Best IP68 Waterproof Smartphones To Check Out In 2017

As the cost of smartphones go up, the need to have a smartphone that comes with some level of out of the box protection increases. Thankfully, this is not a point lost on manufacturers and a number of smartphones coming through are now coming with more of a rugged build than before. Not to mention, quite a few smartphones are also now coming with an IP68 certification for water and dust-resistance. Which is a big help as it does mean that these smartphones are not only more durable, but can withstand accidental encounters with water. If you are in the market for a new smartphone and preferably a rugged one, then here are six choices worth considering which span the price and spec spectrum.

1. Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8 Plus

The Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus are the two brand new flagship smartphones from Samsung. Which already makes them worth considering. However, name aside, these phones come packed to the gills with features and specs, including an unusual and tall display aspect ratio. Although with such a tall and premium display, you will want to make sure they are protected. Thankfully, the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus come with an IP68 certification. So not only are you getting a premium phone with a premium display, but water and dust will not be a problem. Regardless of whether you opt for the Galaxy S8 or the S8 Plus, you can also expect 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (in the US) or a Samsung Exynos 8895 SoC. As well as a 12-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, a 3,000 mAh battery, and more.

2. Sony Xperia XZs

Samsung is not the only manufacturer to release a phone recently, as Sony did as well. In fact, the Sony Xperia XZs became available to buy just this week and this is another smartphone that comes loaded with an IP68 certification, so you can be sure this one is protected from water and dust encounters. This is also a good option for those looking for a more compact phone as the Xperia XZs comes loaded with a 5.2-inch TRILUMINOS FHD display. While the rest of the specs include 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC. As well as a 19-megapixel rear camera, a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, NFC, USB Type-C, a 2,900 mAh battery, and more.

3. AGM X1

The AGM X1 on the other hand is another smartphone worth considering. Not only is this IP68 certified and a rugged smartphone, but it is also the first rugged smartphone to come loaded with dual camera. So if you are as equally interested in smartphone photography as a rugged build, then the included twin 13-megapixel rear cameras should suffice nicely. In addition to the rugged build and dual rear cameras, this is also a smartphone that comes with a competitive spec list. For instance, the AGM X1 comes packed with a 5-inch Super AMOLED FHD display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 SoC. As well as expanded storage (up to 128GB), a 5,400 mAh battery, Quick Charge 2.0 support, and more. Best of all, this one is priced under $300.

4. Samsung Galaxy S7 Active

Back to Samsung again, and while the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus come with added protection, if you want Samsung design but even more protection than the Galaxy S7 Active is one you will want to check out. This might be an older phone now, but it is one which comes with a great spec breakdown and an even more rugged build than you will find on other Samsung devices. So not only is this one IP68 certified, but it is also housed within a military-grade shock-resistant body. In terms of those specs, the Galaxy S7 Active comes with a 5.1-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, 4GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC. As well as a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, a 4,000 mAh battery, and more.

5. LG G6

Along with Samsung and Sony, LG also has a new smartphone that you might want to consider. Like the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, the LG G6 also makes a play with the display and also comes with an unusual aspect ratio. So in many ways, this is a smartphone that is quite comparable to the Galaxy S8. In addition to the play on the screen, the LG G6 is also a smartphone that comes with an IP68 certification for dust and water protection. In terms of the rest of the specs, the LG G6 comes loaded with a 5.7-inch QHD+ ‘FullVision’ display. This is in addition to 4GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC. As well as two 13-megapixel rear cameras, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, a Hi-Fi Quad DAC, a 3,300 mAh battery, and more.

6. Blackview BV6000

Closing out the list today is the Blackview BV6000. This is another option worth considering if you are looking for an affordable smartphone as it is the cheapest option on this list. Although, it also comes with a lesser spec list by comparison. However, it is an IP68 certified smartphone and also does come with a more durable body. In terms of those specs, this is the smallest smartphone on the list as it comes with a 4.7-inch display and a resolution that is resigned to HD. Inside, the Blackview BV6000 comes packed with 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage and is powered by a MediaTek MTK6755 SoC. In addition, you can expect to find a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, expandable storage, a 4,200 mAh battery, and more.