Most ads for new high-end mobiles show mobiles running under sink taps and slipping into pools. Some even show people diving off cliffs into lakes or the ocean.

So you’d think these new mobiles could stand up to water with no problems…

But that’s not always the case. Worse still, most manufacturers don’t cover water damage even if their mobile is rated for water-resistance despite was the ads might show.

So how can you know what your mobile can handle or which new water-resistant mobile to choose?

This guide will show you the truth about popular misconceptions about waterproof mobiles, help you decode water-resistance ratings, and provide mobile recommendations that can take a splash or two.


Waterproof vs Water-Resistant

In reality, most mobile marketing make mobiles appear more waterproof than they actually are...

In fact, very few mobiles are fully waterproof.

Most are merely water-resistant.

Whether your mobile survives doesn’t just depend on if it gets wet. How and where your mobile gets wet is also important.

For example, just because your mobile can take a dunk in the sink doesn’t mean it can withstand the jets of water from a showerhead or hose.

And all ratings are based on fairly clean water. So the saltwater at the beach or that cup of coffee on your desk could cause problems.

Because of this, we recommend thinking of water resistance more like an insurance policy than an actual feature. You don’t really want to use it unless you have to, but it is nice knowing it’s there.


How Waterproof Is Your Mobile?

IP -- or Ingress Protection -- ratings are the best way for you to tell just how water-resistant your mobile is. Manufacturers have to meet certain requirements to earn a rating for their mobiles. So they’re trustworthy.

When looking at an IP rating, the first number describes solids protection while the second describes liquids protection -- or water resistance.

But what’s odd about the system is that higher numbers don’t always mean better resistance. Also, just because a mobile is rated at a higher number doesn’t mean it offers the resistance of lower numbers either.

In almost all cases, resistance numbers will start with an IP6. It’s the number that follows which is most important for understanding water resistance.

While there are more rating specifications, the most common you’ll find in mobiles are:

  • 5: “Protection against water sprayed directly from a low-pressure nozzle measuring 6.3mm, from any direction.”
  • 6: “Protection from high-powered water jets with a 12.5mm nozzle, from any direction, such as a shower.”
  • 7: “Protected for up to 1m of immersion for up to 30 minutes, including splashing from a shower or an accidental (and brief) dunking.”
  • 8: “Protection against submersion beyond 1m. May mean that device is hermetically sealed or merely that any water that can get inside will cause no damage.”

If you’re looking for protection from shooting or spraying water -- such as water from a shower -- IP65 and IP66 are ideal.

If you’re looking for protection from puddles, splashes, and total submersion, IP67 and IP68 are required.

Want to know more about how IP ratings work and what the various numbers mean? Our guide to IP ratings has you covered.


Best Waterproof Mobiles

iPhone XR
Best Overall Waterproof iPhone

Featuring IP67 water-resistance, the mobile is rated for submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. It also features an excellent blend of performance and price making it a great pick for anyone looking for a solid mobile device.

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Samsung Galaxy S10
Best Overall Waterproof Android Mobile

With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S10 can handle submersion in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes. Pair this with best-in-class performance, one of the best displays on the mobile market, and a sleek design and you have a great option for anyone looking for the best waterproof Android mobile available.

Read Full Review

Google Pixel 3
Best Waterproof Mobile for Photography

Google’s Pixel mobiles continue to score at or near the top of mobile photography benchmarks. The Pixel 3 is also IP68-rated allowing for submersion in up to 6.5 feet of water for 30 minutes.

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Samsung Galaxy Note9
Best Waterproof Mobile for Creatives

With its large display and handy S-Pen, the Note9 is a popular choice for creatives and those looking for a productivity-focused mobile. If you’re planning to sketch or take notes poolside, the IP68-rating should keep you safe, allowing for full submersion in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes.

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Moto X4
Best Waterproof Budget Mobile

While waterproofing is more common, it’s mostly limited to high-end mobiles. The Moto X4 bucks this trend offering an affordable choice for those looking for a mobile that can take a splash or a quick dip. Its IP67 rating allows for full submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.

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CAT S61
Best Ruggedized Waterproof Mobile

If you need more than just waterproofing, the CAT S61 provides excellent shock resistance, a FLIR infrared camera, and one of the highest waterproofing ratings available. Its IP68 rating is good for full submersion in up to 16 feet of water for an hour.

Read Full Review


Common Questions

1. Is my mobile waterproof?

In most cases, no. It’s simply water-resistant. While there are many waterproof cases available which can provide near-perfect waterproofing, most mobiles will still fail if left underwater for too long or if the water is too deep without an additional case.

You’ll need to check your mobile’s specifications to see if it has an IP rating. If you no longer have the manual or box, you can use our mobile comparison tool to search for your model as well.

There’s also the issue of what's in your water…

Soda, coffee, pool water, and ocean water all include impurities that might cause your water-resistance to fail.

If you’re curious about how to tell just what your mobile can -- and can’t -- withstand, be sure to check out our guide on IP ratings.

2. What should I do if my mobile gets wet?

Timing is everything when it comes to saving a mobile from water damage.

Whether you spilled your coffee, dropped your mobile in the sink, or were pushed into the pool with your mobile in your pocket, the first step is to turn off the mobile.

While the feature is less common on today’s mobiles, remove your battery if you can.

From here, you have a few options…

The most easily accessible for most people is to shove the mobile in a bag full of rice and leave it somewhere warm like a window sill for a few days.

However, if you like to be prepared -- or just have some lying around -- silica gel offers much faster, more thorough results.

Whatever you don't break out the hair dryer to try to speed things up.

For one, you might overheat your mobile's sensitive internals. Also, pushing air into the ports at high-speeds is more likely to move water deeper into your mobile than dry it out.

While waiting for your mobile to dry, resist the urge to turn it on and check if it works. Each time you turn on the mobile, you’re gambling with irreversibly damaging it.

Instead, be patient and wait a few days. Three to five should do.

Then if you turn it on, you’ll know it was good and dry. If it doesn’t work then, it’s probably time to call your network, file an insurance claim, or start comparing replacement mobile options.

Want more information? Our guide to drying out your mobile fast covers additional options in greater detail.

3. Are waterproof cases any good?

A high-quality waterproof case can definitely improve the water-resistance of your mobile -- even if it’s already IP-rated.

Third-party manufacturers make waterproof cases specifically designed to fit many top-end mobiles.

However, universal waterproof cases are also available. These pouch-like cases work much like a dry bag and fit virtually any mobile on the market. Better still, most offer IP8 resistance ratings -- a higher rating than you’ll find on any mobile available.

You can consult our waterproof mobile cases roundup for recommended models and tips.

4. What about waterproofing treatments?

Waterproofing treatments are showing up on more mobiles -- especially in the budget and mid-tier markets. But in most cases, they’re still limited to IP67 resistance. So they’re not quite as good as a mobile designed from the ground up to offer water resistance.

However, for quick splashes or talking on the mobile in the rain, they’re likely enough to keep things dry and safe.

A waterproofing treatment, however, is not something you can buy and add to your mobile yourself.

Even if you own the tools to disassemble your mobile and apply the treatment, it would likely void your warranty, defeating much of the purpose.


Final Thoughts

While the marketing surrounding waterproof mobiles might seem a bit misleading, many feature enough protection to avoid damage from the common accidents and surprises of an active lifestyle.

But unless you want to use something like a universal waterproof mobile case, we don’t recommend testing how water-resistant your mobile is often. Think of water-resistance more like emergency protection and not a feature to be tested regularly.

Still, if you’re looking for a mobile that can take a quick splash or a drop in the sink, many of today’s high-end mobiles will do so with no problems -- at least once or twice.

Don’t like the mobiles listed in this guide? Our comparison tool makes it easy to find the best waterproof mobiles and best ruggedized mobiles available and see how they differ.

P.S. If you're looking for a waterproof mobile to listen to your favorite tunes in the shower or at the pool, you might be better off with a decent waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Not only are they likely cheaper to replace should the waterproofing fail, but they'll probably sound WAY better than your mobile's tiny speakers too!

Disclosure: You should know that in some cases, we may receive a referral fee (at no additional cost to you) for products purchased through the links on our site. These links help support our work but they do not influence our content. Our editorial recommendations are always genuine and we try to feature only the best products and services. Why trust us?

 
REFERENCES:
[1] Tech Advisor UK: Best Waterproof Phone 2019
[2] Android Central: Best Waterproof Phones in 2019
[3] Tom's Guide: Best Waterproof and Water-Resistant Phones
[4] Tech.co: Top 10 Best Waterproof Phones for 2019
[5] Digital Trends: The Best Waterproof Phones of 2019
[6] The Wall Street Journal: Your Phone Isn’t Actually Waterproof—But These Other Devices Are