18 waterproof Android phones for those unlucky, rainy days

[Wireless News]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/dTvmn25rwrY9zTCP4DSD2Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9ODY7cT03NTt3PT EzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/digital_trends_973/a219f82bcdf28236bcf1e8e201fb36ca (http://news.yahoo.com/18-waterproof-android-phones-those-203144034.html)Who says electronics and water don’t mix? Smartphones that can handle the rain, a dunk in the bath, or a tumble into a puddle aren’t the rarity they once were, and we’re not only talking about underpowered, basic phones covered in chunky rubber either. It’s entirely possible to buy a good-looking, capable mid-range phone, and even an amazing flagship smartphone which isn’t afraid of the wet stuff, too. Maybe you work outdoors; you’re always at the pool; or you just want to Tweet while you shower in the morning. Whatever the reason, we’ve got your back. Here’s our list of the top picks for anyone seeking a waterproof phone right now, along with a quick overview of what those IP numbers really mean. Related: What makes a smartphone rugged? Updated on 10-19-2015 by Andy Boxall : Added in a new-collection of water resistant phones. Have you heard of the Ingress Protection scale? When we talk about waterproof hardware, we often refer to an IP rating. This stands for Ingress Protection, and is usually followed by a number, which refers to its ability to withstand water and dust. The first digit relates to solid particle protection and the second digit to liquid. Here’s a complete breakdown of what the IP codes mean, but we’ve added the details you need to know with each phone, so you don’t have to go and work it out. It’s worth pointing out that while some of these phones get close to being labeled waterproof, we probably should treat them as just resistant to water. In other words, we don’t advise you to deliberately submerge them. But it’s still nice not to have to worry. Sony Xperia Z5 Family Sony started the ball rolling for high-end water resistant smartphones when it announced the Xperia Z-back in 2013. Since then, almost all its top-of-the-range Xperia Android phones have been able to survive a dunking. In 2015, Sony overhauled its Xperia Z range and introduced three new models: The Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and the Xperia Z5 Premium. All have different spec sheets, but share the same degree of water and dust protection-— an impressive-IP68 rating. Almost regardless of your screen size of choice, Sony has you covered with the Z5, starting with the 4.6-inch Z5 Compact, the 5.2-inch Z5, and the 4K resolution Z5 Premium. You can read about all three phones here. Here’s what that IP number means: If the IP number starts with a six, then the device features complete protection from dust, and must ward off particles to the extent where none can find their way in. If the number is a five, like the IP55/IP58-Xperia Z2, then the device is protected against ingress, and any particles that do get inside won’t stop it from working. To meet the IPx8 standard, the device must continue to function normally after being left in water “continuously,” although the exact details are down to the manufacturer. In the case of the Xperia Z5, Sony says it’ll withstand low pressure jets from all angles, and 30 minutes underwater at a depth of 1.5-meters. It’s about as good as it gets for consumer electronics, but you do have to make sure that all the port covers are properly closed — although the Z5 has a capless design, unlike the Xperia Z3 — and realize that its touchscreen isn’t going to function perfectly while underwater. Sony got in some water of the heated variety over its repeated use of promo pictures showing Xperia phones being used underwater, something that turned out not to be the best idea. We’d recommend keeping it above the water line for the majority of its life, regardless of its ability. Sony Xperia Z3+ Where’s the Xperia Z4? We’re not including it due to its restricted release, and have gone with the internationally available Xperia Z3+ instead. However, it’s not a phone we’d really recommend buying due to excessive amounts of heat generated by the processor, but it exists and is waterproof, therefore it should be recognized here. Also, if you’re looking for the Xperia Z4V, which would also have been water resistant; don’t. Its release was canceled by Sony and Verizon. Xperia Z3+ available-at: Amazon Newegg Sony Xperia Z3 Sony Xperia Z3 The Xperia Z3 is Sony’s last flagship phone to get a wide release, and it scores highly on the ingress protection scale, attaining a rating of IP65/IP68. According to Sony, the reason it gets two ratings is because it complies with both the waterproofing standards.-The Xperia Z3 Compact-has the same IP rating, but comes with a smaller 4.6-inch, 720p screen. You do have to make sure that all the port covers are properly closed, and realize that its touchscreen isn’t going to function perfectly while underwater, but the Z3 is more waterproof than most of the competition. The phone also has a 5.2-inch 1080p screen, a Snapdragon processor, and a 20.7-megapixel camera. Xperia Z3 available-at: Amazon B&H Sony Xperia Z3V and older Z phones Sony Xperia Z3 Compact The Xperia Z3 was joined by the Xperia Z3V, a spin-off that’s exclusive to Verizon. It had the same specifications, just on a different network. There are several older Sony options out there, and if you’re after a water resistant bargain, the T-Mobile IP55/IP58-Xperia Z1S-can still be purchased as a pre-owned phone through the network. It-has the same ratings as the Xperia Z2, but a slightly smaller 5-inch, 1080p screen, and a Snapdragon 800 processor. If you’re not worried about your new watertight phone being bang up to date, the Z1 and the Z1 Compact-are also possibilities, while-the Sony Xperia Z Ultra-is the only big smartphone we know of with IP55 and IP58 ratings. You’ll struggle to find any of them new though. Xperia Z3V available at: Amazon Best Buy Sony Xperia M5 The follow-up to the M4 Aqua, Sony has boosted the specs for the Xperia M5, while keeping the IP65/IP68 rating seen on many other Xperia phones intact. Equipped with a 5-inch, 1080p screen, the M5’s rear camera has a massive 21-megapixels, the front camera 8 megapixels, and a MediaTek octa-core processor provides the speed. Like many Sony phones, it’s hard to find in the U.S., but Expansys will order one for you, if the $540 unconnected price doesn’t put you off. The phone hasn’t been given a UK or wide European release either. Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Looking for a phone that looks normal, but still works if it gets a soaking? The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua-could be for you. Like other Xperia phones, it has an IP65/IP68 rating, making it more effective at keeping dust and water than most other devices on our list. The 64-bit, octa-core processor, 5-inch 720p screen, and 13-megapixel camera makes it even more attractive.-It’s a little older, but Sony still sells the phone through its Amazon store, and it’s a reasonable $290 unconnected. Xperia M4 Aqua available at: -B&H Newegg Galaxy S6 Active Don’t think Sony has the monopoly on waterproof phones, because Samsung also has a few in its range, headed by the latest Galaxy S6 Active. The normal Galaxy S6 is terrified of the wet stuff, the Active version has an IP68 rating to go along with the U.S. Mil-810G spec body, so it’ll handle extremes of temperature, altitude, and humidity. It has a 5.1-inch, quad HD screen, a 16-megapixel camera, and Samsung’s own octa-core processor, so it’s suitably powerful.-It’s also easier to find in the U.S. than Sony’s phones, and is sold by AT&T, where it remains an exclusive. The phone hasn’t been released internationally. Galaxy S6 Active available at: -AT&T Best Buy Samsung Galaxy S5 Samsung Galaxy S5 Samsung’s-flagship phone for 2014, the Galaxy S5, scores a rating of IP67. That means it can be submerged up to 1 meter in depth for up to 30 minutes, and no dust particles are able to enter the phone at all. You will need to make sure that the plastic flap that covers the USB port is securely closed and, since you can open the back, double check that the cover is firmly in place.-The Galaxy S5 is still available to buy new, and also as a pre-owned smartphone through networks such as AT&T, but it won’t be around for ever now it has been superseded. Galaxy S5 available-at: -Verizon-AT&T-Best Buy Samsung Galaxy S5 Active and-Sport Samsung Galaxy S5 Active There are two variants to the flagship Galaxy S5, and both are rugged offerings. Again, these are older devices which haven’t been replaced for 2015, so while they’re still on sale, a replacement may arrive in the near future. The S5 Active-is still for sale through AT&T, and the S5 Sport can be purchased through Sprint. The S5 Active is chunkier and a lot more butch-looking, with plastic bumpers on the corners to ensure it can survive drops. The S5 Sport is rubberized, but not quite as angular. They both have big physical buttons to make it easier to operate them outdoors, and share the same IP67 rating as the standard S5. However, this duo also boast a MIL-spec 810G rating, which means they meet military standards and can handle extremes of temperature, humidity, and altitude. Galaxy S5 Active available at:- AT&T Amazon Galaxy S5 Sport available at: Amazon Next page: 7 more waterproof phones, and some extras Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 Before the Galaxy S6 Active came along, this was Samsung’s only water resistant phone for 2015. The IP67 rating puts it slightly ahead of some older models, and it has a military-spec protective body. The screen is 4.5-inches in size, and the resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, and a quad-core chip with 1.5GB of RAM provides the power. The Galaxy Xcover 3 was announced in March, and-although it hasn’t been picked up by any U.S. networks, it can be found online with prices in the region of $300. Galaxy S6 Active available at: -Amazon HTC Desire Eye HTC Desire Eye Here’s one many will not expect to be water resistant. The Desire Eye has an IPX7 rating, which HTC says makes it dust proof, and resistant to water to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes. The 4G LTE Desire Eye has a 5.2-inch 1080p screen, a Snapdragon 801 processor, and a pair of 13-megapixel cameras – one on the rear, and the other above the screen. Bath time selfies have never been so safe. HTC Desire EYE available at:- AT&T Kyocera Brigadier Kyocera Brigadier The Kyocera Brigadier-is more what we expect a water resistant phone to look like, wrapped up in its military spec toughened body. The phone is IP68 compliant, and has a sapphire crystal shield over the screen, making it highly scratch resistant. The specs are solid enough, with a 4.5-inch 720p display, a Snapdragon 400 chip, and an 8-megapixel rear camera. It’s $400 without a contract, or $100 if you sign-up for two years with Verizon. Available at: Amazon Verizon Kyocera Hydro Life Kyocera Hydro Life The latest water resistant, rugged release from Kyocera is the budget-friendly Hydro Life, which will only cost you $125 from Walmart. It has an IP57 rating, so it’s good in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and dust is nothing to worry about. It also has a MIL 810G rating which means it can handle falls and it can deal with extreme weather conditions. The specs aren’t bad for the price either, we’re talking a 4.5-inch IPS QHD screen, 5-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and a whopping 2,000mAh battery. Hydro Life available at: Amazon Kyocera Hydro Elite Kyocera Hydro Elite The Hydro Elite can be purchased through Verizon. It scores IPX5 and IPX7, which means it’s capable of handling rain and jets of water, and it’s safe to dunk in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. To clarify, if the letter X appears in any IP ratings, it means it’s not officially classified. However, if something is water resistant, a degree of dust protection will be built-in.-The Hydro Elite runs Android 4.3 out of the box and has a pretty decent spec – including a 4.3-inch screen, an 8-megapixel camera, and 4G LTE – for the $350 off-contract price tag. Hydro Elite-available at: Amazon Cat S50 Cat S50 Cat make a range of tough, water resistant phones, and the latest to be announced is the S50. The shock proof, military-spec body has an IP67 rating to keep out dust and resist water for 30 minutes. It’ll survive 1.2 meter drops without issue too. Otherwise, it has a standard, mid-range spec sheet with a 4.7-inch, 720p screen, an 8-megapixel camera, and a quad-core chip inside. The addition of 4G LTE connectivity’s welcome though. Cat sell the phone direct for $460 unlocked, without a contract. CAT S50 available at: -Amazon Home Depot Huawei Honor 3 The Honor 3 is another older, but potentially cheaper option for those wanting a budget water resistant phone, but with a standard, everyday design. It has an IP57 rating, so it’s good for surviving a 30 minute dip in shallow water, plus it’ll keep dust particles outside where they belong. The phone is specced similarly to the Kyocera Brigadier, with a 4.7-inch 720p screen and a quad-core chip, but the camera has 13 megapixels, and it’s all wrapped up in a more traditional looking body. Huawei Honor 3-available at: -Amazon Newegg Water repellant phones There are some phones which are labeled as water repellant, rather than water proof or water resistant. They don’t carry an IP rating, so won’t withstand the same treatment as those that do, but they should be better protected from rain or a nearby spill. Motorola dips its toe into the water Rewind a couple of years and Motorola was turning out water resistant phones like the Motorola Defy Plus, which was IP67 rated. There was also the Kevlar-coated Droid Razr Maxx with its water-repellent nano-material. No one paid much attention back then, so Motorola quietly dropped the water resistance as a selling point, but several of its current range of popular phones still have a nano-material covering. For example, the Moto X Play and Moto G are both referred to as water repellant, which is better than nothing, and should protect your phone from a few drops of rain. HTC One M8-has some subtle abilities HTC doesn’t promote the One M8’s ability to withstand a little dampness, but according to a company spokesperson, it’s rated to IPX3 levels. This means the device is protected against spraying water, but only at certain angles, and a set pressure. It’ll do so for five minutes though. It’s not going to last if you drop it in the bath, but it’ll do fine in the rain. It hasn’t been stated the new HTC One M9-has the same ability, but HTC will release an IP68 rated case, called the Active Pro, for the phone in the near future. Alternative solutions, if a new phone isn’t an option If buying a waterproof phone isn’t practical, and you’d rather give your existing device some protection, there are options out there for anyone needing to make their own phone waterproof. For those on a very strict budget, the simplest and cheapest way is to seal it inside a ziplock bag. It’s not going to look good, or function very well, and it’s certainly not going to be the safest approach, but it will work. Alternatively, there are a few plastic bags designed specifically for electronics, so opt for one of those if you don’t mind spending a little more. A good example is a bag from Dry Case, which-comes with all the extras you’d want. If you would prefer a case for your phone, there are various companies like Lifeproof offering fully waterproof cases, but they’re always pretty bulky. Finally, there is also a company called Liquipel that will apply a water resistant nano-coating to any smartphone or tablet. It should be enough to cope with an accidental splash or a very brief dunking, much like the Moto G. That’s it for water resistant and waterproof phones, but we will update this list as more emerge. ————— Previous Updates: Updated on 04-21-2014 by Andy Boxall :-Added in a new selection of water resistant smartphones. Updated on 8-6-2014 by Simon Hill : We’ve added new phones including the Kyocera Hydro Life, Galaxy S5 Mini, Galaxy S5 Active, and-Galaxy-S5-Sport. Updated on 4-30-2014 by Andy Boxall: We’ve added new phones including the Xperia Z2 and Samsung Galaxy S5, and refined the list to highlight other devices like the Galaxy S4 Active. Article originally published by Simon Hill on 3-10-2014.



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