With so many amazing smartphones on the market today, it can be challenging enough to pick the best one for your needs even 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 your boat or being able to withstand 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, but it’s up to each one to decide how far it goes. 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 out 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. We’ve rounded up a list of the best below, from powerful flagships to budget picks, focusing on which ones provide the best protection without trading off too much in the way of performance and features.
Waterproof phones that aren’t afraid to take a dive
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Still the sweet spot
Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ is the sweet spot in the company’s 2024 flagship lineup, building on its predecessor with a brighter screen, a blazing fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a new suite of AI features. Samsung also now promises seven years of updates to help it last even longer.
- Top-notch performance
- Great battery life
- Seven years of Android updates
- Camera system is a bit quirky
- Galaxy AI features are of dubious value
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.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ review: A safe bet
AI gimmicks aside, this is a very easy-to-recommend flagship
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.
Nokia XR21
Rugged power for life’s adventures
Nokia’s XR21 is tested to MIL-STD-810H and IP69K standards, making it one of the most dust, water, and drop-proof phones on the market. Gorilla Glass Victus covers the camera lenses and screen, which features a 120Hz FHD+ resolution plus 33W fast-charging and up to two days of battery life.
- MIL-STD-810H and IP69K for extreme durability
- Great battery life
- 120Hz screen
- Older Snapdragon 695 5G chip offers middling performance
- Display brightness only reaches 550 nits
Nokia’s XR21 is a rugged and affordable smartphone you can take on all of life’s adventures without too many concerns, since its MIL-STD-810H and IP69K ratings mean it’s protected from just about anything nature can throw at it.
Thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus on the screen and camera lenses, the XR21 can withstand drops of up to 1.8 meters, and the IP69K dust and water resistance is the highest IP rating possible. That means that it can not only withstand immersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 60 minutes, but it can also handle powerful high-temperature water jets sprayed at it continuously for at least three minutes. That means you’ll have no worries about taking this one waterskiing or white-water rafting or even power-washing the mud off it after a day in the field.
Of course, this level of ruggedness comes with some compromises. Most notably, the XR21 is powered by an older Snapdragon 695 chip, so you shouldn’t expect it to be a performance powerhouse. Further, while Nokia has cleverly designed the screen to be usable with wet hands and even gloves, it only reaches a maximum brightness of 550 nits, which means you’ll likely have a hard time reading it on a bright sunny day.
Still, the 120Hz refresh rate is a nice touch for a phone in this price range, and the dual 64MP and 8MP main/ultra-wide camera system sports dual flashes and night mode support. You also get 33W fast charging and two-day battery life to keep you going in the field. Nokia also promises three years of Android updates and four years of security updates.
Motorola Edge (2023)
An everyday performer at the right price
The Motorola Edge (2023) is remarkably affordable for a midrange device, especially considering it can often be found at a significant discount. It offers solid IP68 water resistance, an expansive OLED display, and excellent battery life, fast charging, and solid everyday performance as long as you’re not expecting it to be a gaming powerhouse.
- Gorgeous display
- Stock Android experience
- Excellent battery life
- Lacks Gorilla Glass
- Average performance
- Charger sold separately
Motorola’s Edge (2023) is an Android phone that delivers solid value even at its normal sticker price. However, it’s a nearly unbelievable value pick when you consider how often you can find it on sale for far less. While Motorola has cut more than a few corners to reach its low price point, it’s still surprising how much this affordable phone delivers.
For one thing, you’re getting nearly the same pOLED display as the Motorola Edge+ (2023); it has the same 2400 x 1080 resolution, 1,300 nits of brightness, and crisp and vibrant colors. The refresh rate is a “mere” 144Hz, versus 165Hz on the Edge+, but that’s still beyond what most of the other phones on the list offer. Anything above 120Hz is wasted on a phone like this anyway, since the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chip isn’t up to handling the games that would take advantage of higher refresh rates.
That’s not to say that the Motorola Edge isn’t a very capable performer for everyday tasks. We’ve had no problems with it slowing down, lagging, or even heating up during normal everyday tasks, although heavier multitasking will push the envelope of its capabilities a bit. However, that less powerful chip also translates to excellent battery life, with the 4,400mAh cell getting the phone through two days of typical use.
Moto Edge (2023) review: It’s complicated
The Moto Edge would be a great choice if so many other options weren’t available
The grippy vegan leather finish also feels great in the hand, making it a phone that you’ll likely be more comfortable using without a case, which shouldn’t be a big problem with its industry-standard IP68 dust and water resistance that works out to the usual 1.5 meters of immersion for up to 30 minutes. However, one disappointing compromise that Motorola did make was eschewing the Gorilla Glass of its more expensive plus sibling, which means you may want to at least add a screen protector.
Blackview BV5200 Pro
Very affordable durability
Blackview’s BV5200 Pro is one of the most affordable rugged smartphones you can buy, with IP69K and MIL-STD-810H ratings against all the elements. However, the tradeoff for its low price and great protection is its lower performance specs, including an aging MediaTek chip and 720p display.
- Very affordable
- Excellent IP69K water resistance and MIL-STD-810H drop protection
- Great battery life
- Older MediaTek Helio G35 chip limits performance
- 720p display
- Slow 10W charging
The problem with most smartphone makers is that even though they have some good budget smartphones, they tend to reserve their best IP ratings for their premium flagships. Fortunately, there are lesser-known manufacturers like Blackview that focus on rugged phones, and the BV5200 Pro makes an especially good pick for those who want an extremely durable phone that won’t break the bank.
With an IP69K rating, the BV5200 can handle exposure to a high-temperature power washer for up to 3 minutes, plus immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. The MIL-STD-810H certification also means it’s protected against impacts and drops of up to 1.5 meters, and extreme heat, cold, and other conditions you’re likely to encounter during your outdoor excursions.
Of course, a budget phone comes with specs to match; the best thing about the BV5200 is its durability, but it’s otherwise an average performer at best, with a 2020-era MediaTek Helio G35 chip, a 720p screen, a basic 13MP Sony camera sensor. The good news is that the 5,180mAh battery should easily get you through a couple of days in the field, which is probably a good thing as the BV5200 Pro only supports 10W charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
A gorgeous screen with power to spare
It’s not an overhaul by any means, but even small changes like (finally) swapping back to a flat touchscreen and seven years of system updates help the Galaxy S24 Ultra stand apart from its predecessors. Galaxy AI’s suite of features are front and center, as well as Google’s latest utilities like Circle to Search, and this AI craze even brings its magic to the Ultra’s cameras for after-the-fact super slo-mo.
- Gorgeous display
- Excellent performance
- Gorilla Armor glass for brighter and more durable screen
- Some early camera issues
- Expensive
- Bulky
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 all the way 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.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: Still the best, unless you take photos
Without any meaningful changes, Samsung’s latest phablet feels like a do-over for last year’s smartphone
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.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Computational photography at its best
Google’s Pixel 8 Pro is the company’s best and brightest of 2023 — literally. Featuring 2,400 nits of peak brightness, you’ll have no problem seeing it on a sunny day. However, that’s far from the best thing about it; that lies in the Tensor G3, which powers some amazing computational photography features.
- Excellent camera system
- Bright display
- Cool AI features
- IP68-rated, but specific depth is unclear
- Sluggish charging speeds
- Tensor G3 isn’t optimized for gaming performance
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’s tested. We asked, and the company just pointed us to the Google Store tech specs page, which only says: “IP68 dust and water resistance.”
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: Living up to its name
If you want to see the future of Google, the Pixel 8 Pro is the phone to buy
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.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Top-notch performance that goes beyond IP68
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is not only one of the most powerful phones on the market; it’s also one of the most waterproof, able to handle depths of up to six meters. This is joined by an A17 Pro chip that can handle console-quality games, a 5X optical zoom, and (finally) a USB-C port.
- Highest IP68 rating available
- Incredibly powerful A17 Pro chip
- Lightweight and durable titanium constructions
- Apple’s iOS ecosystem isn’t everyone’s cup of tea
- Expensive
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.
iPhone 15 Pro Max review: The phone everyone else is choosing
The bubbles might be bluer, but is the grass greener?
Thanks to Apple’s new A17 Pro chip, this is the first smartphone that’s 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.
Asus Zenfone 10
Good things come in small packages
The Asus Zenfone 10 is the latest flagship from the company, sporting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB RAM, and a 4300mAh battery. But what makes the Zenfone unique is its size. With a 5.9″ screen, its practically tiny compared to modern phablet giants.
- Small and powerful
- Easy to use one-handed
- Cute design
- Middling cameras
- Software updates lag behind the competition
If size matters, Asus’ Zenfone 10 is one of the cutest and most compact smartphones you can buy. Its 5.9-inch screen hearkens back to an era before plus-sized phablets dominated the landscape, yet it doesn’t sacrifice performance to get down to that smaller size. It still packs in a flagship-class Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, so it will have no problem keeping up with the latest mobile games, plus a 144Hz AMOLED screen to keep things moving fast.
Asus boasts the usual IP68 water resistance for the Zenfone 10, which it specifies as 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This puts it in the same class as Samsung’s IP68 phones, but it still falls short of Apple’s unmatched IP68 six-meter depth rating.
Asus Zenfone 10 review: The last of the (good) small phones
Good things still come in small packages
While the cameras really stick out on such a small phone, that’s part of the charm of the design. More importantly, Asus hasn’t skimped on the quality of the cameras — they obviously can’t compete against the best from Apple, Google, and Samsung, but they do a remarkably good job for everyday shots.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Whimsical foldable fun
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 features a 3.4-inch external display, making it ideal for social media scrolling or text responses without opening the device. In addition, Samsung has redesigned the hinge on the Flip 5, allowing it to close flat for the first time on the Flip series.
- Expansive External Flex Display
- Fun clamshell design
- Excellent performance
- IPX8 rating doesn’t protect against dust or dirt
- Camera system lacks a telephoto lens
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 protection against dust. 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 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.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Flex Window for the win
A slightly larger cover screen makes all the difference in the world
That’s a noticeable advantage when it comes to battery life. Since the external screen is now large 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.
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
A removable battery to keep you going
Samsung’s XCover6 Pro is the popular smartphone maker’s ruggedized phone, boasting IP68 water resistance and MIL-STD-810H protection against the elements. It even features a removable battery to keep you going in the field when you can’t find a charger, and it’s also backed by Samsung’s generous update promises.
- Removable battery
- Competent cameras
- Five years of security updates
- Middling processor
- No rubberized body
- Only has basic IP68 water resistance
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 really 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.
Samsung XCover6 Pro review: Not bad for a rugged smartphone
This rugged phone doesn’t skimp on functionality to give you the protection you need
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.
Don’t be afraid of your phone getting wet
Although you won’t find many modern smartphones that are designed to go for an actual swim, finding one that has 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 table stakes 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 six 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 six 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.
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 your more extreme adventures. If you don’t need bleeding-edge performance, you can save a bundle with Motorola’s Edge (2023), which offers the same IP68 rating, solid performance for everyday use, a vibrant screen, and a vegan leather finish that feels unlike any other phone.
However, if you want the ultimate in water resistance, a rugged IP69K phone like Nokia’s XR21 pulls out all the stops. It’s been tested to withstand not only immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as an hour but also high-temperature and high-pressure water jets for up to three minutes, letting you actually power-wash your smartphone without hurting it. You’ll compromise on the features of the best flagships to get there, but if you need a smartphone you can take anywhere, it’s hard to beat.
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ delivers the best bang for the buck among flagship smartphones, with an expansive and gorgeous 6.7-inch screen, solid IP68 water resistant, and a bespoke Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that can handle anything you throw at it.
