Water resistance is an important feature to consider when purchasing a new smartphone. With people increasingly using their phones in damp environments or around water, having a water resistant phone can help prevent accidental water damage. But with many different phone models available, how do you know which phones are actually water resistant?
What does water resistant mean for phones?
For smartphones, water resistance is typically measured by an “IP rating” which stands for “Ingress Protection”. This IP rating is given on a scale of IP67 to IP68 for most current phones.
An IP67 rating means the phone is dust-tight and can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. IP68 phones can withstand submersion in deeper water for longer periods of time, usually up to 2 meters for 30 minutes or more.
It’s important to note that water resistant does not mean waterproof. Prolonged submersion can still damage phones over time. But water resistance provides protection against accidental splashes, spills, or brief submersion in water.
What features make a phone water resistant?
There are a few key features used to make smartphones water resistant:
- Sealed ports, buttons, and openings – Any points where water could enter need to be sealed with gaskets or flaps.
- Water-repellent coatings – Components inside the phone are coated to prevent water damage.
- Waterproof adhesives – Adhesives are used extensively to join components in a water-tight manner.
- Water detection sensors – Sensors can detect water in the phone and trigger shutdown of vulnerable components.
Phones certified with an IP67 or IP68 rating have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet the water resistance standards. Manufacturers test the phones in their labs by submerging them and looking for any internal moisture.
The most water resistant phones
Here are some of the top phones currently available that have strong water resistance ratings:
| Phone | IP Rating |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro | IP68 |
| iPhone 14 | IP68 |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | IP68 |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | IP68 |
| OnePlus 10 Pro | IP68 |
iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro models have an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. They can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Apple uses a combination of seals, coatings and tight manufacturing tolerances to make the iPhone highly water resistant.
iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
Like the Pro models, the standard iPhone 14 models also have an IP68 rating making them highly water resistant. They can handle submersion of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes without issues.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Series
Samsung’s newest Galaxy S22 phones all have IP68 water resistance. This means they can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Samsung achieves this through careful sealing and water-repellent nano-coating on the interior components.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google’s flagship Pixel 7 Pro has an IP68 rating, making it able to withstand submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. Google uses a nano-coating on the internal components along with careful sealing to achieve water resistance.
OnePlus 10 Pro
OnePlus phones are not typically known for water resistance, but the new 10 Pro model achieves an IP68 rating. It can handle submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. OnePlus added more sealing components and coatings to make the 10 Pro water resistant.
Other high-end water resistant phones
In addition to the phones above, there are a few other high-end smartphone models that also have strong water resistance:
- Sony Xperia 1 IV – IP68 rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters.
- Asus ROG Phone 6 – IP68 rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters.
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro – IP52 offers moderate water resistance against sprays.
- Xiaomi 12S Ultra – IP68 rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters.
Pretty much all recent high-end Android phones achieve at least IP67 water resistance. Some cheaper mid-range models may only be IP52 or IP54 rated, which only protects against light sprays.
Water resistant features in other phones
While high-end phones focus on IP67 or IP68 water resistance, some other common water resistant features found on mid-range or budget phones include:
- Water repellent nano-coating on internal components
- Sealed charging ports with gaskets
- Adhesive sealing around the display, camera, buttons, etc
- Plastic flaps covering any openings
- Internal sensors to detect water and shut off power
Even with these features, most cheaper phones only achieve IP52 or IP54 level water resistance. This means they can withstand a light spray of water but cannot be fully submerged.
Which iPhone is the most water resistant?
All current iPhone models have strong IP68 water resistance ratings, meaning they can be submerged to 6 meters for 30 minutes. However, the largest iPhone models tend to have a slight edge:
- iPhone 14 Pro Max – Deepest water resistance at 6 meters
- iPhone 14 Plus – Same 6 meter rating as Pro Max
- iPhone 14 & 14 Pro – 6 meter water resistance
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – Same 6 meter depth rating
The iPhone 13 and earlier models are only IP68 rated for submersion up to 4 meters. So the iPhone 14 models currently offer the best water resistance.
Do water resistant phones need cases?
Even with strong water resistance, it’s still a good idea to use a protective case on your phone. Here are some reasons why:
- Cases protect against damage if dropped on hard surfaces
- They prevent scratches and scuffs over time
- Cases with raised edges keep the display from contacting surfaces
- Provides extra cushioning against water pressure
- Can keep ports and buttons debris-free
For the best protection, choose a waterproof phone case designed for underwater use. Make sure the case has good ratings for depth and submersion time.
Which Samsung phone is the most water resistant?
The most water resistant Samsung phone is the:
Galaxy S22 Ultra
Key facts about its water resistance:
- Has an IP68 rating
- Can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes
- Features sealed ports and water-repellent coating
- Passed rigorous Samsung laboratory testing
Other Samsung phones with high water resistance include:
- Galaxy S22 & S22 Plus – Also IP68 rated
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 – IPX8 water resistance rating
- Galaxy Z Flip 4 – IPX8 rating when folded
So for the absolute best water protection in the Samsung lineup, the S22 Ultra has the edge. But several other models still have excellent water and dust resistance.
Should you use a water resistant phone in the shower?
It’s not generally recommended to intentionally use your water resistant phone in the shower or bath for a few reasons:
- The hot humid environment can impact gaskets and seals over time
- Soap and shampoo residues can gradually damage water-repellent coatings
- Dropping your phone on a hard surface can damage it despite water resistance
- Steam and prolonged moisture exposure are not accounted for in IP ratings
The water resistance ratings on phones are designed to protect against accidental water exposure, not continual intentional submersion. For using your phone in the shower, a dedicated waterproof case provides better protection.
What damages water resistance?
There are a few key things that can negatively impact the water resistance of your phone over time:
- Physical damage like cracks or deformities
- Debris blocking gaskets around ports and openings
- Wear and tears on rubber gaskets
- Buildup of soap, dirt, and residues
- Damage to water-repellent nano-coatings
As your phone ages, it’s a good idea to have its water resistance tested at your local repair shop. They can visually inspect the seals, ports, and coatings for any degradation.
A phone with degraded water resistance will be more prone to taking in moisture when exposed to water. Consider having worn gaskets replaced if necessary.
Does boiling water damage water resistant phones?
Exposing any water resistant phone to boiling hot water can cause damage and should be avoided. Here are some key reasons why:
- The high temperatures can damage the adhesives and seals.
- It can wear down water-repellent nano-coatings faster.
- The phone could overheat internally, damaging components.
- Rapid temperature changes create expansion/contraction.
- Boiling water can still seep into tiny gaps.
Phone water resistance ratings are based on cold or lukewarm water exposure. The intense heat of boiling water introduces risks not accounted for in the IP rating tests. While brief accidental exposure may be OK, boiling water can damage seals and coatings over time.
Does saltwater damage water resistant phones?
Exposing a water resistant phone to saltwater does not immediately damage it, but can degrade the protections over time. Here’s what you should know:
- Salt and minerals can buildup on gaskets and seals.
- It can wear away protective water-repellent coatings.
- Corrosion can damage ports, buttons, and openings.
- Residual saltwater left in cracks can eventually seep in.
- Phones should be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water after.
For occasional accidental exposure to saltwater, thoroughly rinsing your phone afterwards minimizes the risk. But repeated submersion in saltwater bodies like the ocean should be avoided.
Does chlorinated water damage phones?
Chlorinated water such as in pools can potentially damage water resistant phones over time. Here are some ways it can impact your phone:
- The chlorine can wear down protective coatings.
- It can cause rubber gaskets and seals to degrade faster.
- Corrosion damage is more likely from chemical exposure.
- Mineral buildup on ports and openings can occur.
- Residual chlorinated water trapped internally risks damage.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse your phone with clean fresh water after any exposure to chlorinated water. Long term damage is unlikely from occasional exposure, but frequent submersion is not recommended.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean a water resistant phone?
You can use rubbing alcohol to clean a water resistant phone, but it does carry some risks of damaging the water protections over time. Here are a few usage tips:
- Use only a diluted solution – 50% alcohol, 50% water.
- Moisten your cloth, don’t soak it.
- Avoid getting solution in ports, buttons, or openings.
- Spot test a small area first.
- Dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Alcohol can wear down the water-repellent nano-coatings on phones over time with repeated use. It’s best for occasional gentle cleaning only. Thoroughly dry afterward and moisturize seals with a glycerin-based product if needed.
Does pressure wash damage water resistant phones?
Using a high-pressure stream of water to clean your phone, even if it’s rated water resistant, risks damaging seals and allowing water intrusion. Avoid pressure washing phones.
Reasons pressure washing is risky:
- The forceful water jet can dislodge rubber gaskets.
- It can force water past seals not designed for pressure.
- Water can seep into micro-cracks and crevices.
- Coatings provide protection against submersion, not jets.
- Buttons and ports are vulnerable to loosening.
Phone water resistance is designed for static submersion in non-moving water. The intense water pressure from pressure washing creates forces not accounted for in the testing. It’s best to just use a damp soft cloth to gently clean your phone.
Conclusion
Water resistance has become a standard feature in most modern smartphones, as people increasingly use their phones in wet environments. When shopping for a new phone, pay close attention to the IP rating to ensure it has the level of water protection you need.
The latest high-end phones from Apple, Samsung, Google and others are IP68 rated and can withstand submersion for 30 minutes in 1-2 meters of water. This provides protection against common spills, drops in sinks or toilets, and wet weather.
While no phone is completely waterproof, an IP68 or IP67 rating gives you a high degree of protection against water damage. Just be aware that over time, seals and coatings can degrade. So avoid purposefully taking your phone in water long-term and get it serviced if you notice any degradation in water resistance.
