No phone is truly waterproof, but most phones made in the last several years can survive a spill, a rainstorm, or a quick drop in the sink. How much water a phone can take is set by its IP rating. This guide explains what IP68 and IP67 mean, lists the rating for every iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel through the iPhone 18 Pro, Galaxy S26, and Pixel 11, and covers what to check before you trust a used phone near water.
Quick Answer
An IP rating tells you how well a phone resists dust and water when it leaves the factory. IP68 and IP67 are the common ratings: both mean fully dust-tight, and both survive being submerged in fresh water for about 30 minutes. IP67 is tested at 1 meter, and IP68 goes deeper, to a depth each manufacturer sets. The rating is not permanent. Seals wear with age, drops, and repairs, and Apple, Samsung, and Google all exclude liquid damage from their warranties.
Shop water-resistant used phones on Swappa.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating comes from an international standard, IEC 60529, which defines how well an enclosure keeps out solids and liquids.
An IP rating has two digits:
- The first digit is protection against solids, from 0 (none) to 6 (dust-tight).
- The second digit is protection against water, from 0 (none) to 8 for phones, with a rarely used 9 for high-pressure, high-temperature spray.
An X in place of a digit means that part was not tested. IPX8, for example, means the phone was tested for submersion but not for dust. It does not mean the phone has no dust protection at all, only that no dust rating was certified.
IP Rating Chart
| Digit | First Digit: Solids | Second Digit: Water |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Objects larger than 50 mm (a hand) | Dripping water |
| 2 | Objects larger than 12.5 mm (a finger) | Dripping water with the device tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3 | Objects larger than 2.5 mm (a tool) | Spraying water |
| 4 | Objects larger than 1 mm (a wire) | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Dust-protected (some dust can enter, not enough to cause harm) | Water jets |
| 6 | Dust-tight | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Not used | Immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Not used | Immersion beyond 1 meter, under conditions the manufacturer sets |
| 9 | Not used | High-pressure, high-temperature spray |
Two details matter. First, the ratings are not cumulative in every case: a phone rated IPX8 for submersion is not automatically rated for water jets. Second, every test uses clean, still, fresh water at room temperature on a new device. Real life is rarely that gentle.
IP68 vs. IP67: What Is the Difference?
Both ratings mean a phone is dust-tight and can be submerged. The difference is depth.
- IP67 is tested at a depth of 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) for 30 minutes.
- IP68 means deeper than 1 meter, but the standard lets the manufacturer set the exact depth and time.
That second point is why two IP68 phones are not always equal. Apple rates the iPhone 12 and every newer iPhone, including the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Duo, to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Samsung rates its IP68 Galaxy S phones to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Both are IP68, and both are far beyond what a phone should face in normal use.
IP48 is worth knowing because Samsung’s foldables use it, from the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 through the Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip8, and Galaxy Z TriFold. The 8 is full submersion protection, but the 4 only covers solids larger than 1 mm. A foldable’s hinge can still take in fine dust and sand, so a beach is a bigger risk than a pool splash. Not every foldable makes that trade: the iPhone Duo and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are fully dust-tight IP68 phones.
Which iPhones Are Water Resistant?
Every iPhone since the iPhone 7 has an IP rating. Here is Apple’s official rating for each model.
| iPhone Models | Rating | Tested Depth |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max | IP68 | 4 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max | IP68 | 2 meters for 30 minutes |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus | IP67 | 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and older | No rating | None |
Apple has not raised its rating since the iPhone 12, so a used iPhone 12 and a new iPhone 18 Pro were tested to the same 6 meters. That makes the iPhone 12 the most water-resistant iPhone you can buy used for the least money. Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth It in 2026? covers everything else it does well. For budget picks that still run iOS 27, see Best Cheap iPhones in 2026: Top Picks Under $300.
Which Samsung Galaxy Phones Are Water Resistant?
Samsung’s ratings vary more than Apple’s, especially outside the flagship line.
| Galaxy Models | Rating |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, S26 FE | IP68 |
| Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE | IP68 |
| Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE | IP68 |
| Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE | IP68 |
| Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra | IP68 |
| Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE | IP68 |
| Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE | IP68 |
| Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+ | IP68 |
| Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge | IP68 |
| Galaxy Note8, Note9, Note10, Note10+, Note20, Note20 Ultra | IP68 |
| Galaxy XCover6 Pro | IP68 |
| Galaxy A37 5G, A57 5G | IP68 |
| Galaxy A26 5G, A35 5G, A36 5G, A52 5G, A53 5G, A54 5G, A56 5G | IP67 |
| Galaxy A27 5G | IP64 (splash resistant, not for submersion) |
| Galaxy A16 5G, A17 5G | IP54 (splash resistant, not for submersion) |
| Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold7, Z Fold6, Z Flip8, Z Flip7, Z Flip6, Galaxy Z TriFold | IP48 |
| Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold3, Z Flip5, Z Flip4, Z Flip3, Z Flip7 FE | IPX8 |
The original 2021 version of this post said every Galaxy from the S6 onward was rated. That was wrong: the standard Galaxy S6 had no rating, and only the rugged Galaxy S6 Active did. Water resistance came to the main Galaxy S line with the Galaxy S7, and every Galaxy S flagship since has been IP68. Samsung also rates its Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S10+, Tab S11, and new Tab S12 tablets IP68, which is rare for a tablet.
Buying a Galaxy for other reasons too? Used Samsung Galaxy S Buyer’s Guide: Which Generation to Get covers which generations are still supported. For foldables, Buying a Used Galaxy Z Fold/Flip: What to Check covers the hinge and screen checks that matter most.
Which Google Pixel Phones Are Water Resistant?
Google’s cheaper A-series phones had no rating until the Pixel 5a, so check the model before you assume.
| Pixel Models | Rating |
|---|---|
| Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold | IP68 |
| Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a | IP68 |
| Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9a | IP68 |
| Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro | IP68 |
| Pixel 5, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL | IP68 |
| Pixel 8a, Pixel 7a, Pixel 6a, Pixel 5a | IP67 |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold | IPX8 |
| Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL | IP67 |
| Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G) | No rating |
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold was the first foldable phone with a full IP68 rating, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold keeps it. Used Google Pixel Buyer’s Guide: Which Pixel Is Worth It covers which Pixels still get updates.
What Water Resistance Does Not Cover
An IP rating describes one lab test. It does not make a phone safe for everything wet. Apple, Samsung, and Google all warn against the same things:
- Swimming, bathing, and showering. Soap, shampoo, and warm water break down seals, and a shower’s spray is more forceful than still water.
- Saltwater and pool water. Salt and chlorine are corrosive. Samsung says to rinse a phone in fresh water and dry it if it is exposed to salt water.
- Pressure and speed. Surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, and jumping into a pool all hit a phone with more force than the test allows.
- Heat and steam. Saunas and steam rooms are on Apple’s list of things to avoid.
- Charging while wet. Let the port dry completely first. Apple says to wait at least 5 hours before charging a wet iPhone with a cable, and recent iPhones and Galaxy phones warn you when they detect liquid in the charging port.
And the biggest one: liquid damage is not covered under warranty. Apple, Samsung, and Google all exclude it, and so does the Swappa One-Year Limited Warranty. The rating tells you your odds of surviving an accident. It is not insurance.
If your phone has already been in the water, stop and read iPhone Water Damage: What to Do (and Not Do) before you try to turn it on or charge it. Most of its steps apply to Android phones too.
Why a Used Phone’s IP Rating Is Not a Promise
Apple says it plainly: splash, water, and dust resistance “are not permanent conditions.” Google adds that resistance can be lost through repair or disassembly. That matters most when you buy used, because you are inheriting the phone’s history.
Three things weaken a phone’s seals over time:
- Age. The adhesive and gaskets that seal a phone wear with heat, charging cycles, and daily use.
- Drops and damage. A crack, a dent in the frame, or a lifted screen edge can open a path for water, even if the phone works perfectly.
- Repairs. A screen or battery replacement means the phone was opened. The seal is then only as good as the adhesive the repair shop used.
Here is how to judge a used phone before you rely on its rating:
- Look for gaps. Check that the screen and back glass sit flush with the frame all the way around. A raised edge can also be a sign of a swelling battery.
- Check the repair history on an iPhone. On recent models, Settings > General > About shows a Parts and Service History section when the screen, battery, or camera has been replaced.
- Ask the seller. Has it been repaired or opened? On Swappa, you can ask in the listing comments before you buy.
- Assume less protection on an older phone. Treat a five-year-old IP68 phone like a splash-resistant one: fine in the rain, but keep it out of the pool.
For a full inspection routine, The Pre-Purchase Checklist for Any Used Device covers the rest.
Water-Resistant Phones Worth Buying Used
If water resistance is a priority, these models give you a strong rating and current software support for the money. For budget picks beyond water resistance, see the best phones under $300. Prices are Swappa average sale prices for the base storage tier as of October 7, 2026. They vary with condition, storage, and carrier.
| Phone | Rating | Typical Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | IP67, 1 meter | About $120 |
| iPhone 12 | IP68, 6 meters | About $166 |
| iPhone 13 | IP68, 6 meters | About $245 |
| iPhone 14 | IP68, 6 meters | About $284 |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | IP67 | About $156 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | IP68, 1.5 meters | About $235 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | IP68, 1.5 meters | About $327 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | IP68, 1.5 meters | About $417 |
| Google Pixel 8a | IP67 | About $249 |
| Google Pixel 8 | IP68 | About $256 |
| Google Pixel 9a | IP68 | About $332 |
A few notes on the list. The iPhone 12 is the value pick: it has the highest iPhone rating for well under $200. For more options at that price, see the best cheap phones under $200. The Galaxy S23 gets security updates only until about early 2028, while the Galaxy S24 is covered to about 2031, so the S24 is the better long-term buy. For how long each phone will keep getting updates, see How Long Will a Used Phone Get Updates?.
You do not give up water resistance by skipping the newest phones. The iPhone 18 Pro, Galaxy S26, and Pixel 11 carry the same ratings as the models a year or two older, so a used phone from the last few years is tested to the same depth as one on store shelves today.
Real people approve Swappa listings before they go live, and listings cannot have water damage under Swappa’s listing criteria. If a phone arrives with liquid damage or does not match its listing, you are entitled to a refund. Marketplace Buyer Protection: How It Works explains the process.
FAQ
Can I take my iPhone swimming?
No. Apple lists swimming, bathing, and showering among the activities to avoid, even for IP68 iPhones rated to 6 meters. Pool chlorine, saltwater, and the force of moving water all go beyond the lab test, and Apple does not cover liquid damage under warranty.
Is IP68 better than IP67?
Yes, for submersion. Both ratings are fully dust-tight, but IP67 is tested at 1 meter for 30 minutes, while IP68 is tested deeper, at a depth the manufacturer sets. Apple rates the iPhone 12 and newer to 6 meters, and Samsung rates its IP68 Galaxy S phones to 1.5 meters.
Does water resistance wear off over time?
Yes. Apple, Samsung, and Google all say water resistance is not permanent. Seals and adhesive wear with age, and drops, cracks, and repairs that open the phone can weaken them further. On an older used phone, treat the rating as splash protection rather than a guarantee.
Is water damage covered by warranty?
Usually not. Apple, Samsung, and Google exclude liquid damage from their standard warranties, and the Swappa One-Year Limited Warranty excludes damage from water exposure. Some paid protection plans cover accidental damage, so check the plan terms if you have one.
Which iPhone is the most water resistant?
Every iPhone from the iPhone 12 through the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Duo shares Apple’s top rating: IP68 at 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 is the least expensive way to get that rating on Swappa, typically selling for about $166.
Are foldable phones water resistant?
Most are, but not to the same level. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, and newer foldables, including the Z Fold8, Z Flip8, and Galaxy Z TriFold, are IP48, which covers submersion but only solids larger than 1 mm, so sand and fine dust are still a risk. The iPhone Duo, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are fully dust-tight IP68 phones.
Can I sell a water-damaged phone on Swappa?
No. Swappa’s listing criteria do not allow water damage, so a phone with liquid damage cannot be listed. If your phone got wet and stopped working, the better move is to replace it with a used phone that passed Swappa’s listing review.
Conclusion
An IP rating is a useful spec, but it describes a new phone in a lab, not a used phone at the beach. IP68 and IP67 phones can shrug off rain and spills, and every iPhone from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 18 Pro is rated deeper than most people will ever need. When you buy used, check for gaps, cracks, and repair history, keep any phone out of pools and showers, and remember that no warranty covers liquid damage.
