Best waterproof phones in 2024

Technically, very few phones are absolutely waterproof — don't expect to take one for a swim, much less scuba diving. But for reasonably possible scenarios like getting caught in the rain, spilling a beverage, or even falling in a pool, a lot of today's best phones hold their own against a little water.

IP68 begins where IP67 leaves off — at one meter of immersion for up to 30 minutes. Some, like the Apple iPhone, go even further, for 6 feet of immersion. So, unless you're planning on power washing your phone, you've got a pretty good chance of finding a phone in your price range that can survive a quick dip. And for more demanding needs like industrial settings or consistent work around water, some specialty devices do exceed the common, consumer-grade ratings.

Waterproof phones that can take a dive

Google Pixel 9 Pro

The best there is — plus it's durable and compact -- A not-so-subtle redesign headlines a host of upgrades to the all-new flagship entry, with comfortable, flattened sides and a more modern visor making it look and feel better than ever. Inside, improved performance, more consistent thermal management, a predictably great camera, and extended battery life come alongside an improving AI feature set to make it our top choice.

We practically begged Google for a true flagship that fit in our pockets last year, and it absolutely came through. One quick glance makes it clear this is a different beast from any previous Pixel, with a streamlined redesign that retains some of the familiar language but ditches the rounded look for a more industrial feel that maximizes comfort and screen space. 

The hardware upgrades are mostly iterative, but they make a difference. The most demanding users still won't love the Tensor processor — it does fall short of leading Qualcomm and MediaTek competition in benchmarks and 3D gaming — but most people won't run into slowdowns, worrying overheating, or consistent throttling. And the 16GB of RAM ensures it can handle multitasking without issue, with 2.6GB dedicated to AI tools to ensure peak performance in the long term.

Of course, the core of Google's appeal remains its software. We love its overall Android implementation, even if it still isn't as customizable as competitors like Samsung's One UI. The intuitive interface is a joy to use and shouldn't pose any problems even if you're new to Pixels. That built-in general use apps are great, too.

With Google's main marketing push centered around AI tools, we expected great things. What we got was somewhat of a mixed bag. Image manipulation and management tools are better than ever, although some, like Add Me, are niche enough that not everybody will get a ton of use from them. Gemini Live, unfortunately, needs work. Given Google's apparently fervent dedication to all things AI, we anticipate it'll see some love.

The Pixel 9 Pro is one of the most complete devices we've reviewed in recent memory. The 27W charging could be better, but the battery life's great. The Android 14 release software's a bit of a cop-out, but Android 21 (let's hope they change the naming scheme by then) is forever away. With minor faults and a ton of upside, it's easy to call the Pixel 9 Pro a winner.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

A gorgeous screen with power to spare

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra isn't a night-and-day upgrade but adds quality-of-life additions like a flat touchscreen and an AI feature suite. Be it Circle to Search or after-the-fact super slo-mo, the real magic here is in the software. Samsung also increased its software upgrade promise to seven years, ensuring you'll use this phone for years.

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the flagship phone to beat for those who are willing to spend the money for no-compromises performance and quality. The 2024 model improves on its predecessor in some small but interesting ways, with a new titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass that's not only more scratch-resistant but also reduces the glare to let more of the screen's 2,600 nits of peak brightness shine through. That's especially great as the S24 Ultra's screen is downright gorgeous — it's the best we've seen on any smartphone on the market today — with rich, vibrant colors, a crisp 501-ppi density, and a variable refresh rate that runs from the typical 120Hz down to 1Hz for the always-on display.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is still a hefty beast, and it didn't shed any weight with its switch to titanium, since Samsung already used lightweight aluminum on prior models. Despite the new materials, the dust and water resistance hasn't changed. It's still Samsung's standard IP68, which the company certifies as 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. That's not the best on the market — Apple's iPhones have always offered better IP68 numbers — but it's still a perfectly respectable score, as it's not hard to improve things by adding a heavy-duty waterproof case if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach.

After all, this flagship smartphone is hard to beat in nearly every other way. Its 200MP main camera takes incredible photos under the right conditions, even if it can be a bit inconsistent and unpredictable with moving subjects. The custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip also offers performance to spare, so you'll have no problem playing the latest games on the expansive 6.8-inch screen or taking full advantage of Samsung's new Galaxy AI features. You'll have a hard time running the battery dry even after a day of heavy use, and the S Pen is a joy for those who like to sketch or would rather jot down their thoughts than peck at an on-screen keyboard.

 Google Pixel 8a

Flagship experience, budget pricing

$400 $499 Save $99

Google's affordable smartphone packs a punch. It's a solid upgrade on all fronts. The device has the Pixel 8 Pro's Tensor G3 processor, a noticeably brighter and faster 120Hz display, and an all-day 4492mAh battery. Moreover, the phone continues to be IP68 rated, making it a capable waterproof camera. The seven years of software support just adds to the appealing package.

The Google Pixel A series has carved out a name for itself; they're reasonable, offer flagship-ish specs, and make just the right compromises. What's not to like, right? The Pixel 8a sticks to that formula by bringing much of what's great about the Pixel 8 Pro to a $500 price point.

This means you still get the spanking new Tensor G3 chipset and the much-talked-about seven years of software support. But the fact that the Tensor G3 doesn't quite match its flagship competitors in raw performance is a whole different conversation. You shouldn't expect parity in AI features either, but for what it's worth, the Pixel 8a ships with some excellent AI features that'll give you a taste of the future. Features like Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, and Gemini-based enhancements like mail summarization are all present here.

The Pixel 8a doesn't move the needle forward in terms of camera specs. It's the same 64MP sensor as last year, and it continues to take great but not mind-blowing images. That said, Google has tweaked the color science this year, so it's not entirely the same. The 4,495 mAh battery is also good for just about a day, though you'll certainly have to top it up overnight. Unfortunately, charging speeds are still as slow as molasses and top off at 18W.

The Pixel 8a isn't quite as protected against the elements as some other phones on this list. However, the IP67 rating is still good enough to handle a shallow drop in water. The Pixel 8a can handle up to 30 minutes in 3 feet of water. At $400, that's quite a lot for your money, and the 8a remains a decent value.

 Motorola Razr+ (2024)

The most durable foldable yet

$900 $1000 Save $100

It's official: Motorola is back. The Razr+ takes the 2024 flip phone crown, with powerful hardware and, at long last, excellent software that offers more customization than most. Its biggest win is obvious, with a 4" cover screen that dwarfs most of the competition. We'd love a longer Android support window, but this is still easily one of the year's best foldables.

Last year's was great, and this year's is better. Slightly tedious naming convention aside, the Motorola Razr+ (2024) impresses in just about every way, most of all with a bright, bold outer display that nothing else matches. It both looks fantastic on or off, and gives you plenty of room for using the device without flipping it open. It's an industry leader in this regard, and we wouldn't be surprised to see others follow its lead. The vegan leather back only adds to the class.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 doesn't disappoint, delivering fantastic performance and even better efficiency than the top-shelf version. A 12GB RAM allotment supports it will, and you won't have trouble gaming at high frame rates on its 165Hz display (which also happens to be quite bright).

Some front-runners sport heavily redesigned Android implementations, but Motorola didn't mess with Google's straightforward Android formula much. It sports mostly stock Google apps out of the box, including Gemini as the default assistant, and the entire suite makes great use of both displays. It's even more freeing on the outside than some, although you might run into some apps that you're technically able to use, but won't quite play nice.

Like all foldables, it makes compromises, this time in the camera department. The 2× telephoto lens works well, and the primary lens a little better in more dynamic conditions, but neither the hardware nor imaging software are quite up to Pixel or even Galaxy standards. Interestingly, there's also no ultrawide lens, as Motorola decided it wasn't a popular enough feature to shoe-horn in.

The only other complaint is Motorola's relative latency in delivering Android updates. Three years of Android updates should get most Razr+ buyers through until they're ready to move on — but that's partly because they'll have to wait several months after the OS releases for other top models. Nonetheless, you won't find any other flip phone with this kind of resilience, although that does not, unfortunately, include a rated resistance against dust — the bane of most phone hinges.

 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Built around the great Pixel Pro framework

The XL addition is new only in name, and directly follows the Pixel 8 Pro in big-screen goodness. The added screen size makes video and photo capture more effective than on any other US phone, but it doesn't end there. With more display comes better on-device editing, whether using traditional tools or Google's increasingly useful AI suite.

Its predecessor hit a few stumbling blocks out of the gate, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL jumps all the hurdles cleanly. We'd hope so, given the many months since Android 14's launch, but that minor quibble notwithstanding, this is a nearly flawless attempt at peak smartphone design. The updated Pixel language shines here more than anywhere, with the streamlined edges much nicer, but still supremely comfortable, and the visor standing out in a slightly more industrial way than Google's last flagship.

Some of our biggest concerns were eliminated with new hardware. Namely, the Tensor G4 chip pairs perfectly with a slightly enlarged battery to provide more-than-sufficient, all-day usability, including high-end performance and less overheating worry than we've had with a Pixel in years. Add in the borderline-overkill 16GB of RAM, and you're looking at the complete smartphone package.

The camera didn't get any hardware upgrades, but a re-engineered HDR setup makes the overall image photo and video capture experience even better than before. Coupled with Google's editing suite and constantly expanding AI feature set, you won't find a better camera phone in the US. The big version makes especially great use of this, with tons of viewfinder space and room to make the right tweaks. It also utilizes the processing power better, with any residual lag or viewfinder frame drops essentially eliminated.

We looked hard, and found almost no flaws with Google's biggest 2024 slab phone. The upgraded modem, while still an Exynos, all but trounced our previous connectivity worries, and continues to perform swimmingly. Charging jumps a small but meaningful amount to 37W, and you partly don't need more wattage because the beefier battery and CPU efficiency hold up so well. Our biggest issue is the price. It costs $100 more, and that's still for the relatively middling 128GB — to get the most out of this class leader, you'll likely want to move up a storage tier or two.

 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Wins out due to foreign particle resistance

$1500 $1900 Save $400

It was the first, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains one of the best big-format folders on the market. Nobody does multitasking and productivity better than Samsung and its One UI software, and the Fold 6's ultra-clean design is the stuff of high-end jewelry. Samsung's also done well in reducing the weight and thickness, even as competitors fight closely for foldable supremacy.

 The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a fantastic phone that Samsung's had years to refine. That refinement makes it one of the most pleasant phones we've ever held, with a premium chassis that leads the pack. It's honestly even a departure from the previous version in terms of fit, finish, and feel in the hand.

While that is where the big changes end, the rest of the device continues the line's tradition of top-quality materials and design. Nothing's really reimagined, but it didn't necessarily have to be, especially for fans of the One UI interface. It's still at the top in terms of functionality, and you can trust you'll get the most out of the vaunted S Pen experience. 

But we're not exlusively ragging on Samsung's latest tablet foldable, and it stands out in an important way. It's notably more durable than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which failed JerryRigEverything's test impressively by folding, but in the wrong direction (ouch). It also boasts an IP48 rating — with the 4 being the first foreign particle resistance rating on a phone of this kind. That rating only denotes protection from particles down to 1mm, but it's a step in the right direction and another testament to the Fold 6's build quality.

While we are slowly getting weary of consistently OK cameras on a nearly $2,000 device, they do work better than most other phones' overall, and the ultrawide sensor did get a decent low-light upgrade. Samsung helpfully managed to keep the same size battery as last year, although it also delivers the same less-than-perfect battery life. Here's hoping Samsung can up its efficiency with software updates, and maybe consider making Galaxy AI into something more than a bag of forgettable party tricks.

 Motorola Razr (2024)

A great introduction to a once-exorbitant form factor

The less expensive version of Motorola's two excellent flip phones makes the right cuts for economy and efficiency, but doesn't sacrifice the design and build quality that makes this form factor so fun to use. The base model Razr arguably the best hinge in the business, along with competent hardware and software that the average user will love.

If you've never owned a flip smartphone partly because you're worried about the ruggedness of a costly device, look no further. Its physical design is essentially an upgrade to last year's Razr+ flagship, delivering the same convenient, novel experience and surprisingly even more capable hinge and build quality than what Motorola hit the ground running with. It even now includes the big outer display that makes this form factor so incredibly useful, and this time around, that all-important IPX8 water resistance.

If you're accustomed to benchmark-breaking barn-burners, this phone isn't meant for you. It's meant for people who want in on the flip game, but don't want to risk breaking a massive investment in their move away from typical slabs. Performance is not bad, and the average user will find the best budget foldable snappy and satisfying. The Dimensity 7300X and its 8GB clearly sit below the rest, but not everybody who wants a next-gen mobile device is incredibly picky about that.

The biggest sell of this year's budget flip winner could be its price. The lack of an increase — that is, the same $700 sticker as last year — is even offset by frequent sales, making it harder to tell yourself foldables are just too expensive for your blood. Sadly, drawbacks come in the form of cameras that don't even live up to the less-than-great Razr+ imaging, and the same, late-coming Android attention its sibling also gets.

Even with the caveats, you'll hardly feel hard done by with Motorola's cheaper foldable. It sports some of the important features of its more costly relative, including the build quality that we're happy to report Motorola is starting to turn into a reputation. There's never been a better time for budget-conscious buyers in the US to look into their first foldable phone.

 Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

A removable battery to keep you going

Samsung's XCover6 Pro is the popular smartphone maker's ruggedized phone, boasting IP68 water resistance and MIL-STD-810H protection against the elements. It even features a removable battery to keep you going in the field when you can't find a charger, and it's also backed by Samsung's generous update promises.

The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is an odd duck in Samsung's lineup, trading the elegant sheen and gloss of its flagship S24 models for a more utilitarian design that complements its MIL-STD-810H durability rating. This makes it an especially tough smartphone, able to withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures, but unlike the other rugged entries on our list, the water resistance rating is the same IP68 as Samsung's flagship, right down to the 1.5-meter/30-minute certification.

While the specs on the XCover6 Pro won't match Samsung's similarly-priced flagships, that's likely because you're paying a premium for the durability here. Nevertheless, you get a respectable Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G that's capable of handling everyday tasks and casual gaming and a camera system that can hold its own against the standard Galaxy S24 models. It also has a removable battery — a nice touch in a modern smartphone — but the 4,050mAh cell should easily get you through a day on a single charge, which will leave you wondering whether you really need to pick up a spare.

With the recent demise of Bullitt, the company that made the Motorola Defy and CAT series of rugged phones, Samsung's XCover series may become the new standard-bearer for rugged phones. The good news is that there's an XCover 7 right around the corner; it's already launched in Europe, but there's no word on when it will come to North American shores.

 Samsung Galaxy S24

The last somewhat small phone standing

While its biggest sibling got most of the press, the Samsung Galaxy S24 slots into a winning spot as one of the few phones perfect for one-handed use — at any price. It's packed with top-shelf hardware and a seriously impressive screen, and costs less than much of its larger competition. While Galaxy AI isn't where we'd like it to be yet, Samsung delivers the premium One UI experience we've come to expect.

Part of durability involves your own ability to keep a solid hold on your phone. With the demise of every other Android phone possibly labeled compact, the Galaxy S24 is now the small-phone winner by a big margin. The 147mm height, 7.6mm thickness, and 167g weight can't be beat by anything else offering top-of-the-line performance. In fact, there's really nothing else smaller in any remoately close segment (RIP baby Zenfone). 

That's not to say it's here by default, though, as months after its release it still makes a solid case for one of the year's top phones. It's as convenient as any of Samsung's S series, taking full advantage of OneUI to make the relatively small screen useful. The cameras work great until you compare them to the one-touch ease and perfect action shots of competitors like the Pixel 9 family, an unfortunate drawback to the last couple of Galaxy families. 

The trademark intuitiveness and customization freedom of One UI stands out when optimizing such a compact device to your liking, and the redesign's flattened size make it easy to hold without getting int he way of the screen. Speaking of the screen, the S24 received the high-end display features its predecessor lacked, making this Samsung's most significant S series upgrade this year. Considering the reasonable price and how easy it is to hold onto, the S24 might be one of the easiest waterproof flagships to pull the trigger on.

 Blackview BL9000 Pro

When durability reigns supreme

$408 $672 Save $264

The Blackview BL9000 Pro isn't for everyone. But if you're an outdoorsy adventurer or work on job sites and need a phone that can take a rugged phone, it's a great choice. The phone is MIL-spec rated and can handle being tossed in a pool or a shower just fine. Moreover, Blackview hasn't skimped out on performance either; the phone will run most apps and games just fine.

The Blackview BL9000 Pro isn't just waterproof; it can withstand life's toughest conditions. With an IP69 K certification, the BL9000 goes beyond the IP67 and IP68 ratings. Submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes is no problem at all for the phone. In fact, it can even withstand temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and high-pressure jets. It'll handle your outdoor adventures, too, thanks to the MIL-STH-810H rating.

Unlike many rugged phones, the Blackview BL9000 doesn't sacrifice performance. In our review, we found the MediatTek Dimensity 8020 chipset and 12GB of RAM to be perfectly capable. Surprisingly, the phone even includes 512GB of storage. From everyday use to gaming, the phone can handle it all. You might even enjoy playing high-end titles on the vivid 6.78-inch, 120Hz IPS display. And it has a 50MP primary camera and a 13MP ultrawide shooter — neither of which impresses.

Don't fret over battery life. The phone has a massive 8800mAh cell that ensures you'll be measuring battery life in days. And with support for 120W charging, it doesn't take all that long to top off, either. The Blackview BL9000 Pro differentiates itself in other ways, too. For example, it has an onboard thermal imaging camera powered by FLIR. Also, dual Harman Kardon PA speakers guarantee you won't need to carry a Bluetooth speaker for your next picnic. Just beware: you might have to hit the gym to lug the 412g smartphone around.

Choosing a waterproof phone

Although you won't find many modern smartphones designed to go for a swim, finding one with top-notch water resistance isn't hard these days. All-glass screens and minimal ports make it far easier for manufacturers to seal things up, and an IP68 rating is now tablet-stake for any flagship smartphone.

IP68 is just a starting point that can mean anything from surviving immersion in slightly one meter of water for up to 30 minutes — the IP67 standard — to 6 meters or even more. A manufacturer will tell you if their phone exceeds the minimum test rating, but at the moment, no Android flagship or flagship-adjacent models do. For anything better, you'll have to spring for a ruggedized phone or an iPhone.

It's also worth noting that even IP-rated phones rarely include water damage in their warranty cover, so you might not want to be too cavalier with your water-resistant tech, as you probably won't be covered if it all goes wrong. Water resistance tends to degrade over time, too, so be increasingly careful as your tech enters old age.

Waterproof phones that won't disappoint

The Pixel 9 Pro is shaping up to be Android Police's phone of the year, and it also happens to boast an IP68 rating. That makes it a shoo-in for the best choice here, but it's far from the only one. The 9 Pro XL check all the same boxes in a bigger package, and the Pixel 8a remains a great choice despite only clocking an IP67 rating.

Your best bet for an all-around top-of-the-line experience remains Samsung's Galadxy S24 Ultra, which performs with the best of them of offers plenty of opportunity for big-screen productivity. Its Z Fold 6 also takes the durability cake for the foldable sector, although it makes slight design and interface compromises compared to other new foldables.

If you need undeniable water resistance on a practically industrial level, though, your choices are more limited. Blackview's BL9000 Pro represents the most durable high-performing Android phone today, and offers a good overall experience despite coming from a lesser-known manufacturer. For something a little more familiar, look to the Samsung XCover6 Pro, but know that you'll need to deal with some performance tradeoffs, since its newer replacement, the XCover 7, may not ever make it to the US.

 Google Pixel 9 Pro

In terms of durability, design, software, and everyday performance, few phones compete with the all-around excellence of Google's smaller flagship. It's not cheap, but it's not the most expensive, and it's by far the best if you want something you can slip easily into your pocket without sacrificing excellent camera performance. (*)

Location:

Share :