When you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure—whether it’s hiking through rugged trails, kayaking on wild rivers, or camping deep in the woods—your smartphone becomes more than just a communication tool. It’s your navigation device, your emergency lifeline, your camera, and your source of entertainment. But outdoor conditions can be harsh: rain, mud, accidental drops into water, or dusty environments can easily damage a regular phone. That’s where waterproof smartphones come in.
In this article, we’ll explore the best waterproof smartphones available today, specially designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor adventures. We’ll cover why waterproofing matters, what ratings like IP67 and IP68 mean, and help you pick the right phone to accompany you on your next adventure.
Why Do You Need a Waterproof Smartphone for Outdoor Adventures?
Imagine you’re on a scenic mountain hike, and a sudden thunderstorm hits. Your phone slips from your pocket and lands in a puddle, or you’re crossing a stream and accidentally drop it into the water. For many smartphones, this could mean instant disaster.
A waterproof smartphone reduces the risk of permanent damage from water exposure, giving you peace of mind. But water resistance isn’t just about surviving an accidental dunk—it also protects against sweat, rain, dust, and dirt. Many waterproof phones are also ruggedized, meaning they’re built to resist drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures—features crucial for any outdoor enthusiast.
Having a phone that can take a beating lets you stay connected, capture stunning photos, use GPS navigation reliably, and even call for help if needed. Essentially, it’s your trusted companion on any adventure.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings: IP67 vs. IP68 and More
Before diving into the phone list, let’s decode those cryptic IP ratings you often see in specs:
- IP Code stands for “Ingress Protection” and is an international standard to rate how well a device is sealed against dust and water.
- The first digit (0-6) rates protection against solids like dust. The highest is 6, meaning “dust tight.”
- The second digit (0-9) rates protection against liquids, especially water.
Common ratings for waterproof smartphones:
- IP67 means the phone is dust-tight and can survive immersion in up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) of water for 30 minutes.
- IP68 means the phone is dust-tight and can survive immersion deeper than 1 meter (typically up to 1.5 meters or more) for 30 minutes or longer, depending on the manufacturer.
Some rugged phones go beyond this with MIL-STD-810G certification, which tests durability against drops, vibration, temperature extremes, and more.
Top Waterproof Smartphones for Outdoor Adventures in 2025
Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the best waterproof smartphones currently available, balancing ruggedness, performance, camera quality, and price.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Waterproof rating: IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
- Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Exynos 2200 (depending on region)
- Camera: Quad camera with 200MP main sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh, fast charging supported
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
The Galaxy S23 Ultra combines top-tier specs with a solid IP68 waterproof rating, so it can withstand splashes, rain, and brief immersion. Its Gorilla Glass Victus 2 adds drop resistance, and the huge battery ensures it lasts long during your outdoor trips. The impressive camera setup lets you capture crystal-clear landscapes and wildlife shots.
Considerations:
While durable, it’s not a fully rugged device designed for extreme abuse. If you plan rougher activities, you might want a rugged phone instead.
2. iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max
- Waterproof rating: IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes)
- Durability: Ceramic Shield front cover
- Display: 6.1-inch / 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion up to 120Hz
- Processor: A17 Pro chip
- Camera: Triple 48MP main sensor with advanced computational photography
- Battery: Around 3200mAh (Pro), 4500mAh (Pro Max)
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
Apple upped the waterproofing on the iPhone 15 Pro models to survive deeper water exposure (up to 6 meters!). Combined with the sturdy Ceramic Shield glass, these phones can handle most outdoor scenarios. The Pro Max’s larger battery and excellent camera system are perfect for adventurers who want reliable power and high-quality photos.
Considerations:
Like the Galaxy, it’s not ruggedized for drops or dust beyond IP68 standards. Careful handling is advised.
3. CAT S63
- Waterproof rating: IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certified
- Durability: Military-grade toughness, drop tested to 1.8m
- Display: 5.7-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
- Camera: 12MP with FLIR thermal imaging camera
- Battery: 4500mAh
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
CAT phones are famous for rugged durability. The S63 can take drops, dust, water immersion, and even extreme temperatures. The built-in FLIR thermal camera is a standout feature for hikers and campers needing to scan environments or detect heat sources. This phone is built for serious adventurers who don’t want to worry about their device breaking.
Considerations:
Performance and screen quality aren’t flagship level, but this tradeoff is acceptable for a rugged phone.
4. Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro
- Waterproof rating: IP68 and MIL-STD-810G
- Durability: Drop-resistant, dustproof
- Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+ PLS LCD
- Processor: Snapdragon 778G
- Camera: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4050mAh, removable battery (rare in modern phones)
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
Samsung’s XCover line targets users needing rugged reliability in a modern smartphone. The XCover 6 Pro offers excellent waterproofing and military-grade durability, with the bonus of a removable battery—a huge plus for multi-day trips where charging options are limited.
Considerations:
The display isn’t AMOLED, but it’s bright and clear enough for outdoor visibility.
5. Sony Xperia 1 V
- Waterproof rating: IP68
- Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus, dust and water resistant
- Display: 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Camera: Triple 12MP with ZEISS optics
- Battery: 5000mAh
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
If photography and video are priorities during your adventures, Sony’s Xperia 1 V offers pro-grade camera controls and stunning 4K display. Its IP68 rating protects it against water and dust, making it a solid choice for photographers and videographers in the wild.
Considerations:
Pricey and niche, focused on creatives rather than ruggedness.
6. Doogee S98 Pro
- Waterproof rating: IP68/IP69K
- Durability: MIL-STD-810G military certification
- Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G96
- Camera: 48MP main + thermal + night vision
- Battery: 6000mAh
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
Doogee’s rugged phones pack excellent durability and useful tech like thermal and night vision cameras. The IP69K rating means it’s protected against high-pressure water jets and dust, making it ideal for extreme environments.
Considerations:
Not as sleek or fast as flagship phones but unbeatable for harsh conditions.
7. Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Waterproof rating: IP68
- Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus front and back
- Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- Camera: 50MP main, 48MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 5000mAh
Why it’s great for outdoor use:
Google’s Pixel 7 Pro delivers excellent photography, especially in low light, thanks to computational photography. Its IP68 rating ensures water and dust resistance, and the phone’s clean software offers useful Google Maps and assistant features, essential for adventurers.
Considerations:
Like other flagship phones, it’s not ruggedized for drops or extreme impacts.
Additional Features to Consider for Outdoor Smartphones
When choosing the best waterproof smartphone for your outdoor adventures, consider these extras beyond just water resistance:
Battery Life & Charging Options
Long battery life is crucial when you’re away from power outlets. Phones like the Doogee S98 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offer large batteries, and some rugged phones even allow removable batteries or support solar chargers.
Display Visibility in Sunlight
Look for phones with high brightness and anti-reflective coatings to ensure the screen is visible under direct sunlight.
GPS and Navigation Features
A reliable GPS chip and support for multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) improve navigation accuracy in remote areas.
Ruggedness & Drop Resistance
If you expect your phone to be dropped or battered, choose one with MIL-STD certification or reinforced glass.
Camera Quality
Capturing memories is part of every adventure. Consider phones with good cameras, especially those with ultra-wide or telephoto lenses for landscape and wildlife shots.
Software & Ecosystem
Some phones have specialized apps for outdoor activities (e.g., emergency SOS, offline maps) or offer robust voice assistant support.
Tips for Protecting Your Waterproof Smartphone Outdoors
Even the best waterproof phones aren’t invincible. Here are some tips to keep your device safe:
- Use a rugged case for added drop protection.
- Avoid pressing physical buttons underwater.
- Clean and dry the phone after exposure to salt water to prevent corrosion.
- Use screen protectors to guard against scratches.
- Keep a portable charger or power bank for long trips.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Waterproof Outdoor Companion
Outdoor adventures demand more than just a smartphone; they require a durable, reliable, and waterproof companion that can keep up with your explorations. Whether you want flagship power with IP68 protection like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro, or you need the rugged toughness of the CAT S63 or Doogee S98 Pro with military-grade certifications, there’s a phone tailored for your needs.
When choosing, balance your priorities between performance, durability, camera quality, and battery life. Remember, no matter how waterproof your phone is, treat it with care and take preventive measures to maximize its lifespan on your wild journeys.