The Samsung Galaxy S22 is one of the most popular Android smartphones available today. As a high-end flagship device, it packs impressive specs and features into a compact body.
But like most electronics, water can spell disaster for the sensitive inner workings. So an important question for Galaxy S22 owners is: is the Samsung Galaxy S22 waterproof?
IP68 Water Resistance Rating
The short answer is: the Galaxy S22 is not 100% waterproof, but it does have strong water resistance.
All versions of the S22, including the S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra, are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.
Here‘s what the IP68 rating means:
IP6X – The "6" indicates the highest level of protection against dust ingress. The phone is fully sealed against dust.
IPX8 – The "8" signifies water resistance beyond 1 meter depth. The phone can be submerged in fresh water deeper than 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without damage.
So in practical terms, the IP68 rating tells us the Galaxy S22 can withstand:
- Submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes
- Powerful water jets from any direction
- Complete protection against dust getting inside the device
This level of ingress protection allows the phone to survive accidental water exposure from rain, splashes, or brief submersion without permanent damage.
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant
It‘s important to understand "waterproof" and "water resistant" are not the same thing when it comes to consumer electronics.
Waterproof means impervious to water or liquids under any conditions. Waterproof devices can be used underwater indefinitely without harm. True waterproofing is rare in smartphones.
Water resistant provides protection against water damage only under specific conditions, like depth and duration. Water resistant devices can withstand minor exposure to water but are not designed for underwater use.
The Galaxy S22 falls into the water resistant category. It provides excellent protection against common water accidents. But the S22 should not be taken swimming or deliberately submerged for long periods, as its water resistance has limits.
Water Resistance Tests
Independent tests confirm the Galaxy S22 lives up to its IP68 rating. But serious water damage can still occur if the limits are exceeded.
For example, CNET tested the S22 Ultra under pool water for 30 minutes with no issues. However, the screen began to malfunction after 45 minutes underwater.
The YouTube channel PBKreviews submerged the S22 Plus in a fish tank for over an hour. After 70 minutes, the phone remained functional but the display was glitchy and unresponsive.
In Android Authority‘s test, the S22 Ultra survived being dropped in a water bucket repeatedly from 1.5 meters. The phone was fine after this splash test.
These experiments confirm Samsung‘s claims that the Galaxy S22 series can withstand submersion for 30 minutes at depths under 1.5 meters. Pushing past the IP68 limits results in malfunctions.
Tips for Using the S22 Near Water
The Galaxy S22 is not invincible against water damage. To get the most out of its IP68 rating, here are some usage tips:
Avoid salt water – The S22 is only tested for resistance in fresh water. Ocean or pool water can be corrosive and damage seals.
Rinse after wet – Thoroughly rinse the phone with clean water if it gets splashed or dunked, to prevent mineral deposits or corrosion.
Dry before charging – Do not charge the S22 until it is completely dry after water exposure. Moisture in the charging port can short circuit the device.
No hot tubs or steam rooms – Avoid extreme heat which can compromise the water seals.
Add a case – Using a protective case provides extra insurance against water getting inside. A well-designed case improves both drop and splash protection.
No warranty coverage – Samsung‘s warranty does not cover water damage, even with the IP68 rating. Having insurance for your S22 is recommended.
With proper precautions, the Galaxy S22‘s water resistance enables worry-free use in wet conditions like rain or snow. But deliberate submersion beyond 30 minutes is not recommended.
Water Damage Symptoms
How can you tell if your Galaxy S22 has water damage? Here are some symptoms:
- Unresponsive touchscreen
- Glitchy or scrambled display
- Speakers and microphones stop working
- Problems charging or faulty charging port
- Camera gets foggy or blurry
- Phone feels hot while charging
- Notifications about moisture detected
- Back glass separating from frame
If your S22 exhibits any of these issues after water exposure, you may need professional repair or replacement. Water damage is not covered under warranty.
Many times phones can be revived after light water damage if dried out thoroughly. But it‘s best to have a phone repair shop inspect it to determine if salvageable.
Why the Galaxy S22 Isn‘t Fully Waterproof
Given its high price, some consumers wonder why the Galaxy S22 isn‘t built to be completely waterproof. There are a few reasons Samsung stopped short of full waterproofing:
Cost – Fully waterproofing the S22 would increase manufacturing expenses, which would raise the retail price. Samsung opted for balance between water resistance and affordability.
Ventilation – Being 100% sealed would block air venting and heat dissipation, causing overheating. The S22 still needs ventilation for optimal performance.
Ports and speakers – Keeping full functionality like headphone jacks requires openings that compromise waterproof designs. The S22‘s ports and speakers need to remain exposed.
Repairability – Waterproof adhesives and sealed components make phones difficult to repair. Samsung designed the S22 to still be reasonably serviceable.
Warranty issues – Manufacturers don‘t provide warranties for deliberate water submersion. A false sense of security from "waterproof" marketing could increase expensive damage claims.
For these reasons, no major smartphone brand currently offers a completely waterproof high-end device. The Galaxy S22 achieves impressive water protection without the trade-offs of full waterproofing.
Comparison to Other Phones
How does the Galaxy S22‘s IP68 rating stack up against other flagship phones? Here‘s a quick comparison:
iPhone 13 – Also rated IP68, same as S22. Can withstand submersion over 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Google Pixel 7 – Improved to IP68 after Pixel 6 had IP67 rating. Matches Galaxy S22 water resistance.
OnePlus 10 Pro – IP68 certified like the S22 and iPhone 13 models.
Motorola Edge – Only has IP52 splash resistance. Not designed for water submersion.
LG V60 – Highest rating among recent LG phones with military-grade MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certifications.
Overall, most current flagship phones from top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google have IP68 water resistance on par with the Galaxy S22 lineup. Budget phones are more likely to skip advanced water sealing to reduce costs.
Is the Galaxy S22 Waterproof Case Necessary?
Given the S22 already has decent water protection built-in, do you need to add a waterproof case?
A waterproof case isn‘t mandatory, but for some users, the extra insurance can provide peace of mind:
Pros:
- Allows underwater photography down to deeper depths
- Covers charging port and buttons to prevent gaps in sealing
- Withstands higher water pressure when swimming
- Provides extra cushioning against drops
Cons:
- Adds bulk and weight
- Reduced sensation and control of buttons
- Muffles speakers and microphones
- Negatively impacts wireless charging
- Limited selection and expensive pricing
On the whole, a waterproof case is purely optional for the Galaxy S22. It canenable underwater functionality lacking in the base IP68 rating. But the costs may outweigh the benefits for general use.
Maintaining Water Resistance Long-Term
The IP68 water resistance gives the Galaxy S22 impressive protections when new. But how well does the water sealing hold up over years of ownership?
Here are some tips to keep your S22‘s water resistance intact for the long haul:
Avoid chemical cleaners – Harsh soaps and cleaning products can degrade adhesive seals over time. Use only fresh water to rinse the S22 after exposure.
Install updates – Software patches from Samsung include under-the-hood improvements to durability. Stay updated for the best water resistance.
Inspect seals routinely – Visually check the rubber gaskets around ports and the SIM tray to ensure they remain intact and debris-free.
Replace worn parts – If the charging port or speaker grilles develop cracks from wear and tear, new replacement parts can restore lost water protections.
Get yearly checkups – Samsung authorized repair centers can test water resistance and replace worn seals to keep the S22 working as intended.
With proper maintenance and care, the Galaxy S22‘s water safeguards can remain effective for many years of use. But damage or neglect can cause deteriorations over time.
The Bottom Line
While the Galaxy S22 isn‘t marketed as a fully waterproof phone, its IP68 rating provides considerable real-world water protection where it matters. For most owners, the water and dust resistance gives peace of mind against common spills and accidents without limiting usability.
Deliberate underwater use is still restricted – the S22 can‘t replace a GoPro or underwater camera. But Samsung‘s current flagship phones strike an ideal balance between water protection, functionality, repairability, and value. The Galaxy S22 checks off all the boxes for water safety in daily life, even if not built for marine adventures.
