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While water resistance – commonly called "waterproof", but for reasons we'll explain below that's not really the right term for this article – is a feature typically only found in mid-range and premium phones, there's still plenty of choice when it comes to picking a phone that can survive an inadvertent dunking or accidental swim session. We've reviewed hundreds of phones and picked through them to find the very best for our selections.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is our pick as the best among waterproof phones. Its IP68 rating, an impressive feature that certifies it as both water and dust-resistant, is a testament to its superior design. Not only does it strengthen its durability against the elements, but it also ensures that your phone is safeguarded during those unexpected splashes or accidental drops in the pool.
The aerospace-grade titanium body and Ceramic Shield front provide a robust and resilient build, while the textured matt glass back adds a touch of refined elegance. This phone's display is not to be underrated – the 6.7" Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion makes for an exceptional viewing experience, from catching up on your favourite shows to scrolling through your photo gallery.
However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is not without its downsides. The first is its hefty price tag. It's an investment, to say the least, and may not be as accessible to all as we'd like. Secondly, while the USB-C connector is a welcome upgrade, it could mean replacing your collection of Lightning cables that you've accumulated over the years.
The RugGear Supreme RG310 is an absolute steal for anyone needing a rugged, waterproof phone without breaking the bank. This beastly device can endure extreme temperatures, from a chilling -20 °C to a scorching 60 °C, making it your trusted companion in any weather. In addition to this, its MIL-STD 810G certification assures you of its unyielding resilience against impacts, vibrations, and harsh environmental factors.
Plus, the NFC connectivity facilitates mobile payments and expands its functionality with compatible apps. There's also a super bright LED torch because who knows when you might need a light in the dark? A dedicated SOS button for the lone rangers out there also ensures you're never really alone in an emergency.
Not that this model lacks the advanced smartphone capabilities that many of us have become accustomed to. Additionally, the rugged design may be bulky for those who prefer a more sleek aesthetic. But for its price point and the durability it offers, the RG310 is worth considering.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is also our top choice for a waterproof phone if photography is high on your list of priorities.
Its IP68 rating guarantees a remarkable resistance to water and dust, meaning those unexpected splashes or even accidental submersions won't be the end of your beloved device. Complement this with its aerospace-grade titanium body, the Ceramic Shield front, and the textured matt glass back, and you've got a phone that not only withstands the elements but does so with a touch of elegance.
The 15 Pro Max also boasts a truly impressive camera system. Its advanced Pro camera system includes a telephoto camera, an ultra-wide camera, and a wide camera, all capable of Night mode. This makes it an absolute powerhouse for photographers of all skill levels, allowing you to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions and perspectives. The 6.7" Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion amplifies your photo-viewing experience, making every image appear vibrant and lifelike.
Yet, like all things, the iPhone 15 Pro Max isn't flawless. For one, there have been reported issues of overheating, but Apple has since released updates to address this. Additionally, the lack of expandable storage means you may have to carefully manage your phone's storage in the long run.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the crown as the best waterproof phone for snorkelling enthusiasts. With its impressive IP68 rating, you can capture stunning underwater shots without worrying about water damage. The 200MP Epic Camera ensures your underwater adventures are captured in ultra-fine detail, showcasing the highest resolution available on a Galaxy smartphone in Australia.
Moreover, the Nightography feature enables you to capture breathtaking shots even in low-light conditions, meaning you're not just bound by daylight to record your snorkelling moments. The device's long-lasting 5,000mAh battery ensures you won't run out of power while documenting your underwater explorations.
However, the embedded S Pen, while great for note-taking and sketching, can be a bit of a nuisance when snorkelling as there's the risk of losing it underwater. Secondly, the device's size may be a bit unwieldy for some, especially when handling other gear.
We picked the Nokia XR21 for the best rugged waterproof phone. Sandwiched between impact-protected polycarbonate at the back and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® at the front, this device is built to withstand extreme conditions. It's rated at an impressive IP68/IP69K water resistance, ensuring its durability regardless of the environment.
At 6.49 inches, it provides ample screen size, with the added protection of Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, boasting an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 for crystal clear visuals. The camera suite is nothing short of spectacular, with a 16 MP front camera and a combined rear camera of 64 MP Main + 8 MP Ultrawide. These are bolstered by features like Flash shot mode, Night mode 2.0, AI Portrait, and OZO Spatial Audio capture with wind-noise cancellation, ensuring every shot is a masterpiece.
On the downside, despite being equipped with 2 sets of high luminosity flashes, the rear flash can sometimes be a little too harsh. Additionally, the 4800 mAh battery is non-removable, potentially limiting your options in the long term.
Our team has also chosen the Nokia XR21 as the best midrange waterproof phone on the market today. This durable dynamo comes with an impact-protected polycarbonate backing and an impact-absorbing TPU bumper frame, ensuring it can take a beating while maintaining its sleek appearance. Plus, it's water-resistant with an IP68/IP69K grading—so you're covered whether you're caught in a downpour or if your phone takes an unexpected dive.
You'll be impressed with the large, vivid 6.49-inch display protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®. It boasts an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400, delivering sharp, vibrant visuals. Its expansive feature set includes Flash shot mode, Night mode 2.0, AI Portrait and much more. The audio capture is astonishing with OZO Spatial Audio capture and wind-noise cancellation.
However, this phone has a non-removable 4800 mAh battery. While this battery size is generally sufficient for moderate use, heavy users might need to recharge more frequently than they'd like. Additionally, the phone's camera system doesn't quite match up to the capabilities of some higher-end alternatives.
We chose Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold for the best foldable waterproof phone. It represents the future of smartphones. Its chic design features a 6.7" main AMOLED display and a 3.4" cover display, both pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate. One of its major selling points is its IPX8 water-resistant rating, offering protection against spills and splashes - a feature that's definitely handy for those unpredictable moments.
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Octa core Snapdragon 8 Gen2 chipset, providing a smooth and seamless user experience. For photo enthusiasts, the 12MP OIS Dual Rear + 10MP Front camera setup ensures high-quality images that are sure to impress. The Flex Mode adds a new dimension to hands-free photography, allowing you to easily capture from unique angles. The 3,700mAh battery provides ample power for daily use, and the 25W Super-Fast Charging and wireless PowerShare offer convenient charging solutions.
However, it's worth mentioning that despite its impressive line-up of features, the Galaxy Z Fold does not come with a charger included in the box, meaning you'll have to shell out extra cash for that. And, speaking of costs, this foldable waterproof phone is a luxury item with a price tag that might not be appealing to everyone. But if you're willing to invest, the Galaxy Z Fold is undeniably worth it.
The OtterBox FRÄ’ Series is our pick for the best waterproof phone cases for iPhones. Designed with your active lifestyle in mind, it offers WaterProof protection for up to 2 meters for 1 hour, meeting the IP68 standard. And if you're prone to drop your phone, don't worry! This case has DROP+ protection, providing 5X as many drops as the military standard.
Further, the built-in screen protector and port covers ensure 360 degrees of protection. If you're a fan of MagSafe, this case comes with built-in magnets and is fully compatible with OtterBox cases, power, and accessories for MagSafe. Plus, you'll be doing your part for the environment as it is made with more than 50% recycled plastic, including 25% ocean-based recycled plastic. And yes, it works seamlessly with 5G networks.
However, the OtterBox FRÄ’ Series can be bulky and may not suit those who prefer ultra-slim cases. Additionally, its premium features come with a higher price tag. But, if you value unparalleled protection and durability, these minor cons may not deter you from investing in this top-tier case.
Oaktree Rugged Cases
Best waterproof phone case: (Samsung)
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Support most Samsung functionalities
Shockproof
Cons
Sound may be a bit muffed with the case on
Difficult to remove
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
For Samsung devices, we recommend the Oaktree Rugged Case as the best waterproof case option. The fully-sealed design makes it perfect for underwater use and ideal for all your outdoor water sports adventures and daily life. It's built with high-quality, top-level materials, tested to withstand a 2m drop, ensuring your phone remains safe from shocks or falls.
The case doesn't just protect your phone against drops and dust but goes the extra mile by performing perfectly in all weather conditions. It supports most Samsung functionalities, including fingerprint recognition. So, you don't have to compromise your phone's features for its safety.
However, its fully-sealed design can make removing or putting on the case a bit cumbersome. Second, even though the sound quality is generally good with the case on, some users might find it slightly muffled compared to the clarity without the case.
We selected the Pelican Marine IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch as the best waterproof phone pouch.
Its IP68-certified waterproof protection ensures your phone remains fully functional and completely safe from water, making it an absolute must-have for any cruise, vacation, or travel adventure. Perfect for a wide range of water-related activities, it's convenient for keeping your ID safe while you enjoy your time at the swimming pool, beach, or water sports.
This pouch also gives you effortless access to your phone's side buttons, thanks to high-quality soft TPU material construction. Plus, the clear window on the front makes it incredibly easy to watch videos, check emails, or simply browse on your phone with a quick response and delicate touch.
The Pelican Marine series also comes with a detachable cell phone lanyard that can be worn around your neck or wrist, allowing easy access to your phone or ID while you're out and about. The secure lock mechanism keeps the pouch firmly sealed underwater, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your adventures.
A couple of downsides to consider: the pouch fits phone screen sizes up to 6.1 inches, so if you have a larger phone, this might not be the right fit for you. Plus, some users have noted that the clear window can be prone to scratches, so a little extra care might be required.
Samsung started dabbling with crossing the streams between its Galaxy S and Note lines with the Galaxy S21, but it's in the Galaxy S22 that it fully committed to the idea of a flagship phone that could be both a camera powerhouse and a productivity platform. That includes building the S-Pen directly into the body of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, so you've always got it with you.
Like so many Samsung flagships, it's IP68 rated for water resistance, and while we wouldn't advise you try using the S-Pen underwater, it's still got a lot going for it if you want a more productive phone as a result. Samsung's back in the premium camera game with the S22 Ultra which delivered good low light and telephoto results in our tests. Samsung's over-hyped "100x" Space Zoom is still pretty gimmicky, however.
While its water resistance is right up there with the best, it is a pricey proposition, and it's one that doesn't compare all that favourably when it comes to battery life. It's not bad, but Samsung's competitors do offer better battery endurance in our experience.
Like the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6 Pro offers IP68 rated water resistance, so it should be good for up to 30 minutes of immersion in up to 1.5m of clean lab water. It's a tad more expensive than the Pixel 6, although it's still quite affordable by flagship phone standards. With its 6.7-inch 120Hz capable display, full 5G (sub-6GHz and mmWave) and excellent battery life, it's also a bit of a bargain.
It's also a very capable camera phone, with Google's AI giving it unique in-built features, some of the best low light performance of any camera and good telephoto performance to boot.
So what's not to like? The larger size does make it slightly less easy to hold. We know now that the Pixel 7 Pro is incoming, and that may well iron out some of the performance quirks of Google's own Tensor processor.
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How did we pick this list?
9 Brands considered
22 Phones compared
12 Phones chosen
Why you can trust our picks
Water resistance generally remains a feature only found in mid-range or premium phones, with plenty of phones to pick from that offer proper IP-rated resistance. We considered phones from dozens of brands, including:
Apple
Aspera
Google
Huawei
Motorola
Nokia
Oppo
Samsung
Xiaomi
In the premium space, we very much take IP-rated water resistance for granted, and it's become more common in upper mid-range phones, too, though you can't absolutely assume it.
For every phone on this list, we've extensively tested it – including immersion in water – to assess its overall capabilities, because nobody's buying a phone just for water resistance. You also need to consider build, style, camera features, application performance, battery life and value for money.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Frequently asked questions
We picked Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max as the best waterproof phone.
The Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are used to determine the level of protection a device has against dust and water. The first digit after "IP" refers to its dust resistance, while the second digit represents its waterproof capabilities. For example, an IP68 rating means that the device is completely dustproof and can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.
It is not recommended to charge a wet phone as it can cause damage to the device. It is best to dry off the phone completely before charging it. If your phone has been submerged in water, turn it off and remove the battery (if possible) before drying it off and attempting to charge it.
Waterproof phones are designed to withstand being submerged in water, but they may not be suitable for activities like scuba diving or surfing, where the device will be under high pressure.
While most people will talk about phones being "waterproof", there's really no such thing. A waterproof phone would need to be consistently resistant to any kind of water ingress essentially forever, and there's no such beast. If you check manufacturer claims for IP-rated phones, they'll always use terms such as "water resistant" instead, typically giving a figure for immersion depth and time to go along with it.
The big caveat here is that IP-rated water resistance is with clean lab water only, not every fluid you might drip onto or soak a phone in.
Water repellent is a much broader term, typically with no scientific testing to back it up. Usually water repellent phones will only resist a very light spray of water and not much else.
Short answer: Nope – and it might not be covered by warranty anyway.
Long answer: No, and you should be careful.
IP-rated water resistance means that a phone has been tested for water resistance with clean lab water only. Any other fluid has other variables in play. Drop a phone in a pool, and you're dealing with the potential corrosive impact of salt or chlorine, either of which could burn away the precise protective layer that gives your phone its water resistant features. Spill coffee on your phone and you're talking about crusted sugar plus heat, plus milk gunk… it's not a good idea, in other words.
IP-rated phones are more likely to survive such incidents because of their inherent protective layers, but there's no reason to tempt fate. That's especially true because most Australian phone warranties – yes, even those for IP-rated phones – explicitly exclude damage due to water ingress. Most phones have a moisture sensor within them that triggers if they're effectively drowned, so warranty claims for a dead phone thanks to a dunking are quite commonly rejected on those grounds.
We've got a full guide on what to do if the worst happens to your mobile phone here.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
We've gone snap-happy to sort and rank the very best phones for photographers, whether you're a seasoned pro or just somebody who wants the sharpest photos every time you hit the shutter button.
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