One of the most significant consequences of smartphone competition between tech giants is the advantages it creates for consumers. As leading organisations continuously go to war over the production of the most technologically advanced smartphone – vying to win us over with increased screen resolutions, better cameras, improved styling and design and the other small but significant changes to smartphones – we as consumers are not only spoilt for choice but are also tasked with trying to find the right devices for us as individuals.

The level of similarity between phones means it’s essential to pick a handset that’s suitable for you and possess the functionalities you require to carry out daily tasks. For some, there may not be any specific requirements; as long as it can make calls, browse the internet, allow you to connect to social media, take decent pictures, wake you up in the mornings and send texts then there’s no shortage of good matches available today. However, if you’re looking for something a little bit more niche and tailored to your lifestyle, then it’s important to take look at specific specifications that could help find your perfect cellular match.

One specification that’s certainly captured the imaginations of the Chinese smartphone market but is regarded more as a luxury among developers Japan and US is waterproof smartphones. There is a significant difference between a waterproof and water-resistant smartphone, and if this is a crucial requirement for you when purchasing your next smartphone, it is vital to know what IP ratings are.

What is an IP rating?

An IP (Ingress Protection) is a level of standard rating drawn up by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) which will tell you how waterproof a product is. They are a global organisation responsible for setting international standards for electronic devices. Each IP rating will include two digits: The first digit lets users know how well the product protects against solids on a scale of 0-6, while the second digit informs them on how well the device guards against liquids on a scale of 0-9.

Source: IEC

Two of the most common ratings currently found on portable devices including Apple and Samsung devices are IP67-IP68. In relation to the first digit, devices are sometimes given an X rating. This does not mean that it is not protected against liquids, but instead, it hasn’t been tested or assigned a level. In relation to the second digit, it can be quite confusing because even if the device has been given an 8 rating for waterproof durability in water, it may not be able to handle pressure water jets which is why through researching always advised.

So let’s take a look at the best waterproof phones for 2019:

1. Google Pixel 3 XL: Labelled as one of the best phones on the market, the Google Pixel 3 is an incredibly high-quality phone housing one of the most advanced cameras on a smartphone at the time of writing, with an impressive waterproof body to boot. It has gained an IP rating of IP68–6.5ft of water for up to 30 mins.

2. Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus: The Galaxy S10 Plus is the best of Samsung’s Galaxy range yet to hit the shelves and has three outstanding cameras that excel in terms of build, display and performance. It has gained an IP rating of IP68–5ft of water for up to 30 mins.

Source: SmartphoneChecker

3. Huawei Mate 20 Pro: This phone was an early pioneer in utilising the power of three powerful cameras on the rear of the device – tilting the handset onto the more expensive side of the spectrum – but fortunately, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro is well protected against liquids, and has gained an IP rating of IP68–6.5ft of water for 30 minutes

4. iPhone XS: The iPhone is great for a light swim or accidental splash, but not deeper dives. It has gained an IP rating of IP68–6.5ft of water for up to 30 minutes.

5. iPhone XR: This phone is quite Impressive even though it is cheaper than other iPhones, but it is less water-resistant. It has gained an IP rating of IP67–Up to 3ft of water for 30 minutes.

Image Source: SmartphoneChecker

It’s important to remember that not all phones come with waterproof capabilities, but you are more likely to find this feature on higher-end models – especially following Apple’s divisive decision to remove headphone jacks from their more recent devices. However, on a positive note, many large manufacturers are prioritising waterproofing for their premium lines which means their more affordable ranges will soon have the features too.

Most of the phones above are able to withstand splashes and spills and survive accidental contact with an array of liquids. They may also be able to perform following a quick dip in the pool. However, most are not built to survive the pressures of deep water – with this in mind, any handsets plunged into depths of up to 3ft is a risk. For those interested in deep diving, only phones rated as IP68 are safe to take into waters deeper than 3ft, but you should always check with the manufacturer to be sure.