What happens when you accidentally drop your Samsung Galaxy S22 while taking a shower?
The Short Answer:
The Samsung Galaxy S22 isn’t waterproof, but it is water-resistant with an IP68 rating. The ‘8’ signifies that the phone can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes without taking damage. It’s a crucial distinction that’s often misunderstood. So, while it’s not invincible against water, it does offer a high level of water resistance.
Key Takeaways: Understanding the IP68 Rating on the Samsung Galaxy S22
- Not Waterproof, But Water-Resistant: The IP68 rating doesn’t make the Galaxy S22 “waterproof.” It’s water-resistant, which is a significant but often misunderstood distinction.
- What IP Stands For: “IP” is an acronym for “Ingress Protection,” a global standard that measures how well a device is sealed against environmental factors like dust and water.
- The ‘6’ in IP68: The first digit in the IP68 rating, ‘6,’ signifies that the Galaxy S22 offers complete protection against dust, dirt, and sand. It’s the highest level of protection on a 0-6 scale.
- The ‘8’ in IP68: The second digit, ‘8,’ indicates that the device can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes without damage. This is a high level of water resistance on a 0-9 scale.
Need advice on which Galaxy S22 to get? Check out our Samsung Galaxy S22 Series Buying Guide [2023 Edition]
Let’s not beat around the bush: If you’re considering the Samsung Galaxy S22 as your next smartphone, you’re likely wondering how it holds up against water damage. Is it a device you can confidently take to the pool or beach?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S22’s water resistance credentials.
Is The Samsung Galaxy S22 Waterproof?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 comes with an IP68 rating. In layman’s terms, this means the phone can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes without suffering damage.
However, this is not an invitation to start snapping underwater selfies or to toss it into the sea.
An IP68 rating is a standardized measure of water and dust resistance. It’s a crucial feature for anyone prone to accidental spills or sudden rain showers.
For example, if you’re hiking and get caught in a downpour, an IP68-rated device like the Galaxy S22 won’t leave you high and dry.
While the IP68 rating offers a level of protection against accidental water exposure, it’s not foolproof. The rating applies to freshwater only, meaning saltwater or ionized water can still wreak havoc on your device.
So, if you’re planning a beach vacation, it’s best to keep your Galaxy S22 safely tucked away.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant: What’s The Difference?
First off, let’s clear up some terminology. ‘Waterproof‘ and ‘water-resistant‘ are not interchangeable. No smartphone, including the Galaxy S22, is entirely impervious to water.
The IP68 rating is more of a safety net for accidental spills or quick dunks, not an invitation to take underwater selfies.
You might recall some daring YouTube tests where phones survived underwater for weeks. While these stunts make for great content, they’re not a green light for reckless behavior.
Companies like Samsung and Apple steer clear of claiming their devices are ‘waterproof’ to avoid liability issues.
Don’t expect the warranty to bail you out if you decide to test the limits and your phone succumbs to water damage.
What’s the real-world application of the Galaxy S22’s water resistance? Think of it as a buffer against life’s little accidents: drops in the bath/shower/toilet, heavy rain, leaving it outside during a downpour.
If your phone takes an unplanned dip in the pool or gets caught in a downpour, it should emerge unscathed. But it’s always wise to exercise caution. After all, it’s an electronic device, and water is its natural enemy.
Always err on the side of caution to ensure your device’s longevity. This applies to all electronics, not just phones.
I found this out the hard way with my iPhone XS Max a couple of years ago.
For this reason, do your best to keep your phone dry and away from water – it is an electronic device after all! Or, if you’re massively accident prone, maybe think about investing in a high-quality phone case.
What Does The IP68 Rating Mean?
The IP68 rating on the Samsung Galaxy S22 means the device is dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without damage.
But hold on—this doesn’t make the phone “waterproof.” It’s water-resistant, a crucial difference.
“IP” stands for “Ingress Protection,” an international standard that quantifies the sealing effectiveness of electrical devices against environmental elements like dust and water.
In the IP68 rating of the Samsung Galaxy S22, the first digit ‘6’ indicates full protection against dust, dirt, and sand, the highest on a 0-6 scale.
The second digit ‘8’ signifies that the device can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, a high level on a 0-9 scale.
Here’s a quick table for reference:
An IP68 rating means the Samsung Galaxy S22 offers robust protection against solid and liquid elements.
However, it’s crucial to note that this doesn’t make the device “waterproof.”
It’s designed to withstand accidental exposure to water, not for prolonged underwater use. Keep this in mind, and your Samsung Galaxy S22 should serve you well.
Galaxy S22 Specs (ALL Models)
Galaxy S22 Ultra | Galaxy S22 Plus | Galaxy S22 | |
Price | $1,199 | $999 | $799 |
Android version | 12, One UI 4 | 12, One UI 4 | 12, One UI 4 |
Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED QHD+ | 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED FHD+ | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED FHD+ |
Refresh rate | 1-120Hz | 10-120Hz | 10-120Hz |
CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
RAM | 8GB, 12GB | 8GB | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
Rear cameras | 108MP (f/2.2) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) 10x telephoto, 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto | 50MP (f/1.8) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto | 50MP (f/1.8) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto |
Front camera | 40MP (f/2.2) | 10MP (f/2.2) | 10MP (f/2.2) |
Video | Up to 8K 24 fps | Up to 8K 24 fps | Up to 8K 24 fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh | 3,700 mAh |
Charging | 45W wired, 15W wireless | 45W wired, 15W wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
Size | 3.1 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches | 3 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches | 2.8 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches |
Weight | 8.1 ounces | 6.9 ounces | 5.9 ounces |
Connectivity | Embedded S Pen, Wi-Fi 6E, UWB, 5G (mmWave/sub6) | Wi-Fi 6E, UWB, 5G (mmWave/Sub6) | Wi-Fi 6E, UWB, 5G (mmWave/Sub6) |
Colors | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Burgundy | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold |
If you’re interested in grabbing the Samsung Galaxy S22 and want to know more about the series in general, check out our Samsung Galaxy S22 Series: Ultimate Buying Guide – it covers everything you need to know about all of the models in the range (and how they’re different).
Or, if you’re more interested in Samsung’s newer models, here’s a similar guide to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series.