The best waterproof phones 2024
Introduction
When it comes to waterproof smartphones, the best of today's batch offers superior performance paired with an excellent level of protection against the elements. Devices boasting water resistance used to be bulky, wrapped in thick plastic, and aesthetically unappealing. Nowadays, waterproof phones are sleek, stylish, and fitted with the capability to handle sudden rain showers or accidents like pool drops with ease.
Well, if a phone has an IP67 or IP68 rating, that means it is capable of withstanding the entry of water for 30 minutes in various different depths. That itself has become a standard for most flagship phones, but some phones go beyond that capability above what is required from the test levels. One very good example is the iPhone series, where many of them have survived longer underwater durations against their competition, even though they shared the same IP ratings.
Keep in mind, however, that an IP rating cannot make your phone completely impervious to water damage. It's just extra protection that is, no doubt, better than no defense at all. Every phone on this list is rated for some degree of water resistance. This rating measures the protection against dust and water ingress, duly termed by the first digit for dust resistance and the second digit for water. Those phone devices with a rating of 7 or higher are actually rated for full immersion, while lower-rated devices can deal with sprays, but not submersion.
Following is the list of some of the best waterproof phones available in the market these days:
Quick Overview of the Best Waterproof Phones
Below is a quick rundown of the top waterproof and water-resistant smartphones that you can buy today, according to our rigorous testing. Scroll further down for detailed reviews of each.
1. iPhone 15 Pro Max -
Price in India: ₹1,30,000
This phone stands as the overall best waterproof smartphone. It offers protection up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes, thanks to its top-tier IP68 rating.
2. iPhone SE (2022) -
Price in India: ₹45,000
The iPhone SE is the most affordable waterproof phone, offering IP67 protection that can handle submersion of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
3. iPhone 15 -
Price in India: ₹85,000
For those looking for a reliable general-use waterproof phone, the iPhone 15 offers solid protection and great value.
4. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra -
Price in India: ₹1,10,000
If you're an Android user, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best waterproof phone for you, with IP68 protection for up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes.
5. iPhone 14 -
Price in India: ₹70,000
The iPhone 14 offers IP68 water resistance, similar to the iPhone 15, but at a more affordable price.
6. Google Pixel 8 Pro -
Price in India: ₹75,000
The Pixel 8 Pro is a great waterproof Android alternative, offering IP68 protection for up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes.
Detailed Review of the Best Waterproof Phones
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is not just a performance-based high-end smartphone but also leads in the category of water resistance, too, for people seeking durability and reliability. The IP68-rated phone can support up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes of submersion, setting this model apart in durability. Be it at the pool or stuck in heavy rain, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers one the best protection on the market.
Besides being resistant to water, the telephone has a luxurious titanium frame that contributes to the sleek design of the phone while remaining strong. The A17 Pro chipset brings high-powered performance, which will see users through gaming, streaming, and multitasking with seamless speed. Capture the best of moments in stunning detail with the 5x telephoto lens. Given today's smartphone market, the iPhone 15 Pro Max should essentially relate to a premium choice that makes for a good balance between top-notch performance, durability, and class-leading technology.
iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE serves as a great example of how Apple can instill some value and quality into an economized device. For its economic price, this phone sports impressive water resistance at an IP67 rating, which allows it to survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for as long as 30 minutes-meaning that if you accidentally spill water or drop your phone in water for a few seconds, it will not get damaged.
But the main real deal here is that the iPhone SE brings out Apple's A15 Bionic chip well, offering fast and fluid performance, along with seamless multitasking-like higher-end models. Yes, the design is indeed similar to that of an iPhone 8, but its compact form factor will offer familiarity that will find adherents among those who want a truly smaller phone that doesn't leave out speed and functionality. For anyone who wants water resistance, good performance, and trusted Apple's ecosystem, this is a go-to device, with the right balance of affordability and durability in the iPhone SE.
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 may not carry all the advanced features of its Pro counterparts, but it does have serious water resistance and great value. With the IP68 rating, this model is resistant to water at depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, so it is sufficiently able to resist spills, splashes, and even a quick immersion in water. Being perfect for those needing a really durable device but sans the premium price of the Pro versions, the iPhone 15 provides a neutral balance between performance and price.
Driven by the A16 Bionic chip, the gadget performs adeptly for everyday tasks, games, and photography. Sleek in build and boasting an advanced camera system, this is sure to capture just about any photo one could envision. For those who appreciate aesthetic and practical considerations, this could well be a strong contender. Whether at the beach or simply wanting an added degree of peace of mind when it comes to water, the durable iPhone 15 is a solid option priced fairly.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best waterproof Androids out there; with it, you will have an ideal gadget for those who need durability and performance at the highest level. This IP68-rated Galaxy S24 Ultra can operate in as much as 1.5 meters of water for continuous half an hour use, hence really great against sudden water exposure.
This feature, coupled with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, makes the phone not only high on performance but also durable enough in harsh conditions. Besides this, the device has a fabulous 200MP camera for unparalleled image quality, a perfect thing for photography enthusiasts. It houses a big high-resolution display, assuring immersive visuals either for gaming or video watching. Galaxy S24 Ultra will be especially able to provide給 many advanced technologies and water resistance for Android users who want more from their phones.
iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 is an excellent option for anyone desiring a water-resistant iPhone sans spending on the latest and best. Like the iPhone 15, it carries up to an IP68 rating, which will let it survive up to 30 minutes underwater at depths of 6 meters. That much water protection turns it into a trustworthy companion for everyday use, whether it is cloudy or sunny outside. Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 can kick in with fast, efficient performance in apps, games, and media consumption to make users enjoy the experience. The dual-camera system shoots sharp and vibrant photos, maintaining Apple's high standard in mobile photography.
The iPhone 14 gets the price right, offering a solid package of performance, durability, and style that will make it an attractive option for those users who want the comfort of a water-resistant iPhone without having their budget get wet.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
For that reason, the Google Pixel 8 Pro remains among the top choices, whereby one can fully enjoy both photography and water resistance from their phone.
With the IP68 rating, this device can resist swimming in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and will give users peace of mind who are near water often. What separates the Pixel 8 Pro is its incredible camera capability, thanks to the very well-renowned computational photography software at Google, promising stunning photos in even the worst situations.
The phone runs on a Tensor G3 chip, custom-made for efficient performance and AI-driven features within the phone, enhancing the user experience. Whether it is shooting in low light, capturing fast-moving objects, or even just using it for the most minimal purposes, the Pixel 8 Pro delivers both in terms of performance and durability. It is an ideal option for any Android enthusiast who might be in search of a comprehensively water-resistant device with top-of-the-line camera technology.
Conclusion
Water resistance is definitely one of the key selling points these days in the smartphone market, especially for people who either lead active lifestyles or live in an environment where wet conditions are part and parcel of daily life. Devices offering protection against exposure to water bodies range from premium ones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max to budget-friendly options like the iPhone SE, with their added layer of confidence for users.
Whether it is accidentally spilling or being dropped briefly into water, these phones are built to handle such accidents. Keep in mind that while many phones boast high ratings in resistance to water, they are just not impervious to water damage.
The IP ratings, such as IP67 and IP68, give further meaning to what protection each phone offers.
However, long exposure to water insertion-especially in extreme conditions like saltwater or chlorinated pools-can still damage the functional capabilities of the phone. Needless to say, this also extends the warning to other manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, for taking unnecessary chances.
While these technological advancements are convenient, users should take precautions such as waterproof casings and avoid exposure to water with their phones to make their phones last longer.
FAQs
1. What does the rating of IP68 mean?
The IP68 rating is a sort of technical classification that describes the level of protection a device offers against solids-like dust and liquids-like water.
In itself, "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and the first number-6-represents that the phone is completely dust-tight. The second number, 8, refers to the capability of the phone to survive its submergence in water. Generally, an IP68-rated phone could stay submerged in freshwater, from 1.5 to 6 meters deep depending on the depth specified by the manufacturer, for up to 30 minutes continuously. However, this again does not imply that it is indestructible since the user has to avoid extreme conditions like very salty water or being in the water for a very long period of time.
2. Can I go swimming with these waterproof phones?
While most phones carrying an IP67 or IP68 rating will likely survive an unintentional dunking in water or a short-term shallow immersion, it is not recommended to go swimming with your phone. The IP67/68-rated phones should not be continuously exposed in the water, like by swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans. Over time, chlorine from the pools and salt from the ocean break down the seals and other water-resistant parts of the phone. The inner structure of your phone may degrade from frequent exposure to water; therefore, limit submersion to an emergency or if it was an accident rather than on purpose during water-related activities.
3. Are waterproofing phones covered under warranty in case of water damage?
Although most manufacturers advertise gadgets with water-resistant features, the warranty does not cover the water damage. These include top brands such as Apple and Samsung. The IP ratings help by directing how resistant a phone is to water, but the fine print mostly discloses that the warranty does not cover liquid damage. It is important to note, even waterproof or water-resistant phones may still face such incidents, once specific nuances are met, such as deep submersion, usage in saltwater, or wear and tear of the seals over the phone's life. Lastly, users should check their phone's warranty details and consider investing in a waterproof case for added protection.
4. For how long is it possible for a waterproof phone to stay in water?
The submerging time and depth depend on the waterproof phone's IP rating. The phone with an IP67 rating survives submersion using up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. In contrast, the IP68-rated phones are somewhat water-resistant, excelling in water depths of between 1.5 and 6 meters for the same amount of time, though this time may vary in different models. Such ratings are critical to note because they have been tested under favorable conditions in freshwater. Other variables such as water pressure, temperature, and contaminants will determine how well the phone will perform in real situations.
5. Is there any difference between water-resistant and waterproof phone?
In fact, yes, there is a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof, though these terms are invariably used interchangeably. A water-resistant phone will cope with casual contact with water only-splashes, rain, brief accidental immersion-while waterproof phones should deal with deeper and longer submersion, based typically on their IP ranking.
But, actually, there is no phone that is fully "waterproof." The term 'waterproof' indicates total protection, which is not correct as long exposure to water or under certain conditions-such as salty water-can also still cause damage. So, those devices need to be considered highly water-resistant and not impervious altogether.
