Finest waterproof telephones in 2024

With so many wonderful smartphones available on the market immediately, it may be difficult sufficient to select the very best one on your wants with out additionally worrying about safety from the weather. Nevertheless, when you’re an out of doors journey fanatic, getting a cellphone that may deal with publicity to water must also be a precedence. Whether or not that’s merely taking a dunk over the facet of a ship or withstanding the trials of water sports activities, the very last thing you need is to search out your costly smartphone performing up from water getting inside.

Whereas many smartphones are rated IP68, it’s necessary to notice that this score can imply various things. IP68 begins the place IP67 leaves off — at one meter of immersion for as much as half-hour. Producers should go at the least a bit past that to get an IP68 score, normally as much as 1.5m of immersion for as much as half-hour. Some, just like the Apple iPhone, go even additional and are rated for six toes of immersion. The excellent news is that except you are planning on energy washing your cellphone, you will not have a tough time discovering a smartphone that delivers the type of safety you want for a day on the seashore or boating in your favourite lake.

Technically, only a few telephones are waterproof — not like an Apple Watch Extremely or Galaxy Watch 5 Professional, do not anticipate to take your smartphone for a swim, a lot much less scuba diving — however all of them have a excessive diploma of water resistance that makes them fairly shut for all sensible functions. Therefore, it is comprehensible why many people use these phrases interchangeably. Among the telephones on this listing, just like the Blackview BL9000 Professional, and Oukitel WP33 Professional are particularly geared in the direction of outdoorsy use, making them extra prone to survive deep immersion. This listing consists of every little thing from highly effective flagships to finances picks, specializing in the fashions that present the very best safety with out buying and selling off an excessive amount of in efficiency and options.

Waterproof telephones that may take a dive

For the previous couple of years, the “Plus” variations of Samsung’s Galaxy S-series telephones have been a tremendous center floor for individuals who like bigger telephones however do not need to pay the premium for the top-notch Galaxy Extremely. This yr’s Galaxy S24 lineup continues that development whereas edging much more comfortably into the “candy spot” class by bolstering the display screen decision to a 1440p QHD, matching that of the Galaxy S24 Extremely. The display screen additionally beneficial properties an additional tenth of an inch diagonally, however that also places it at a really crisp density of 512 pixels per inch (ppi), making it probably the most beautiful show Samsung has ever placed on an S Plus mannequin.

That is backed by the identical bespoke Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip that is utilized in the remainder of the S24 lineup, which delivers energy to spare and greater than sufficient headroom for Samsung’s new Galaxy AI options. Whereas these presently run the gamut from considerably helpful to downright gimmicky, starting from transcribing and summarizing notes to enhancing images and movies, we expect Samsung at the least will get an “A” for effort right here. About the one actual place the S24 Plus falls down in opposition to its pricier sibling is within the cameras and the S Pen, neither of which ought to come as a giant shock, as these two issues are what the Extremely has all the time been about.

The Galaxy S24+ sticks with the identical Gorilla Glass Victus 2 surfaces and aluminum body as final yr, however that ought to make it lots sturdy, and it affords Samsung’s normal IP68 score, which suggests it will probably deal with a dip in as much as 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour. Samsung additionally now guarantees seven years of Android updates for this yr’s fashions (and presumably past), plus battery life that can simply get you thru a full day of heavy use.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Extremely remains to be the flagship cellphone to beat for individuals who are keen to spend the cash for no-compromises efficiency and high quality. The 2024 mannequin improves on its predecessor in some small however fascinating methods, with a brand new titanium body and Gorilla Armor glass that is not solely extra scratch-resistant but in addition reduces the glare to let extra of the display screen’s 2,600 nits of peak brightness shine by means of. That is particularly nice because the S24 Extremely’s display screen is downright beautiful — it is the very best we have seen on any smartphone available on the market immediately — with wealthy, vibrant colours, a crisp 501-ppi density, and a variable refresh price that runs from the standard 120Hz all the way down to 1Hz for the always-on show.

The Galaxy S24 Extremely remains to be a hefty beast, and it did not shed any weight with its swap to titanium, since Samsung already used light-weight aluminum on prior fashions. Regardless of the brand new supplies, the mud and water resistance hasn’t modified. It is nonetheless Samsung’s normal IP68, which the corporate certifies as 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour. That is not the very best available on the market — Apple’s iPhones have all the time provided higher IP68 numbers — nevertheless it’s nonetheless a superbly respectable rating, as it isn’t arduous to enhance issues by including a heavy-duty waterproof case when you plan to spend so much of time on the seashore.

In spite of everything, this flagship smartphone is tough to beat in practically each different means. Its 200MP most important digital camera takes unimaginable images underneath the proper circumstances, even when it may be a bit inconsistent and unpredictable with transferring topics. The customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip additionally affords efficiency to spare, so you will haven’t any drawback enjoying the most recent video games on the expansive 6.8-inch display screen or taking full benefit of Samsung’s new Galaxy AI options. You may have a tough time working the battery dry even after a day of heavy use, and the S Pen is a pleasure for individuals who wish to sketch or would fairly jot down their ideas than peck at an on-screen keyboard.

The Google Pixel A collection has carved out a reputation for itself; they’re affordable, supply flagship-ish specs, and make simply the proper compromises. What’s to not like, proper? The Pixel 8a sticks to that system by bringing a lot of what is nice in regards to the Pixel 8 Professional to a $500 worth level.

This implies you continue to get the spanking new Tensor G3 chipset and the much-talked-about seven years of software program assist. However the truth that the Tensor G3 does not fairly match its flagship opponents in uncooked efficiency is an entire completely different dialog. You should not anticipate parity in AI options both, however for what it is value, the Pixel 8a ships with some glorious AI options that’ll provide you with a style of the longer term. Options like Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, and Gemini-based enhancements like mail summarization are all current right here.

The Pixel 8a does not transfer the needle ahead by way of digital camera specs. It is the identical 64MP sensor as final yr, and it continues to take nice however not mind-blowing photos. That mentioned, Google has tweaked the colour science this yr, so it isn’t totally the identical. The 4,495 mAh battery can also be good for nearly a day, although you will definitely should prime it up in a single day. Sadly, charging speeds are nonetheless as gradual as molasses and prime off at 18W.

The Pixel 8a is not fairly as protected in opposition to the weather as another telephones on this listing. Nevertheless, the IP67 score remains to be ok to deal with a shallow drop in water. The Pixel 8a can deal with as much as half-hour in 3 toes of water. At $500, that is rather a lot on your cash, and the 8a stays a good worth.

The Pixel 8 Professional is a superb cellphone for anybody who desires to take the very best footage attainable with little to no fuss. That is because of the highly effective computational pictures and AI options that Google has packed into its new Tensor G3 chip, which not solely enhances each shot you’re taking but in addition allows you to reap the benefits of new instruments after the actual fact, such because the Magic Editor that permits you to take away objects in your images and even transfer them round, seamlessly filling within the clean areas which are left behind.

Whereas the Tensor G3 will not win any gaming pace contests, it is greater than sufficient to present you snappy efficiency for all of your on a regular basis apps and duties, and Google’s unprecedented promise of seven years of updates ought to hold you going till Android 21 exhibits up in a number of years.

In relation to water resistance, the Pixel 8 Professional packs the identical official IP68 score as a lot of the telephones on this listing, however the firm does not disclose the precise depth or period of submersion that it examined. We requested, and the corporate simply pointed us to the Google Retailer tech specs web page, which solely says: “IP68 mud and water resistance.”

Which means the 8 Professional has to have the ability to deal with greater than the same old one meter for half-hour, however we won’t say for sure how a lot farther Google has gone right here. It is seemingly at the least equal to Samsung’s 1.5-meter certification, however we do not know for certain. Both means, the IP68 score ensures this could survive most day-to-day splashes, which is sweet sufficient for us once you think about how glorious each different side of the cellphone is, too.

As we talked about earlier, not all IP68 scores are equal. It’s as much as every producer to determine how far to transcend the baseline normal, and Apple has taken the iPhone’s water resistance up a wholesome notch past the competitors. With the flexibility to remain underneath six meters of water for as much as half-hour, the iPhone 15 Professional Max has the very best IP68 score of any smartphone on our listing — and even exceeds the immersion depth that IP69K-rated fashions just like the Nokia XR21 can deal with, though not essentially the size of immersion.

Whereas Apple’s iPhone ecosystem isn’t for everybody, in order for you the very best safety in opposition to the weather with out sacrificing efficiency, it’s arduous to argue with a tool that delivers 4 occasions the water resistance of the very best Android flagships.

Due to Apple’s new A17 Professional chip, that is the primary smartphone designed to deal with console-quality video games like Resident Evil Village and Murderer’s Creed Mirage, and the brand new titanium design makes it lighter than ever. You additionally get the nice iPhone Professional digital camera system, which has been improved this yr with a 5X optical zoom. Lastly, Apple has lastly deserted its proprietary Lightning port and embraced the welcoming arms of USB-C.

With its IPX8 score, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a little bit of an uncommon entry in the case of waterproof telephones. Whereas it has the identical water resistance as Samsung’s different premium smartphones, the “X” in that third spot means it hasn’t been examined for mud safety. In different phrases, it is going to deal with a dunk in as much as 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour, however we would advocate in opposition to taking it to the seashore.

That is comprehensible when coping with a foldable cellphone since there are transferring components like hinges to take care of, to not point out the versatile inside show that is not prone to be too keen on sand. Nevertheless, hold it away from these components and the Z Flip 5 is a enjoyable cellphone for all of life’s adventures. The clamshell design suits comfortably in your pocket when folded however opens to a formidable 6.7-inch AMOLED display screen. Nevertheless, the three.4-inch cowl show means you will not must open it practically as usually as you may assume.

That is a noticeable benefit in the case of battery life. Because the exterior display screen is now massive sufficient to allow you to test notifications and carry out different fast duties, you will not want to make use of the extra power-hungry inside display screen practically as usually. We discovered that this allow us to eke extra life out of its comparatively paltry 3,700mAh cell, however you will in all probability nonetheless need to ensure that it hits a charger each night time.

The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Professional is an odd duck in Samsung’s lineup, buying and selling the elegant sheen and gloss of its flagship S24 fashions for a extra utilitarian design that enhances its MIL-STD-810H sturdiness score. This makes it an particularly powerful smartphone, in a position to stand up to drops, shocks, and excessive temperatures, however not like the opposite rugged entries on our listing, the water resistance score is similar IP68 as Samsung’s flagship, proper all the way down to the 1.5-meter/30-minute certification.

Whereas the specs on the XCover6 Professional will not match Samsung’s similarly-priced flagships, that is seemingly since you’re paying a premium for the sturdiness right here. However, you get a good Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G that is able to dealing with on a regular basis duties and informal gaming and a digital camera system that may maintain its personal in opposition to the usual Galaxy S24 fashions. It additionally has a detachable battery — a pleasant contact in a contemporary smartphone — however the 4,050mAh cell ought to simply get you thru a day on a single cost, which is able to go away you questioning whether or not you actually need to select up a spare.

With the current demise of Bullitt, the corporate that made the Motorola Defy and CAT collection of rugged telephones, Samsung’s XCover collection could turn out to be the brand new standard-bearer for rugged telephones. The excellent news is that there is an XCover 7 proper across the nook; it is already launched in Europe, however there isn’t any phrase on when it is going to come to North American shores.

Gone are the pocket-friendly days of prior Zenfones. Asus is taking flagships head-on with its ultra-sized Zenfone 11 Extremely. Sporting a superb 6.78-inch show, the cellphone is designed for multimedia consumption. It has a battery to match, too. In our evaluation, we noticed that the 5,500mAh battery can really final a full day of aggressive use.

On the efficiency entrance, you will obtain a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset — the quickest available on the market but. This implies the cellphone can blaze by means of any recreation or app you throw at it. Sadly, Asus cannot fairly dwell as much as the {hardware} with its software program replace promise. The clear Android 14-based working system has ample choices to make it your personal, nevertheless it’ll solely obtain two main software program updates — a disgrace.

The Asus Zenfone 11 Extremely additionally has the same old IP68 score related to flagships. It ensures that the cellphone can deal with immersion for as much as half-hour in 1.5 meters of water. It is not fairly pretty much as good as what Apple affords, however greater than sufficient to outlive a sudden rain bathe or pool plunge.

The Blackview BL9000 Professional is not simply waterproof; it will probably stand up to life’s hardest circumstances. With an IP69 Okay certification, the BL9000 goes past the IP67 and IP68 scores. Submersion in as much as 1.5 meters of water for half-hour is not any drawback in any respect for the cellphone. In reality, it will probably even stand up to temperatures starting from -4 to 140 levels Fahrenheit and high-pressure jets. It’s going to deal with your out of doors adventures, too, because of the MIL-STH-810H score.

Not like many rugged telephones, the Blackview BL9000 does not sacrifice efficiency. In our evaluation, we discovered the MediatTek Dimensity 8020 chipset and 12GB of RAM to be completely succesful. Surprisingly, the cellphone even consists of 512GB of storage. From on a regular basis use to gaming, the cellphone can deal with all of it. You may even take pleasure in enjoying high-end titles on the vivid 6.78-inch, 120Hz IPS show. And it has a 50MP major digital camera and a 13MP ultrawide shooter — neither of which impresses.

Do not fret over battery life. The cellphone has an enormous 8800mAh cell that ensures you will be measuring battery life in days. And with assist for 120W charging, it does not take all that lengthy to prime off, both. The Blackview BL9000 Professional differentiates itself in different methods, too. For instance, it has an onboard thermal imaging digital camera powered by FLIR. Additionally, twin Harman Kardon PA audio system assure you will not want to hold a Bluetooth speaker on your subsequent picnic. Simply beware: you might need to hit the fitness center to lug the 412g smartphone round.

The Oukitel WP33 Professional stands out out of your normal breed of rugged and waterproof telephones. This one has a 22,000mAh battery that is greater than a few of the greatest energy banks. Predictably, battery life is measured in days, not hours, and with cautious use, you would get per week between prices.

Efficiency is serviceable, too, with a midrange Dimensity 6100+ and 8GB of RAM powering the present. Operating a near-stock construct of Android, there’s not a lot getting in the way in which of easy on a regular basis usability. You may even take pleasure in gaming on the 6.6-inch 1080p LCD. Sadly, the cellphone’s Achilles heel is software program assist or the dearth thereof. Operating Android 13, the cellphone is already behind the curve.

The Oukitel WP33 Professional makes up in different methods. For instance, it has an extremely loud speaker able to piping out music as much as 136 decibels. Not sufficient? You may discover a built-in strap that’s exceptionally useful to lug across the cellphone. You may want it, too, because the cellphone weighs a hefty 557 grams.

Oukitel hasn’t skimped out on the ruggedness, although. The cellphone comes IP68, IP69, and MIL-spec rated, making it able to withstanding rigorous job websites, or your subsequent out of doors journey.

Selecting a water-proof cellphone

Though you will not discover many trendy smartphones designed to go for a swim, discovering one with top-notch water resistance is not arduous lately. All-glass screens and minimal ports make it far simpler for producers to seal issues up, and an IP68 score is now tablet-stake for any flagship smartphone.

Be sure you learn the advantageous print when you’re in search of the very best water resistance, as IP68 is simply a place to begin that may imply something from surviving immersion in barely one meter of water for as much as half-hour — the IP67 normal — to six meters or much more. Whereas most IP68 telephones usually are available in on the 1.5-meter mark, some, like Apple’s iPhone 12 and later, push that to six meters for as much as half-hour. Others, like Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional, go away us guessing.

It is also value noting that even IP-rated telephones not often embrace water harm of their guarantee cowl, so that you won’t need to be too cavalier together with your waterproof tech, as you in all probability will not be lined if all of it goes unsuitable. Water resistance tends to degrade over time, too, so you need to be more and more cautious as your tech enters outdated age.

Waterproof telephones that will not disappoint

For a well-rounded cellphone that delivers top-notch efficiency and nonetheless delivers sufficient safety in opposition to mud and water for on a regular basis use, Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ checks all the proper packing containers on this listing, simply because it does on many others. The IP68 score will hold it secure in 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour. That is not the very best we have seen, nevertheless it ought to be greater than sufficient for most people, and the wonderful thing about Samsung’s telephones is that you will have no bother discovering a water-proof case for extra excessive adventures.

For premium customers, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely is an upgraded possibility. The expansive show, top-end processor, and a renewed give attention to AI are all glorious. Samsung hasn’t made main strides in waterproofing the cellphone and an IP68 score is all you will get. It is sufficient to submerge the cellphone in 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour, however not fairly pretty much as good because the iPhone. Nevertheless, that should not hassle most customers. The S24 Extremely will deal with a day on the seashore simply advantageous.

In relation to worth, the Pixel 8a cannot be overwhelmed. For simply $500, you get a flagship processor, glorious digital camera chops, and IP67 safety. No, that is not sufficient to take the cellphone for a dive. Nevertheless, occasional splashes and rain will not gradual the cellphone down. Add to that seven years of updates, and it is easy to see the unimaginable worth right here.

Nevertheless, in order for you the last word in water resistance, a rugged IP69K cellphone like Blackview BL9000 pulls out all of the stops. It has been examined to resist immersion in as much as 1.5 meters of water for so long as an hour and high-temperature and high-pressure water jets for as much as three minutes. So, you really power-wash your smartphone with out hurting it. A powerful speaker and multi-day battery life spherical off the bundle.