Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S8
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Last year's best waterproof phone was the Galaxy S7, so it's no surprise this year's would be its sequel. Samsung made a number of important and meaningful improvements to the Galaxy S8, but it also left alone what matters: the phone's IP68 rating. That means it is safe to be immersed in more than a meter of water for a pretty good length of time and — more importantly — you can take photos and video underwater without worrying about covering it with a bulky case.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S8 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you're looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.
One more thing: Both the Galaxy S8 and the larger S8+ have the same waterproofing, but the regular S8 may be the better fit since it's more manageable in one hand.
Why the Galaxy S8 is the best
There's something nice about being caught in the rain.
It's truly reassuring to know that your phone can withstand inclement weather — whatever form that may take. The Galaxy S8 not only withstands wind, rain, snow, and other torrents, but it doesn't have to cover anything to do so; its USB-C port, speaker, and headphone jack are fully exposed and don't need any silly covers.
But water protection is only a bit of the Galaxy S8's story: it comes with the latest Snapdragon 835 processor, along with 64GB of memory standard, and has a beautiful 5.8-inch Infinity Display that practically does away with bezels. It also has better battery life than the Galaxy S7, which means it will last longer when you're either walking down the street in your home town or walking the history of Machu Picchu.
Having a waterproof phone also allows for some cool underwater experiences: the Galaxy S8 can take photos and shoot videos below the meniscus, which saves you an expensive case and a bunch of anxiety.
Best for photography
LG V30
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The V30 is LG's best phone, period. The LG V30 does it all and adds IP68 water ingress protection to its already enviable spec sheet, which is the same everywhere this year.
Besides being "waterproof" the V30 has some other really great features. The video capture is second to none with LG Cine Log mode, top-shelf mobile audio components make the V30 sound as good (or better) than your stereo at home, and it's the first phone to support T-Mobile's 600Mhz network.
Bottom line: The LG G6 is a great phone on its own, but if waterproofing is what you want, it's a fantastic option for those who don't want to go Samsung.
One more thing: The LG G6 supports Qi wireless charging, but only in North America.
Best for clean software
Google Pixel 2
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Google says they listened to user feedback and decided to make the Pixel 2 "waterproof" with an IP67 rating, and that's awesome.
The Pixel 2 delivers Google's Android software as intended, with fast updates for the latest features and security issues for a full three years. Many have said the Pixel takes Apple's iPhone approach and keeps things simple and running smoothly, and we have to agree.
The hardware is no slouch, either. That IP67-rated exterior holds the same muscle as most every other high-end Android phone with a Snapdragon 835 chip and 4GB of RAM. Add in front facing speakers and the best camera on any phone you can buy today for a great water-resistant experience! It lacks the IP68 rating of the Galaxy S8, but it comes close.
Bottom line: The Pixel 2 in either size is a great waterproof Android phone if you value a simple software experience.
One more thing: The Pixel 2 is the first waterproof phone to come from Google.
Best for features
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
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When it comes to features, nothing beats Samsung's Galaxy Note 8. The pinnacle of utility, the Note 8 includes everything you need to sdtay organized including Samsung's S Pen, but it can also be a lot of fun with it's gorgeous 6.3-inch QHD display and specs to drive it all. And it's also "waterproof!"
The Note 8 is truly one of the best smartphones to every come down an assembly line, and the only thing that keeps it from topping every list is its price. But this is truly a case of getting what you pay for and there is a reason the Note 8 is such a popular model despite that price.
Bottom line: The Galaxy Note 8 is an amazing phone made even better for its IP68 water resistance rating.
One more thing: The Note 8 uses a separate camera lens and sensor to take amazing portrait photos!
Conclusion
The Galaxy S line continues to reign supreme when it comes to waterproofing. This is Samsung's third waterproof flagship (after the misstep that was the Galaxy S6) and it shows: there are no port covers or seams anywhere here. But thanks to some innovative design, LG and HTC are nipping at Samsung's proverbial heels, and that's good news for anyone in the market for a waterproof phone.
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S8
See at Verizon See at AT&T See at T-Mobile See at Sprint See at Best Buy
Last year's best waterproof phone was the Galaxy S7, so it's no surprise this year's would be its sequel. Samsung made a number of important and meaningful improvements to the Galaxy S8, but it also left alone what matters: the phone's IP68 rating. That means it is safe to be immersed in more than a meter of water for an pretty good length of time and — more importantly — you can take photos and video underwater without worrying about covering it with a bulky case.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S8 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you're looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.
One more thing: Both the Galaxy S8 and the larger S8+ have the same waterproofing, but the regular S8 may be the better fit since it's more manageable in one hand.
Updated November 2017: The Galaxy S8 is still the best overall waterproof phone you can buy, but it shares the podium with some other awesome phones. You really can't go wrong here!
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