Best Waterproof Phones in 2026: Tough & Reliable Options

Waterproof phones are the modern answer to life’s greatest villains: sink splashes, surprise rain, slippery pool decks, and that moment your hand randomly forgets how to grip things. In 2026, water resistance matters more than ever because we do everything on our phones from navigation to panic-texting. One accidental dunk shouldn’t turn into a full-on tragedy.

We’ll break down IP ratings, explain what water resistance does and does not cover, then share the best waterproof phones you can buy in 2026.

Waterproof Phones In 2026: Quick Picks And Who They’re For

Here’s the waterproof phone cheat sheet Barry would hand you right before you do something reckless near water. You can skim while waiting for your coffee or your friend who is definitely two minutes away and seem like you know what you’re talking about.

• iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: best premium iPhone pick for durability, performance, and video
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: best overall Android pick for power, outdoor display, and zoom
• Google Pixel 10 Pro: best pick for photography, smart camera tools, and long updates
• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: best value pick for IP68 protection without Ultra pricing
• OnePlus 13: best pick for big battery life and fast charging energy

One more thing. IP68 is the baseline rating to aim for on any mainstream waterproof phones in 2026.

What Does “Waterproof Phone” Really Mean?

Most phones sold as waterproof are actually water-resistant under lab testing, which means they survived controlled exposure testing, not a full season of pool chaos.

That’s still great news for everyday accidents, (one minute you’re sending a text, the next minute your phone is auditioning for a role in Finding Nemo). Modern phones can usually handle rain, spills, and brief dunks better than older phones.

Treat water resistance like a safety net. It’s there when you slip, not as an invitation to juggle your phone over a pool.

Understanding IP Ratings (IP67 vs IP68 vs IP69)

An IP rating is a standardized way to describe how well a device resists dust and water intrusion. It's basically your phone’s official score on how well it keeps junk and liquids out.

Here’s how it works:

IP stands for Ingress Protection (protection from stuff getting in your phone).

It’s followed by two digits

• Digit #1 (0-6): protection from solids like dust, dirt, and cheeto dust.
• Digit #2 (0-9): protection from liquids like splashes, spray, and a quick dunk in water.

IP67 Vs IP68 Vs IP69

IP67 means dust-tight and rated for a temporary swim in freshwater up to 1 meter (that’s about 3 footlong sub sandwiches) for up to 30 minutes in test conditions.

IP68 means dust-tight and rated for immersion beyond 1 meter (remember, that’s about 3 feet), but the exact depth and time it can handle depend on the manufacturer’s stated spec for that phone.

IP69 adds protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, which is more industrial spray setting than bathtub dunking.

Always check the manufacturer specs for the model you’re buying, because two phones can share the same IP rating while having different depth and time limits.

What Water Resistance Doesn’t Cover

Water resistance has boundaries, and they show up right when you’re feeling most confident:

• Salt water is rough on seals and speaker meshes.
• Chlorinated pools can be harsh on materials (and your skin) over time.
• Hot tubs and steam add heat stress that lab tests can’t always reflect.
• Soapy water can sneak past barriers more easily than plain water – there’s science involved there, but just trust us.
• Water resistance can weaken with wear, drops, and repairs because seals and adhesives can degrade.

Many warranties also treat liquid damage as a special kind of good luck with that vibe, so this is the time to actually read the fine print and don’t assume you are covered.

What to Look for in a Waterproof Phone (2026 Buying Guide)

Durability is bigger than one rating. A great waterproof phone also has strong materials, a usable outdoor screen, solid battery life, and the kind of performance that doesn’t make you miss your old phone after two months.

Water resistance helps, but comfort and durability decide whether you actually enjoy the trip.

IP rating and build materials

In 2026, aim for IP68 on mainstream phones. Look for sturdy frame materials like aluminum or titanium, depending on the model and price tier. Stronger materials help your phone survive real life, including pockets full of keys and moments of clumsiness you will deny forever.

Durable display glass like Gorilla Glass Victus or newer equivalents on Android phones are also a priority if you’re living la vida rugged.

Pay attention to physical build details like sealed ports and protected speaker openings, because those are often the unsung heroes in real-world survival stories.

Battery life and outdoor visibility

Fast charging is a practical perk when your day is built around living your life rather than hunting for outlets.

Big battery life is a gift when you’re traveling, hiking, at a theme park, or stuck in an airport with one outlet and 16 other people who also just need a quick charge.

Also, a bright display matters more than people admit, because outdoor glare turns a quick map check into wow, these squinting wrinkles are becoming permanent – and you need battery power to, well, power it.

Performance and camera quality

Water resistance doesn’t have to come with sluggish performance. Everyone wants a phone that stays fast for navigation or impromptu photo shoots.

A strong camera is especially helpful around water because lighting can be tricky and subjects usually don’t hold still.

AI-powered photo features can also help rescue shots that would otherwise look like you took them through a window you sneezed on.

Unlocked and carrier compatibility

A tough phone is only half the equation if you can’t get signal where you use it, especially in rural areas, on trails, or during travel.

Unlocked phones give you more freedom to switch carriers and compare plans. That’s where Goji fits in, because it’s built to help you compare plans by what actually matters, like coverage and price, not marketing confetti.

Top Waterproof Phones You Can Buy in 2026

These phones bring the holy trifecta: strong IP ratings, main character level performance, and batteries that won’t tap out halfway through your day. They also come with long-term software support, so you’re not stuck in year two with a phone that already feels like a throwback brick – a throwbrick, if you will.

Specs can vary by region and carrier, because manufacturers love a plot twist, so check the exact model before you add to cart and start emotionally bonding.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max – Best Premium Waterproof iPhone

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are for people who want their phone to feel like a luxury car. Smooth, fast, and somehow better at video than half the cameras at your friend’s wedding.

Apple rates iPhone 17 Pro models at IP68 up to 6 meters (about 18 feet) for 30 minutes under lab testing, which is near the top of mainstream phones.

Why it’s a standout:

• Excellent video quality for content creators, parents, travelers, and the “I filmed the whole concert” crowd
• Premium materials that hold up over time, so it still feels solid long after the unboxing hype wears off
• Apple’s strong update track record, which means your phone stays supported for the long haul instead of getting left on read

Potential drawbacks:

• The price will make your budgeting app send a push notification like, hey bestie, are you sure?
• No expandable storage, so pick your storage tier like you mean it.
• Water resistance is great for accidents, not extended underwater filming. Pool content is still a risk.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Overall Waterproof Android

Samsung highlights a titanium frame, Gorilla Glass protection, and an IP68 rating on the S25 Ultra. It’s an awesome outdoor phone thanks to brightness and endurance, and it’s built to handle real life better than most premium phones.

Why it’s a Standout:

• A battery that can handle a full day of chaos, even when you’re streaming, navigating, and doomscrolling like it’s your job
• A bright, huge screen that’s actually usable outside
• A versatile camera system with serious zoom, so it can spot details you didn’t ask for, didn’t need, and will definitely show your friends anyway

Potential drawbacks:

• It’s a lot of phone, and it’s not trying to be subtle.
• Premium pricing, so your wallet may need a little pep talk. 

Google Pixel 10 Pro – Best Waterproof Phone for Photography

The Pixel 10 Pro is for people who want their photos to look like they have a personal editor, a lighting crew, and a tiny angel whispering, “yes, that’s the shot,” even when you took it while walking, talking, and dodging a rogue seagull.

Google’s camera processing is the real flex here. It’s great in tricky outdoor lighting, which shows up constantly near water, at sunset, and during travel. It’s also a strong long-haul pick thanks to long software support, so your phone won’t start acting ancient the second the next model drops.

Why it’s a Standout:

• Photo processing that saves the shot, especially in “this lighting should be illegal” situations
• Long update support, so it stays current for years instead of aging overnight
• Smart AI camera tools that make outdoor photos look polished even when you took them mid-walk, mid-laugh, and mid-chaos

Potential drawbacks:

• Battery size is smaller than the Ultra-sized tanks, so it’s more “sleek athlete” than “endurance camel.”
• Charging speed is not the fastest, so top-ups can feel like watching paint dry, but with more notifications.
• You’re still buying it for the camera, and that part absolutely delivers.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE – Best Value Waterproof Flagship

The Galaxy S25 FE is for practical people who still want a phone that feels premium, just not “I paid Ultra money, and now I’m emotionally and financially traumatized” premium.

You get IP68 water resistance, strong day-to-day performance, and a durable build that can handle real life, including pockets full of keys and those sudden “why is it raining right now” moments. 

It’s the sweet spot phone for anyone who wants reliability, but also enjoys keeping their bank account on speaking terms.

Why it’s a Standout:

• IP68 toughness without Ultra pricing, so you get the splash protection without the wallet meltdown
• Big battery and smooth everyday performance, because your phone shouldn't be begging for a charger by lunch
• Long software support, so you can buy it, set it up, and keep living your life instead of upgrade-watching every year

Trade-offs:

• Camera perks are trimmed compared to the S25 Ultra, so you won’t have every zoom trick in the book.
• Performance is usually a notch below the Ultra, but still plenty fast for normal humans.
• It’s value, not bargain-bin, so expect a fair price, not a money miracle.

OnePlus 13 – Best Battery + Rugged Value Option

The OnePlus 13 is for people who take battery anxiety personally. It’s the phone equivalent of showing up with snacks, a charger, and a plan for what happens if the group chat changes locations three times.

If your model includes IP69 alongside IP68, that adds extra protection against high-pressure water spray, which is reassuring if your life includes more outdoors and hiking boots and less desk and lattes.

Why it’s a Standout:

• Big battery energy for travel and heavy use, so you’re not hunting for outlets like it’ sa side hustle
• IP69 protection on top of IP68, which helps when your phone gets hit with high-pressure, high-temperature water spray
• Strong performance for the price, so it feels fast and capable without demanding top-level money

Trade-offs:

• Software update support is typically shorter than Google and Samsung, so factor that into your keep-it-forever plan.
• Carrier compatibility can vary in the U.S., so confirm it plays nice with your network before you commit.

Waterproof vs Rugged Phones – Do You Need a Heavy-Duty Device?

Most IP68 phones are built for real life, meaning rain, spills, sink mishaps, and the occasional how did that even happen moments. They’re great for everyday accidents and outdoor fun, and they do it without turning your pocket into a cargo hold.

Rugged phones are a different species. They’re made for job sites, hiking trails, construction dust, and environments that treat phones like chew toys. These models often come with extra durability certifications, thicker frames, reinforced corners, and design choices that say drop me again, I’m good.

The trade-off is that rugged phones tend to be bulkier, less sleek, and sometimes behind on camera and display polish. You’re getting a work boot, not a dress shoe.

For most people, the sweet spot is simple: an IP68 mainstream phone plus a solid case. You get strong water resistance, better cameras, nicer screens, and a phone that still fits in your pocket – unless you're hiking in your ultra-skinny jeans.

How To Choose The Right Waterproof Phone In 2026

The best waterproof phone depends on your lifestyle and budget. IP ratings matter, but the stuff that decides whether you still love your phone six months later is battery life, durability, performance, update support, and carrier coverage.

Because a phone can survive a dunk and still ruin your day with a dim screen, a dead battery, or the hint of a single bar of signal.

For everyday protection

IP68 is plenty for rain, spills, and accidental dunks. Now pick based on the things you actually feel every day:

• Camera quality for daily photos that don’t look like they were shot on a kids camera toy
• Update support so your phone doesn’t age like it’s never heard of moisturizer
• Ecosystem preference, because iPhone and Android people are not switching sides without a whole emotional journey

Most modern flagships and upper mid-range phones fit this category, so you’ve got options.

For beach days, pool use, and travel

Beach and pool days are where phones go to test your patience. Saltwater gets everywhere, sunscreen gets on everything, and sand shows up in places you didn’t know it could go.

Prioritize:

• IP68 plus strong battery life, because travel days are long and outlets are rare
• A bright screen, so you can actually see your phone outdoors instead of squinting like a suspicious raccoon
• Fast charging, because sometimes you only have five minutes and one wall plug

Unlocked phones make travel easier too, since you can switch carriers or add a second line when you need it.

For outdoor work, hiking, and harsh conditions

If your phone is coming with you into dust, drops, and the great outdoors, durability becomes the main character.

Look for:

• Strong frames and tough screen protection
• Big batteries, because you know you won’t always have a charger nearby
• Solid signal performance, because maps and emergencies do not care at all that you’re in a scenic dead zone

For extreme use, compare rugged-certified phones against mainstream IP68 phones, especially if drops are frequent and your environment is unforgiving.

Also, check your coverage before you trust your phone in the middle of nowhere. A tough phone in a dead zone is just an expensive camera you can’t upload from.

Best Waterproof Phones: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most waterproof phone in 2026?

Top mainstream phones with IP68 are the strongest everyday picks, and some models add IP69 for extra spray protection. Real-world results depend on wear, drops, repairs, and the type of water involved.

Can I take my phone swimming?

You can, but it’s still a risk because lab tests do not match real swimming conditions. Pools add chemicals, oceans add salt, and movement adds pressure, so a waterproof pouch is the safer play for underwater photos.

Is IP68 enough for rain and accidental drops?

Yes, IP68 is enough for rain, splashes, and quick accidental dunks. Let the phone dry before charging after any water incident.

Does water resistance wear out over time?

Yes, it can weaken over time due to wear, drops, repairs, and seal degradation. A phone that survived last summer might not be as confident after a couple years of life happening.

Are waterproof phones more expensive?

Not always, because water resistance is common in many midrange and premium phones now. Price jumps usually come from cameras, displays, performance, and update support.

Should I buy a waterproof phone unlocked?

Yes, unlocked is usually the best move for flexibility and easier plan shopping. Unlocked phones pair well with Goji because you can compare plans, switch carriers, and find coverage that fits your life.