Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 Waterproof? The Short Answer is No, but Here‘s the Full Story

I know how damaging water can be to electronics, so as an audiophile and headphone enthusiast, I‘m often asked whether flagship phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 are waterproof enough to use in the pool or shower without worry.

The short answer is no – the Galaxy S20 is not fully waterproof. But don‘t let that scare you off! The S20 is impressively water-resistant and can handle splashes, spills, and brief dunks without issues.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll break down exactly how water-resistant the Galaxy S20 is, when you need to be careful, and how to keep your phone safe from liquid damage. Let‘s dive in!

What is the Galaxy S20‘s IP Rating for Water Resistance?

The key specification that indicates how water-resistant a phone is the IP rating, which you‘ll see marketed on most new smartphones.

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the rating is presented as IPXX. The first digit refers to dust protection, while the second digit indicates how resistant it is to water.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 has an IP68 rating. Here‘s what the specs mean:

• IP68 rating
  • Can withstand dust, dirt, and sand without damage
  • Can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) of fresh water for up to 30 minutes without damage

So in real world terms, the Galaxy S20 can:

• Handle rainstorms, splashes, spills
• Resist brief accidental dunks in water
• Be rinsed under the faucet
• Likely survive a drop in the pool or tub

But…the IP68 rating does not mean you should intentionally submerge the S20, as we‘ll get into next.

Galaxy S20 Water Protection Limits

While the S20‘s IP68 rating sounds impressive, there are distinct limits to its water protection:

• The 1.5 meter depth and 30 minute time periods are maximums – you don‘t want to purposely submerge the phone even that long.

• IP68 only applies to fresh water. Anything other than fresh water, like soapy water, chlorinated pools, or saltwater, can still damage the phone.

• Water resistance degrades over time as seals and gaskets wear down. The S20 won‘t remain IP68 rated forever.

• Manufacturing defects happen – some phones may meet the spec, while others are less resistant if seals weren‘t properly applied.

Several YouTube water tests demonstrate these limits. For example, the channel MobileReviewsEh found that S20 units failed in both pool and salt water after just 5 minutes, despite the 30 minute rating.

So while IP68 seems solid on paper, in practice you don‘t want to intentionally submerge the Galaxy S20 at all. It‘s really designed to withstand common spills and accidents, not for continual underwater use.

Maintaining the S20‘s Water Resistance

To maintain the S20‘s water resistance over time, be sure to:

• Completely dry out the charging port after exposure to moisture. Water in the port can impact charging and data transfer.

• Rinse the phone in fresh water after accidental saltwater exposure, then gently dry with a soft cloth. Salt residue can damage the water protection adhesives and seals over time.

• Keep the SIM tray, headphone jack, and USB port lint-free and closed tightly when not in use. Debris in the seals can reduce water protection.

• Avoid drops onto hard surfaces, which can crack the waterproof housing and seals. Use a protective case.

• Do not use the phone underwater or intentionally submerge it. The water protection deteriorates over time.

• Have the phone serviced immediately if you notice reduced audio quality through the earpiece after water exposure. Fluid in the mesh membrane can significantly dampen sound.

With proper care, the Galaxy S20‘s water resistance should remain intact for the lifespan of the device.

Recommended Waterproof Cases

While the S20 is somewhat water-resistant out of the box, I always recommend using a waterproof case if you want to use it in and around water confidently:

Here are some of my top case picks for underwater S20 protection:

I‘m a big fan of the Vava waterproof case – it only costs around $20 but gets you an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged over 3 times as deep as the S20 alone. Plus it comes in versions specifically designed for the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra models.

Adding one of these affordable waterproof cases gives me peace of mind if using my phone at the beach, poolside, while boating, or during other fun water activities!

Real World Water Protection Examples

To give you a better idea of how durable the Galaxy S20 is against water in real world situations, here are a few examples:

• Using it in the rain – The S20‘s IP68 rating means it can withstand heavy rain and splashing without issues. No need to panic if you get caught in a downpour! Just dry it off when you can.

• Accidental drop in water – If you briefly drop the S20 in a sink, toilet, or pool, it has a good chance of surviving undamaged due to the IP68 rating and layers of waterproof adhesives and seals. Retrieve it quickly, rinse in fresh water, and dry ASAP.

• Shower usage – While Samsung doesn‘t recommend it, many users report safely using the S20 in the shower for short periods. The risk is drops onto hard surfaces, and getting shampoo or soap in the ports. Use caution and a waterproof case for confidence.

• Washing dishes – Accidental splashes and sprays from the sink should not harm the phone. But I‘d avoid prolonged direct water exposure as leakage could still occur. Protective gloves or a case are smart if washing dishes with your S20 nearby.

• Swimming and beach usage – The S20 is not rated for saltwater or continual submersion. I strongly recommend using a waterproof case if swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying water sports and activities while using your phone. Better safe than sorry!

The takeaway is the Galaxy S20 has great water protection in moderation. For heavy exposure, treat it with care and use a waterproof case.

How Waterproof Phone Ratings Are Tested

You might be wondering how manufacturers like Samsung test for IP ratings to back up their water protection claims. It‘s quite an interesting process!

IP testing is done in certified labs according to the global IEC 60529 standard, which defines the procedures for assigning IP grades. Here is how it works:

• Phones are sprayed with water to simulate rain while checking for leaks. The water nozzle sweeps across all angles.

• For higher IPX6 and IPX7 ratings, phones are blasted with pressurized jets of water to simulate ocean waves or a similar soaking water force.

• To test immersion protection, phones are lowered into tanks of fresh water at prescribed depths and times, such as 1 meter for 30 minutes for IPX7.

• Once testing is complete, phones are disassembled and inspected internally for any signs of water intrusion or corrosion. All components must remain dry.

• Phones are also subjected to tumbles and drops before water testing, since drops can impact chassis integrity and water resistance.

So extensive testing goes into verifying IP ratings – but again, manufacturing defects or wear over time can reduce water protection in the real world. Ratings don‘t guarantee your phone is waterproof forever!

S20 Water Resistance Compared to Other Flagships

How does the Galaxy S20 compare to other leading water-resistant phones on the market? Here‘s a quick rundown:

• iPhone 12 Series – Also IP68 rated, virtually identical to S20 water protection. Withstands submersion to 6 meters for 30 mins.

• iPhone 11 Series – IP68 rating, same as above.

• iPhone XR – IP67 rated, meaning protection in 1 meter for 30 mins. A bit worse than S20.

• Google Pixel 5 – IP68, same as Galaxy S20. No official rating for Pixel 4.

• OnePlus 8 – No IP rating, but company claims similar protection as IP68 unofficially.

So among flagship models, the Galaxy S20 and iPhone 12 lead the pack with best-in-class IP68 water and dust resistance. Mid-range options like the iPhone XR offer slightly less protection.

No phone is fully waterproof, but S20 and iPhone 12 owners can worry less about common spills and accidents damaging their investment.

Am I Covered by Warranty if My S20 Gets Wet?

A common question I get is whether water damage caused by submerging the phone is covered under Samsung‘s standard warranty.

Unfortunately, the answer is no – intentionally exposing the device to water voids the warranty. The limited factory warranty only covers defects in manufacturing, not user-inflicted damage.

Some points on the warranty:

• The IP68 water resistance is designed to protect against accidental exposure from rain or drops, not continual underwater use.

• Proving the root cause was a manufacturing defect versus the phone being purposely submerged is difficult.

• Using a phone underwater past stated limits is considered misuse by Samsung.

My advice? Don‘t risk your expensive S20 to test its limits – treat it as water-resistant, not waterproof, or get a waterproof case for worry-free use.

Can Saltwater, Chlorine, or Other Liquids Damage the S20?

While the Galaxy S20 is impressively resistant to fresh water, other liquids can still spell trouble:

• Saltwater – The S20 is not IP68 rated against saltwater. The salt can corrode adhesives and protective seals over time, reducing water resistance. Always rinse in fresh water after saltwater exposure.

• Chlorinated water – Pool chemicals may seep into unsealed areas and cause long-term damage. Avoid using the S20 in the pool.

• Hot tubs – Excessive heat beyond 113°F combined with chemically treated water poses a high risk for damage.

• Soapy water – Showering with the S20 is risky since soap scum can infiltrate the seals. Use caution.

• Alcohol, perfumes, sanitizers – Chemicals can compromise the casing and gaskets. Avoid direct contact.

• Juice, soda, coffee – Acids also degrade water protection over time and leave sticky residue. Don‘t submerge the S20 in other liquids.

While the Galaxy S20 can handle some fresh water exposure, other liquids introduce additional risks. Treat the phone gently, rinse thoroughly after contact, and use a protective case to mitigate damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let‘s do a quick recap of some common questions I get on the S20‘s water resistance:

Is the Galaxy S20 fully waterproof?

No. With an IP68 rating, it is water-resistant but not considered fully waterproof. Samsung does not recommend submerging it purposefully.

Can I use the S20 underwater?

The S20 is not designed for continual underwater use. While the IP68 rating means it can handle brief immersion, get a waterproof case if you want to use it swimming or snorkeling.

What happens if I submerge the S20 past IP68 limits?

Exceeding 1.5 meters depth or 30 minutes submersion could result in water damage, especially if seals have degraded over time. This usage voids the warranty.

Can I rinse off or wash the Galaxy S20 with water?

Yes, light splashing and rinsing under a faucet are fine, just dry it thoroughly. But avoid powerful jets of water. Soap residue could impact water resistance.

Does IP68 cover all water damage scenarios?

No. Manufacturing issues or wear over time can still result in water intrusion even below IP68 limits. And defects are not covered under warranty if intentionally submerged.

How long does IP68 water resistance last?

Water protection degrades over years of normal use as gaskets and seal adhesives wear out. Samsung does not specify an exact timeframe or usage limit for maintaining the IP68 rating.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this thorough guide spelled out exactly what you can realistically expect from the Galaxy S20‘s water resistance. While the IP68 is rating is decent, it‘s not a warranty that your phone can survive all water exposure unscathed.

Treat the S20 as water-resistant, not waterproof, and take precautions like a waterproof case if planning on heavy water usage. With proper care and maintenance, the factory water protection should last the useful lifetime of your device.

Let me know if you have any other S20 waterproofing questions! I‘m happy to chat more on Twitter or YouTube.