Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Waterproof?

When you’re planning on buying a new smartphone, there’s a good chance that water resistance is a key feature you’re considering. But with so many companies claiming water resistance at different levels, it can be confusing trying to figure out exactly what level of protection you’ll really have.

One confusing term marketing teams sometimes use is “water-repellant.” Water-repellant is a low level of protection and only really protects the phone’s surfaces from very light spills. This typically refers to the phone’s screen which, since it’s always some type of glass, is hydrophobic anyways. The most important area to keep water out of, however, is the phone’s internal parts rather than the outside surfaces. Remember that if your phone is only water-repellent, you can never let it be submerged in water and should do your best to never allow it to get wet.

The latest Samsung Galaxy S model can’t be marketed as fully waterproof, but its upgraded design gets pretty close. The official water resistance IP rating is IP68 meaning it can withstand being submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of around 1.5 to 2 meters. The new Galaxy S offers the best waterproof protection yet so you can live your life without worrying about accidental splashes or getting caught in the rain. The tech-laden Android can even withstand much more demanding conditions like full submersion— that said, we don’t recommend testing it out.

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to water-resistant ratings like IP68 is that they are all temporary exposure ratings. For example, IP68 has a maximum time frame of 30 minutes of water submersion at a depth of 2 meters.

IP Rating Comparison Chart
	IP67	IP68
Complete particulate protection	Yes	Yes
Drip & splash protection	Yes	Yes
30-min submersion protection	Yes: 1m max depth	Yes: 1m max depth
Models	iPhone 7,8, X	iPhone XS/11/12/13/14 Samsung S 21/22/23

IP-rated devices defend against the ingress of both dust particles and water. A “6” as the first number in the rating signifies full protection against any dust and the second number refers to water protection, the maximum being “9k”. A IP68 rating will keep out all non-corrosive liquids such as fresh water or salt water— so being on the beach is fine!

When companies perform water-resistant rating tests, they’re done in a lab with a tightly controlled environment that doesn’t replicate the reality of daily use. The tests aren’t dropping phones into hot tubs or toilets, but rather phones being gently placed into precisely measured containers of water and left still for a specific amount of time.

After the water exposure portion of the tests, the devices are tested for general operations like powering on and screen response to give a pass/fail rating. In water-resistant testing, devices are first set to standby mode, and after the test, devices aren’t used to take pictures or playback music at full volume through the external speaker. These secondary operations, however, can often be affected by water damage and later noticed by users.

One thing to note about water-resistant testing is that these tests are primarily performed by the manufacturers and not any governing entity that maintains complete objectivity. There’s no government department tasked with independently testing manufacturer claims for accuracy. Essentially, water-resistant claims are made on an honor system which often isn’t backed by a warranty.

The instances of phones being exposed to water are so personal and variable that it’s impossible to offer a warranty based on a specific water-resistance rating. Typically, manufacturers place a water exposure indicator like a sticker that turns pink somewhere within the phone to help technicians determine if the device has been exposed to water. 

The exact tested depth can’t be known by these indicators, so Apple or Samsung can’t confirm at what depth your phone suffered damage and offer warranty coverage.

If the Samsung Galaxy S23 or any other smartphone gets wet, it's essential to take immediate action to minimize potential damage. Here are some general steps to follow:

1. Remove the phone from water
2. Power off the device
3. Remove external accessories
4. Remove the SIM card and tray (if applicable)
5. Shake out excess water
6. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel
7. Do not use compressed air
8. Place the phone in a bowl of rice or silica gel packets for 24-48 hrs
9. Avoid turning the phone on immediately
10. Check for functionality after fully dry

If, after following these steps, the phone still does not work correctly, or if you have concerns about its condition, it's recommended to contact Samsung's customer support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. Keep in mind that water damage may not be covered under warranty, so check the warranty terms for your device.

It's important to note that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra does support IP68 water resistance, which means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. It is important to note that water resistance is not a guarantee that the device will be safe from damage, and it is always recommended to avoid exposing electronic devices to water whenever possible.

While IP68 water resistance may keep your phone safe from some long-lasting water submersions, the rating doesn’t mean your phone is protected from all shocks, drops, and abrasions that can happen throughout the day’s adventures.

When you want the best protection for your new phone, pair your IP68-rated Samsung with a ROKFORM Rugged Case! The Rugged Series exceeds the drop-test military standard MIL-STD 801G-516.6, making it our most protective case. In addition to high-grade protection from dust, dirt, and drops, the Rugged Case features the RokLock mounting system with powerful magnets.

The double retention system lets you securely attach your smartphone to a bike, car dashboard, windshield, motorcycle, golf cart, or just about any magnetic surface. For example, cyclists can secure their device with a Galaxy S23 bike mount and enjoy easy access to maps, calls, and their favorite ride apps.