Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Waterproof? – What You Should Know
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So, you just dropped a small fortune on a new Galaxy S24 Ultra or are about to? Well, it’s got an awesome 120Hz display, an AI-powered camera, and enough raw power to run half the apps you never use. But you’re here because you wonder: Can it survive a trip to the deep end of my pool?
Spoiler alert: Not really.
Samsung slaps an IP68 rating on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which sounds fancy and super rugged. But before you go taking underwater selfies, let’s get one thing straight: IP68 does NOT mean waterproof. It means water-resistant under very specific, very controlled conditions—the kind that do not involve chlorinated pools, saltwater, or your clumsy friend spilling beer all over your phone at a party.
What Does IP68 Actually Mean?
First, let’s decode that IP68 rating—because marketing loves to throw numbers at us and hope we don’t ask questions.
• The first digit (6) → Maximum dust protection. So, good news! If you ever get buried in a sandstorm, your S24 Ultra should be fine (you, not so much).
• The second digit (8) → Technically water-resistant up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) for 30 minutes—but only in freshwater and under controlled lab conditions.
Reality Check: What That Really Means for You
That lab test doesn’t account for:
Saltwater
Ocean waves, beach days, and boats? Bad idea. Salt corrodes everything, including your precious charging port.
Chlorinated Water
Swimming pools are a chemical cocktail that will gradually degrade the water-resistant seals.
Hot Water
Planning on answering texts in the shower? Steam and extreme heat can damage internal components.
Cold Water
Ice-cold water can cause condensation inside the phone, which is just water damage with extra steps.
The takeaway? IP68 is not an open invitation to treat your phone like a GoPro.
➜ Note: Samsung’s fine print says that water resistance will degrade over time. Meaning: just because your S24 Ultra can survive a splash today doesn’t mean it’ll survive one in two years.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Let’s Not Get It Twisted
Let’s make this super simple.
Water-resistant = Can handle some water exposure.
Waterproof = Can survive unlimited exposure to water without damage (which is basically a myth for smartphones).
If you’re thinking, “But I saw a YouTuber dunk their S24 Ultra in a fish tank and it still worked!”—yeah, great, but that doesn’t mean you should try it at home.
Here’s an analogy: Imagine your phone is wearing a high-quality raincoat. It’ll keep you dry in a drizzle, but would you go deep-sea diving in it? Exactly.
➜ Pro Tip: If you’re planning on getting your phone wet (underwater photography, shower TikToks, poolside FaceTiming), get a waterproof case—or be prepared to donate a kidney for repair costs.
Real-World Water Tests: Does It Hold Up?
Tech reviewers and adventurous users (aka people who aren’t afraid of voiding their warranty) have put the S24 Ultrato the test. Here’s what we learned:
Underwater Video Tests: Some YouTubers fully submerged the S24 Ultra for over 30 minutes. It survived. But—big but—some reported moisture in the cameras and speaker distortion afterward.
Accidental Drops: Dropped it in the sink? Spilled coffee on it? You’re probably fine. But if it lands in saltwater or a swimming pool, you might be one bad decision away from a dead phone.
Note: A S24 Ultra owner on the official Samsung forum reported water damage after spilled water seeped into the phone, meaning real-world durability will not always match the lab tests.
How to Keep Your S24 Ultra Alive Around Water
Want to avoid an expensive trip to the repair shop? Follow these basic survival tips:
Before Exposure
✅ Use a waterproof case if you plan on being near water.
✅ Check for cracks or worn-out seals—a tiny break in the casing = potential disaster.
During Exposure
🚫 Do NOT submerge it on purpose—especially in salt or chlorinated water.
🚫 Avoid hot showers & saunas—steam can still mess up your device.
After Exposure
Dry it immediately with a microfiber cloth.
Do NOT charge it until it’s completely dry—or you will regret it.
If you get saltwater on it, rinse it with freshwater ASAP.
Pro Tip: If your phone does get water inside, put it in silica gel packets instead of rice. (Rice is a myth, and you’ll just end up with rice dust/starch inside your phone.)
What About the S Pen?
One cool thing about the S24 Ultra’s S Pen is that it also has an IP68 rating. Meaning, if it gets a little wet, it should still function just fine. But should you doodle in the rain or dunk it in water just to test it?
Probably not.
The S Pen is designed for casual resistance; if it gets wet, wipe it off before using it—just like you wouldn’t try to write with a soggy marker.
Final Verdict: Should You Worry About Water?
Short answer: Yes, but don’t panic.
Longer answer: The S24 Ultra is designed to survive daily accidents, like rain, spills, and quick dips in freshwater. But if you actively expose it to water, you’re playing a dangerous game with Samsung’s warranty policy.
Final Takeaways
• IP68 means water-resistant, NOT waterproof.
• Saltwater, chlorine, and heat = bad news.
• Samsung’s warranty doesn’t always cover water damage, so don’t test your luck.
• A waterproof case is your best friend if you like going near or into water often.
If I were you? I’d enjoy the S24 Ultra’s great camera, AI features, and nice performance—but keep it away from water if possible; rather be safe than sorry.
Have you ever lost a phone to water? Did you accidentally test its limits in the pool, ocean, or toilet (no judgment, I’ve been there)? Drop your story in the comments! I’d love to hear about your greatest “Oh no” moments or useful tips.
Want more honest tech breakdowns? Subscribe to my Tech Newsletter and get fresh, no-BS insights on the latest gadgets, AI, and software updates—delivered straight to your inbox. No spam, just my takes.
FAQ
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Nope. It’s water-resistant, not waterproof. The IP68 rating means it can survive brief dips in freshwater, but extended submersion, saltwater, chlorine, or any other “hold my beer” moment will likely end in regret.
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It means the phone is:
✔️ Dustproof (great for sand, dust storms, and messy desks)
✔️ Water-resistant up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for 30 minutes—but only in freshwater and under lab-controlled conditions.
Reality? Drop it in a lake, pool, or ocean, and you’re rolling the dice.
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Technically, yes. But also, no.
Why? Steam + heat can mess with the internal components over time. Not to mention, your phone’s water resistance can degrade with wear and tear. So unless you really need to blast music while shampooing, maybe keep it on the counter.
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If you want underwater selfies, buy a GoPro—or at least a waterproof case.
Samsung didn’t design this phone for scuba diving. Even though some YouTubers have dunked it and lived to tell the tale, you might not be so lucky. Plus, water pressure forces moisture into weak spots, and once water gets in, your warranty is useless.
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First: Don’t panic. Second: Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Turn it off immediately. If water gets inside while it’s running, say goodbye.
2️⃣ Dry it off with a microfiber cloth—especially around the charging port.
3️⃣ Do NOT charge it until it’s completely dry. Your charging port will scream at you anyway.
4️⃣ Skip the rice myth. Use silica gel packets (the things that come in shoeboxes). They actually absorb moisture.
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Worst-case scenarios? Here’s what might go wrong:
⚠️ Foggy or malfunctioning cameras—because water loves ruining your vacation pics.
⚠️ “Moisture detected” error—which means no charging until it dries out.
⚠️ Distorted speakers—because waterlogged speakers = muffled TikTok audio.
⚠️ Internal damage & corrosion—which could straight-up kill your phone.
If any of this happens, get it checked ASAP. The longer water sits inside, the worse it gets.
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Technically, yes. But unless you want sand in your charging port and saltwater corroding your phone from the inside out, keep it in a waterproof pouch.
💡 Pro Tip: If your phone gets saltwater exposure, rinse it with freshwater ASAP—before corrosion starts partying inside.
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This happens when water gets trapped in the speaker grille.
Fix it:
1️⃣ Point the speakers downward and gently tap to shake out moisture.
2️⃣ Play a loud bass-heavy song at full volume to help push the water out.
Give it a few hours, and it should sound normal again. If not, you should contact Samsung Support.
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Even though Samsung advertises the S24 Ultra as water-resistant, water damage is NOT always covered under warranty (only in rare cases). So if it drowns, you’re either paying for repairs or upgrading to an S25 Ultra sooner than planned.
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Glad you asked. Follow these tips:
🔹 Use a waterproof case if you’re going near water.
🔹 Check for cracks or loose seals—even small ones ruin water resistance.
🔹 Avoid unnecessary water exposure (aka don’t flex with underwater selfies).
🔹 Rinse with fresh water if exposed to saltwater or chlorine.
Keep in mind: Water resistance wears down over time. If you’ve had your phone for a while, it’s probably less water-resistant than when you first unboxed it.
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