The days of worrying about simple splashes and spills are over. But is the Samsung Galaxy S23 waterproof? The recently released device features upgraded IP68 water resistance to keep out dust and moisture. While not completely waterproof, Samsung’s latest device offers the best water resistance rating to date to protect against water damage, even when fully submerged. In this article, we explain what water resistance ratings mean and the new Galaxy S23’s level of protection.
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Guide to Smartphone Water Resistance Ratings
When you’re planning on buying a new smartphone, there’s a good chance that water resistance is a key feature you’re considering. But with so many companies claiming water resistance at different levels, it can be confusing trying to figure out exactly what level of protection you’ll really have.
You may have seen phone companies market their products with certain water resistance standards, such as IP68 or IP67 ratings. While the objectivity of these standards is helpful for informing consumers that a product meets a certain level of performance, the level of protection is not immediately intuitive. The guide below helps you understand how water-resistant ratings are measured, giving you the peace of mind regarding which conditions your specific smartphone can handle.
What’s the Difference Between Water-resistant and Waterproof?
First, let’s break down the difference between the terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof.” Waterproof means a device is fully protected from water damage and can withstand water exposure at virtually any depth. There aren’t any smartphones currently on the market that are truly water-proof. Full waterproofness would provide protection against things like jets of high-velocity water, but the IP68 standard does not offer that level of protection.
Water-resistant, on the other hand, means a device can be exposed or gently submerged in a still body of water up to a certain depth. The water-resistant ratings on smartphones currently max out at around 30 minutes of submersion in water up to 6 feet deep. Water-resistant devices can’t be exposed to high-pressure water such as direct sprays or drops into the water from significant heights.
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Is My Phone Water-repellant or Water-resistant?
One confusing term marketing teams sometimes use is “water-repellant.” Water-repellant is a low level of protection and only really protects the phone’s surfaces from very light spills. This typically refers to the phone’s screen which, since it’s always some type of glass, is hydrophobic anyways. The most important area to keep water out of, however, is the phone’s internal parts rather than the outside surfaces. Remember that if your phone is only water-repellent, you can never let it be submerged in water and should do your best to never allow it to get wet.
What is the water resistance rating of the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The latest Samsung Galaxy S model can’t be marketed as fully waterproof, but its upgraded design gets pretty close. The official water resistance IP rating is IP68 meaning it can withstand being submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of around 1.5 to 2 meters. The new Galaxy S offers the best waterproof protection yet so you can live your life without worrying about accidental splashes or getting caught in the rain. The tech-laden Android can even withstand much more demanding conditions like full submersion— that said, we don’t recommend testing it out.
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What Do IP68 and IP67 Ratings Actually Mean?
The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to water-resistant ratings like IP68 is that they are all temporary exposure ratings. For example, IP68 has a maximum time frame of 30 minutes of water submersion at a depth of 2 meters.
IP Rating Comparison Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| IP67 | IP68 | |
Complete particulate protection | Yes | Yes |
Drip & splash protection | Yes | Yes |
30-min submersion protection | Yes: 1m max depth | Yes: 1m max depth |
Models | iPhone 7,8, X | iPhone XS/11/12/13/14 Samsung S 21/22/23 |
IP-rated devices defend against the ingress of both dust particles and water. A “6” as the first number in the rating signifies full protection against any dust and the second number refers to water protection, the maximum being “9k”. A IP68 rating will keep out all non-corrosive liquids such as fresh water or salt water— so being on the beach is fine!
Also note, just because a smartphone clears the requirements for meeting IP68 standards, doesn’t mean it can’t exceed them. Sometimes phone models surpass the IP standards by a large amount; for example, the iPhone 14 models are water resistant for 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 19, or about 6 meters! To fully trick out and protect your iPhone no matter the model, browse ROKFORM’s extensive selection of Apple cases built with reinforced corners and integrated strong magnets.
When companies perform water-resistant rating tests, they’re done in a lab with a tightly controlled environment that doesn’t replicate the reality of daily use. The tests aren’t dropping phones into hot tubs or toilets, but rather phones being gently placed into precisely measured containers of water and left still for a specific amount of time.
After the water exposure portion of the tests, the devices are tested for general operations like powering on and screen response to give a pass/fail rating. In water-resistant testing, devices are first set to standby mode, and after the test, devices aren’t used to take pictures or playback music at full volume through the external speaker. These secondary operations, however, can often be affected by water damage and later noticed by users.
Who Tests Devices for Water-resistant Ratings?
One thing to note about water-resistant testing is that these tests are primarily performed by the manufacturers and not any governing entity that maintains complete objectivity. There’s no government department tasked with independently testing manufacturer claims for accuracy. Essentially, water-resistant claims are made on an honor system which often isn’t backed by a warranty.
Is water damage covered by the warranty?
The instances of phones being exposed to water are so personal and variable that it’s impossible to offer a warranty based on a specific water-resistance rating. Typically, manufacturers place a water exposure indicator like a sticker that turns pink somewhere within the phone to help technicians determine if the device has been exposed to water.
The exact tested depth can’t be known by these indicators, so Apple or Samsung can’t confirm at what depth your phone suffered damage and offer warranty coverage.
What should I do if the Samsung Galaxy S23 gets wet?
If the Samsung Galaxy S23 or any other smartphone gets wet, it's essential to take immediate action to minimize potential damage. Here are some general steps to follow:
- Remove the phone from water
- Power off the device
- Remove external accessories
- Remove the SIM card and tray (if applicable)
- Shake out excess water
- Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel
- Do not use compressed air
- Place the phone in a bowl of rice or silica gel packets for 24-48 hrs
- Avoid turning the phone on immediately
- Check for functionality after fully dry
If, after following these steps, the phone still does not work correctly, or if you have concerns about its condition, it's recommended to contact Samsung's customer support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. Keep in mind that water damage may not be covered under warranty, so check the warranty terms for your device.
How long can the Samsung Galaxy S23 stay underwater?
It's important to note that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra does support IP68 water resistance, which means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water forup to 30 minutes. It is important to note that water resistance is not a guarantee that the device will be safe from damage, and it is always recommended to avoid exposing electronic devices to water whenever possible.
The New Samsung Galaxy S23
The recently released Samsung Galaxy S23 is ready for trips to the beach, lake, or wherever else water might accidentally come into contact with your phone. Part of its performance bump comes from the upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen. The crystal clear, durable material offers great screen protection to help prevent dust or water damage. You can think of it as a kind of built-in screen protector, allowing the Samsung S to stay ultra-slim and safe from unexpected drops, spills, or splashes.
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Keep Your Samsung Safe in Every Environment
While IP68 water resistance may keep your phone safe from some long-lasting water submersions, the rating doesn’t mean your phone is protected from all shocks, drops, and abrasions that can happen throughout the day’s adventures.
When you want the best protection for your new phone, pair your IP68-rated Samsung with a ROKFORM Rugged Case! The Rugged Series exceeds the drop-test military standard MIL-STD 801G-516.6, making it our most protective case. In addition to high-grade protection from dust, dirt, and drops, the Rugged Case features the RokLock mounting system with powerful magnets.
The double retention system lets you securely attach your smartphone to a bike, car dashboard, windshield, motorcycle, golf cart, or just about any magnetic surface. For example, cyclists can secure their device with a Galaxy S23 bike mount and enjoy easy access to maps, calls, and their favorite ride apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are IP waterproof ratings?
Water resistance is measured via an Ingress Protection rating. You’ve probably seen terms like IP67 or IP68 describing a device’s level of protection against dust and water. The first number (ranging from 0 to 6) refers to dust resistance and the second number (0 to 9k) states the protection against water damage.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 waterproof?
No smartphone on the market is truly waterproof, but the new Samsung Galaxy S23 has an impressive IP68 water resistance rating. This means the phone can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 1.5 meters.
Is the When is the Samsung Galaxy S24 coming out?
When it comes to what the future holds for Samsung, the best in their series could be fast-approaching. There's definitely a lot of excitement around the S24 release date. On November 20, 2023, Samsung Electronics let the cat out of the bag. Find out what we know so far here.
What is the best case for the Samsung Galaxy S23?
ROKFORM cases offer the ultimate balance of protection and aesthetics for your Samsung Galaxy S23. The rugged construction and slim profile defend against drops up to 6 feet and the case works with ROKFORM’s large fleet of useful phone mounts and compatible accessories.
ROKFORM: Protective Cases for Your Samsung Galaxy S23
The latest Samsung Galaxy S23 device has finally dropped, so protect it with a ROKFORM case. ROKFORM defends your precious device with a wide range of durable cases and compatible mounts. Enjoy outdoor activities and your on-the-go lifestyle without worrying about scratches or drops!
Have questions about our products or which case is right for your smartphone? We are available for online chat or in-person at our Irvine, California showroom. Call us toll-free at 855-765-3676, or email us at [email protected], or visit us at www.rokform.com.
*Remember to check the official product documentation or contact Samsung directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Samsung Galaxy S23's waterproof features.
