Is my Samsung Galaxy phone waterproof?

How safe is it to wet your Samsung device? It depends on the specific device. Furthermore, some have better protection against water than others. You should check how your particular device can handle water before you go taking it in the shower, going for swims with it, or simply using it near dangerous water bodies.

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

We must first touch on the differences between waterproof and water-resistant gadgets.

Generally speaking, waterproof phones can handle more water exposure. These can usually survive full submersion for more extended periods. On the other hand, water-resistant phones are expected to survive light exposure to liquids. This may include light rain, sweat, splashes, or quick spills. Water-resistant devices are also often labeled as splash-proof.

Related: How to block phone numbers on Samsung devices

Understanding IP ratings

The standard way to determine if your Samsung smartphone is waterproof is to look for its IP rating — if it even has one. IP ratings measure a product’s protection against liquids and solids. These ratings consist of the words “IP,” which stands for “Ingress Protection.” A couple of numbers will follow these two letters. The first one will determine the phone’s protection against solids like dust and dirt. The last number determines the level of liquid protection.

Let’s lay it all out for you:

Here: Learn more about waterproof tech

Warning: You should still avoid wetting your device!

It’s never truly safe to expose your phone to water, even if it meets the highest Ingress Protection standards. No phone is truly, completely waterproof. If they exist, we don’t know which ones they are.

Sadly, you will only discover if your phone isn’t genuinely waterproof after you damage it with liquids. The problem is that manufacturers don’t usually cover devices under warranty, even if they sell them as waterproof or water-resistant products.

Additionally, many factors play a role in how well your handset can handle water. Even if your Samsung phone is waterproof, chlorine from a pool or salt in the ocean water might constitute a threat. Protective rubber seals can weaken over time. The same seals can erode if a smartphone encounters coffee, soft drinks, or champagne spills.

IP ratings and liquid protection are in place, so your device has a fighting chance of survival if an accident happens. These aren’t a reason to take expensive technology on swims or put them at risk for no reason. You can use a waterproof pouch if you must get your Samsung phone wet, but you should still be careful when using those. Alternatively, you can look at phone insurance options just in case anything goes wrong.

Also: How to properly clean a smartphone

List of Samsung Galaxy phones with an IP rating

With all disclaimers and warnings out of the way, it’s time to see whether your Samsung Galaxy phone is waterproof or water-resistant. You can also use this list as a guide to which phones you can get if you’re prone to dunking your tech in water.

Note: We’ve only included Samsung Galaxy phones released since 2020 for the sake of relevance. Look at your phone’s official specs if you can’t find it here or if it’s older.

More: The best Samsung phones

FAQs

Samsung devices are great, but many other phones can take a dunk. Check out our list of the best waterproof phones to look at alternatives from other brands. We also have a list of the best overall Android phones, and most also come with some water protection.