We’ve all been there: dropping your phone into your cuppa or watching it take a dip while you’re trying to get your seaside snaps is inconvenient and stressful. Luckily for you, the latest round of top-quality smartphone releases includes excellent water-resistant ratings as standard, so you don’t have to compromise. Browse our expert’s top picks of the best waterproof phones, or search for our pay monthly phones for your next handset.
Best overall iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Combining durability, top-of-the-range technology and the premium design we’re used to with Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is one of the best options out there for anyone looking for a catch-all waterproof phone. With industry-leading water resistance, this device is built to withstand the elements, without compromising on performance or style.
One of the key features that sets the iPhone 16 Pro Max up for success is its IP68 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 6m of water for 30 minutes. Whether you’re caught in heavy rain, accidentally drop your phone in the pool on holiday, or you need to rinse it off after a day at the beach, the iPhone 16 Pro Max can handle it. The titanium frame and Ceramic Shield - which claims to offer 4x drop protection than previous iPhone models - make sure that daily wear and tear are a thing of the past.
Beyond its waterproof capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers impressive performance. The A18 Pro chip ensures seamless multitasking, gaming, and photography, while the 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals, even in bright sunlight.
We’ve raved about the Pro Max’s battery life before, and for good reason, too. With an intuitive adaptive battery, it can last well over a day on a single charge, with standard use, so you can take it on all your adventures without worrying about running out of power. With MagSafe and fast-charging support, getting back to full battery is quick and effortless too, ideal for quick holiday top-ups.
- Release date: September 2024
- Dimensions: 163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm
- Weight: 227g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR (2,868 x 1,320 pixels)
- OS: iOS 18
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: A18 Pro chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery: Up to 33 hours video playback
- Rear cameras: 48MP (main) + 48MP (ultrawide) + 12MP (telephoto)
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Best-in-class waterproofing with IP68 rating (withstanding submersion of 6m for 30 minutes)
- Superb camera suite, leading with a 48MP main camera
- Cinematic 6.9-inch display
Best overall Samsung: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
If you’re after the best waterproof Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is hard to beat in our eyes. It combines premium durability, top-tier performance, and advanced AI features, making it the ideal choice for anyone who needs a phone that can handle a bit of everything including a little water.
First things first: the S25 Ultra comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, according to Samsung. The Corning Gorilla Armor glass covering the display provides extra resistance from scratches and cracks, so it’s not just water you’re protected against, everyday drops and scrapes won’t faze your handset either.
Of course, durability is just one part of the story: this is Samsung, so power and longevity go hand in hand. Custom-built for Galaxy, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures the phone is impressively fast, whether you're gaming, multitasking, or streaming. Paired with up to 1TB of storage and 12GB of RAM, you’re getting a device that can really go the distance.
Last but not least, the S25 Ultra’s stunning camera suite would be a great companion for sports photography, whether you’re the one in the water, or snapping the action. Samsung’s 200MP main sensor captures incredibly clear details and accurate colours, no matter the lighting or weather conditions you’re under. Even in wet or humid environments, you’ll capture sharp, detailed shots without worrying about water damage affecting performance.
- Release date: February 2025
- Dimensions: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
- Weight: 218g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3,120 x 1,440 pixels)
- OS: Android
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Rear cameras: 200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 10MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- 7 years of OS and security updates
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 25W wireless charging for quick top-ups on the go
Best value: Google Pixel 8a
Released in May 2024, the Pixel 8a is a cheaper alternative to Google’s latest Pixel, the Pixel 9 series, and boasts an IP67 rating. It combines great durability, strong performance, and AI-enhanced features all at an affordable price. With IP67 water and dust resistance, it can absorb accidental tea spills, rain, or a drop in the kitchen sink, with up to a depth of 1 meter submersion for 30 minutes.
Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a can handle gaming, streaming, and multitasking smoothly, with a flagship-level 120Hz refresh rate making each action you take feel intuitive and responsive. Plus, Google guarantees seven years of software and security updates, making the Pixel 8a a long-lasting investment.
The 4,492mAh battery provides all-day battery life, with up to 72 hours of usage in Extreme Battery Saver mode. Combined with its IP67 rating, the Pixel 8a is built to withstand the everyday, making it a durable and dependable phone in its class.
- Release date: May 2024
- Dimensions: 152.1 mm x 72.7 mm x 8.9 mm
- Weight: 189g
- Display size and resolution: 6.1-inch OLED Actua display (1,080 x 2,400 pixels)
- OS: Android
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB
- CPU: Google Tensor G3
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery: 4,492mAh
- Rear cameras: 64MP (main), 13MP (wide angle)
- Front camera: 13MP
- IP rating: IP67
- Smooth 120Hz display for fast and fluid navigation
- Protected by tough Corning Gorilla Glass 3
As mentioned above, Google’s latest release, the Pixel 9a offers an IP68 rating in line with 2025’s flagship releases. So, if you’re looking for a Google phone that matches Samsung and Apple’s level of water-resistant protection, the 9a is the phone for you.
Best foldable: Motorola Razr 50
The Motorola Razr 50 is a top-tier choice for anyone looking for a foldable phone that combines durability, innovation, and practicality. With its IPX8 water resistance, the Razr 50 sits among the few foldable devices designed to handle accidental splashes, spills, or even full submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those who love the convenience of a compact device but still want the power, performance and water resistance of a modern smartphone.
Folding down to a sleek 3.6-inch screen that lets you check notifications, reply to messages and even take selfies quickly and easily, the Razr 50 is ideal for keeping up to date while you’re on the go. Once opened up, the inner OLED display delivers vibrant colours and smooth performance with no lag, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, or multitasking. The seamless hinge mechanism is engineered for durability, ensuring a smooth fold with a barely visible crease. We were impressed by the range of motion the Razr 50 has when opened; you’re able to use dual screens at every angle, so you can easily prop your phone and snap a group photo or landscape shot. The IP68 rating covers the Razr 50 whether it’s folded or unfolded, so if you’re taking those group shots at the beach, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing your phone for the perfect snap.
- Release date: June 2024
- Dimensions: unfolded: 73.99 x 171.30 x 7.25mm, folded: 73.99 x 88.08 x 15.85mm
- Weight: 189g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch pOLED main display, 1,080 x 2,640 pixels; 3.6-inch pOLED external display
- OS: Android 14
- Refresh rate: 165Hz (main), 144Hz (external)
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB
- CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 7300X
- RAM: 8GB or 12GB
- Battery: 4,200mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP (main), 50MP (ultrawide)
- Cover camera: 32MP front
- IP rating: IPX8
- A waterproof, foldable design that opens up to a 6.9-inch immersive screen
- Smooth 120Hz display for fast and responsive handling
Best budget Samsung: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
While technically not a budget phone, the S24 Ultra gives you access to fantastic cameras, durable design and performance, at a lower price than the leading S25 Ultra, discussed in more detail earlier in our round-up.
While the S25 Ultra boasts an abundance of AI-powered features and excellent cameras, the S24 Ultra offers the same IP68 rating, built to withstand everyday mishaps and more. Encased in an Armor Aluminium frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering the screen, the S24 Ultra is also resistant to everyday scratches and scrapes.
Beyond its waterproofing and durability, the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is a genuine joy to use, letting you edit photos, watch films or scroll social media in full HD glory. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the S24 Ultra delivers fast and efficient performance, perfect for multitasking as well as using demanding apps.
- Release date: January 2024
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm
- Weight: 232g
- Display size and resolution: 6.8-inch AMOLED (3,120 x 1,440 pixels)
- OS: Android 14
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP & 50MP telephoto
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- IP68 water resistance
- Armor Aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability
- 100x zoom camera
Best budget iPhone: iPhone 16e
The latest iPhone release to hit the shelves, the iPhone 16e replaces the SE line as Apple’s more affordable sister product to its flagship series. A purse-friendly price tag hasn’t stopped the 16e from shining though, with a sleek, streamlined design matching the range of thoughtful, longwearing features packed into the handset.
The 16e feels durable and solid in the hand, despite weighing in at 167g, the lightest handset on our waterproof round-up. The aerospace-grade aluminium frame is protected by an IP68 rating, keeping your phone safe from daily wear and tear like sink splashes and rain. Apple’s much-lauded Ceramic Shield design will prevent any accidental smashes if you drop your phone outside of any water you come across, too.
Alongside a durable design, Apple have introduced a Fusion camera setup to the 16e, effectively merging high-resolution image capability and a 2x telephoto lens within a single 48MP sensor. We were impressed by the realistic tones and intricate detail captured, both when snapping photos, and recording in 4K video.
- Release date: February 2025
- Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm
- Weight: 167g
- Display size and resolution: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (2,523 x 1,170 pixels)
- OS: iOS 18
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB
- CPU: A18 chip
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: Up to 26 hours video playback
- Rear cameras: 48MP fusion camera
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- In-built Apple Intelligence amplifies a huge range of features, from snapping photos to browsing the Internet
- Enjoy up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes, with the best battery life in an iPhone this size
Clocking in at 6.1-inches, the iPhone 16e offers a slightly smaller display than many of the flagship phones currently available. If you’re looking for a durable phone that’ll go the distance whether you’re around water or not, though, the range of features and processing power packed into this model makes it an excellent investment.
In summary
From foldable to flagship, there's a water-resistant phone here that we’re sure you’ll love. While you’re here, if you’re looking for a phone for your teenager, we’ve got a guide for that too.
Waterproof phones FAQs
There’re currently no phones on the market that are 100% waterproof. Water-resistant handsets on our round-up will help protect your phone, but precautions still need to be taken as the drops and spills can affect its overall longevity. The IP rating is a great indicator of what your phone can handle.
IP rating (Ingress Protection) indicates how well a device is protected against dust and water. The higher the IP rating, the more durable your phone will be.
- IP67: Offers strong defence against dust and is resistant to brief immersion in water (up to 1m for 30 minutes)
- IP68: Allows for extended immersion in water (beyond one metre) due to its improved water resistance
- IP69: Often employed in industrial applications, this material is made for harsh conditions and provides defence against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets