You know what’s truly awesome in the world of smartphones for 2024? It’s the rise of waterproof phones! Imagine you’re out and about, caught in a sudden downpour or accidentally drop your phone in a puddle. No need to panic anymore! These waterproof wonders have got your back, keeping your device safe and sound, come rain or shine.
Now, let’s talk about convenience. With a waterproof phone in hand, you can kiss goodbye to those anxiety-inducing moments near water sources. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hitting the beach for some sun and surf, or just chilling in the bathtub catching up on your favorite series, there’s no need to worry about water damage anymore. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that’s always ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
But wait, there’s more! These waterproof marvels aren’t just about protection; they’re also packed with all the latest features and specs you’d expect from top-tier smartphones. From stunning displays to lightning-fast processors, and innovative camera systems, these devices are the whole package. So, not only are they tough enough to withstand the elements, but they also deliver an exceptional user experience that’ll leave you impressed every single day. With their combination of durability, functionality, and style, these smartphones are truly a game-changer in the tech world.
Ready to take your smartphone game to the next level? Dive into experts’ top picks for the best waterproof phones of 2024! Got a favorite waterproof phone? Share it with us in the comments below. So, why wait? Dive into the future today with one of these incredible devices!
iPhone 15
The number one on the list of best waterproof smartphones is iPhone 15. “The latest iPhone 15 Pro Max offers everything a premium flagship smartphone should, including a brilliant 6.7-inch AMOLED display for all the media consumption — and mobile productivity, of course. This year’s model also looks and feels different than any prior Pro Max devices, as it’s made of titanium instead of stainless steel and, therefore, significantly lighter in the hand. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max noticeably more comfortable to use, as ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner noted in his review. Another major feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the USB-C connector; particularly, one that supports faster charging and data transfers and can charge other devices including the Apple Watch from your iPhone, directly transfer photos and videos into a portable SSD, and connect to an external 4K monitor. These benefits are game-changing for professional content creators,” says ZDNet.
Say goodbye to the fear of water damage and hello to peace of mind with these rugged devices.“While Apple’s iPhone ecosystem isn’t for everyone, if you want the best protection against the elements without sacrificing performance, it’s hard to argue with a device that delivers four times the water resistance of the best Android flagships. Thanks to Apple’s new A17 Pro chip, this is the first smartphone that’s designed to handle console-quality games like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and the new titanium design makes it lighter than ever. You also get the great iPhone Pro camera system, which has been improved this year with a 5X optical zoom. Lastly, Apple has finally abandoned its proprietary Lightning port and embraced the welcoming arms of USB-C,” writes Android Police.
Stay connected in any environment, whether you’re hiking in the rain or lounging by the pool. “Last year, we recommended buying a new iPhone 13 rather than the 14 — the minor updates on the standard 14 just weren’t worth it with the 13 available for $100 less. This year is a different story. The iPhone 15 levels up in several important ways, starting with the adoption of the new Dynamic Island. That’s the free-floating, pill-shaped notch at the top of the screen that expands to show important status and time-sensitive information. There’s still much more it could do, but it’s a useful addition and one that app developers will consider as they design future updates. There’s also that new port: Lightning is out, and USB-C is in. That might be a bit of a pain at first since you’ll need to swap out old Lightning cables and accessories you were using with your last iPhone, but in the long run, it’s going to be a positive change. You’ll be able to use the same cable that you use to charge your laptop, iPad, and many of your other gadgets, which is awfully handy when you’re packing for a trip. Plus, you can finally share charging cables with the Android phone owners in your life — and that’s sweet, sweet charging harmony. There are some useful camera upgrades, too, starting with a new high-resolution 48-megapixel main camera sensor. With more pixels available than the previous 12-megapixel chip, it can use the middle of the sensor to offer a lossless 2x crop. That’s especially handy on the standard iPhone 15, which lacks a dedicated telephoto lens,” shares The Verge.
Samsung S24 Ultra
Number two on the list of best waterproof smartphones is Samsung S24 Ultra.“Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 line is the first to go all-in on AI, and the S24 Ultra, the most premium of the three, is the best Android phone today. The new Galaxy AI model embedded in the device brings a host of generative capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions, and even a Chat Assist feature for figuring out how to phrase a message in different tones. Like its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra is built with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Though the price has gone up to $1,299 ($100 more than the S23 Ultra), the phone’s upgrades make it well worth it: The S24 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame, compared to last year’s aluminum, and features Corning’s new Gorilla Armor,” says ZDNet.
Capture every underwater adventure in stunning detail with their advanced camera systems. “Samsung’s maximalist S-series Ultra phone sort of exists in its own stratosphere. Where else are you going to find a phone with four rear cameras and a built-in stylus? The S24 Ultra remains an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink phone, and even though it’s every bit as feature-packed as last year’s model, it feels just a little less special than the S23 Ultra did. The aforementioned Galaxy AI features are here, of course, but they’re nothing to write home about just yet, and they’ll be coming to the S23 series, too. The S24 Ultra’s starting price went up, too — now $1,299 rather than $1,199. And the optical 10x zoom lens is gone, replaced by a 5x zoom with more megapixels and in-sensor cropping to get to 10x. It’s mostly fine, but man, there was something cool about a true 10x zoom on a phone,” shares The Verge.
Imagine your phone as your virtual assistant, predicting your needs before you do. “Samsung’s smartphones are the crème de la crème of the Android world, with top specs, refined hardware, and excellent software support. Seriously, the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will all receive seven years of software updates—you can hold on to your phone for longer. They’re powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for smooth and powerful performance, the AMOLED screens are sharp and extremely bright (with 120-Hz screen refresh rates), and the batteries in all three should last you more than a day with average use. I break down the differences between all three models in this story, but suffice it to say that if you prioritize battery life, you should stick with the S24+ or S24 Ultra; the S24 is the smallest and best for anyone who prefers a tiny phone. The Ultra has the S Pen embedded inside, so it’s a must-have for stylus stans. The triple-camera systems on the S24 and S24+ are reliable and versatile, and the selfie camera remains one of the sharpest. The S24 Ultra has an extra fourth camera—a 5X optical zoom that replaced the old 10X optical zoom. I miss it, but 5X is still a nice option to have. These phones also capture some of the smoothest and most detailed videos in the world of Android, so if you film a lot on your phone, the S24 series is right for you. There is also now a bevy of smart AI features, some of which are genuinely useful, though they’re still not quite as smart as Pixel phones,” writes Wired
Google Pixel 8
Number three on the list of best waterproof smartphones is Google Pixel 8. “When it comes to camera performance, you really can’t go wrong with any of the flagship devices from the big three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). Depending on your preference for color temperature and feature set, you may lean towards one manufacturer over the other. But more often than not, it’s Google’s Pixel camera system that satisfies the most users, and the latest Pixel 8 Pro remains a champion both for instant capturing and post-processing. The latest model features a reliable triple lens setup, with a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide that’s notably more capable at capturing macro and close-up photos than the 12MP sensor on the older Pixel 7 Pro model, and a 48MP telephoto lens for far-distance shots. Should you want more finite control over the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera quality, there’s now a series of Pro controls that allow you to tweak capture settings like the exposure and shutter speed,” says ZD Net.
Ever wish you could tweak your photos after you’ve taken them? “The Pixel 8 Pro is a great phone for anyone who wants to take the best pictures possible with little to no fuss. That’s thanks to the powerful computational photography and AI features that Google has packed into its new Tensor G3 chip, which not only enhances every shot you take but also lets you take advantage of new tools after the fact, such as the Magic Editor that lets you remove objects in your photos or even move them around, seamlessly filling in the blank spaces that are left behind. While the Tensor G3 won’t win any gaming speed contests, it’s more than enough to give you snappy performance for all your everyday apps and tasks, and Google’s unprecedented promise of seven years of updates should keep you going until Android 21 shows up in a few years,” writes Android Police.
Say cheese! With these phones, you can count on an exceptional camera experience every time. “Google’s flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are more polished than ever, and they will be supported for a whopping seven years of software updates like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series. The camera system on these two phones is, as always, excellent—the ultrawide on the Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best in the business. There’s now secure Face Unlock, which means you can use your mug as biometric authentication to get into banking apps, but it’s not effective in low light, so the fingerprint sensor is still present as a secondary option. The reason to buy Pixel phones is the smart software features, like Call Screen, which thwarts robocalls and now even lets you respond to people without having to answer the phone. The Pixel 8 series focuses on smart image-editing software. With tools like Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take, you get a powerful suite of features to easily change up your photos and videos, whether that’s by erasing unwanted objects in the background, removing annoying sounds in your videos, or just switching someone’s face in a group photo to one where they’re not blinking. It’s nuts, kind of disconcerting but also fun, and it can be genuinely helpful. I just wish the battery life on these phones could stretch closer to two days,” shares Wired.
ASUS Zenphone 10
Number four on the list of best waterproof smartphones is ASUS Zenphone 10. “There’s no denying that, over the past five years, smartphones have become more and more unwieldy. Apple now offers Plus and Max-sized iPhones, Samsung has an “Ultra” beast, and even Google has a foldable that opens up to 7.6 inches. On the other end of the spectrum sits the Asus Zenfone 10, a device that deviates from the norm in favor of ergonomics and in-hand comfort, and the decision pays off. Compared to its predecessor, the Asus Zenfone 9, which I called “the iPhone Mini alternative for Android enthusiasts,” the newest model features a compact 5.9-inch AMOLED display, all the power you’d need in a modern-day phone thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and two capable cameras on the rear,” say ZDNet.
“The Asus Zenfone 10 is the latest flagship from the company, sporting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB RAM, and a 4300mAh battery. But what makes the Zenfone unique is its size. With a 5.9″ screen, its practically tiny compared to modern phablet giants.If size matters, Asus’ Zenfone 10 is one of the cutest and most compact smartphones you can buy. Its 5.9-inch screen hearkens back to an era before plus-sized phablets dominated the landscape, yet it doesn’t sacrifice performance to get down to that smaller size. It still packs in a flagship-class Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, so it will have no problem keeping up with the latest mobile games, plus a 144Hz AMOLED screen to keep things moving fast,” shares Android Police.
Wondering for phone that brings water resistance with IP68? “Want the smallest Android phone without compromises to performance or features? Get the Asus Zenfone 10 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). Its 5.9-inch AMOLED screen is compact, sharp, and buttery smooth thanks to the 120-Hz screen refresh rate. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is the flagship processor of 2023, and it will handle anything you throw at it with ease. Despite its small size, the Zenfone 10 delivers more than a day of battery life, and you also get perks like wireless charging, a headphone jack, and an IP68 water resistance rating. Oh, and a charging brick comes in the box! How thoughtful. Asus is only promising two Android OS updates, but the Zenfone 10 will get four years of security updates, which is better than ever before. The cameras are the weak point—they’re fine, just not the best you can find for the money—and I wish the screen got brighter. It’s tough to see on super bright days. This phone also doesn’t work on Verizon’s network,” writes Wired.
Nothing Phone 2
Number five on the list of best waterproof smartphones in Nothing Phone 2. “If bang for your buck is what you’re after, consider the Nothing Phone 2a. There are really three key reasons why you should buy the Nothing Phone 2a over any other sub-$500 phone: For $349, you get a fantastic 6.7-inch AMOLED display that ramps up to 120Hz refresh rate, a beefy 5,000mAh battery, and Nothing’s signature Gylph Interface design that beeps and glows depending on the notification your phone receives. Clearly, Nothing knows what features its user base values the most, and even if you have preferences beyond that list, my time testing the Phone 2a has left me with enough confidence to recommend it to most people, even if budget isn’t a priority. Coming from the older Phone 1, the latest model features a more durable plastic build (versus glass), a more performant MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, and an improved camera system. Reddit user, u/arthav10100, described the Phone 2a best when they said, “It’s refreshing, feels compact, and gives that ideal budget phone vibe,” says ZDNet.
we’re about to explore the hottest smartphones of the year. “The Nothing Phone 2 isn’t for everyone, but for the right kind of person, it’s a very good alternative to the Galaxies and Pixels of the world. It’s a style-driven device, from the dot-matrix-inspired UI to the flashing light strips on the back panel. Will its unique hardware and software features help you take back your attention span as Nothing claims? Eh, probably not. Mostly, it’s just a cool-looking gadget and a thoughtfully designed device. The Phone 2 is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, which is a slightly older but still very capable processor. Its 6.7-inch 1080p screen supports a fast 120Hz top refresh rate, and its lowest 1Hz refresh rate allows it to offer an information-rich always-on display. The camera system is good, though not quite as consistent as the Pixel 7’s. There’s wireless charging, fast 45W wired charging, and an all-day battery,” writes The Verge.
What features are you most excited about in your next smartphone? “Nothing’s Phone (2) is its first phone in the US market (7/10, WIRED Recommends), and it’s an excellent follow-up to the Phone (1). The price has jumped, but you now get a flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor for great performance, a nice 120-Hz AMOLED screen, and perks like wireless charging and NFC for making contactless payments. But where it shines is, well, literally the back of the phone. The LED “Glyph” lights can flash when you get notifications or calls, and now can be set to light up only for app alerts you designate as important. No need to stare at the screen for a spam email anymore. Plus you can use the lights as countdown timers or even the status of your Uber driver. Nothing is all about style, and this is reflected not just in the phone’s hardware design but also in the slick Nothing OS interface. If you’ve been feeling like every phone looks and acts the same, the Phone (2) will be a breath of fresh air. Its flaws might give you pause, though—its cameras are solid but not as good as the cheaper Pixel 7A, there’s no Verizon support, and it’s only IP54-rated, so it’s not protected from a dip in the pool. At least it will get three years of Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates,” shares Wired.
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