First thing’s first. Don’t go in the water with your phone. Even if it says it’s water-resistant, is it really worth it? I mean, there’s a lot of salt in seawater, and your phone won’t like that – just like it wouldn’t like any corrosive substance. Ditto the pool - lots of chemicals in there, which will help keep your pool clean, but not so good for phones.
But if you can’t go in the pool with a water-resistant phone, what’s the point – and what does water-resistant mean? Is your phone even water-resistant at all? Read on for the answers.
Is my phone water-resistant?
To find out how water-resistant your phone is, you’ll need to know its IP rating – a two-digit number, the first referring to its ability to withstand solid particles (dust etc), the second referring to moisture and water.
If yours is rated IP67 or IP68, that means it’s water and dust-resistant. IP68 is the best, having been tested in lab conditions and able to be submerged in up to 1.5m of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
Note ‘fresh water’. So rain, yes. A splash from your drink of water, yes. Even a quick drop in the bath (be sure to wipe it clean asap though).
But things like beer, wine coffee, and fizzy drinks – as well as the previously mentioned pool water and seawater… that’s a no-no. A quick spill on your IP68 device should be ok with a quick clean, but a lengthy soak could be a problem.
What are the best water-resistant smartphones?
These all have an IP68 rating, so should be able to withstand most minor holiday mishaps.
Samsung Galaxy S9
An iconic edge to edge 5.8-inch Infinity Display is a knockout, and your pics will look awesome in any light thanks to the main camera’s dual aperture. You can shoot stunning super slow-mo vids too.
LG V30
The full package. A sleek, slim body, 6-inch Quad HD+ OLED display, a dual lens camera and a clever video camera, which features Point Zoom. Pan into any point on the screen just by tapping it gently, and help your videos look super professional.
Samsung Galaxy A8
Not quite a flagship, but a winner with us. There are premium features galore, from a bezel-less 5.6-inch Infinity Display to a dual lens selfie camera. Release your creative side with selfies complete with blurred backgrounds. Here’s a thing: you can adjust the effect even after the shot’s been taken. Clever, eh?
Sony Xperia XZ2
What a great looking phone this is, and tough with it. You’ll love the seamless aluminium frame, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is super strong. Enjoy the world’s first 4K HDR movie recording in a smartphone, with super slo-mo in Full HD.
And for gamers, there’s an interesting Dynamic Vibration System which makes the phone vibrate in time with the action in the game. You’ll feel really part of it. The vibrations also come through – if you want them to – on music, movies and even videos you record yourself.
Those are our suggestions. Got any of your own, or any thoughts on water resistance in phones? Talk to us below!