Top 10 Best Waterproof Phones for 2021

Waterproof phones have become a big deal recently, with manufacturers keen to talk up their phone's ability to survive a dunking.

However, ‘waterproof' is something of a misnomer. In reality, the phones on sale nowadays are water-resistant, as they can't keep out water under all circumstances.

Regardless, the best of these phones won't leave you high and dry – even if you manage to completely submerge them.

So which are the best waterproof phones on the market?

Best Waterproof Phones 2021

Learn more about all the best waterproof phones:

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro
• Apple iPhone 12
• Samsung Galaxy Note  20 Ultra 5G
• Google Pixel 5
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Oppo Find X3 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Mini

Also on this page:

• Learn More About Waterproof Ratings – the difference between ‘waterproof' and ‘water-resistant' and IP ratings explained
• Waterproof Phone Cases and Pouches – make any phone waterproof with the right protection
• What to Look for in a Waterproof Phone – the key things you have to keep in mind when buying a waterproof phone
• FAQs – we answer the internet's most-asked questions about waterproof phones

Not all phones are waterproof yet – it’s generally a feature of higher end models. But the big manufacturers are prioritizing waterproofing for their premium lines, and that generally means the more affordable ranges will follow soon enough. Read all about the best waterproof options available to you today in the reviews below.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a remarkable piece of kit and, arguably, the best phone on sale at the moment.

It combines a pin-sharp screen with a staggering camera array and heaps of power.  Here are the rest of its main specs:

• Quad rear cameras: 108Mp main lens, 10Mp periscope and telephoto lenses, 12Mp ultrawide. Single 12Mp front camera
• 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 1440×3200 resolution
• 12/16GB RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
• Runs Android 11 with Samsung's OneUI 3.1 interface
• From $1,199

The S21 Ultra is IP68 certified, meaning that should be able to survive complete immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. Of course, we wouldn't recommend putting your S21 Ultra in water at all, but you can rest assured that it'll survive an accidental soaking.

iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro is the best iPhone on sale at the moment. With 5G connectivity and a stylish new design, the iPhone 12 Pro is a serious upgrade over the iPhone 11.

It isn't cheap, starting at $999, but you will be getting a lot of phone for the money.

• Triple 12Mp rear cameras. Single 12Mp front camera
• 6.1-inch OLED display with 1170×2532 resolution
• 6GB of RAM
• A14 Bionic processor
• Runs iOS 14
• From $999

The iPhone 12 Pro is IP68 certified, but can actually withstand a more intense dunking than most other phones on this list. The iPhone 12 Pro can, apparently, be submerged in up to six meters of water for half an hour without breaking.

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is a big upgrade over the iPhone 11 it replaces — an OLED screen (at last) and the lightning-fast A14 Bionic processor.

However, it isn't the cheapest iPhone 12-series model on sale any longer. The diminutive iPhone 12 Mini undercuts the regular 12 by some $100. Regardless, we'd still choose the iPhone 12 over the 12 Mini thanks to its improved battery life.

• Dual 12Mp rear cameras, single 12Mp front camera
• 6.1-inch OLED display with 1170×2532 resolution
• 4GB of RAM
• A14 Bionic processor
• Runs iOS14
• From $799

Like the more expensive iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 12 is IP68 rated and can manage a dunking up to six meters for half an hour.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra isn't a phone designed for everyone. In fact, it might simply be too big for some people – it weighs a whopping 208 grams and has a huge 6.9-inch display.

However, if you're the kind of person who pushes their phone to the limits with gaming, working on the go, and taking pictures, the Note 20 Ultra might be perfect for you.

• Triple rear cameras: 108Mp main lens, 12Mp telephoto and ultrawide lenses. Single 10Mp front camera
• 6.9-inch AMOLED display with 1440×3088 resolution
• 12GB of RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
• Runs Android 11 with Samsung's OneUI 3 interface

The Note 20 Ultra is IP68 rated, and can survive in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to half an hour.

Google Pixel 5

The Pixel 5 offers a brilliant sub-flagship experience. It might not have the speediest processor, nor does it have a dizzying array of cameras but it does offer very impressive all-round performance from just $699.

That's not an easy trick to pull off but Google has managed it with aplomb. The Pixel 5 does a very good job of being most things to most people. It also benefits from the most streamlined Android experience on the market and reliable software updates for years to come.

• Dual rear cameras: One 12.2Mp main lens and one 16Mp ultrawide lens. Single 8Mp front camera
• 6-inch OLED display with 1080×2340 resolution
• 8GB of RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor
• Runs Android 11
• From $699

The Pixel 5 is IP68 rated, meaning that it'll be able to survive in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to an hour and a half.

Samsung Galaxy S21

The S21 doesn't quite have all the bangs-and-whistles of the more expensive S21 Ultra but, for $799, it still represents a very good phone for the money.

It's much smaller than the Ultra, standing at a far more reasonable 6.2-inches tall, but retains the same super-fast processor. Crucially for some, the S21's screen doesn't curve at the sides. This makes one-handed use easier, and you won't get any strange content overspill in apps such as Instagram.

The S21 is also significantly lighter than the Ultra — 169 grams plays 227 grams. So, if you're after an impressive but handier Samsung device, the S21 is the way to go.

• Three rear cameras: One 64Mp telephoto lens, two 12Mp wide and ultrawide lenses. Single 10Mp front camera
• 6.2-inch AMOLED display with 1080×2400 resolution
• 8GB of RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
• Runs Android 11 with Samsung OneUI 3.1

The S21 is IP68 rated and can survive in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to an hour and a half.

Oppo Find X3 Pro

You might not be too familiar with Oppo but rest assured that the Chinese brand is creating some exceptional phones at the moment.

The Find X3 Pro is a true flagship that can go toe-to-toe with any of the models from Samsung or Apple. It has staggering performance, an impressive screen, and a unique design.

• Quad rear cameras: Two 50Mp main and ultrawide lenses, one 13Mp telephoto, one 3Mp microscope lens. Single 32Mp front camera
• 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1440×3216 resolution
• 8/12/16GB of RAM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
• Runs Android 11, ColorOS 11.2
• From $1,099

With an IP68 waterproof rating, the Oppo Find X3 Pro can survive in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is, basically, the iPhone 12 Pro but bigger. It has a 6.7-inch screen and weighs a whopping 228 grams – if you're not used to large phones, you might be taken aback by the 12 Pro Max.

If you can see past the size, though, the 12 Pro Max is an excellent phone. It has brilliant cameras and heaps of power.

• Triple 12Mp rear cameras. One 12Mp front lens and one depth sensor lens
• 6.7-inch-inch OLED display with 1284×2778 resolution
• 6GB of RAM
• A14 Bionic processor
• Runs iOS 14
• From $1,099

The 12 Pro Max is IP68 rated and can survive a dunking in up to six meters of water for 30 minutes.

iPhone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Mini is a new addition to the iPhone lineup, bringing a smaller form factor whilst retaining the same impressive performance from the bigger models.

This smaller design, however, does mean that the iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller battery than the iPhone and, consequently, a shorter battery life.

• Two 12Mp rear cameras. Single 12Mp front camera
• 5.4-inch OLED display with 1080×2340 resolution
• 4GB of RAM
• A14 Bionic processor
• Runs iOS 14
• From $699

The iPhone 12 Mini has an IP68 rating and can survive a dunking in up to six meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

Learn More About Waterproof Ratings

While all these phones can take a dunking in water, even some for half an hour, none of them are strictly ‘waterproof.'

Instead, these phones are all ‘water-resistant', and to different degrees. In practice, this distinction means that while you can drop these phones into water, accidentally or otherwise, they're not completely impervious to water damage.

IP Ratings Explained

Phones, and other pieces of tech, are measured against water damage using IP ratings. All the phones above are rated for either IP67 or IP68 levels of protection. The first number in the IP rating denotes the durability of a device in the face of physical objects (sand, dirt, etc.).

The second number refers to water immersion. A ‘1' would mean that your phone would only manage to stand up to a few raindrops. An 8, on the other hand, means that you should be protected from water immersion for 30 minutes at a manufacturer-stated depth of more than 3ft.

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 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. Fortunately, low-light picture quality and image stabilization have improved immensely in recent smartphones.

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 to equip this game-changing technology. It stands to reason that everyone with a smartphone would be clambering to get their hands on one of these splashes-, 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.

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