Waterproof ratings explained
The level of water-resistance for a phone can be found by checking its IP rating (Internal Protection Rating or Ingress Protection Standard). If you’re unsure what it is, check the phone’s description or specification.
The IP rating is made up of two numbers, with each number dictating a certain level of water resistance. The first digit is almost always six, which means the phone is dust-resistant as well. The second digit indicates the level of protection against water submersion. The higher the second number, the more resistant the model is.
Common IP ratings
IP rating |
What it protects against (generally) |
IP66 |
Powerful water jets |
IP67 |
Submersion up to one metre of water |
IP68 |
Submersion between one and three metres of water |
IP69 |
Hot, powerful jets |
IP68 is typically the most common rating on smartphones.You’ll find that an IP68 device can be submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes before suffering water damage!
Some other waterproof phones may have a different IP rating that begins with IP5, but these aren’t as common.
Although some phones are classified as water-resistant or waterproof, we don’t recommend submerging your electronics if you can help it!
If your phone does end up in water accidentally and isn’t waterproof, here’s what you can do to try and save it.
Best Waterproof Phones
Jump to your favourite brand:
Waterproof Samsung phones
Samsung is one of the leading manufacturers in electronics, so it’s no surprise that they’ve already produced several high-tech, waterproof models.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
IPX8 - 1.5 metres for a maximum of 30 minutes |
7.6 inch foldable display Quad rear camera 4,400mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.8 inch display Quad rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.7 inch display Triple rear camera 4,800mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.2 inch display Triple rear camera 4,000mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.5 inch display Triple rear camera 4,500mAh battery 5G |
|
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra |
IP68 |
6.9 inch display Triple rear camera 4,500mAh battery 5G |
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra |
IP68 |
6.9 inch display Quad rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
IP68 |
6.8 inch display Triple rear camera 4,300mAh battery 5G |
Waterproof Apple phones
Apple has been championing waterproof phones for a while now, with a large number of iPhones featuring some level of protection.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
IP68 |
6.7 inch display Quad rear camera 3,095mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.1 inch display Quad rear camera 3,095mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.1 inch display Triple rear camera 3,095mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.7 inch display Triple rear camera 3,687mAh battery 5G |
|
IP68 |
6.1 inch display Triple rear camera 2,815mAh battery 5G |
|
iPhone 11 Pro Max |
IP68 |
6.5 inch display Triple rear camera 3,969mAh battery 4G |
iPhone XS Max |
IP68 |
6.5 inch display Dual rear camera 3,174mAh battery 4G |
Waterproof Huawei phones
Huawei is the leading phone manufacturer in China. They’re available in the UK, but you won’t have access to Google services due to a ban.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
Huawei P40 Pro Plus |
IP68 |
6.58 inch display Quad rear camera 4,200mAh battery 5G |
Huawei P40 Pro |
IP68 |
6.58 inch display Quad rear camera 4,200mAh battery 5G |
Huawei Mate 40 Pro |
IP68 |
6.76 inch display Quad rear camera 4,400mAh battery 5G |
Huawei Mate 30 Pro |
IP68 |
6.53 inch display Quad rear camera 4,500mAh battery 5G |
Huawei P30 Pro |
IP68 |
6.47 inch display Quad rear camera 4,200mAh battery 4G |
Waterproof Google phones
Google has been making waterproof phones for some time. You’ll find anything more recent than the Pixel 3 has some sort of IP rating.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
Google Pixel 6 Pro |
IP68 |
6.71 inch display Triple rear camera 5,003mAh battery 5G |
Google Pixel 6 |
IP68 |
6.4 inch display Triple rear camera 4,614mAh battery 5G |
Google Pixel 5a |
IP67 |
6.34 inch display Dual rear camera 4,860mAh battery 5G |
Google Pixel 5 |
IP68 |
6 inch flexible display Dual rear camera 4,080mAh battery 5G |
Google Pixel 4a |
IP68 |
6.2 inch display Dual rear camera 3,885mAh battery 5G |
Google Pixel 4XL |
IP68 |
6.3 inch display Dual rear camera 3,700mAh battery 4G |
Waterproof Xiaomi phones
Xiaomi is one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers worldwide, with big batteries, impressive cameras, and huge displays.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra |
IP68 |
6.81 inch display Triple rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
IP53 - protected from water spray less than 60 degrees from vertical |
6.67 inch display Quad rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
|
Xiaomi 11T Pro |
IP53 |
6.67 inch display Triple rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
IP53 |
6.67 inch display Quad rear camera 5,020mAh battery 5G |
|
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 |
IP53 |
6.5 inch display Triple rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
IP53 |
6.43 inch display Triple rear camera 5,000mAh battery 5G |
Waterproof Hammer phones
Hammer phones are some of the toughest and most durable smartphones on the market.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
Hammer Explorer |
IP69 |
5.7 inch display Single rear camera 5,000mAh battery 4G |
Hammer Energy 18 x 9 |
IP68 |
5.7 inch display Single rear camera 5,000mAh battery 4G |
IP68 |
5 inch display Single rear camera 5,000mAh battery 4G |
|
IP68 |
2.4 inch display Single rear camera 2,500mAh battery 3G |
Waterproof Nokia phones
Nokia offers a few handsets with an IP rating.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
IP68 |
6.67 inch display Dual rear camera 4,630mAh battery 5G |
|
IP52 |
6.67 inch display Quad rear camera 4,470mAh battery 5G |
|
Nokia 9 PureView |
IP67 |
5.99 inch display Penta rear camera 3,320mAh battery 4G |
Nokia 8 Sirocco |
IP67 |
5.5 inch display Dual rear camera 3,260mAh battery 4G |
Nokia 800 Tough |
IP68 |
2.4 inch display Single rear camera 2,100mAh battery 4G |
Waterproof Sony phones
Sony are well-known for producing waterproof phones. Many of their flagship handsets boast water and dust-resistant capabilities without spoiling their sleek designs.
Model |
IP rating |
Extra features |
Sony Xperia 1 III |
IP68 |
6.5 inch display Quad rear camera 4,500mAh battery 5G |
Sony Xperia 1 II |
IP68 |
6.5 inch display Triple rear camera 4,000mAh battery 4G |
Sony Xperia 5 II |
IP68 |
6.1 inch display Triple rear camera 4,000mAh battery 4G |
Sony Xperia 5 |
IP68 |
6.1 inch display Triple rear camera 3,140mAh battery 4G |
Best waterproof phone cases
If your phone isn’t waterproof, you may want to invest in a waterproof case for protection instead. Though an external case will only go so far in protecting your smartphone against water damage, it’s better than nothing at all!
If you do have a waterproof phone, adding a waterproof case will simply increase your protection whilst in rain or underwater.
- Ounne iPhone Waterproof Case
- IP68
- Withstand up to six feet of water
- Shock resistant up to 6.5 feet - Kona Submariner Waterproof Phone Case
- Withstand up to 100 feet of water
- Fits smartphones under 6.3 inches in length - Joto Universal Waterproof Case
- IPX8
- Fits smartphones up to six inches
- Withstands up to 100 feet of water for a maximum of 30 minutes - Punkcase Galaxy S8 Plus Waterproof Case
- IP68
- Withstands up to 6.6 feet of water - Vanksy Floatable Waterproof Phone Case
- IP68
- Fits smartphones up to 5.7 inches
- Withstands up to 100 feet of water
- Includes external audio jack
Waterproof phone pouches
If you’re doing any sort of water-based activity, like swimming, kayaking, or canoeing, you might want to pick up a waterproof phone pouch.
These pouches look like little bags that completely seal your phone away from water. They’re usually translucent so you can still see and use your phone while it’s inside. They also normally float and are attachable to your body via a strap, so you can safely take your phone into the water without the fear of losing it.
Discover more
It’s not just water that can damage your phone - it’s temperatures too! Find out what overheating can do to your phone.
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