Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra waterproof?

The Samsung Galaxy 24 Ultra's colors
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra waterproof?

Best answer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 has an IP68 water-resistance rating, meaning it’s certified to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for periods of up to 30 minutes. Additionally, the dust and water resistance of the S Pen isn’t permanent and can over time.

What should you know about using your Galaxy S24 Ultra around water?

Before you use your Galaxy S24 Ultra around water, you should know what its IP68 rating actually means. IP stands for ingress protection, a grading system used by the International Electrotechnical Commission to certify how protective a device is against dust and water, each of which has a separate grade.

The first number grades how well a device is protected against dust on a scale of 0-6, with 6 meaning it’s dust-tight. The second number grades the conditions in which a device is protected against water on a scale of 0-9, with 9 meaning it can withstand high-pressure and temperature water jets.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a near-perfect IP rating, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely waterproof. There are always some precautions you need to take. And when it comes to using your phone around water, there are a few other factors to be mindful of than just depth.

Using Google Circle to Search on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Lab tests used to achieve the IP68 rating were done using freshwater. That might not seem like a big deal but it very much is. That’s because while your phone will be fine if it’s dropped in the tub, you aren’t guaranteed protection if you try to take a picture after diving into the ocean or filming in the pool.

Saltwater oceans and chlorinated pools have the potential to damage your phone permanently. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a great waterproof phone but it’s not immune to all water conditions; you’ll need to watch the temperature of the water you’ll be submerging it in since water that’s too hot or cold can damage it as well.

It’s also worth noting that the S Pen’s water and dust resistance isn’t permanent. Over time, general use will wear it down. Remember that if you do use your Galaxy S24 Ultra underwater, you should always dry it immediately afterwards.

Nick Ransbottom
Freelance writer, VR/AR

Nick is a freelance journalist and games reviewer with a passion for RPGs, bad puns, and VR. When he isn’t guesting on podcasts or streaming on Twitch, he’s probably playing Borderlands with his husband.

  • Mooncatt
    Simple, I just treat any personal electronics as not water resistant/waterproof and never have any water related damage or concerns.
    Reply
  • Village_Idiot
    They must be hurting for money, because they keep posting click-bate articles that really don't inform or even misinforms.
    Reply
  • fuzzylumpkin
    Mooncatt said:
    Simple, I just treat any personal electronics as not water resistant/waterproof and never have any water related damage or concerns.
    This is the correct attitude. Water resistance should be treated as something that might save your phone in the event of an accident. Not something that lets you stash your phone in your trunks when you go swimming.
    Reply
  • Village_Idiot
    Water doesn't bother me. I am more concerned with sand and what it can do.

    358950
    Reply
  • Mooncatt
    Village_Idiot said:
    Water doesn't bother me. I am more concerned with sand and what it can do.

    358950
    Maybe we need phones made by Pentax.

    Eo61t5fH6Qw
    I already have one of their cameras, and they do have an industry wide reputation for truly functional weather sealing and durability. Lol (there is a smartphone tie in at the end of the video too.)

    hYNct2DabGE
    Not that I'd intentionally test my camera in such conditions, but I'd trust it over a "waterproof" phone with unsealed ports that can let water in to soak over time, or a fully glass body that is prone to scratches by nothing more than pocket debris.
    Reply
  • Village_Idiot
    Mooncatt said:
    Maybe we need phones made by Pentax.

    Eo61t5fH6Qw
    I already have one of their cameras, and they do have an industry wide reputation for truly functional weather sealing and durability. Lol (there is a smartphone tie in at the end of the video too.)

    hYNct2DabGE
    Not that I'd intentionally test my camera in such conditions, but I'd trust it over a "waterproof" phone with unsealed ports that can let water in to soak over time, or a fully glass body that is prone to scratches by nothing more than pocket debris.
    You're not wrong. I have owned ruggedized cameras made by Pentax. None of them ever failed while in the water or at the beach. Their Tough line of cameras worked great. I've used them at the pool and while snorkeling.
    Reply