pixel and the price-tag is a welcome respite.
Like many of the other devices in this list, the Pixel has an IP68 rating making it splash, spill and water resistant at at least one meter for 30 minutes. Sitting at just under $1,000 it is a more affordable flagship that can come for a few laps with you.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Series
- 6.2-inch display
- 2.9GHz
- Starting at 128GB storage
- 12MP + 12MP + 64MP wide, ultra wide and telephoto lenses
- 4,000mAh battery
- From $1,249
Similar to Apple, Samsung has been boasting water-resistant phones since 2014 and the latest collection is worth looking out for. Each handset in the S21 family has an IP68 rating meaning it is splash, dust and submersion resistant up to at least one meter for 30 minutes.
Read our full S21 review here to see what you’re in for.
OPPO Find X2 Pro
- 6.7-inch Ultra Vision display
- Snapdragon 865+5G
- 512GB storage
- 48MP + 48MP + 13MP wide, ultra wide and telephoto lenses
- 4,260mAh battery
- From $1,199
Not only did OPPO win our phone manufacturer of the year for 2020, but its 2020 flagship is also water resistant.
The Find X2 Pro's sleek design is rated to IP68 for up to 1.5 metres, but if you’ve got the vegan leather finish you may want to be more wary of the potential damage to that.
Best cheap waterproof phones
Affordable handsets tend to have some trade offs with waterproofing or water-resistance generally being one of the first features to go. Phones in this category may market themselves as being splash-proof or water-repellent but most of the time won't carry an IP rating along with these claims. To make sure you've got a truly water and dust resistant handset always look for a specific IP rating.
In saying that there are still cheaper options out there with water durability but you need to look closer to find them. Below are our picks for affordable water resistant phones.
Samsung Galaxy A52
- 6.5-inch display
- Snapdragon 720G
- 128GB storage
- 64MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP
- 4,500mAh battery From $599
This brand-spanking new handset hasn't even hit shelves yet, but once it does it will have an IP67 rating and a price tag starting at just $599.
The Galaxy A52 will be released on April 9 and comes in three variants: the Galaxy A52 (128GB), Galaxy A52 5G (128GB) and the Galaxy A52 5G (256GB). Each handset has the same water-resistance rating and will be able to handle up to one meter for 30 minutes.
Read more about the new A-series here.
Telstra Tough Max 3
- 5.7-inch IPS LCD display
- Snapdragon 430
- 32GB storage
- 16MP primary
- 3,920mAh battery
- From $499
Unsurprisingly the Telstra Tough Max is, well tough. Coming in with an IP68 rating not only is this phone tough against water but its rugged silicon casing makes it one of the hardest phones to damage. It can certainly take a beating.
They don't call this sucker tough for no reason. Unsurprisingly the Telstra Tough Max 3 is only available through Telstra.
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