Water-resistant smartphones are ideal for users who frequent environments such as beaches, pools, and rivers, as they minimize the risk of accidental damage from immersion. Although mid-range and high-end devices may have IP68 and IP69 protections, the exact degree of resistance depends on the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
3Besides water resistance, it is essential to consider other device features, such as battery capacity, RAM, and processor, as these factors define the overall performance of the device. Tecnoblog compiled a list of ten water-resistant cell phones for 2026, detailing their respective hardware configurations and presenting the pros and cons of models from Samsung, Apple, Motorola, Xiaomi, and Realme.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, a flagship model, has IP68 protection, supporting drops of up to 1.6 meters and submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. According to Samsung, it is also compatible with salt and chlorinated water, although intentional diving in the sea is not advisable, as resistance may decrease over time. This phone features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip and up to 16 GB of RAM, offering superior performance for complex tasks. Other notable features include a privacy screen and a camera system with a 200 MP wide-angle lens.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max also boasts IP68 protection, capable of withstanding accidental dives in fresh water up to six meters for 30 minutes. Its high performance is ensured by the A19 Pro chip combined with 12 GB of RAM, allowing smooth execution of heavy games and video editing. The device stands out with its 48 MP lens kit, including the largest telephoto lens ever integrated into an iPhone, enabling professional shots.
The Motorola Signature is a flagship with multiple certifications, including IP68 and IP69 against dust, water, and water jets. Built with aerospace aluminum structure and a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it also has MIL-STD-810H military certification. Equipped with 12 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, it offers good performance in casual gaming, complemented by a triple camera kit capable of recording in 4K at 60 fps.
For those seeking value for money, the iPhone 16e offers IP68 protection, supporting immersion up to six meters for 30 minutes. Despite using the A18 chip, which is less powerful than the standard version, it ensures good performance for multitasking and less demanding games, featuring 8 GB of RAM and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display.
The Galaxy S25 FE represents a cost-benefit alternative from the premium Galaxy S line. Its durability is reinforced by an Armor Aluminium frame, Gorilla Victus+ glass on the screen, and IP68 rating, which supports submersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes. It delivers balanced performance with 8 GB of RAM and the Exynos 2400 chip, along with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The camera kit allows for close or distant focus with an 8 MP telephoto lens.
The Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G is a resistance-focused mid-ranger, possessing SGS certification for drops up to 2.5 meters, and IP68/IP69 for resistance to dust, high-pressure jets, and submersion in fresh water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. Its 6,580 mAh Si-C battery supported a full day of intensive use in tests, and the MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Ultra chip with 8 GB of RAM offers adequate performance for casual use.
The Galaxy A57 is highlighted as an excellent cost-benefit option, receiving a resistance upgrade compared to the Galaxy A56, now with IP68 protection, supporting 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. It uses the Exynos 1680 chip to ensure smooth operation in light applications, has a long-lasting battery, and a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Samsung also guarantees six Android updates and six years of security updates.
The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion prioritizes longevity, featuring IP68 and IP69 certifications, drop resistance up to 1.2 meters, and a 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass 7. It functions in different climatic conditions and altitudes, equipped with Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and 8 GB of RAM (expandable up to 24 GB via RAM Boost), plus a 5,200 mAh battery with up to 39 hours of autonomy.
The Moto G86 is one of the most robust models in the Moto G line in Brazil, with IP68/IP69 certification (supporting 1.5 meters for 30 minutes) and MIL-STD-810H military certification, protecting the screen with Gorilla Glass 7i. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 and 8 GB of RAM, it offers good mid-range performance. Its 6.7-inch pOLED screen has a 120 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, and it features a dual camera kit recording in 4K at 30 fps.
The Realme C75 5G was designed for durability, featuring SGS, Armorshell, and IP66, IP68, and IP69 seals, supporting submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Its 5,828 mAh battery promises a full day of use, with a theoretical lifespan of four years. However, it is less powerful, using the Dimensity 6300 chip and 6 GB or 12 GB of RAM, making it suitable for streaming and simple tasks.
When selecting the most water-resistant phone for 2026, it is crucial to analyze the protection specifications. The IP Rating should be observed: IP68 indicates resistance to submersion, while IP69 protects against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets; having both is advantageous. Time and depth limits indicate the level of protection against accidents. It is important to check the type of water supported, prioritizing models resistant to chlorinated or salt water if the user frequents these locations. Additionally, it is recommended to opt for devices with fast processors, more RAM, superior cameras, long-lasting batteries, and robust casing and screen protection.
IP68 certification attests that the phone has complete dust protection and resists continuous submersion under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. Meanwhile, IP69 protection ensures that the device is completely sealed against dust and resists high-pressure and high-temperature water jets from any direction.
It is important to note that phones with IP68 or IP69 protection should not be used during bathing, as they do not have resistance against hot vapors, which can lead to the oxidation of internal components. Furthermore, manufacturers' contractual warranties generally exclude damage caused by liquids. For example, Apple states that water damage is not covered, and Samsung does not cover defects from liquid spills of any nature. Motorola limits coverage for liquid damage only to the legal warranty. However, the consumer can invoke the legal warranty under the Consumer Defense Code if the damage occurs within the conditions stated by the brand.
Finally, cracked screens compromise water resistance, as they can allow droplets to enter internal components, so it is prudent to keep the device away from water until repair. Theoretically, a waterproof phone would prevent water entry under any circumstances, but such a model does not yet exist on the market; devices with IP68, IP69, or IP69K seals are only water-resistant, having been tested in a laboratory under specific conditions.
For those who want to change their phone without incurring large expenses, Samsung currently offers several attractive alternatives on the Amazon platform. Olhar Digital compiled three devices from the Galaxy line that have satisfactory configurations and competitive prices, presenting the available offers.
The most robust version of the Galaxy A17 features 256 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM, which ensures greater agility in daily use. This model includes a 50 MP main camera, a 6.7-inch screen, and has an IP54 certification, which protects against water splashes, forming a well-balanced package for those seeking good performance without paying the maximum price.
Alternatively, there is the Galaxy A17 with 128 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, serving as a more economical entry point in the same line. It maintains the positive attributes, such as the 50 MP camera, the large 6.7-inch screen, and splash resistance with IP54 rating, making it a good option for everyday use.
The Galaxy A07 represents the most affordable alternative among the selected models, but it meets the essential requirements: it has a 50 MP camera, a 6.7-inch screen, and 128 GB of space to store applications, photos, and files. This device is ideal for those who want to enter the Samsung ecosystem without straining their budget.
It is important to note that product stocks may change at any time, so it is recommended to check the prices immediately to take advantage while the models are available. Readers are directed to click on the provided buttons to view the details of each offer directly on Amazon.
