Best Waterproof Phones (2025)

These days, practically every smartphone offers some degree of water resistance. But certain handsets go above and beyond, offering full waterproofing.

The amount of water resistance is denoted by the handset's IP rating. The phone's we've listed in this article have the highest IP ratings around (IP68), giving you full peace of mind that if you drop your device in the water, it will remain functional afterwards. Our list of the most waterproof phones in 2025 include:

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Series
• Apple iPhone 15 and 16 series
• Google Pixel 8 and 9 series
• Nokia XR20 Rugged

Read on as we go into depth on each of these devices, explain what IP ratings equate to, and distinguish between water resistance and waterproofing.

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What’s the Difference Between Waterproof and Water Resistant?

Waterproof and water-resistant sound like the same thing. But in reality, the two terms mean something different.

A waterproof smartphone is a device with an IP68 rating. Specifically, waterproof mobile devices can be submerged in more than one meter of water. Each waterproof mobile device’s exact submersion depth is specified by its manufacturer — for example, Android phones may be able to withstand a different depth than other cell phones. Furthermore, waterproof mobile devices can be submerged in water down to their specified depths for more than 30 minutes.

In contrast, a "water resistant" smartphone has an IPX7 rating. That means they can be submerged in water up to 1 m (but not beyond) and only for 30 minutes. So they’re still pretty resistant against water damage, but not as much as fully waterproof phones.

Is My Phone Waterproof?

Wondering if your phone is waterproof? Just check the IP rating. You can find that on the back on your phone. If you can't spot the IP rating, just check your phone's specs on the manufacturer website.

What Are IP Ratings?

Let’s break down IP ratings in more detail.

"IP" stands for "ingress protection." It's a rating that tells you how well a mobile device is protected from dust (or other solid debris) and water (or other liquid hazards).

The first number in an IP rating tells you how dust-resistant it is. A device with an IP5X rating is fully dust resistant and should never be damaged by solid debris. IP6X ratings are even better in this regard.

IPX8 ratings are required for a phone manufacturer to claim the device is waterproof. But some phones even have IPX9K ratings, which means they can resist high pressure and high-temperature water sprays, even at close range. Very few phones are tough enough to earn this rating.

How Do Waterproof Phones Work?

Waterproof phones essentially work by using special sealants or components, which protect their sensitive internal components from being damaged by water, or which prevent water from getting into a phone’s interior compartments in the first place. For example, headphone jacks and triple camera systems would need to somehow be secured and able to withstand a dunk in water.

Submersion is not the same as being exposed to high-pressure water sprays. For example, an IP8X phone might be fully waterproof. But if you were to spray it with a hose, some water droplets might still get into the phone and damage or destroy it.

Similarly, IP8X waterproof phones can’t be submerged in depths greater than what the manufacturer recommends. If they are, they could be damaged by water due to pressure or other factors affecting their defensive design elements.

Remember, waterproofing does not necessarily speak to the phone’s ability to resist other forms of damage. Even if your phone is waterproof, it could still be damaged if you put it in ice or other liquids (particularly anything acidic).

So while waterproofing or water resistance is an important part of phone durability, it’s not the end-all-be-all.

Note: While all the phones we mention here will have an IP68 rating, but the rating itself doesn’t have a standard “amount of water" in which the devices can be safely submerged. The conditions are agreed between the manufacturer and user, which means they can have different amounts and time and still have the same rating. That explains why you might see slightly different depths allowed on phones with the same rating.

Best Waterproof Phones in 2025

The market is (pardon the pun) awash with phones that sport the coveted IP68 rating that ensures some level of waterproofing. These are some of the best options in 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 series, which includes the Galaxy S25 Ultra, already has a lot going for it. These phones’ waterproof durability is just one more feather in their proverbial cap. As IP68-rated phones, they can withstand submersion in water down to 1.5 m or 5 feet for up to 30 minutes and are fully dust-proof.

Therefore, phones in this series are great for folks looking for durable mobile devices they can rely on for a long time. Other benefits, like a high-quality Qualcomm Snapdragon8 Elite CPU and an excellent display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, make this gadget a top choice regardless of your phone preferences or other needs.

Apple iPhone 16 series

Like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Apple’s latest lineup of flagship phones carry with them the coveted IP68 waterproofing rating. According to Apple itself, that means you could  dunk your iPhone 16 model in up to 6 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes (not that you’d want to), take it out, and use it to send a text message or scroll through Instagram.

Of course, the iPhone 16 series’ benefits don’t end there. These are some of the most feature-packed, tech-forward smartphones in production, offering helpful Apple Intelligence tools, top-of-the-line camera systems, and stunning displays.

iPhone 15 Series

Apple’s iPhone 15 series models (including the iPhone 15 Pro Max) feature the same IP68 rating as the newer iPhone 16 devices. The phones boast features like high-quality CPUs, good battery life (even when taking a lot of video footage), and fantastic displays alongside wireless charging.

Of course, iPhones are also well known for their quality cameras. Thus, the iPhone 15 series could be a great choice if you want to take pictures in an aquatic environment, like at the beach or around the pool in your backyard, as both the front and rear camera setups are excellent.

Google Pixel 9 Series

For an IP68-rated flagship phone that costs a bit less—but doesn’t sacrifice features and performance—check out the Google Pixel 9. Google’s Pixel phones have many devoted users (including this writer), and the Pixel 9 series  is arguably the best yet.

Google packed its new phones with some of the best camera software on the market, arguably the most intuitive AI features available, and a strikingly elegant design. And the Google Pixel 9 series’ IP68 rating ensures all of this tech will stay relatively safe and sound, even if accidentally you drop your device in the water.

Google Pixel 8

As with the Pixel 9 series, the Google Pixel 8 smartphones are waterproof and rated IP68. It's both waterproof and dust resistant, so it is highly durable and should last for a long time to come. The screen is also large, making it a popular choice for viewing media and playing some of the most popular mobile games.

Other excellent features include a Qualcomm chipset and an excellent OLED display that goes from edge to edge. Google’s virtual assistant and other features, like 6 GB of RAM and a quality dual camera system, make it one of the best phones in the modern market overall, not just for its waterproof durability.

Nokia XR20 Rugged

The Nokia XR20 Rugged smartphone is quite durable, as the name suggests. It’s IP68 rated, so it’s dust resistant and waterproof, and it can be submerged down to 1.5 m or 5 feet for up to one hour. Talk about waterproofing!

It’s a great phone aside from this fact, of course. The Rugged phone features a 5G compatible Snapdragon 4800 Octacore processor, so it's among the most powerful mobile devices on the market today. The 6.67-inch OLED display is great for playing games or viewing media, and storage choices from 64 to 128 GB mean this is perfect for taking photos or videos frequently.

Should I Get a Waterproof Phone Case?

If your phone has an IP68 rating, it's probably resistant to most kinds of water exposure that you might run into in your daily life. However, no phone manufacturer recommends soaking your phone. Getting a waterproof phone case can still be a smart move, especially if you're prone to pushing the boundaries—like taking your phone into deeper water or environments where it might be exposed to other elements like sand or mud.

In terms of recommendations, it really depends on your specific needs:

1. Lifeproof FRĒ: This case is great for total protection. It not only reinforces water resistance but also adds a layer of drop and dust protection. It’s ideal for adventurers who might take their phone hiking, skiing, or to the beach.
2. OtterBox Frē Series: This series is designed to be entirely waterproof, rather than water-resistant, while maintaining MagSafe compatibility and easy access to essential phone functions like volume controls. (We cover this one in more depth in our Otterbox Phone Case review.)
3. Catalyst Waterproof Case: This is another excellent option, especially for those who want a balance of everyday use and protection. It offers good shock resistance and maintains the clarity of the phone's audio and camera functions even under water.
4. Ghostek Nautical: This case is designed for deep-water adventures, offering protection up to 6 meters deep. It's also built to absorb shocks and bumps, which makes it ideal for more extreme activities.

The Bottom Line

All in all, waterproof phones technically exist, depending on how you quantify "waterproofing." At the bare minimum, waterproof or water-resistant phones should survive if they get a little wet. It's just another way to determine whether a phone's durable enough for your needs.

If you're seeking maximum water resistance/waterproofing, make sure to seek out a device with an IP68 rating, like the ones detailed in this article. The best ones on the market in 2025 include the Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, the iPhone 16 line, and the Google Pixel 9 series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone can work underwater?

Several smartphones are designed to work underwater, typically featuring high IP ratings for water resistance. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16 series have IP68 ratings, allowing them to withstand submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at depths of 2 meters.

How do I know if my phone is waterproof?

To determine if your phone is waterproof, check its IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates its resistance to dust and water. A rating of IP67 or IP68 generally means the phone can withstand submersion in water for a specified time and depth. For example, IP68 typically allows for water exposure up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes

Is there a waterproof iPhone?

Yes, all recent iPhone models come with water resistance features. For example, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series have an IP68 rating, allowing them to withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.