Is Samsung Galaxy S20 Waterproof?

This is a complete Samsung Galaxy S20 waterproof guide where we discuss the IP rating and water testing limits of this phone. Is this phone waterproof or water-resistant? The all new Samsung Galaxy S20 series is the latest flagship from the company. This series consists of not one, but three different models – the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and the highest spec Galaxy S20 Ultra. The new phones are primarily focused around an upgraded camera system. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is capable of capturing shots in 108 megapixels and can zoom at about 100x – double the zoom level from Huawei P30 Pro.

Some might argue the design of Galaxy S20 series looks old and outdated, however, Samsung has iterated upon their previous design and improved it in all aspects. The new Galaxy S20 phones are more easier to hold, have a better grip, provides better durability and protection from drops and scratches. Water and dust is one aspect phone manufacturers have been working to protect their products from. One drop of water inside the phone hardware and the main board gets fried – or atleast the display screen starts giving problems. The previous Galaxy S10 had an IP rating of IP68. Does the new one beat that?

IP Ratings and Differences: IP53 / IP66 / IP67 / IP68

When it comes to hardware of any kind, there is standard called Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings. This standard classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. This rating is decided for protection against dust, water and accidental contact.

There are two major types of ingress that electronics are susceptible to – dust (solid) and water (liquid). All such phone enclosures are given an IP rating based on how well they are built and protected against solids and liquids.

In terms of protection strength for phones, tablets etc., here are some IP ratings and what they mean:

IP Rating / IP Code	Description
IP53	Rated as protected against solid bodies larger than 1mm and protected against water splashes.
IP66	Rated as “dust tight” and protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water.
IP67	Rated as “dust tight” and protected against immersion.
IP68	Rated as “dust tight” and protected against complete, continuous submersion in water.
IP69 / IP69K	Rated as “dust tight” and protected against high-pressure / steam jet water.

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra IP Rating

This brings us to the actual questions – is the new flagship from Samsung actually waterproof? What is the IP rating of Samsung Galaxy S20+? Or what is the Galaxy S20 Ultra waterproof protection?

The answer to all these questions is – the Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and the Galaxy S20 Ultra has an IP rating of IP68. So as per the above table, this phone is rated to be completely dust tight and you will be well protected if you drop or submerge your Galaxy S20 in a pool, pond or any water.

According to the official Samsung website:

IP68 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use.

– IP rating for Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra

This means, you should definitely not risk the Samsung Galaxy S20 under water for more than or even equal to 30 minutes. This is strictly for the freshwater testing. It is highly advised not to deliberately take the Galaxy S20 Ultra in the pool or to the beach for capturing high-resolution shots with the 108 megapixels camera. Instead, you can use the 100x zoom to take shots away from the sand and water!

The current rating strikes a good balance between endurance and design quality.

Here is a list of all the Samsung phones that have an official IP rating and the highest level of water protection:

• Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+
• Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+
• Galaxy Note9
• Galaxy Note10, Galaxy Note10+, Galaxy Note10+ 5G
• Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+
• Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge
• Galaxy Note8

Dos and Don’ts with Samsung Galaxy S20

Now that we know the Galaxy S20 IP rating, it comes to mind if the phone is waterproof or just water-resistant? Well, the short answer is that the Galaxy S20 is water-resistant. To make it completely waterproof, there are several trade-offs Samsung would have had to do. To start with, there would be no SD card slot for expandable storage. SIM tray will have to be completed sealed or only use an e-SIM. Secondly, no USB-C charging port any buttons. We think, the consumers are not yet ready for this major change yet.

In our opinion, the Samsung Galaxy S20 should be in a protective case or cover at all times. One, to protect against dust. Second, for protection against drops, bumps and scratches.

This phone is clearly not to be used around a pool or on the beach, as advised by Samsung. Even if the phone comes with dust / water protection, Samsung does not cover water damage under official warranty.

If your daily work requires you to be around water or lots of dust, then the Samsung Galaxy S20 series is clearly not for you. For such use cases, Samsung always launch an Active variant for that extra military-grade protection. But this can take a few months before Samsung will even announce the phone.

What to do After Water Damage?

So you somehow managed to drop your $1000+ purchase in water and want a way out without taking to the official store? There are a few tricks we always recommend and try when there is water damage with an Android phone. Early signs of water damage includes your display screen showing weird colours, screen glitches and LED bleeding from the sides. Other signs include consistent moisture in charging port error, wireless charging not working, or crackling sound from the speakers. If your Galaxy S20 show any similar signs, there is a good chance your phone has been water damaged.

As mentioned, the Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and the Galaxy S20 Ultra are all water-resistant. This means protection against splashes, rain and drops in water. It does not mean that you take your phone for a video shoot under water.

Rice Bag Method

One of the most popular DIY tricks to fix water damage on smartphones (and electronics in general) is the rice bag method. Once you pull out your phone back from the pool, pond or any water, power it OFF. Do not turn it back ON or you will risk short-circuiting the main board. Now put the phone is a sealed bag of rice and keep it inside for atleast 2-3 days.

Rice is known for absorbing water and this is exactly what it will do from inside your phone. Take out the phone after a few days and turn it on. If it powers on like normal, there is a good chance that would have fixed your water damage. However, if you still feel the phone is not functioning properly, you might have to take it to an official service center for repair.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Waterproof – FAQs

There are many questions that come to mind when you are discussing water-resistance of an expensive purchase like a flagship Samsung phone. Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding the Galaxy S20 waterproof-ness, water damage, limits and IP ratings.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Waterproof Cases

Since now we have discussed Galaxy S20’s IP-rating which corresponds to how much the phone can withstand in terms of water and dust, it might be a good idea to get a waterproof case.

While the phone has just been launched various brands have already released complete waterproof cases for Samsung Galaxy S20 and here are some of our picks.

Gorilla WaterProof Case:

This case features a clear design and offers protection against water. The rubber design will also help against drops.

Armor-X WaterProof Case:

Another good case option is Armor-X WaterProof case. A unique feature of Armor-X case is you get a X-Mount system to mount the phone easily to various things and places.

BasicStock WaterProof Case:

BasicStock case for Galaxy S20 series offers drop protection with its solid surround along with waterproof functionality. It also has a clear back construction.

WintMing WaterProof Case:

WintMing waterproof case is also one good option. The basic construction is clear plastic with a rubber strong surround and a front protector as well.