Waterproof phones have become the latest trend for a wide range of manufacturers. There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant, however, and knowing which phones provide the most protection from liquid damage could mean the difference between a working smartphone and a useless hunk of plastic inside of a bag of rice.

A spilled glass of water, a slip in the restroom, or a kayak flipping over unexpectedly – there are all sorts of reasons why your phone may take an unexpected dunk. Liquid damage can render a several-hundred-dollar smartphone little more than a brick, and it can happen in moments. Plus – let’s be honest – since the dawn of humanity, it’s been funny to push people into water. Do it to a friend with their phone in their pocket, however, and you’ve just lost a friend.

A new breed of waterproof phones means that consumers can snap away on their camera at the beach, or breathe a sigh of relief if a phone slips out of hand over the (gross) toilet.

So which are the best waterproof phones on the market?

Best Waterproof Phones to Choose

For a more in-depth look at a few waterproof phones on the market today, check out our comprehensive guide below:

When choosing a waterproof phone, it’s important to understand what conditions the phone will survive:

• Splashes and spills – any of the phones we’ve listed below will survive accidental liquid spillage
• Light swimming – a quick dip in the pool should be no problem for the phones below, but most aren’t built to survive the pressures of deep water (anything beyond 3ft is a risk for all but two)
• Deeper dives – only phones rated as IP68 (the Samsung S9, Pixel 3 XL, iPhone XS and LG V30) are safe to take into waters deeper than 3ft

Google Pixel 3 XL – $899

While Google was a little late to the smartphone game compared to the other providers on this list, it showed up to compete with the Pixel range. The latest model, the Pixel 3 XL (click for our full review) is the best Pixel phone yet, and one of the best phones money can buy.

This latest phone from Google is a marvel of features, cameras, and overall perfect Android user experience. It’s arguably the best phone released in the past year, with an absolute knockout camera.

• 12.2 megapixel camera (rear); 8 megapixel camera (front)
• 6.3-inch (1440×2960) display
• 4GB of RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
• Runs Android 9.0 Pie with Google Interface

Like the iPhone XS, the Google Pixel 3 XL is certified IP68 (up to 6.5 feet of water for 30 minutes). This means that taking it swimming all day on the open water is far from recommended. But, when it comes to everyday spills, drops, and even a light swim, you can rest assured the Pixel 3 XL will survive.

Find prices for the Google Pixel 3 XL on Amazon

Apple iPhone XS – $1,000

Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s for a good reason. Between the incredible design, the seamless interface, and overwhelmingly popular iOS, there’s really no denying that you get what you pay for when it comes to the iPhone XS. Plus, when a smartphone unlocks when it recognizes your face, the last thing you want is to lose it to a glass of water.

• Dual 12 mega pixel camera (rear); 7 megapixel TrueDepth (front)
• 4GB of RAM
• 5.8-inch Super Retina AMOLED display
• A12 Bionic processor with next-generation Neural Engine
• Runs iOS 12

The iPhone XS boasts quite impressive waterproof technology, landing itself an IP68 certification. This is a step up from the X, which could only manage IP67 certification. This means your iPhone will withstand submersion in up to 6.5 feet of stable water for up to 30 minutes. However, if you were hoping to take your new iPhone XS on a white water rafting trip, we’d advise investing in a plastic bag or two.

Click to read our full review of the Apple iPhone XS

Samsung Galaxy S9 – $564

If you’re looking for the latest smartphone with all the new features, a curved screen, and the highest level of waterproof technology available, Samsung has you covered. Its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S9, remains one of the most sought after smartphones on the market today. And with specs like these, there is no wondering why.

• 12-megapixel camera (rear); 8-megapixel camera (front)
• 4GB of RAM
• 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
• Runs Android 8.0 Oreo with Samsung Interface

As for the S9’s water-resistance, it can survive in up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, giving it IP68 certification, giving it the same rating as the iPhone XS and LG V30.

Click to read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S9

Motorola Moto X4 – $282

Every list of waterproof phones needs an affordable option, and the Moto X4 provides that and then some. At only $321, it’s at least half as expensive as every other phone on this list. Sure, you’re foregoing a few key features, like a stellar camera, but the Moto X4 is good enough, particularly for the price.

•  12-megapixel (front)
• 5.2-inch full-HD (1080×1920 pixels) LTPS IPS display
• 3GB of RAM
• Octacore Snapdragon 630 processor
• Runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat

Like the other phones on this list, the Moto X4 boasts IP67 certification, which means it’s water resistant in 3 feet of stable water for 30 minutes, which at this point might seem a little underwhelming. But for the price, you’re getting a whole lot of freedom along with it.

Get the Moto X4 at Amazon

LG V30 – $399

The LG V30 is far from the biggest or most popular phone on the list. However, this smartphone is equipped with a lot of the same specs and features as the phones above, which makes its price all the more attractive. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

• 16 megapixel camera (rear); 5 megapixel camera (front)
• 6-inch OLED with curved edges
• 4GB of RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
• Runs Android 7.1.2

Here comes the good part. While the LG V30 lacks in a few key areas compared to the other phones on the list, it is certified IP68, giving it 5 feet of water resistance for 30 minutes.

See prices for the LG V30 on Amazon

Which iPhones are Waterproof?

We’ve picked out the iPhone XS above as our top-choice for a waterproof iPhone. It’s not the most expensive new iPhone, that’s the XS Max – but you’ll be pleased to hear it is equally protected against water ingress. However, it’s not the only iPhone that can survive a splash.

IP68-rated iPhones

• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

IP67-rated iPhones

• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
• iPhone 7 & 7 Plus

If you have an iPhone older than these models, keep it away from water. Liquid damage will invalidate an iPhone warranty, and Apple has simple ways to test for liquid ingress in an iPhone, so don’t be tempted to lie at the Apple Store about why your phone ‘suddenly just stopped working’.

All of the waterproof iPhone models have one other feature in common – a lack of a headphone jack.

Read more about Gear and Gadgets on Tech.co

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant

It’s worth nothing that, while these phones can be submerged in water for an extended period of time, “waterproof” is not entirely accurate. Most of these mobile providers will make it as clear as possible that these smartphones are characterized as merely “water-resistant,” albeit an impressive iteration that puts those 1990s sports watches to shame.

Thanks to the exit of the headphone jack and improved waterproof coating technology, these smartphones can survive splashes, dunks, and even full on drops into pools.

However, if submerged for a long time, a deep depth, or in a particularly volatile liquid, pretty much any phone will succumb muffled speakers, malfunctioning screens, or even a complete shutdown.

IP Ratings Explained

The extent of a smartphone’s water resistance is measured by its IP rating, which measures its resistance to water over a period of time and certain depths. It also measures how well smartphones hold up against dust, wires, screws, and even your fingers.

The phones above are all either IP67 rated (3ft of water for 30 mins) or IP68 rated (over 3ft for 30 minutes – although the manufacturer must state the depth).

The two numbers in the IP rating each equate to a different standard of durability and water resistance. The first number (the ‘6’ on both IP67 and IP68) means the device can withstand dust and physical damage by small objects.

The second number, however, equates to the level of waterproofing. A rating of ‘1’ here would mean your phone would survive a few raindrops. A rating of ‘8’ means you could safely dive off a boat with your phone in your pocket.

Just remember, when we say “waterproof,” what we really mean is just “really, really, really water resistant.” So be careful – don’t take a smartphone scuba-diving.

Waterproof Phone Cases and Pouches

We’ll stop you here – just don’t. While waterproof phone cases can be pretty affordable, these seal-tight pouches aren’t a smart choice if you’re looking to take a phone underwater.

Most case and pouch manufacturers accept zero liability in case of liquid damage to your device (a clear sign of low confidence in their own product). They’ll typically recommend you test out the pouch with a piece of tissue paper inside, first, to test for leakage.

The heartbreak of damaging your phone isn’t worth it. Plus, the cheap plastic covers on these waterproof cases and and pouches often reduce the picture quality you can get from your phone’s camera.

If you’re about to board a boat for a day and just want a safe pouch for your phone, in case water splashes over the side, then these products are perfectly fine. If you’re looking to jump off the deck, don’t trust a waterproof pouch to protect your phone when you hit the water.

What to Look for in a Waterproof Phone

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a waterproof phone beyond its IP rating. While most of these devices are safe to drop in the toilet or spill a glass of water on, they vary widely when it comes to their others specs.

Processor

The brains of the smartphone, a processor can make all the difference to your day-to-day use of the device. If you want to run a lot of apps, take a lot of pictures, and avoid glitches and freezes, make sure your processor can handle how much you use your phone.

Screen Size

Big or small, curved or straight, notch or not, deciding on the right screen is key. If you’re looking for an immersive experience, the bigger the better. Operating a phone camera underwater isn’t easy, for example, so a larger screen may make things simpler.

Operating System

The age old question: iOS versus Android. At this point in the game, the choice is yours. They both have their own set of pros and cons, and loyalty seems to be the driving force these days. Apple has lagged behind on waterproof phones so far, but now that everyone has a stake in the game, waterproof supremacy is up for grabs.

Camera Quality

The latest generation of smartphones really stepped up the photo quality, and with phone camera snaps cropping up everywhere from billboards to Instagram, the manufacturers know that this is a feature that matters. If you’re keen on underwater photography, your main challenges are reduced light and being able to operate the camera itself. Low-light picture quality and image stabilisation have improved immensely in recent smartphones, fortunately.

Security

Waterproof phones are secure against water and sand, but you’ll want to know your device is safe if you leave it by your sunbed unattended. Picking a phone with adequate security measures, like a fingerprint reader or Face ID, could prevent you from having your identity, money or data stolen. Both Apple and Google have strong phone tracking features now for finding a lost device or locking it remotely, too.

Why Aren’t Waterproof Phones the Standard Yet?

With waterproof phones hitting the market, you’d think every mobile provider in the world would be jumping at the chance equip this game changing technology. It stands to reason that every one with a smartphone would be clambering to get their hands on one of these splash-, dunk-, and drop-proof devices. But, unfortunately, it’s just not that simple.

Waterproofing is all about keeping water out, but completely sealing a smartphone that can still make calls, play music, and generally function is, as Scott Havard, teardown engineer for iFixit, explained to CNET, nearly impossible.

“With enough pressure, you can push water molecules into the device,” says Havard.

Simply put, there’s no way to guarantee a smartphone will stay impregnable enough to keep water out. Waterproofing smartphones isn’t straightforward, and when something is hard in the consumer tech world, that means it’s expensive. And therein lies the problem.

Making all phones waterproof to IP68, or even IP67 standards would bump up the prices significantly. It would be great to go scuba diving with your iPhone. But, unless everyone is willing to starting paying a whole lot more money for smartphones, you’re going to have to leave it on land.