Water-resistance in phones has gone from being a luxury reserved for top-shelf phones to a standard feature that is expected of any remotely expensive gadgets. We rounded up the best waterproof phones in the year 2022. There are more options that will fit any budget and lifestyle needs.

Samsung Galaxy S22

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Our consensus choice for one of the best phones you can buy is the SAMSUNG GALAXY S22, it burst onto the scene earlier this year and became our consensus choice. That does not mean that it was the best-priced phone. We love the S22 because of how well it balances price, features, and built quality, and part of that build quality is its water and dust resistance.

The battery life of this phone isn't as good as the S22 series, but it's still better. It gets a little warm while playing games, but this is premium all the way. The back of the glass looks luxurious. Phantom Black, Pink Gold, Phantom White, and Green are some of the beautiful colors that the S22 comes in.

You get a top-of-the-line chip with 8 gigabytes of memory and 128 gigabytes of storage, as well as water resistance. Even if they take a bit of time to deliver the results, the cameras are better than higher-priced flagships. Four years of OS updates is guaranteed for the S22, which is icing on the cake.

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Best waterproof phone upgrade: OnePlus 9 Pro

Procam X Oneplus 9 Pro

(Image credit: Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The design of the OnePlus 9 Pro is very well-designed. If you know anything about the company's phones, you will be happy to know that the 9 Pro doesn't upend the traditional formula. Instead, it goes to its logical place in the world of phones with more features and a higher price. Unlike the newer OnePlus 10 Pro from 2022, this means additions.

The hardware goes head to head with any phone out there, and it has the best display. It is bright, colorful, and has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Even after the merger of OPPO, the OxygenOS software still provides fantastic performance thanks to the exceptional specifications inside. Thankfully, OxygenOS was not merged with ColorOS.

The main sensor on the 9 Pro is the best one yet on a phone, thanks to a partnership with camera pioneer Hasselblad. The hardware is almost the same as the newer OnePlus 10 Pro, but the camera experience is a small step below it. That is where the OnePlus 9 Pro fits in. It is a true flagship phone experience through and through, for just a bit less money than the traditional players with big brand names.

Best big waterproof phone: Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

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The S22 Plus is more comfortable to hold than the more mainstream S22. It has all of the same features, but with a larger display, larger battery, and water resistance rating. It has a great battery life, so you won't have to worry about its longevity.

The S22+ uses that extra space and higher price to give you better cameras, with a 50MP main shooter that takes even brighter photos, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a telephoto camera that can reach out and get great shots up to 3X. Overall size and price are the trade-offs for this extra capability. The S22 is larger and heavier than the S22 Plus.

Best waterproof phone camera: Google Pixel 6

Google Pixel 6 Material You

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The best software in the world is represented by the Pixel 6. The hardware is no slouch either; that the exterior of the phone is protected from dust and water better than most value flagships.

One of the best cameras on any phone you can buy, and stereo speakers, are also included in the price. Night Sight allows the Pixel 6 to capture stunning photos even in nearly pitch-black conditions, and in daylight, you can grab phenomenal photos in any situation thanks to its 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide cameras.

The mid-level masterpiece has only a few drawbacks, such as its slightly dim display panel and daring design, which are not for everyone. If you don't like the looks of the phone, you won't be as bothered by it.

Most durable waterproof phone: Blackview BV4900

Blackview BV4900

(Image credit: Blackview)

If you are looking for a tough, rugged phone that you can take anywhere and which can take anything you throw at it, then the Blackview BV4900 is for you. The phone is built to be resistant to dust and water. It's not necessary to put a case on this phone, it's a case with a phone built-in.

This phone is perfect for the adventurer, tradesperson, or even teenager, but not just because it is tough. It has a huge 5,580mAh battery, and it comes with a capable 3 gigabyte of RAM and 32 gigabyte of storage, which can be expanded up to 128 gigabyte. There is no fingerprint sensor included in the payment method you get. The most affordable phone on this list is this one.

Best waterproof phone with a stylus: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Hardware Camera Lenses

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

The best premium device of the year is the SAMSUNG GALAXY S22 Ultra. The Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have folding capabilities, but this phone has more features and is the first non-Note phone to have an S Pen built-in.

The S22 Ultra has some impressive specifications, including a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 40MP hole-punch selfie cam. It has a three-camera system on the back that is better than any other on the market, and it has a 128gigabyte storage model.

The S22 Ultra is dust- and water- resistant. It is amazing that a company can achieve this rating with a stylus. The regular S22 and the S22+ have the same features as the S22 Ultra, but you will not get the S Pen, state-of-the-art cameras, or water resistance.

Best waterproof flip phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 open in the rain

(Image credit: Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

The phone has water resistance.

People have been waiting for the folding phone. It is beautiful, durable, has high-end specs, and it is water-resistant. Those who prefer small phones should find the compact package of the Z flip 3 appealing.

The generation where it has finally nailed it is the one where it has been developing folding screen technology for several years. The first flip with built-in water resistance is the IPX8 version of the Z, and it is more durable than previous versions. Don't think you can take your phone swimming with you, because this will protect it from an odd splash or some light rain. You will need to guard against dust in order to solve the problem of a folding phone.

The larger and more useful exterior display, robust processor, and surprisingly capable cameras are some of the things that make the Galaxy Z Flip 3 different from the rest. This phone is for people who are looking for convenience, portability, or a smaller form factor.

Most of the best phones on the market today have at least one of the two resistances. Our top pick for a waterproof phone is the same as our general best pick.

The hardware and software of the S22 is excellent, and it performs well with clean software. It is even more of a good deal for most Android flagship customers because it will get four major platform upgrades.

What do these ratings mean?

Google Pixel 4

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There are different water resistance levels to consider when comparing different phones. The phone in this list can survive up to 30 minutes in as much as two meters of water, if it is rated full dust resistance. Only half the submersion depth of a single meter is offered by other phones, which may be rated IP67.

IPX7, which protects against one meter of water but doesn't guarantee protection against dust, is occasionally seen. Some phones, like the Moto G series, are water resistant but not officially certified. If you get caught in the rain or accidentally spill a drink on the table, it will probably survive. If the water damage indicator inside the phone gets wet, you are unlikely to get very far with customer service.

Water resistance is a great feature to have, but it isn't a guarantee from the manufacturer that your phone will survive any and all immersion. If your phone gets badly cracked or the water sealant inside gets damaged, liquid can still get into it and ruin it, so take regular precautions with your phone, even if it's IP68 certified. Some of the best cheap phones that don't have official ratings but have a lot going for them, may be because of that knowledge.

Most phones are water resistant these days

Google Pixel 6 Pro next to the pool

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You will be getting a device that is backed by the same certification, no matter what device you buy. Even if none of these phones speak to you, you can still find a phone that catches your eye, because ingress protection is all but mandated in a flagship phone these days.

If you are shopping on a tighter budget, there are still some options that are worth considering. The Moto G Power (2021) has a water-repelling P2i coating that protects it from splashes. There are options for phones within this price range.