The Samsung S25 Ultra has an IP68 rating, which means it can survive submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is not waterproof — it is water-resistant. The difference matters. Waterproof means it will survive any amount of water contact indefinitely. Water-resistant means it can handle specific conditions for a limited time, and damage beyond those conditions is not covered by warranty.

The S25 Ultra carries an IP68 rating. The "6" means dust cannot enter the device. The "8" means it can be submerged in fresh water at a depth of 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) for up to 30 minutes without water entering the internal components. Samsung tested this in controlled laboratory conditions with distilled water, not ocean water, chlorinated pools, or soap.

In real life, this means you can use the phone in the rain, wash your hands while holding it, or accidentally drop it in a bathtub. You should not intentionally submerge it, take it snorkeling, or use it underwater for video. Salt water, chlorine, and high-pressure water jets will damage it faster than fresh water will.

Key Takeaways

  • The S25 Ultra has an IP68 rating for fresh water only, meaning it survives submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes in laboratory conditions.
  • Water resistance degrades over time as seals wear out, so a phone that survived water contact at purchase may not survive the same contact two years later.
  • Salt water, chlorinated water, and high-pressure water (like shower jets or hoses) damage the phone faster than fresh water does.
  • Intentional water damage — taking the phone diving, using it as an underwater camera, or submerging it beyond the rated depth — is not covered by Samsung's warranty.
  • Accidental water damage from rain, splashes, or brief submersion in fresh water is also typically not covered, though some carrier insurance plans may cover it.

What IP68 actually covers and what it does not

IP68 is a laboratory standard, not a real-world may provide. Samsung submerged the S25 Ultra in a tank of distilled water at 1.5 meters depth for 30 minutes under controlled conditions. The phone survived without water entering the case. That is what the rating means.

It does not mean the phone will survive salt water, because salt water is more corrosive and can damage internal components even if it does not when ready enter the case. It does not mean the phone will survive a 2-meter depth or a 31-minute submersion. It does not mean the phone will survive a pressurized water jet from a shower head or garden hose, because pressure forces water through seals that would hold against static water.

The rating also assumes the phone is new and the seals are intact. Every time you open the SIM tray, expose the charging port to moisture, or drop the phone, the seals degrade slightly. A phone that survived a pool splash at purchase may not survive the same splash after two years of normal use.

How water damage happens and why warranty does not cover it

Water enters the S25 Ultra through three main routes: the charging port, the speaker grilles, and the SIM card tray. These openings have rubber seals, but seals are not perfect. Over time, dust particles lodge in the seals, creating tiny gaps. When water pressure increases — from depth, from a shower jet, or from salt water's corrosive action — water finds those gaps.

Once water reaches the internal circuit board, it causes corrosion and short circuits. The damage is often not when ready. A phone might work fine for hours or days after water exposure, then suddenly fail as corrosion spreads. By that point, it is too late to dry it out.

Samsung's warranty explicitly excludes water damage, whether accidental or intentional. The company considers water exposure a user responsibility, not a manufacturing defect. Some carrier insurance plans (like those from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) cover accidental water damage, but you have to pay a deductible, usually between $50 and $200. Check your specific plan to see what it covers.

Practical water situations the S25 Ultra can handle

Rain is safe. You can use the phone in a light rain or moderate downpour without worry. The water is not under pressure, and 30 seconds of exposure is well within the rated time.

Splashes from washing your hands or a sink are safe. Again, the water is not under pressure and the exposure is brief.

Accidental drops into a bathtub or toilet are usually safe if you retrieve the phone within a few minutes. Fresh water at room temperature poses minimal risk for short submersions. Dry the phone thoroughly afterward — use a soft cloth and let it air-dry for at least an hour before using it.

Intentional submersion in a swimming pool is a gray area. The water is fresh and not under pressure, so technically the phone should survive 30 minutes at 1.5 meters. However, chlorine degrades seals faster than fresh water does, and pools often have jets or currents that create pressure. Many users have submerged the S25 Ultra in pools without damage, but it is not may provide and is not covered by warranty if something goes wrong.

Water situations that will damage the S25 Ultra

Ocean water and salt water will damage the phone. Salt is corrosive and accelerates the breakdown of internal components. Even if water does not when ready enter the case, salt residue left on the phone after exposure will corrode the charging port and speaker grilles over days or weeks.

Shower water is risky. Shower jets create pressure that exceeds the static water pressure the IP68 rating was tested against. The phone may survive a quick rinse, but prolonged shower use — like taking photos in the shower or letting water spray directly on the phone — increases the risk of water entering the case.

Snorkeling and diving will damage the phone. The depth and pressure exceed the rated 1.5 meters, and the extended time in water stresses the seals beyond their design limits.

High-pressure water from a hose, pressure washer, or faucet will damage the phone. Pressure forces water through seals that would hold against still water.

Hot water damages the phone faster than cold water. Heat expands the case and seals, creating gaps. Avoid using the phone in hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms.

How to care for your S25 Ultra to maintain water resistance

Keep the charging port dry. If water gets into the port, do not charge the phone when ready. Let it air-dry for at least two hours. If you see water droplets in the port, use a dry cloth or compressed air to remove them.

Do not open the SIM tray unless necessary. Each time you open it, you disturb the seal. If you do open it, make sure your hands are dry and the area is dry before reinserting the tray.

Rinse the phone with fresh water after salt water exposure. If you accidentally expose the S25 Ultra to ocean water or salt spray, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible. This removes salt residue that would otherwise corrode the internal components.

Avoid extreme temperature changes. Do not take the phone from a hot environment to a cold one (or vice versa) rapidly. Temperature swings cause the case to expand and contract, stressing the seals.

Use a protective case if you spend time near water. A waterproof case adds an extra layer of protection and is cheaper than repairing water damage.

What to do if water gets inside the S25 Ultra

Do not charge the phone. Electricity and water create short circuits. If the phone is on, turn it off when ready and do not turn it back on until it is completely dry.

Remove any case or screen protector. These trap moisture against the phone.

Dry the exterior with a soft cloth. Gently wipe the case, screen, and ports.

Let the phone air-dry in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours. A windowsill in sunlight or a room with low humidity works well. Do not use a hair dryer or oven — heat can damage the battery and internal components.

If you see condensation under the screen or the phone does not turn on after drying, the water has likely reached the internal circuit board. At that point, the phone needs professional repair or replacement. Contact Samsung or your carrier's support line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the S25 Ultra underwater to take photos?

You can take it to 1.5 meters depth for up to 30 minutes in fresh water, which is enough for underwater photos in a pool or shallow lake. However, this is not covered by warranty if something goes wrong. Salt water, deeper water, or longer submersion times increase the risk of damage.

Is the S25 Ultra waterproof enough for the beach?

It can handle brief exposure to salt spray and sand, but do not submerge it in ocean water. Rinse it with fresh water when ready after beach use to remove salt residue. Salt corrodes the charging port and internal components over time, even if water does not enter the case when ready.

Will Samsung replace my S25 Ultra if water damages it?

No. Samsung's warranty explicitly excludes water damage, whether accidental or intentional. Your carrier's insurance plan may cover it if you have one, but you will pay a deductible. Check your plan details to see what is covered.

How long does water resistance last on the S25 Ultra?

Water resistance degrades over time as seals wear out. A phone that survives water exposure at purchase may not survive the same exposure after two years of normal use. Dropping the phone, opening the SIM tray, and exposure to dust all accelerate seal degradation.

What should I do if my S25 Ultra gets wet?

Turn it off, dry the exterior with a soft cloth, and let it air-dry for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not charge it or turn it on until it is completely dry. If condensation appears under the screen or the phone does not turn on after drying, contact Samsung or your carrier for repair options.