Best waterproof phones in 2024

With so many amazing smartphones on the market today, it can be challenging enough to pick the best one for your needs without also worrying about protection from the elements. However, if you’re an outdoor adventure enthusiast, getting a phone that can handle exposure to water should also be a priority. Whether that’s simply taking a dunk over the side of a boat or withstanding the rigors of water sports, the last thing you want is to find your expensive smartphone acting up from water getting inside.

While many smartphones are rated IP68, it’s important to note that this rating can mean different things. IP68 begins where IP67 leaves off — at one meter of immersion for up to 30 minutes. Manufacturers have to go at least a bit beyond that to get an IP68 rating, usually up to 1.5m of immersion for up to 30 minutes. Some, like the Apple iPhone, go even further and are rated for 6 feet of immersion. The good news is that unless you’re planning on power washing your phone, you won’t have a hard time finding a smartphone that delivers the kind of protection you need for a day at the beach or boating on your favorite lake.

Technically, very few phones are waterproof — unlike an Apple Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, don’t expect to take your smartphone for a swim, much less scuba diving — but they all have a high degree of water resistance that makes them pretty close for all practical purposes. Hence, it’s understandable why many folks use these terms interchangeably. Some of the phones on this list, like the Blackview BL9000 Pro, and Oukitel WP33 Pro are specifically geared towards outdoorsy use, making them more likely to survive deep immersion. This list includes everything from powerful flagships to budget picks, focusing on the models that provide the best protection without trading off too much in performance and features.

Waterproof phones that can take a dive

For the past couple of years, the “Plus” versions of Samsung’s Galaxy S-series phones have been an amazing middle ground for those who like larger phones but don’t want to pay the premium for the top-notch Galaxy Ultra. This year’s Galaxy S24 lineup continues that trend while edging even more comfortably into the “sweet spot” category by bolstering the screen resolution to a 1440p QHD, matching that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The screen also gains an extra tenth of an inch diagonally, but that still puts it at a very crisp density of 512 pixels per inch (ppi), making it the most gorgeous display Samsung has ever put on an S Plus model.

This is backed by the same bespoke Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip that’s used in the rest of the S24 lineup, which delivers power to spare and more than enough headroom for Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features. While these currently run the gamut from somewhat useful to downright gimmicky, ranging from transcribing and summarizing notes to enhancing photos and videos, we think Samsung at least gets an “A” for effort here. About the only real place the S24 Plus falls down against its pricier sibling is in the cameras and the S Pen, neither of which should come as a big surprise, as those two things are what the Ultra has always been about.

The Galaxy S24+ sticks with the same Gorilla Glass Victus 2 surfaces and aluminum frame as last year, but that should make it plenty durable, and it offers Samsung’s standard IP68 rating, which means it can handle a dip in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Samsung also now promises seven years of Android updates for this year’s models (and presumably beyond), plus battery life that will easily get you through a full day of heavy use.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the flagship phone to beat for those who are willing to spend the money for no-compromises performance and quality. The 2024 model improves on its predecessor in some small but interesting ways, with a new titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass that’s not only more scratch-resistant but also reduces the glare to let more of the screen’s 2,600 nits of peak brightness shine through. That’s especially great as the S24 Ultra’s screen is downright gorgeous — it’s the best we’ve seen on any smartphone on the market today — with rich, vibrant colors, a crisp 501-ppi density, and a variable refresh rate that runs from the typical 120Hz down to 1Hz for the always-on display.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is still a hefty beast, and it didn’t shed any weight with its switch to titanium, since Samsung already used lightweight aluminum on prior models. Despite the new materials, the dust and water resistance hasn’t changed. It’s still Samsung’s standard IP68, which the company certifies as 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. That’s not the best on the market — Apple’s iPhones have always offered better IP68 numbers — but it’s still a perfectly respectable score, as it’s not hard to improve things by adding a heavy-duty waterproof case if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach.

After all, this flagship smartphone is hard to beat in nearly every other way. Its 200MP main camera takes incredible photos under the right conditions, even if it can be a bit inconsistent and unpredictable with moving subjects. The custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip also offers performance to spare, so you’ll have no problem playing the latest games on the expansive 6.8-inch screen or taking full advantage of Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features. You’ll have a hard time running the battery dry even after a day of heavy use, and the S Pen is a joy for those who like to sketch or would rather jot down their thoughts than peck at an on-screen keyboard.

The Google Pixel A series has carved out a name for itself; they’re reasonable, offer flagship-ish specs, and make just the right compromises. What’s not to like, right? The Pixel 8a sticks to that formula by bringing much of what’s great about the Pixel 8 Pro to a $500 price point.

This means you still get the spanking new Tensor G3 chipset and the much-talked-about seven years of software support. But the fact that the Tensor G3 doesn’t quite match its flagship competitors in raw performance is a whole different conversation. You shouldn’t expect parity in AI features either, but for what it’s worth, the Pixel 8a ships with some excellent AI features that’ll give you a taste of the future. Features like Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, and Gemini-based enhancements like mail summarization are all present here.

The Pixel 8a doesn’t move the needle forward in terms of camera specs. It’s the same 64MP sensor as last year, and it continues to take great but not mind-blowing images. That said, Google has tweaked the color science this year, so it’s not entirely the same. The 4,495 mAh battery is also good for just about a day, though you’ll certainly have to top it up overnight. Unfortunately, charging speeds are still as slow as molasses and top off at 18W.

The Pixel 8a isn’t quite as protected against the elements as some other phones on this list. However, the IP67 rating is still good enough to handle a shallow drop in water. The Pixel 8a can handle up to 30 minutes in 3 feet of water. At $500, that’s quite a lot for your money, and the 8a remains a decent value.

The Pixel 8 Pro is a great phone for anyone who wants to take the best pictures possible with little to no fuss. That’s thanks to the powerful computational photography and AI features that Google has packed into its new Tensor G3 chip, which not only enhances every shot you take but also lets you take advantage of new tools after the fact, such as the Magic Editor that lets you remove objects in your photos or even move them around, seamlessly filling in the blank spaces that are left behind.

While the Tensor G3 won’t win any gaming speed contests, it’s more than enough to give you snappy performance for all your everyday apps and tasks, and Google’s unprecedented promise of seven years of updates should keep you going until Android 21 shows up in a few years.

When it comes to water resistance, the Pixel 8 Pro packs the same official IP68 rating as most of the phones on this list, but the company doesn’t disclose the exact depth or duration of submersion that it tested. We asked, and the company just pointed us to the Google Store tech specs page, which only says: “IP68 dust and water resistance.”

That means the 8 Pro has to be able to handle more than the usual one meter for 30 minutes, but we can’t say for certain how much farther Google has gone here. It’s likely at least equal to Samsung’s 1.5-meter certification, but we don’t know for sure. Either way, the IP68 rating guarantees this should survive most day-to-day splashes, which is good enough for us when you factor in how excellent every other aspect of the phone is, too.

As we mentioned earlier, not all IP68 ratings are equal. It’s up to each manufacturer to decide how far to go beyond the baseline standard, and Apple has taken the iPhone’s water resistance up a healthy notch beyond the competition. With the ability to stay under six meters of water for up to 30 minutes, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the highest IP68 rating of any smartphone on our list — and even exceeds the immersion depth that IP69K-rated models like the Nokia XR21 can handle, although not necessarily the length of immersion.

While Apple’s iPhone ecosystem isn’t for everyone, if you want the best protection against the elements without sacrificing performance, it’s hard to argue with a device that delivers four times the water resistance of the best Android flagships.

Thanks to Apple’s new A17 Pro chip, this is the first smartphone designed to handle console-quality games like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and the new titanium design makes it lighter than ever. You also get the great iPhone Pro camera system, which has been improved this year with a 5X optical zoom. Lastly, Apple has finally abandoned its proprietary Lightning port and embraced the welcoming arms of USB-C.

With its IPX8 rating, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a bit of an unusual entry when it comes to waterproof phones. While it has the same water resistance as Samsung’s other premium smartphones, the “X” in that third spot means it hasn’t been tested for dust protection. In other words, it will handle a dunk in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, but we’d recommend against taking it to the beach.

That’s understandable when dealing with a foldable phone since there are moving parts like hinges to contend with, not to mention the flexible inside display that isn’t likely to be too fond of sand. However, keep it away from those elements and the Z Flip 5 is a fun phone for all of life’s adventures. The clamshell design fits comfortably in your pocket when folded but opens to an impressive 6.7-inch AMOLED screen. However, the 3.4-inch cover display means you won’t need to open it nearly as often as you might think.

That’s a noticeable advantage when it comes to battery life. Since the external screen is now large enough to let you check notifications and perform other quick tasks, you won’t need to use the more power-hungry inside screen nearly as often. We found that this let us eke more life out of its relatively paltry 3,700mAh cell, but you’ll probably still want to make sure it hits a charger every night.

The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is an odd duck in Samsung’s lineup, trading the elegant sheen and gloss of its flagship S24 models for a more utilitarian design that complements its MIL-STD-810H durability rating. This makes it an especially tough smartphone, able to withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures, but unlike the other rugged entries on our list, the water resistance rating is the same IP68 as Samsung’s flagship, right down to the 1.5-meter/30-minute certification.

While the specs on the XCover6 Pro won’t match Samsung’s similarly-priced flagships, that’s likely because you’re paying a premium for the durability here. Nevertheless, you get a respectable Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G that’s capable of handling everyday tasks and casual gaming and a camera system that can hold its own against the standard Galaxy S24 models. It also has a removable battery — a nice touch in a modern smartphone — but the 4,050mAh cell should easily get you through a day on a single charge, which will leave you wondering whether you really need to pick up a spare.

With the recent demise of Bullitt, the company that made the Motorola Defy and CAT series of rugged phones, Samsung’s XCover series may become the new standard-bearer for rugged phones. The good news is that there’s an XCover 7 right around the corner; it’s already launched in Europe, but there’s no word on when it will 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 Ultra. Sporting a brilliant 6.78-inch display, the phone is designed for multimedia consumption. It has a battery to match, too. In our review, we observed that the 5,500mAh battery can actually last a full day of aggressive use.

On the performance front, you’ll receive a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset — the fastest on the market yet. This means the phone can blaze through any game or app you throw at it. Unfortunately, Asus can’t quite live up to the hardware with its software update promise. The clean Android 14-based operating system has ample options to make it your own, but it’ll only receive two major software updates — a shame.

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra also has the usual IP68 rating associated with flagships. It guarantees that the phone can handle immersion for up to 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of water. It’s not quite as good as what Apple offers, but more than enough to survive a sudden rain shower or pool plunge.

The Blackview BL9000 Pro isn’t just waterproof; it can withstand life’s toughest conditions. With an IP69 K certification, the BL9000 goes beyond the IP67 and IP68 ratings. Submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes is no problem at all for the phone. In fact, it can even withstand temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and high-pressure jets. It’ll handle your outdoor adventures, too, thanks to the MIL-STH-810H rating.

Unlike many rugged phones, the Blackview BL9000 doesn’t sacrifice performance. In our review, we found the MediatTek Dimensity 8020 chipset and 12GB of RAM to be perfectly capable. Surprisingly, the phone even includes 512GB of storage. From everyday use to gaming, the phone can handle it all. You might even enjoy playing high-end titles on the vivid 6.78-inch, 120Hz IPS display. And it has a 50MP primary camera and a 13MP ultrawide shooter — neither of which impresses.

Don’t fret over battery life. The phone has a massive 8800mAh cell that ensures you’ll be measuring battery life in days. And with support for 120W charging, it doesn’t take all that long to top off, either. The Blackview BL9000 Pro differentiates itself in other ways, too. For example, it has an onboard thermal imaging camera powered by FLIR. Also, dual Harman Kardon PA speakers guarantee you won’t need to carry a Bluetooth speaker for your next picnic. Just beware: you might have to hit the gym to lug the 412g smartphone around.

The Oukitel WP33 Pro stands out from your usual breed of rugged and waterproof phones. This one has a 22,000mAh battery that’s bigger than some of the best power banks. Predictably, battery life is measured in days, not hours, and with careful use, you could get a week between charges.

Performance is serviceable, too, with a midrange Dimensity 6100+ and 8GB of RAM powering the show. Running a near-stock build of Android, there’s not much getting in the way of smooth everyday usability. You might even enjoy gaming on the 6.6-inch 1080p LCD. Unfortunately, the phone’s Achilles heel is software support or the lack thereof. Running Android 13, the phone is already behind the curve.

The Oukitel WP33 Pro makes up in other ways. For example, it has an incredibly loud speaker capable of piping out music up to 136 decibels. Not enough? You’ll find a built-in strap that is exceptionally handy to lug around the phone. You’ll need it, too, as the phone weighs a hefty 557 grams.

Oukitel hasn’t skimped out on the ruggedness, though. The phone comes IP68, IP69, and MIL-spec rated, making it capable of withstanding rigorous job sites, or your next outdoor adventure.

Choosing a waterproof phone

Although you won’t find many modern smartphones designed to go for a swim, finding one with top-notch water resistance isn’t hard these days. All-glass screens and minimal ports make it far easier for manufacturers to seal things up, and an IP68 rating is now tablet-stake for any flagship smartphone.

Be sure to read the fine print if you’re looking for the best water resistance, as IP68 is just a starting point that can mean anything from surviving immersion in slightly one meter of water for up to 30 minutes — the IP67 standard — to 6 meters or even more. While most IP68 phones typically come in at the 1.5-meter mark, some, like Apple’s iPhone 12 and later, push that to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. Others, like Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, leave us guessing.

It’s also worth noting that even IP-rated phones rarely include water damage in their warranty cover, so you might not want to be too cavalier with your water-resistant tech, as you probably won’t be covered if it all goes wrong. Water resistance tends to degrade over time, too, so you should be increasingly careful as your tech enters old age.

Waterproof phones that won’t disappoint

For a well-rounded phone that delivers top-notch performance and still delivers enough protection against dust and water for everyday use, Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ checks all the right boxes on this list, just as it does on many others. The IP68 rating will keep it safe in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. That’s not the best we’ve seen, but it should be more than enough for most folks, and the great thing about Samsung’s phones is that you’ll have no trouble finding a waterproof case for more extreme adventures.

For premium users, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an upgraded option. The expansive display, top-end processor, and a renewed focus on AI are all excellent. Samsung hasn’t made major strides in waterproofing the phone and an IP68 rating is all you’ll get. It’s enough to submerge the phone in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, but not quite as good as the iPhone. However, that shouldn’t bother most users. The S24 Ultra will handle a day at the beach just fine.

When it comes to value, the Pixel 8a can’t be beaten. For just $500, you get a flagship processor, excellent camera chops, and IP67 protection. No, that’s not enough to take the phone for a dive. However, occasional splashes and rain won’t slow the phone down. Add to that seven years of updates, and it’s easy to see the incredible value here.

However, if you want the ultimate in water resistance, a rugged IP69K phone like Blackview BL9000 pulls out all the stops. It’s been tested to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as an hour and high-temperature and high-pressure water jets for up to three minutes. So, you actually power-wash your smartphone without hurting it. An impressive speaker and multi-day battery life round off the package.