In today's world, smartphones are not just devices for communication; they are essential tools for our daily lives. With the increasing use of smartphones, the need for water resistance has become a crucial feature. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone who works in wet conditions, or simply someone who likes to enjoy water activities, having a waterproof phone can be a lifesaver. Here are the best waterproof Android phones available in 2024, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
Understanding Water Resistance
Before exploring the best waterproof Android phones, it's important to understand what water resistance means. Water resistance in smartphones is typically measured using the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system. This system consists of two digits, where the first digit represents the level of protection against solid particles (dust) and the second digit represents the level of protection against liquids. For example, an IP67 rating means the phone can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, while an IP68 rating means it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Best Waterproof Android Phones 2024
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the top-rated waterproof Android phones in 2024. It boasts an impressive IP68 rating, which means it can handle submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. This phone is not just about water resistance; it also features exciting AI capabilities, better specs, and a gorgeous array of colors.
Key Features:
- IP68 rating
- Excellent battery life
- Refined design
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery
- High-quality build
- Advanced AI capabilities
Cons:
- Premium price
Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
For those on a tighter budget, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is an excellent mid-range option. It comes with an IP67 rating, which means it can handle occasional splashes and rain without any issues. This phone offers 4K video recording, a beautiful OLED display, and years of software updates.
Key Features:
- IP67 rating
- 4K video recording
- OLED display
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good display quality
- Long-term software support
Cons:
- Not as water-resistant as higher-end models
Best Premium: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
For premium users, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an upgraded option. It features an expansive display, top-end processor, and a renewed focus on AI. Like the Galaxy S24, it also has an IP68 rating, ensuring it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Key Features:
- IP68 rating
- Expansive display
- Top-end processor
Pros:
- High performance
- Excellent display
- Advanced AI features
Cons:
- Higher price point
Best Camera: Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its incredible camera capabilities, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. It also boasts an IP68 rating, ensuring it can handle submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Key Features:
- IP68 rating
- Exceptional camera
- AI tools
Pros:
- Superior camera quality
- Useful software tools
- Strong AI capabilities
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
Best Battery Life: OnePlus 12
While not as water-resistant as some other options (with an IP65 rating), the OnePlus 12 stands out for its incredibly beefy battery life. It can last nearly two days even with heavy usage.
Key Features:
- IP65 rating
- Long battery life
- High performance
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life
- Strong performance
- Good value
Cons:
- Lower water resistance
Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
For those who prefer a foldable design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is an excellent option. It features an IP68 rating, ensuring it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Key Features:
- IP68 rating
- Foldable design
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
Pros:
- Innovative design
- High performance
- Good water resistance
Cons:
- Expensive
Mid-Range Options
For those looking for mid-range waterproof Android phones, there are several options available:
Samsung Galaxy A55
This phone is known for its water and dust resistance, making it a great choice for those on a budget. It has an IP67 rating, which means it can handle occasional splashes and rain without any issues.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Another mid-range option that offers excellent water resistance. It has an IP67 rating and is known for its fast performance and good battery life, although the battery life could be better.
Google Pixel 6a
This phone has an IP67 rating and is known for its affordability and water resistance. It's a great option for those who want a budget-friendly waterproof phone without compromising on performance.
Budget-Friendly Options
For those on an extremely tight budget, there are still some excellent options available:
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
As mentioned earlier, this phone offers 4K video recording, a beautiful OLED display, and years of software updates. It's an excellent choice for those who want a water-resistant phone without breaking the bank.
Google Pixel 8
This phone offers many of the features of the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro but comes in a slightly smaller package and with a smaller price tag to match. It has an IP67 rating and includes AI tools like the generative image wallpaper creator. It also comes with the same guarantee of at least seven years of security updates.
Rugged Options
For those who need even more protection, there are rugged IP69K phones available:
Blackview BL9000 Pro
This phone is specifically geared towards outdoorsy use and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as an hour. It also handles high-temperature and high-pressure water jets for up to three minutes, making it perfect for extreme conditions.
Choosing the right waterproof Android phone can be challenging, especially with so many excellent options available. Whether you're looking for the best overall performance, the best value, or the best camera capabilities, there's a waterproof Android phone out there that fits your needs.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 stands out as one of the top-rated waterproof Android phones in 2024, offering exciting AI capabilities and excellent battery life. For those on a tighter budget, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is an excellent mid-range option with an IP67 rating. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its incredible camera capabilities and also boasts an IP68 rating.
Ultimately, when choosing a waterproof Android phone, it's important to consider not just the water resistance but also other features like battery life, camera performance, and software updates. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect phone that meets your needs and keeps you connected even in wet conditions.
