Several years ago, the segment of shockproof and waterproof smartphones stood apart and was considered a highly specialized exotic for extreme sportsmen and tourists. With the advent of new and more advanced technologies, protection began to appear in more "mundane" gadgets.
Of course, a good half of shockproof and waterproof smartphones still look fat and unattractive, but manufacturers have focused on water protection. While the physical part fell on the shoulders of films, cases, handbags and other accessories, without which the phone looks quite presentable and is not much different from its ordinary counterparts.
We will try to understand this issue and designate a list of the best waterproof smartphones. Consider the important technical characteristics of the models, their advantages and disadvantages, and also pay attention to the main selection criteria.
Difficulties in choosing
All waterproof smartphones, both inexpensive and premium, fall under the international standard, which is preciselyindicates the degree of protection of the gadget from water. The general classification is quite impressive, and it includes far from a small list of certain conditions, but we are only interested in two classes - these are IP67 and IP68. The latter just belong to the segment of smartphones and fully reflect the characteristics we need.
IP67
The IP67-rated waterproof smartphones can survive short-term submersion to a depth of up to 1 meter, and are also completely protected from dust. That is, the permanent operation of the phone in this mode is not expected, nor is it guaranteed by this standard.
In simple terms: dropped into the water - picked up, wiped with a handkerchief and moved on. In addition, waterproof smartphones that support this standard can work in the rain, that is, it is like water, but not immersion, but something in between. But, again, you should not abuse talking on a mobile phone in a downpour.
IP68
Here we have maximum protection against moisture, which implies immersion and correct operation of the device at a depth of more than 1 meter. In this case, you can safely go diving and at the same time answer SMS.
No moisture or dust can get into a waterproof smartphone and interfere with its operation. You can even talk for hours in the pouring rain, and your gadget will be all over the place. Naturally, devices that meet this standard are noticeably more expensive than IP67 class devices.
Producers
Many companies are involved in the production of waterproof smartphones, but not all of themget really high-quality gadgets in all respects. For some, for the sake of protection, functionality or performance suffers, while others even put a fake mark on the received standard. So in this case, it is better to trust trusted and well-established brands.
Here we have already familiar companies that have repeatedly proved their worth and released more than worthy gadgets on the market. These are devices from Samsung, Sony, Apple and LG. Reviews of waterproof smartphones from these manufacturers are overwhelmingly positive. Moreover, the devices are not only protected, but quite complete - with a good set of chipsets and an attractive appearance.
Reviews about other manufacturers, alas, are not so flattering, so the choice of series should be approached especially carefully. Otherwise, you will end up with either no performance with proper protection, or an unsightly brick that barely fits in your pocket.
Next, we have a specific list and review of waterproof smartphones, which includes the most popular models with high-quality "stuffing" and a lot of positive feedback from users. All gadgets can be found in free sale both in online and offline stores, so there should be no problems with “feeling” it.
The ranking of waterproof smartphones is as follows:
- LG V30+.
- Samsung Galaxy S8.
- Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact.
- Samsung Galaxy A5.
- Apple iPhone X 256GB.
Let's considerparticipants in more detail.
Apple iPhone X 256GB (IP67)
The iPhone has been and remains the most desirable device for many, and the army of apple fans is growing very quickly. The tenth series turned out to be pretty and, after the conservative models of past years, it looks pretty fresh.
The gadget received a very good set of chipsets, so it has absolutely no problems with performance. In addition, we have a waterproof smartphone with a good camera. Separately, it is worth noting the frontal peephole, which received a sensor that allows you to scan the user's face in three planes for the subsequent unlocking of the gadget. The main camera received a technical component almost identical to the average "DSLRs", as well as functionality, so there is no need to complain.
The device meets the IP67 standard and is not afraid of short-term immersion in water. Also pleased with the battery life of the device. Here we have a waterproof smartphone with a powerful battery, which in normal mode can go without a power outlet for days.
One of the most significant fly in the ointment is the cost of the gadget. An intelligent smartphone on the Android platform with the same protection standard can be bought two or even three times cheaper, so the "apples" are very, very expensive.
Estimated cost is about 85,000 rubles.
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)/(IP68)
This model from a venerable manufacturer, unlike the previous respondent, boasts more than democratic for the available characteristicsprice tag. Considering that waterproof gadgets have never been cheap, in this case we have not only a protected, but also a high-performance smartphone at a very reasonable price.
As for the appearance, there is nothing to complain about: the glass lids look very fresh and beckon the eye. Of course, they collect fingerprints like a vacuum cleaner, but who bothers to take and rinse the gadget with a stream of water, since the IP68 standard fully contributes to this.
There are also no questions about the performance of the device: the interface works smoothly, without even a hint of braking or lags, and applications run quickly and also run without delays in FPS. Although in especially "heavy" games you will have to reset the graphic settings to medium values.
The display, like other noble Samsungs, came out decent: bright, with good viewing angles and various useful features, like Always-on-Display and Samsung Pay. So there is simply nothing to complain about here. Nothing bad can be said about the cameras - not "DSLRs", but work out quite well.
Estimated price is about 20,000 rubles.
Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact (IP68)
Designers of the Sony brand, apparently, are working on the same wavelength as their colleagues from Apple and almost categorically do not accept interference in the appearance of their gadgets. Yes, the exterior of the models can be called brutal and attractive, only a good half of the users are already fed up with it.
Still the armyThe brand has an impressive fan base, and many turn a blind eye to such conservatism. In addition, the performance of gadgets and the “stuffing” as a whole has always been distinguished by a high-quality component. The XZ1 Compact is no exception.
The powerful processor (Snapdragon 835) will digest everything you offer it and won't even choke. There are simply no lags, friezes and subsidences in FPS here: the interface, along with third-party applications, works like clockwork, that is, the way the developer intended it. The cameras also excelled, which received an excellent matrix, which fully supports the super slow motion mode.
As for protection against water, the IP68 class allows you to bathe and drown your smartphone without regard to dust and dirt. The battery did not disappoint either. The battery capacity is enough for a couple of days of moderate use.
Estimated cost is about 25,000 rubles.
Samsung Galaxy S8 (IP68)
This is another sensational representative of the venerable Samsung brand. The flagship model first of all boasts of its excellent screen, made using Super AMOLED technology. This made it possible to achieve an aspect ratio of 18:9 at 5.8 inches.
Also pleased with the appearance of the device. S8 is like a breath of fresh air after the conservative "apple" models or the same "Sony". Judging by user reviews, the design of the gadget is simply a treat for the eyes, and the phone itself is simply pleasant to hold.
The performance of the smartphone did not let us down either. A powerful set of chipsets allowsrun the most "heavy" gaming applications without regard to graphic settings. There are no questions about the cameras either: excellent matrix, high-quality shooting and an abundance of related functionality.
Estimated price is about 45,000 rubles.
Features of the Samsung Galaxy S8 model
The only fly in the ointment that particularly annoys the domestic consumer is the assistant call key. In our open spaces, this does not work in principle, but often pops up on the screen when accidentally pressed, which is very annoying.
As for protection from water, everything is also good here. IP68 certification allows you to safely "bath" your smartphone without fear of damage. The battery life is average, so the gadget should be enough for a couple of days of moderate loads.
LG V30+ (IP68 + shock)
This is the rare exception when both shockproof and waterproof characteristics are implemented in one smartphone. Here we have a typical flagship from a well-known brand. The performance of the gadget is at the level of S8 from Samsung, which means that there will be no problems with launching even the most demanding applications.
The device received an excellent matrix with the now fashionable 18:9 ratio based on OLED technology. So you don't have to worry about image quality, as well as viewing angles. Separately, it is worth noting the latest generation communication modules, which aim almost at 5G and ideally withstand all wireless protocols.
But the main difference between the model and the othersflagships and "divers" - this is protection from strikes. Of course, hammering nails with a smartphone or dropping it from a height of several floors, as happens with massive gadgets of the MIL-STD-810G standard, will not work, but it will survive a fall on asph alt.
Distinctive features of LG V30+
It is also worth noting the perfectly implemented speaker system in the phone, which will delight any music lover, especially if you connect a branded headset that comes with the device to it. In addition, the camera was also very pleased, which distinguished itself with a record aperture in this segment at f / 1.6. The output images are of excellent quality, even in inclement weather.
In terms of battery life, here we have excellent results. The gadget received one of the most capacious batteries in its class, which can work quietly for three or even all four days in moderate mode.
It would be useful to pay attention to the number of awards received by the smartphone at specialized exhibitions, as well as the abundance of flattering reviews from users. Yes, buying a phone will cost a tidy sum, but the gadget works out the money invested in it to the fullest. Moreover, the brand very often holds all kinds of promotions, where this flagship also participates, so about once a month you can come across a very profitable offer at branded points of sale. In general, this model rightfully takes first place in our rating.
Estimated cost is about 50,000 rubles.
