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

The IP68 rating is Samsung's official water-resistance standard for this phone. It does not mean the phone is waterproof in the absolute sense — no phone is truly waterproof forever. Instead, IP68 means the device has been tested and passed specific conditions in a lab. The first number (6) refers to dust protection; the second number (8) refers to water protection at a depth the manufacturer specifies.

For the Galaxy S25 Ultra, that depth is 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of fresh water for a maximum of 30 minutes. Samsung tests this by submerging the phone in a controlled tank, not by dropping it in a pool or ocean. The rating covers the phone body and its sealed ports, but not the screen protector, case, or any aftermarket accessories you add.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra meets IP68 standards, meaning it survives submersion in fresh water at 1.5 meters depth for up to 30 minutes in controlled lab conditions.
  • Salt water, chlorinated water, and hot water can damage the seals faster than fresh water, so rinsing the phone after exposure is important.
  • The USB-C port and speaker openings are sealed, but damage to the frame or screen can compromise water resistance when ready.
  • Dropping the phone, sitting on it, or exposing it to extreme temperature changes can crack the seals and void the water-resistance rating.
  • Samsung's warranty does not cover water damage, even with an IP68 rating, because the rating is a resistance measure, not a may provide.

What IP68 Actually Covers and What It Does Not

The IP68 test happens in a lab with fresh water at room temperature. The phone is submerged stationary — not moved around, not dropped, not exposed to water pressure from a hose or wave. This matters because real-world water exposure is often harsher. A waterfall, a wave at the beach, or a pressurized shower can force water through seals that would hold in still water.

The rating also does not account for salt water, chlorine, or hot water. These corrode the seals and internal components faster than fresh water does. If you use your Galaxy S25 Ultra near a pool, ocean, or hot tub, rinse it with fresh water and dry it as soon as you are done. The longer corrosive water sits on the seals, the faster they degrade.

Common Ways Water Damage Happens Despite the IP68 Rating

The most common cause of water damage on an IP68-rated phone is physical damage to the frame or screen. A cracked screen, a dent in the aluminum frame, or a bent corner can break the seal that keeps water out. You may not notice the damage when ready, but water will eventually find its way in through the gap.

Dropping the phone into water, sitting on it, or exposing it to rapid temperature changes (like bringing a cold phone into a hot shower) can all cause micro-fractures in the seals. The phone may work fine for weeks or months, then suddenly show signs of water damage — a foggy camera lens, a speaker that sounds muffled, or a battery that drains fast.

Opening the phone yourself, replacing the battery, or removing the back panel also voids the water-resistance rating. Once you crack the seal, the IP68 protection is gone. Even a professional repair may not restore it unless the technician uses Samsung's official sealing process.

How to Protect Your Galaxy S25 Ultra in Water

If you plan to use your phone near water regularly — at the beach, while swimming, or while boating — a waterproof case is your best option. A case rated for deeper submersion (like IP69K) adds an extra layer of protection and lets you use the phone at depths beyond 1.5 meters. Cases also protect the frame and screen from the drops and impacts that compromise the built-in seals.

If you do not use a case, keep the phone away from pressurized water. Avoid submerging it in salt water or chlorinated water without rinsing it when ready afterward. Do not use it in a shower, sauna, or hot tub, where steam and heat can damage the seals. If the phone does get wet, dry it with a soft cloth and let it air-dry for at least an hour before using it again.

What to Do If Water Gets Inside Your Galaxy S25 Ultra

If you see condensation inside the camera lens, hear a crackling sound from the speaker, or notice the phone is not charging properly, water has likely entered the device. Do not try to turn it on or charge it — this can cause a short circuit and permanent damage. Instead, power it off when ready and let it dry in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours.

Some people use uncooked rice or silica gel packets to absorb moisture, though this method is slow and not always effective. A better option is to place the phone in a warm room with low humidity and let air circulation do the work. If the phone does not dry out within a day or two, or if it shows signs of damage when you turn it back on, contact Samsung or visit an authorized repair center. Water damage is not covered under Samsung's standard warranty, so repair costs will be out of pocket.

Samsung's Warranty and Water Damage Claims

Samsung's one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects, but it explicitly excludes water damage. Even though the Galaxy S25 Ultra has an IP68 rating, that rating is a resistance measure — not a may provide that the phone will never be damaged by water. If water enters the phone and causes damage, Samsung will not repair it for free, regardless of how the damage occurred.

Some credit card companies and phone insurance plans cover accidental water damage, so check your policy before paying for repairs out of pocket. If you have Samsung Care+, the extended protection plan, water damage may be covered depending on your plan level, but you will still pay a deductible.

How the IP68 Rating Compares to Other Phones

Most flagship phones released in the last few years have an IP68 rating, including the iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and OnePlus 13. The depth and duration vary slightly — some phones are rated to 2 meters, others to 1.5 meters — but the protection level is similar across the board. Budget phones often have lower ratings (IP67 or no rating at all), which means they are less resistant to water.

The IP68 standard is set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), so the rating means the same thing whether it is on a Samsung, Apple, or Google phone. The difference is in how each manufacturer tests and what they claim about real-world use. Samsung is conservative with its claims — the 1.5-meter, 30-minute test is a baseline, not a promise that the phone will survive deeper or longer submersion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take photos underwater with the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Yes, you can take photos in shallow fresh water without a case. The phone's camera will work fine at depths up to 1.5 meters for short periods. However, the camera lens may fog up if there is a big temperature difference between the water and the air, and salt water or chlorine can damage the seals over time. For frequent underwater photography, use a waterproof case rated for deeper submersion.

Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra safe to use in a swimming pool?

The phone can survive brief submersion in a pool, but chlorine corrodes the seals faster than fresh water does. If you use it in a pool, rinse it with fresh water when ready afterward and dry it completely. Do not leave it submerged for the full 30 minutes — the shorter the exposure, the better. For regular pool use, a waterproof case is a safer choice.

What happens if I drop my Galaxy S25 Ultra in the ocean?

If you drop it in the ocean and retrieve it quickly, the phone will likely survive. However, salt water is much more corrosive than fresh water and can damage the seals and internal components over time. Rinse the phone with fresh water when ready, dry it thoroughly, and monitor it for signs of damage over the next few days. If you plan to use the phone at the beach regularly, use a waterproof case.

Does the IP68 rating cover water damage under warranty?

No. Samsung's warranty does not cover water damage, even though the phone has an IP68 rating. The rating is a resistance measure based on lab testing, not a may provide. If water enters the phone and causes damage, you will need to pay for repairs. Check whether your phone insurance or credit card offers accidental water damage coverage.

Can I use my Galaxy S25 Ultra in the shower?

The phone can technically survive brief exposure to shower water, but steam and hot water can damage the seals faster than cold water. Avoid using it in a hot shower or sauna. If you do use it in a cool shower, dry it when ready afterward. For regular shower use, a waterproof case is recommended.