The best waterproof phones you can buy

Water resistance has become one of the must-have features among premium smartphones. More and more smartphone manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon, and while no phone is genuinely waterproof, most will survive a dunk or two in a pool. So here are the best waterproof phones to consider if you don’t want to worry about the weather.

Understanding IP ratings: Do you need a waterproof phone?

How can you tell if a phone is waterproof or not? And how much can a device truly handle a dive? We don’t have to trust manufacturers’ statements. An industry Ingress Protection standard labels water and dust resistance. It’s usually labeled an IP rating, followed by a couple of numbers. The first represents the device’s dust resistance, while the second rates its level of water protection. You can learn more about the meaning of each number by clicking on the link below.

We usually like to see devices sporting an IP68 rating. The six means the phone is dust-tight, and no dust can go inside. The eight tells you the phone can be submerged as deep as 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. IP67 is still good enough for most users, allowing for 1-meter submersion for up to 30 minutes.

We have to put things into perspective. How important is having an IP rating? Some manufacturers may choose not to get their devices rated simply because it costs money. This is especially the case for budget phones, which could be missing an IP rating but still might handle some dust and water exposure levels.

IP rating or not, we wouldn’t risk getting a phone wet or submerged on purpose. Even devices with the highest ratings can get damaged by water if you push things a little too far. It’s better to be careful with electronics. Many of you might not even need an IP rating, but it offers peace of mind in case of accidents. You might get caught in the rain, and it’s no fun to be worrying about droplets on your handset. There’s always the risk of spilling drinks on it or having wet hands.

If you really want to get your phone underwater, we advise you to get a waterproof pouch and not rely solely on your phone’s IP rating.

The best waterproof phones

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best waterproof phones as new devices launch.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series

Samsung has offered water-resistant flagships since 2014’s Galaxy S5 — except for 2015’s Galaxy S6 series. The Galaxy S23 series is no different, offering IP68 water and dust resistance. So your phone should theoretically withstand a dunk in the pool just fine.

The Galaxy S23 family also stands out thanks to some impressive specs, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 12GB of RAM on the S23 Ultra, big batteries, and great screens with 120Hz refresh rates. In plain English, you’re getting a speedy phone with a sharp, smooth display, and an overall fantastic experience across the board.

Samsung’s cameras are also stunning, delivering high-resolution sensors, 8K recording, and neat features. These are all but guaranteed to be among the year’s best phones, so you can’t go wrong with them.

Galaxy S23 specs:

Galaxy S23 Plus specs:

Galaxy S23 Ultra specs:

Samsung Galaxy A54

The Samsung Galaxy A54 is one of the best waterproof phones if you don’t want to spend more money on a Galaxy S23 device. The design and build quality aren’t as good as in the premium Galaxy phones, but it’s still a nicely-built handset. And it will also cost significantly less. Not to mention it still comes with an IP67 certification.

Otherwise, the phone offers really nice specs considering its lower price point. This includes a Samsung Exynos 1380 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, as much as 256GB of storage, and a 6.4-inch Full HD screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, you’ll get a 5,000mAh battery and a triple camera system.

Galaxy A54 specs:

ASUS Zenfone 9

The ASUS Zenfone lineup has long surprised us with quality phones at stunning price points. And while the ASUS Zenfone 9 isn’t as strikingly affordable as its predecessors, it’s still very competitive considering its $699 MSRP.

You’ll get powerful specs like a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, 6GB-16GB of RAM, 128GB-256GB of storage, a 4,300mAh battery, and a 120Hz Super AMOLED display. It’s also a 5.9-inch panel, which is one of the device’s main highlights. Those who prefer smaller devices don’t have many options these days, and the ASUS Zenfone 9 will be an excellent option for those who don’t like titanic smartphones.

We weren’t fans of the camera, the device has no wireless charging, and it can get a bit hot. We know those are downsides some of you may be able to ignore, though. And it’s also IP68-rated, so you can take it for a swim from time to time.

Zenfone 9 specs:

Apple iPhone 14 series

While we’ve managed to stick with almost all Android-powered devices on this list, we would be remiss to skip the iPhone 14 family. The four-device lineup packs a serious iOS punch, and each version is complete with an IP68 rating.

This time, we get the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. As you can see, the company has done away with the smaller Mini series. Some of us will miss the more portable one-handed experience the iPhone Mini devices offered, but the selection is still great. These are also all IP68-rated, making them some of the best waterproof phones available.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are now the smallest of the bunch, with 6.1-inch screens. The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max have larger 6.7-inch displays. This time there’s a division in terms of raw power, too. The base iPhones come with an Apple A15 Bionic, while the Pro versions get upgraded to an Apple A16 Bionic chipset.

Regardless of which you pick, all of these iPhone 14 devices will offer a great experience.

iPhone 14 specs:

iPhone 14 Plus specs:

iPhone 14 Pro specs:

iPhone 14 Pro Max specs:

Apple iPhone SE

Those looking for the Apple experience also have an affordable option. Apple has released the 2022 version of the iPhone SE, and while it looks just like previous iPhones, it comes with competent specs and a great iOS experience on the cheap.

Surprisingly, the iPhone SE comes with an Apple A15 Bionic, the same chipset you’ll find on the higher-end iPhone 13 devices. Other specs include 4GB of RAM, as much as 256GB of storage, and a pretty nice 12MP camera.

The 4.7-inch display may be smaller, but the phone is also very compact and easily pocketable. It also doesn’t sacrifice features like wireless charging. It even comes with an IP67 certification, making it one of the best waterproof phones to get on a budget.

iPhone SE specs:

Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro

The Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro are hard to get in the USA, but you can still get them imported if you really want one. There are many things to like here, too. These are definitely two of the best waterproof phones out there. Not to mention they have some stunning specs.

Both are powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM. The Xiaomi 13 sports a 6.36-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 120HZ refresh rate. It also comes with a 4,500mAh battery. The Xiaomi 13 Pro is larger, with a 6.73-inch LTPO OLED screen that sports a QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery is also larger at 4,820Mah.

Xiaomi 13 specs:

Xiaomi 13 Pro specs:

Sony Xperia 1 IV

Sony is the original big brand to offer water-resistant Android phones, and it’s keeping this tradition alive with the Xperia 1 IV. The new flagship is IP65/68-rated against dust and water. It’s also one of the few devices to offer a 3.5mm port.

Sony’s waterproof Xperia 1 IV packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery. The firm is also touting a triple rear camera setup, featuring three 12MP sensors (main, 2x telephoto, ultrawide) and a 3D ToF sensor. It also has a gorgeous OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Those looking to save some cash can also pick up an Xperia 5 IV, but it’s not cheap, either.

Xperia 1 IV specs:

OnePlus 10 Pro

The OnePlus 10 Pro indeed packs an IP68 rating, but only the T-Mobile version. This means this is one of the best waterproof phones, but only if you get it from the popular US carrier.

OnePlus’ latest flagship packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a large 5,000mAh battery, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The 10 Pro also offers three Hasselblad lenses in the rear camera system. Additionally, you’ll get a very large 6.7-inch display with an excellent QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s nothing short of a flagship device and comes with a competitive price point.

By the way, the OnePlus 11 is already out. It’s a great phone, but we’re not adding it to this list because it only has an IP64 rating. That’s still an alright level of water resistance, but it’s not among the best. If you can live with that, you can look into it.

OnePlus 10 Pro specs:

Google Pixel 7 series

As usual, Google is closing the year with its Pixel launch, and we have two great new devices around. Google is back in the race against flagship competitors, offering powerful specs, a gorgeous new design, and prices that compete very vigorously. All things combined, and the fact that they sport an IP68 rating, make the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro some of the best waterproof phones on the market.

The Pixel 7 starts at just $599 (MSRP) and rocks way too much for what it costs. It offers Google’s new Tensor G2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB at its base configuration. The 6.3-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display is gorgeous and features a 90Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the Pro version comes with a larger 6.7-inch screen, the same Tensor G2 processor, 8GB-12GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage at its base configuration.

The Pixel 7 series follows the same design language as the Pixel 6 series. This makes sense, as the new design came with massive upgrades over previous Pixels. The new designs are unique, and you can recognize them from a mile away. The different color tones and options also give the devices a little flare and the same playfulness Google is now recognized for. Not to mention it uses quality materials like glass and metal.

Now, the budget conscious among us will find that cutting some corners is totally worth it for the Google Pixel 6a, which has a $449 MSRP. It also comes with the powerful Google Tensor chipset, and its 6GB of RAM is good enough for most users. The 6.1-inch OLED screen will also look great, even if it’s smaller. You’ll also see a difference in design, as this phone is mainly made of plastic instead of glass. The downgrade in design also affected the IP rating, though, as the Pixel 6a comes with IP67 certification. That’s still good, but not quite as much as the IP68 the more expensive siblings tout.

Pixel 7 specs:

Pixel 7 Pro specs:

Pixel 6a specs:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4

Of course, we can’t forget about Samsung’s most exciting devices. Despite their foldable nature, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 have a good water resistance level. These both come with an IPx8 certification. This means they aren’t protected against dust, but offer the highest level of water resistance.

Needless to say, these are premium devices in every other department. Especially the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with its huge 7.6-inch 1812 x 2176 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It sports a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, 12GB of RAM, and as much as 1TB of internal storage.

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 can be folded shut, offering a much smaller profile. Specs include a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, 8GB of RAM, and a nice 6.7-inch Full HD+ screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Galaxy Z Fold 4 specs:

Galaxy Z Flip 4 specs:

FAQs

Are you still not convinced by any of these phones? Maybe it’s time to stop focusing on IP ratings and head straight to our list of the best Android phones. You can also check out our favorite budget phones if you want to save some cash.