If you are clumsy and accident-prone (like I am) then you have invariably dropped your precious smartphone on the floor or in water! It is at times like these that you are grateful for the shatterproof glasses used by smartphone manufacturers and the IP67 or IP68 certification, which makes your handset have some protection against water.
Having a waterproof smartphone that survives damage when it accidentally falls into a swimming pool (and does not require immersion into a bag of rice) is a boon and a great quality - if not a must-have functionality - in an expensive handset.
More often than not OEMs overlook the importance of making a top-end smartphone waterproof - for example the LG V20. However, there are plenty of smartphone makers who give this aspect immense weight.
We check out some of the best waterproof/splash-resistant smartphones that have hit the shelves this year such as the Samsung Galaxy S7, the iPhone 7, the Sony Xperia XZ, Moto G Turbo Edition and the Galaxy S7 edge.
iPhone 7
This, along with the iPhone 7 Plus, is the first iPhone from the company to be waterproof and boasts an IP67 rating.
This rating essentially translates to your iPhone surviving despite a fall into water up to 3 feet deep.
Samsung Galaxy S7
The flagship smartphone from Samsung is a tough cookie, being able to resist damage even when it is submerged up to 30 minutes in a maximum of 5 feet of water, courtesy of its IP68 rating. Thanks to this quality, you could possibly take pictures from your Galaxy S7 even inside the pool - but not for a long duration.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Like sibling Galaxy S7, the Galaxy S7 edge is also IP68-certified (remember the teaser video that showed off the handset under a shower?) and can be immersed in nearly 5 feet water for half an hour and not suffer any damage. Underwater footage of the smartphone as previously reported by us evidences the waterproof capabilities of the Android-powered handset.
Sony Xperia XZ
The 5.2-inch Sony Xperia XZ smartphone is also IP68-certified, which means water splashes won't damage your device. If you accidentally drop the smartphone in a swimming pool that is less than 5 feet or 1.5 meters deep, and leave it there for 30 minutes, the Xperia XZ will survive with flying colors.
Motorola Moto G Turbo Edition
The Moto G Turbo Edition is also waterproof and has an IP67 rating, which makes it a survivor if it is submerged in a maximum of 3 feet of water.
