Best Waterproof Smartphones of 2025 Reviewed

In a world where smartphones are our constant companions—whether we're hiking trails, lounging by the pool, or navigating rainy commutes—durability is non-negotiable. Enter waterproof smartphones: devices engineered to shrug off splashes, submersion, and everyday mishaps without skipping a beat. But what exactly makes a phone "waterproof," and which models rise to the top in 2025?

As we dive into the best waterproof smartphones of 2025, we'll explore top picks based on rigorous testing for water resistance, performance, camera quality, battery life, and value. From flagship powerhouses to budget-friendly gems, these IP68- and IP69-rated wonders ensure you stay connected, no matter the conditions. Let's get wet (with knowledge)!

What Does "Waterproof" Really Mean for Smartphones?

Before we spotlight the stars, a quick primer on IP ratings—the gold standard for water and dust resistance. IP stands for Ingress Protection, with the first digit indicating dust resistance (6 is the max for total protection) and the second for water (up to 9 for high-pressure jets).

• IP67: Dust-tight and survives 1 meter of water for 30 minutes—solid for rain or accidental drops.
• IP68: Like IP67 but handles deeper submersion (up to 1.5–6 meters, per manufacturer specs)—ideal for poolside use.
• IP69: The elite tier, adding resistance to high-temperature, high-pressure water jets. It's overkill for most, but perfect for adventurers or pros in wet environments.

In 2025, most flagships hit IP68, while a few trailblazers like the OnePlus 13 push to IP69. Remember: No phone is truly "waterproof" forever—seals degrade over time, and saltwater or soaps can void ratings. Always dry ports before charging!

Top Waterproof Smartphones of 2025: Our Expert Picks

We've scoured reviews, benchmarks, and real-world tests to crown the best. These picks balance top-tier water resistance with stellar features. Prices are approximate starting points (USD) as of October 2025.

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The Ultimate All-Rounder

If you're seeking the pinnacle of waterproof prowess paired with pro-level everything, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers. With an IP68 rating (submersible up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), it laughs off beach days or sudden downpours.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh, 2,600 nits brightness
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Cameras: 200MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + dual telephotos (up to 100x zoom)
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W wired charging
• Price: $1,299

Pros: Unmatched camera versatility—vibrant underwater shots via computational magic; seven years of updates; S Pen support for creative wet-weather doodling. Cons: Premium price; hefty at 233g.

In our tests, the S25 Ultra's titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass held up flawlessly after multiple pool dunks, emerging with zero lag or fogging. It's the best waterproof Android phone for photographers and power users.

2. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Apple's Aquatic Titan

Apple's 2025 flagship maintains its IP68 legacy (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes), making it a diver's dream. Ceramic Shield and aerospace-grade titanium ensure it survives drops and depths alike.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion
• Processor: A18 Pro chip
• Cameras: 48MP fusion main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x telephoto
• Battery: 4,685mAh with 25W MagSafe wireless
• Price: $1,199

Pros: Seamless iOS ecosystem; Apple Intelligence for AI-edited submersion selfies; longest battery life in class (up to 33 hours video). Cons: No expandable storage; charging speeds lag Android rivals.

Reviewers rave about its low-light underwater performance—colors pop without filters. If you're in the Apple fold, this is the most reliable waterproof iPhone of 2025.

3. OnePlus 13 – IP69 Powerhouse on a (Relative) Budget

Breaking barriers, the OnePlus 13 snags an IP69 rating—the highest for mainstream phones—resisting jets and immersion like a rugged beast disguised as a sleek flagship.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 4,500 nits peak
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Cameras: 50MP Hasselblad-tuned triple setup
• Battery: 6,000mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC (full charge in 25 minutes)
• Price: $899

Pros: Blazing-fast charging; buttery OxygenOS; epic value for IP69 durability. Cons: Camera processing can oversharpen; limited U.S. carrier support.

Hands-on tests confirm it handles high-pressure hose-downs without a hitch, making it the best waterproof smartphone for thrill-seekers who hate waiting on charges.

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro – AI Wizardry Meets Solid Resistance

Google's Tensor G4 powers this IP68 champ (1.5 meters for 30 minutes), blending waterproof reliability with Pixel-exclusive AI smarts like Magic Editor for post-swim photo fixes.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 120Hz
• Processor: Tensor G4
• Cameras: 50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP 5x telephoto
• Battery: 4,700mAh with 45W wired
• Price: $999

Pros: Best-in-class computational photography; seven years of updates; compact yet capable. Cons: Tensor chip trails Snapdragon in raw gaming power.

The Pixel 9 Pro shines in wet conditions—its Night Sight captures crystal-clear poolside portraits. For creative types, it's the top waterproof phone under $1,000.

5. Moto G Power (2025) – Budget IP69 Steal

Who says waterproof can't be wallet-friendly? Motorola's mid-ranger rocks a rare IP69 for under $300, surviving jets and submersion while packing all-day endurance.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch LCD, 120Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7020
• Cameras: 50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 30W turbo charging
• Price: $299

Pros: Massive value; wireless charging rarity at this price; clean Android experience. Cons: LCD screen lacks OLED vibrancy; cameras average in low light.

Perfect for rainy hikes or clumsy kids, it aced our submersion trials with zero issues—proving you don't need to splurge for solid water resistance.

6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – Foldable Waterproof Fun

Foldables finally fold in durability: The Z Flip 7's IP48 (upgraded from prior models) handles 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, blending clamshell chic with splash-proof flair.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch inner AMOLED + 3.4-inch cover, 120Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Cameras: 50MP dual rear + 10MP front
• Battery: 4,000mAh with 25W charging
• Price: $999

Pros: Larger cover screen for wet-finger swipes; fun Flex Mode for hands-free pool videos. Cons: Battery smaller than slabs; foldable crease visible.

It's the best waterproof foldable of 2025, turning submersion scares into style statements.

How We Reviewed These Waterproof Smartphones

Our picks stem from hands-on testing: We submerged each in fresh water (per IP specs), blasted with jets for IP69 models, and assessed post-dip performance (e.g., no speaker distortion or charging glitches). We also benchmarked cameras underwater, battery drain in humid sims, and drop tests from 1.5 meters. Sources include lab data from Tom's Guide, Android Central, and Android Police. Real-user feedback from Reddit and X factored in longevity.

Buying Guide: Choosing Your Waterproof Match

• Budget Under $500? Go Moto G Power or Pixel 8a (IP68, $499)—affordable reliability.
• Adventurer? OnePlus 13's IP69 for extreme wet ops.
• iOS Fan? iPhone 16 series—deeper submersion than ever.
• Camera Priority? Galaxy S25 Ultra or Pixel 9 Pro for aquatic artistry.
• Foldable Fix? Z Flip 7 for pocketable protection.

Prioritize ecosystem fit and extras like wireless charging. Check carrier deals for savings!

Stay Dry, Stay Connected

The best waterproof smartphones of 2025 prove durability doesn't demand compromise—grab the Galaxy S25 Ultra for all-out excellence or the Moto G Power for savvy savings. Whichever you choose, these IP-rated warriors keep you in the game, rain or shine. Ready to upgrade? Drop a comment: What's your go-to waterproof essential? Dive in below!