If you don't pay attention for a moment, your mobile phone is already lying in the bathtub or in the sand. In the meantime, however, many devices are protected against such mishaps, and this is no longer reserved for top models. In addition to Samsung and Apple, other manufacturers are now advertising with the so-called IP certification. CHIP says what's behind it, which smartphones outside of the high-end class are tough and still offer the full range of functions. To fix cell phone issues you can visit a computer shop near me.

Cheap waterproof mobile phones in the test nowadays are almost standard, but until a few years ago it was only reserved for the high-end models: certified protection against dust and water. While submerging the mobile device in water used to be the death sentence for the device, modern smartphones are also suitable for longer submersions. If this security is important to you, you should pay attention to its IP certification when buying a new mobile phone. This describes the resistance and protection against penetrating substances such as water or dust using two single-digit numbers.

The top ranks of our leaderboard are already well protected against dust and water according to IP67 or IP68 - the iPhones since the iPhone 7, but also Samsung's Galaxy S models for many years.

This is what you can read in this article: We have selected alternative, inexpensive recommendations for the expensive high-end devices for you and present them below. Like the current top smartphones, they are protected against dust and water according to either IP67 or IP68. They can also be temporarily submerged in freshwater without being damaged. We mainly focus on models for less than 500 but also name a cheap iPhone alternative.

We then explain what you should look out for when buying a sealed smartphone, which other protection classes there are and what they stand for, as well as the methods used by the manufacturers. We also give you general tips on buying a mobile phone. What does the IP protection class mean? The IP protection class consists of two digits. While the first number describes the general protection against foreign bodies, the second number specifies that against water. An example of such an identifier would be IP68, which classifies the device as completely dust-tight and protected against even submersion in water. 

The exact meaning of the numbers can be found in our corresponding practical tip.
Unlike just a few years ago, you will no longer only find such IP-certified dust and water protection on high-end models. In the meantime, there are also powerful models in the lower price segments that not only offer good performance and equipment but can also protect them efficiently from foreign bodies. Since the iPhone 7 (test), Apple has officially offered protection against water - initially IP67 - now with newer models IP68 protection.

How do manufacturers make their smartphones waterproof?

Even modern smartphones are not completely waterproof. The gaps in the case may be getting smaller and the IP numbers rising accordingly, but with high enough water pressure, water molecules can still squeeze their way through microscopic holes or slots. Therefore, the IP class is also differentiated according to the depth of immersion - the deeper, the higher the water pressure.


The method, which was particularly common when the first water-resistant cell phones appeared, is as simple as it is pragmatic: glue. The mass is particularly tightly structured and therefore well protected against water. So where there is a risk of H₂O penetrating, for example at the transition between the screen and the rest of the housing or at interfaces, it is used. 

However, it becomes difficult if the adhesive is visible or noticeable to the user. Then rubber seals are a popular and visually appealing alternative. They are usually attached in an O-shape around a headphone jack, effectively sealing the tiny gaps. Silicone is also often found, especially with buttons.
On the other hand, this is not so easy with loudspeakers – after all, air permeability is essential here. However, the net used here is so fine-meshed that no liquid penetrates due to the surface tension of the water. Unless the water pressure is big enough. Alternatively, a breathable fabric membrane is also used here, such as that found in ski jackets.
Another alternative to rubber, glue, and the like is so-called nanotechnology. The tiny particles, which are otherwise often used in sci-fi fiction to explain advanced technology such as the Iron Man suit, already cut a fine figure as protection against water. Filling tiny gaps with the particles is particularly suitable for reducing repair costs compared to glue. Such protection can also be applied later in some places.

What should you generally look out for when buying a smartphone?

Of course, protection against dust and water is important, especially with expensive purchases, in order not to jeopardize the expensive investment. But for use in the dry, completely different aspects play an important role.

For many interested parties, this includes the display in particular. While cheap models continue to rely on the mostly unspectacular LC technology, OLED is now standard, especially in the higher price range. This panel is usually accompanied by a particularly wide range of colors and contrasts and black areas also look better here. The resolution should not fall below a pixel density of 350 ppi ("pixels per inch") for a sharp image. Many devices already offer refresh rates of more than 60 Hertz. As a result, elements move noticeably more smoothly across the screen when scrolling and swiping.

The performance of a smartphone is also crucial. With new releases, there are usually no problems with the operation of iOS and Android. You can find precise performance data in our individual tests. The same goes for the camera. Although three or four lenses on the back of the device may impress, details, natural colors or a high resolution are often lacking.
The rest of the equipment depends entirely on your needs. A classic headphone output is hard to find these days, instead, USB-C is the standard for the main interface. IP-certified water protection is helpful, but biometric unlocking by finger or face also ensures security. Also, note which mobile radio standard your desired device supports - not every cell phone is 5G-capable.

Batteries should provide a smartphone with at least 12 hours of energy in online operation so that you don't have to reach for the power supply unit before the end of the day. Thanks to the quick charge function, some models are fully operational again within an hour, but larger batteries in particular can also charge for two hours or longer. Functions such as Samsung's " PowerShare " load other Qi-enabled mobile devices on the back of the device.
You can read more about liquidation stores near me in our detailed purchase advice on the subject of smartphones, while our always up-to-date list of the best gives an overview of the current top models on the German market.