Best Water-Resistant Phone 2026: IP68-Rated Picks for Real-World Durability
Water resistance is now standard on flagships, but the rating matters: IP68 is the meaningful threshold (1.5m for 30 minutes). Here are the best water-resistant phones in 2026, anchored to MKBHD's Smartphone Awards.
Updated · 5 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Phones with IP67 or IP68 ratings that won or placed at MKBHD's Smartphone Awards. Sorted by overall capability first.
- #1
Won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. IP68 rated for 6 meters / 30 minutes — the strongest water resistance in the lineup.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Phone of the Year
- IP68 rated for 6m / 30min
- Five+ years of iOS updates
Cons
- No telephoto
- $799 starting
- #2
Runner-up Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. IP68 rated for 1.5m / 30min — flagship-tier water resistance with S Pen and 5x periscope.
Pros
- Runner-up Phone of the Year 2025
- IP68 + S Pen
- Brightest mainstream display
Cons
- 232g — heavy
- $1,299 starting
- #3
Won Most Improved at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. IP68 rated. Cleanest Android with the best AI features and 7 years of updates.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Most Improved
- Best on-device AI features
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Tensor G4 trails Snapdragon
- Battery merely average
- #4
Won Best Value at MKBHD's 2023 Smartphone Awards. IP67 rated at $249–$299 — rare water resistance at this price.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2023 Best Value winner
- IP67 at sub-$300
- Updates through 2027
Cons
- Slow Exynos chipset
- Plastic frame
- #5
Runner-up Best Value 2024 — cheapest 7-year-supported IP67
Google Pixel 8a
Google · 2024 · From $499
Runner-up Best Value at MKBHD's 2024 awards. IP67 rated at $499 with 7 years of updates — the most rounded sub-$500 water-resistant pick.
Pros
- Runner-up Best Value 2024
- Seven years of updates
- $499 starting
Cons
- Plastic frame
- Tensor G3 not fast
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best water-resistant phone in 2026?
iPhone 17 — won MKBHD's 2025 Phone of the Year and is IP68 rated for 6 meters / 30 minutes (the strongest rating in this list).
What does IP68 mean for phones?
Dust-tight (6) and protected against immersion in water at 1.5m+ for 30+ minutes (8). Most modern flagships are IP68; some go further (iPhone 17: 6 meters).
Can I swim with an IP68 phone?
Briefly, in fresh water — but warranty doesn't typically cover water damage even at IP68. Treat the rating as 'survives accidents' not 'designed for swimming'.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.