Top 10 Waterproof Smartphones You Should Know in 2017

Explore the top 10 waterproof smartphones of 2017, featuring durable designs, high-performance hardware, and water resistance ratings. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and those prone to accidental spills, these phones ensure reliability and peace of mind in extreme conditions. From flagship devices to rugged outdoor phones, discover options that combine functionality with robust build quality and water resistance capabilities to suit various lifestyles and needs.

Best Waterproof Smartphones of 2017: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones are more than just communication tools—they are companions for work, entertainment, photography, and even outdoor adventures. However, accidents happen, and water damage remains one of the leading causes of phone failures. To address this, manufacturers have innovated with specially designed waterproof smartphones that can withstand splashes, rain, or even full immersion in water. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a swimmer, or someone prone to spills, having a water-resistant phone is essential for peace of mind.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 waterproof phones released around 2017, highlighting their key features, durability, and water resistance capabilities. These devices combine rugged build quality with advanced features to ensure they perform reliably in extreme conditions. While brands like Samsung and Apple introduced their flagship models with water resistance, several other brands made impressive entries to the market. Read on to discover the best waterproof smartphones that proved their mettle in 2017 and continue to serve as reliable companions for various lifestyles.

LG G6
The LG G6 stands out as a flagship waterproof device with an IP68 rating, which means it is capable of surviving underwater immersion up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. Despite its non-removable battery, which might be a drawback for some users, its overall design is sleek and robust. It features a stunning 5.7-inch display with a Full HD resolution, delivering crisp visuals. Powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor, the LG G6 provides smooth multitasking and app performance. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced dual rear cameras for high-quality photography, wireless charging capabilities (particularly in the US market), and a sizable 3300mAh battery for extended usage. Its rugged design ensures durability for everyday outdoor activities, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable waterproof smartphone.

Sony Xperia XZ
The Sony Xperia XZ offers exceptional water resistance with an IP68 rating, making it suitable for submersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. Designed with durability in mind, the Xperia XZ features a 5.2-inch Full HD display that delivers vibrant visuals and excellent contrast. Under the hood, it packs a Snapdragon 820 processor, ensuring efficient performance for multitasking and multimedia use. The device’s 23-megapixel rear camera captures stunning photos even in challenging environments, thanks to Sony’s advanced imaging technologies. The Xperia XZ’s sturdy build and water-resistance capabilities make it a versatile device for outdoor adventurers or anyone who needs a phone that can handle the elements.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Active
Released in 2016, the Galaxy S7 Active remains a highly durable waterproof smartphone that has earned its reputation for toughness. With an IP68 rating, it can survive water depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Its rugged design is complemented by features like a shatter-resistant screen, a powerful 12-megapixel rear camera for excellent photography, and a long-lasting battery life suitable for all-day use. The device also offers expandable storage of up to 200GB via microSD card, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps. Its resilient build quality makes it ideal for outdoor environments, construction sites, or just rough handling in daily life.

Caterpillar Cat S60
The Caterpillar Cat S60 is tailored for extreme outdoor conditions, making it one of the most rugged waterproof phones of 2017. Certified with an IP68 rating and an IP69 for extra dust protection, it can endure drops from heights of up to 1.8 meters without damage. The device features a 4.7-inch display, reinforced with Gorilla Glass, and is equipped with a thermal imaging camera—perfect for outdoor adventures, construction work, or outdoor photography. Its 13-megapixel camera, combined with rugged durability, also makes it suitable for underwater photography. The Cat S60 is powered by 3GB of RAM, ensuring decent multitasking performance, and is designed to function reliably in extreme environments, including very high or low temperatures, humidity, and vibrations.

Samsung Galaxy A Series (A3, A5, A7)
The Galaxy A series, including the A3, A5, and A7 models, are known for their stylish design combined with durability. All three models feature IP68 certification for dust and water resistance, ensuring protection against accidental splashes, rain, and even brief submersion. These phones blend quality cameras, strong processing power, and expandable storage options, making them versatile and practical choices for users seeking waterproof phones that do not compromise on performance or style. Their sleek designs conceal robust build qualities capable of handling everyday outdoor mishaps.

Ulefone Armor
The Ulefone Armor stands out for its rugged build, designed explicitly for outdoor survival and heavy-duty use. Certified with IP68, it is dust-tight and water-resistant, capable of handling immersion in water and drops. This model includes 3GB of RAM, a durable 5.0-inch display protected by Gorilla Glass, and a 3500mAh battery for extended use. It also comes with accessories like a screwdriver and headset adapter, emphasizing its readiness for demanding environments. Its shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof features make it ideal for construction workers, outdoor adventurers, and those working in extreme conditions.

HTC Bolt
The HTC Bolt offers reliable water and dust protection with an IP57 rating, which provides resistance against dust and water splashes. It features HTC’s BoomSound enhanced audio technology, delivering high-quality multimedia experiences. Powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB of RAM, it handles multitasking with ease. The HTC Bolt is suited for users who want a durable device capable of handling moisture exposure while maintaining excellent sound and multimedia performance.

BLU Tank Xtreme 5.0
The BLU Tank Xtreme 5.0 provides a balance between toughness and affordability. With an IP65 rating, it is designed to resist water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Its 5-inch display, reinforced with Gorilla Glass 3, is sufficient for daily use. The device is powered by a 3000mAh battery, supporting extended use. Its rugged design, combined with reliable water and dust resistance, makes it a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts and workers needing a resilient phone that can handle the elements.

Kyocera DuraForce PRO
The Kyocera DuraForce PRO exemplifies extreme durability with dual IP68 ratings and MIL-STD-810G certifications. It is designed to withstand water, dust, shocks, vibrations, and high or low-temperature extremes. Its dual microphones and reinforced body make it suitable for challenging environments, including military-grade applications. The device features a 13-megapixel camera capable of underwater photography, making it a top choice for professionals and outdoor lovers who need a truly rugged and water-proof smartphone.