Galaxy S26 Ultra
Pixel 10 Pro
17 Ultra
iPhone 17e
The best water-resistant phone
Just as there are wireless speakers and water-resistant eReaders, there are smartphones that incorporate this feature. Identifying them is simple: their technical specifications include the IP certification label followed by two numbers. The first, with values ranging from 0 to 6, indicates the level of protection against particles such as dust; the second, which can reach up to 9, informs about its water resistance; to obtain the corresponding certification, manufacturers subject their devices to various tests in laboratories following the criteria established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Read more The jobs of the future test the labor inclusion of people with disabilities
The high-end models I have selected have IP68 certification, one of the most advanced and common protections in premium phones. This means that dust cannot enter the phone and it can withstand immersion in water within the limits set by the manufacturer (usually up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes).
But beware! Just because your phone has obtained this certification does not mean you can use it freely and without precautions in any situation. The tests they pass are conducted in controlled environments and usually with fresh water; both sea salt and pool chlorine can be aggressive to some components of the device. Therefore, this certification is more intended to protect the phone against accidents or occasional carelessness, not to turn it into a device for regular submersion.
How I chose and tested the products
As I do every time I have to prepare a mobile phone comparison, each of the analyzed devices replaced (at least) my personal phone for a week. During that period, I tested them in everyday situations: browsing the Internet, managing email, using social networks, consuming multimedia content, editing some images, and occasionally playing games to check their performance and smoothness. I also analyzed their photographic section in different scenarios — indoors, outdoors, low light conditions, and portraits — to assess the quality of their cameras. Since this is a comparison of water-resistant phones, I performed an additional test by submerging the devices in fresh water for a few minutes to check if this exposure affected their operation. After immersion, none showed usage problems.
These have been the aspects I evaluated in their analyses:
- Design: quality of finishes, hand feel, ergonomics…
- Screen: how each panel is, paying attention to brightness, sharpness, color reproduction, or smoothness when scrolling.
- Performance: focused on system responsiveness, multitasking management, and running different processes simultaneously.
- Cameras: mainly tested the front camera and the main sensor in various situations.
- Others: sound quality, battery life, charging speed, as well as the experience offered by their different customization layers, among other aspects.
Why can you trust me?
I have been in tech journalism for two decades. During this time, I have had the privilege of witnessing how technology advances to make everyday life easier and have been able to report it in various media. Although I have lost count of how many products have passed through my hands, I confess that the enthusiasm and feelings remain the same. Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, fitness bands, smartwatches… I set no limits when choosing a device and make the most of its possibilities as a good technology consumer.
Maximum privacy: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Who is it for: users who want a complete and reliable phone for everyday use, and appreciate additional features that enhance their privacy.
Why we recommend it: it demonstrates outstanding performance. Even when working with multiple apps at once or switching between tasks, the response remains fast and stable, with no signs of slowdown: when scrolling through menus, opening apps, using it to review work topics, and, for example, correcting texts or adding suggestions to a document… This power is complemented by an increasingly complete user experience thanks to the combination of the One UI layer and Galaxy AI functions: this includes more advanced photo editing through voice commands, instant translations, or Now Nudge, a contextual assistant that analyzes what appears on the screen and proposes useful actions according to the situation. For example, it can suggest creating calendar events from detected information, helping you complete routine tasks faster.
In terms of design and durability, it maintains a premium build typical of high-end models, although with a lighter body compared to previous generations. Its IP68 certification is complemented by a reinforced structure with an Armor Aluminum frame, along with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection on the front and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. All this provides extra peace of mind, especially if you use the phone intensively.
Among all its features, there is one that truly makes a difference: Privacy Display. The screen incorporates a system that limits viewing from certain angles, so the content is protected from prying eyes. In shared or crowded spaces, knowing that the information on the screen is reserved only for me is a key added value.
Its weaknesses: it maintains a good camera, but in difficult situations it is not always the most reliable. When using medium zoom, I missed a bit more sharpness at certain moments.
Passion for mobile photography: Google Pixel 10 Pro
Who is it for: if you are looking for a phone that stands out for the quality of its screen and a camera capable of achieving great results without complications.
Why we chose it: as they say, it ‘catches the eye’ from the first moment. Its careful design, with an aluminum build and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, conveys quality and resistance consistent with its range. Also, its compact format (the screen is 6.3 inches) makes it very comfortable to handle and, like its competitors, it has received IP68 certification.
With Android 16 as the operating system, the user experience is great: everything moves with absolute smoothness and I found no performance issues. And although the camera configuration is the same as the previous generation, Google again shows that software makes the difference. This is precisely where it surprises: during the day you get high-quality photos, but it is when light is scarce that the results do not disappoint. In night scenes (and portraits) I achieved outstanding results, with natural colors, a lot of detail, and processing that brings out the best in each image. Also, the camera app offers numerous options and smart tools easily accessible. Among them stands out the integration of AI functions that help improve composition, choose the best framing, or get more out of each shot.
AI also plays a leading role in the 100x zoom. It is used to reconstruct details and improve sharpness when the sensor can no longer capture all the information by itself. It is true that sometimes there may be a small error in interpreting certain elements, but the overall result is striking. I tested it at the zoo photographing animals from a considerable distance and in more everyday scenes, such as buildings located far away or details of objects I barely distinguished with the naked eye.
Its weaknesses: despite offering good performance in everyday use, its processor does not reach the power of its rivals.
Night photos: Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Who is it for: users who frequently take photos in different environments.
Why we recommend it: the version I tested has a green tone that gives it a different personality. In hand, it feels solid because the chassis is coated in an aluminum alloy for greater resistance; added to this is that the back is made of composite glass fiber, a material that improves its response to shocks and falls; in the tests I conducted to check this resistance, including contact with water, it showed no signs of deterioration and continued to function normally.
Read more Man arrested after fleeing following the murder of his ex-partner in a shopping center in Murcia
This durability also extends to the screen, another of its most notable points, as it has an additional Corning Gorilla Glass 7i layer. I have watched videos, series, and read some texts on Drive, and the experience has been very positive. It offers vivid and balanced colors, without excessive saturation, while its brightness level allows use even outdoors without problems.
Its rear camera module is large and lives up to what it promises on paper. I tested it, for example, in situations where cameras usually have more difficulties, such as night scenes in the city and long-distance zoom shots. The result was especially good: not only because of the amount of light it manages to capture, but also for its ability to preserve detail without applying overly artificial processing. It is not a perfect system, but it is one of the best I have tested.
Its weaknesses: the portrait mode has room for improvement. The battery, although adequate, is not outstanding, and its size and weight can be uncomfortable at times in daily use.
Small but powerful: Apple iPhone 17e
Who is it for: if you want to enter the Apple universe with a compact, lightweight, and powerful model, and are willing to give up an advanced photographic experience or the features of the Pro models.
Why we recommend it: the little brother of the iPhone 17 family maintains that premium and resistant design so characteristic of Apple. It has convinced me not only for having an IP68 certification against dust and water, or for combining aluminum, glass, and Ceramic Shield 2 in its construction — a material that integrates nanoceramic crystals in the glass to improve resistance to shocks and scratches —.
Its compact format (6.1 inches) and light weight (170 gr) have delighted me, and the only detail that left a bittersweet taste is on the front. The manufacturer has chosen to keep the classic notch (something already outdated, introduced with the iPhone 10) instead of the Dynamic Island. The notch is the black notch at the top of the screen that integrates the front camera and Face ID system. The Dynamic Island keeps that same space but adds an interaction layer by showing notifications, calls, music, or the timer without interrupting phone use; an absence I have missed.
You won’t lack power in daily use because it moves with absolute smoothness and opens and moves apps instantly. As for the battery, although its capacity is lower than other models, with moderate use you reach the end of the day without worrying about the charger.
Its weaknesses: it has a good panel in terms of quality, color, and sharpness, but lacks ProMotion and maintains a 60 Hz refresh rate. Having only a main camera (which is adequate under normal conditions) and removing the telephoto or ultra-wide reduces its versatility.
Other interesting water-resistant phones
If you are looking for an all-terrain device with a professional focus
Frequently asked questions about water-resistant phones
Does a phone’s water resistance last forever?
Although a new smartphone offers water protection, this can be affected over time. Bumps, drops, material wear, or repairs can deteriorate the device’s sealing elements and reduce its protection capacity.
Does the phone warranty cover water damage?
Generally, no. Having IP certification does not mean that liquid damage is always covered by the warranty. Conditions may vary by manufacturer, but problems caused by exposure to water beyond established limits are usually excluded.
What should I do if my phone gets wet?
The first thing is to dry it carefully using a cloth and remove any water residue from the outside. It is important not to connect it to the charger until you are sure the port is completely dry. Direct heat, such as from a hairdryer, is also not recommended as it could damage some components.
Does a water-resistant phone also protect against other liquids?
Not always. IP certification is obtained through tests conducted with water in controlled conditions, so it does not guarantee the same protection against other liquids. Substances like saltwater, pool chlorine, sugary drinks, or chemicals can affect the device and damage its protection systems.
Why can you trust me?
I have been in tech journalism for two decades. During this time, I have had the privilege of witnessing how technology advances to make everyday life easier and have been able to report it in various media. Although I have lost count of how many products have passed through my hands, I confess that the enthusiasm and feelings remain the same. Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, fitness bands, smartwatches… I set no limits when choosing a device and make the most of its possibilities as a good technology consumer.
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of August 6, 2026.
You can follow EL PAÍS ESCAPARATE onInstagram, or subscribe here to our Newsletter.
