In an age where we take our smartphones on every trip, whether it’s taking pictures in the rain or those moments they fall into the sink, how well devices can resist water has become a major concern.
Many Samsung users have asked about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s water resistance. Can it withstand a few splashes, or can it take a deep dive and come out the same way?
If you are such a person, you’re in the right place. Let’s give you the answer to your question, “Is the Samsung S23 Ultra Waterproof?” This is everything you should know about the Samsung S23 Ultra.
Is the Samsung S23 Ultra Waterproof?
No. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is not waterproof; however, it is water-resistant (IP68 grade). In other words, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is water-resistant, with an IP68 rating.
With the arrival of the new Samsung Galaxy S23, we can expect to see many amazing features and attributes carried over from last year’s versions, but with a few crucial improvements to increase the overall endurance of this device.
The Galaxy S23 will retain the same aluminum armor frame and IP certification as last year’s models, but this year, the Galaxy S23 and the rest of the S23 lineup will be outfitted with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which means insanely robust, strong glass. So, we know the Samsung Galaxy S23 range is durable, but is it waterproof?
More Emphasis on Samsung Galaxy S23 Waterproof
While Samsung has placed a strong emphasis on durability with the new Samsung Galaxy S23, the company has yet to release a waterproof phone, and this year’s S23 series is no exception.
Unfortunately, the Galaxy S23 is not waterproof, but it does have an IP68 classification, which means it is water and dust resistant. Though this means you shouldn’t intentionally take a plunge with your Galaxy S23, it does provide some decent water and dust protection.
With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S23 may completely dive up to 1.5 meters underwater for approximately 30 minutes without sustaining any damage.
It’s also worth mentioning that any waterproof or water-resistant certification only applies to non-corrosive liquids like freshwater and saltwater. Pool water containing chlorine may, over time, compromise the function of your gadget and the water-resistance protection, so it is generally not suggested.
What does an IP68 rating indicate?
Okay, let’s dig down one of the most commonly used words when it comes to smartphone durability: the IP68 certification. You’ve probably seen it before, from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the new iPhone 15 Pro.
But what exactly does this grade represent for your gadget, particularly when it comes to something as important as water resistance?
Let us start with the basics. The acronym “IP” stands for Ingress Protection.
This rating system is intended to define the level of protection a device provides against various sorts of foreign incursions, such as dust and moisture.
Consider it a standardized method to determine how well your technology can withstand the components without having to rely just on manufacturer claims.
Now for the numbers: in an IP68 rating, the first digit (in this case, “6”) represents the level of protection against solid particles.
A “6” indicates that your gadget is dust-tight. Nothing will get inside to contaminate the internals, no matter how fine the sand or how dusty the atmosphere is.
The second digit “8” in IP68 indicates that the gadget can not only withstand a splash but also be submerged in water. We’re talking 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
But, just to be clear, while IP68 is the gold standard for water and dust protection in electronic devices, it does not imply that your Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is impenetrable.
The real-world consequences of these ratings vary depending on temperature, the chemical content of the water (such as saltwater), and even the device’s age, as seals weaken over time.
How does the Samsung Galaxy S23’s IP68 rating compare to other models?
As the smartphone market expands year after year, so does the demand for durable and long-lasting cell phones. Because the entire new series of Samsung Galaxy S23 phones is IP68-rated, you should expect the majority of new phones to have the same rating.
Samsung, of course, has been on top of the durability game for years, with almost all of their phones now carrying the IP68 classification, beginning with the Galaxy S6 Active.
As previously stated, the IP68 rating is not the maximum protection level; some smartphones have the highest IP69k classification. There’s even more protection available than the IP69K grade. For example, most tough smartphones have been military-grade tested and authorized with a MIL-STD-810 standard, providing additional protection against drops, shocks, severe pressure, and high temperatures.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 and the rest of the S23 lineup feature an impressive IP68 rating and can withstand daily misuse. However, if you want something that can withstand the harshest elements, you should look at some of the finest, toughest Android phones.
Can you purchase a waterproof case for the Samsung Galaxy S23?
As Galaxy S23 cases become available, we’re seeing some heavy-duty options with greater waterproof certifications and military-grade requirements. No matter how heavy-duty, tough or sturdy a phone cover is, it cannot always deliver on the claim of full IP69K protection.
Although there are several “waterproof” cases available online, keep in mind that no gadget is designed to be submerged for an extended period. Nonetheless, several heavy-duty cases allow for longer periods of immersion and depths greater than the conventional 1.5 meters.
There are various IP69k-rated phone cases available, but because the Samsung Galaxy S23 is new to the market, you will have to wait for one of these cases to be launched for the new versions.
Until then, you can have peace of mind with one of the various heavy-duty cases for the Galaxy S23 that is already available; while you won’t be able to completely waterproof this device, you will be able to significantly boost its protection.
So, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and its family of devices are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant and dust-proof, with an IP68 classification.
Given that the IP68 classification is only one little step down from maximum protection, the Galaxy S23 isn’t too awful. Though you can’t take this phone deep diving for hours, you can use it in the shower or at the beach to capture some cool pictures.
Misconceptions About Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Let’s be clear: no smartphone, including the Galaxy S23 Ultra, is genuinely “waterproof.” The phrase “waterproof” refers to a technology that can be submerged indefinitely without water penetrating its defenses under all conditions. That is not true for today’s consumer electronics. Instead, we have water-resistant electronics.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s IP68 designation indicates that it can withstand water entry to a certain degree, specifically up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The grade indicates that the gadget can withstand common water-related incidents such as spills, rain, and brief submersions.
However, this does not mean that the phone can be used while swimming or diving without consequences. So, why is the Galaxy S23 Ultra, like most modern smartphones, water-resistant rather than completely waterproof?
It’s primarily about the technology we have now and how tricky water can be. The seals and gaskets that protect the insides of a phone wear out over time, making them less trustworthy. Plus, water pressure is a huge concern; the deeper you dive, the more pressure builds up, potentially forcing water straight through those protections.
Also, they test for water resistance in a controlled environment using fresh water. In real life, however, salt water, chlorinated pools, and soapy bathwater can erode those safeguards. This demonstrates the significant distinction between something being “waterproof” and “water-resistant.”
FAQS
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra fully waterproof?
No, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is not fully waterproof. It has an IP68 classification, which means it can endure immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes under certain conditions.
Will saltwater destroy my Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Saltwater is corrosive and may eventually ruin water-resistant seals. If your equipment has been exposed to seawater, immediately rinse it with fresh water and completely dry it.
Can I swim with my Galaxy S23 Ultra?
While the phone can be briefly submerged in shallow water, it is not suitable for swimming or diving. The IP68 certification tests are conducted in controlled environments with fresh water, and activities such as swimming may expose the device to conditions that exceed these parameters.
Can water resistance degrade over time?
Yes, the water resistance of your Galaxy S23 Ultra will deteriorate with time due to regular wear and tear, especially if it is constantly exposed to severe environments.
What do I do if my Galaxy S23 Ultra becomes wet?
If your Galaxy S23 Ultra becomes wet, rinse it with fresh water (particularly if exposed to salt or chlorinated water) and completely dry it with a clean, soft towel. Also, make sure the USB-C connector is totally dry before charging.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S23 and the rest of the S23 lineup promise some amazing new features and increased durability thanks to the inclusion of Gorilla Glass.
The Galaxy S23 series is IP68 rated, which means it is water resistant and dustproof. While these smartphones are not completely waterproof, their IP68 classification allows them to be submerged in water for limited periods of time without issue.