The Samsung S24 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 S24 Ultra is not fully waterproof, but it is water-resistant. The distinction matters because waterproof means it will survive any water exposure indefinitely, while water-resistant means it will survive specific conditions for a limited time. Samsung rates the S24 Ultra as IP68, a standard that tells you exactly what that phone can handle.

IP68 breaks down this way: the first number (6) means dust cannot enter the phone at all. The second number (8) means the phone can be submerged in fresh water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes without water getting inside. That is roughly 5 feet deep — deeper than most swimming pools at the shallow end. After 30 minutes, or if you go deeper than 1.5 meters, water can start to seep in and damage the internal components.

Samsung does not rate the S24 Ultra for salt water, chlorinated water, or other liquids. If you use it in the ocean, a pool, or a hot tub, you are outside the tested conditions. The phone may still survive, but Samsung makes no promise about it.

Key Takeaways

  • The S24 Ultra can survive fresh water submersion up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) for 30 minutes, but not longer or deeper.
  • IP68 rating covers accidental drops in water and brief submersion, not intentional diving or extended underwater use.
  • Salt water, chlorine, and hot water are not covered by the rating and can damage the phone even though it is rated IP68.
  • The rating assumes the phone is in normal condition — cracks, loose ports, or worn seals void the water resistance.
  • If water does enter the phone, Samsung's warranty does not cover water damage, even with an IP68 rating.

What IP68 covers in real life

IP68 is designed for everyday accidents, not adventure. If you drop your S24 Ultra in a toilet, a sink, or a puddle, it will almost certainly be fine. If you are caught in heavy rain or your phone gets splashed while you are at the beach, the rating protects you. You can take photos underwater for a few seconds without worrying.

The 30-minute window is important because it gives you time to fish the phone out of water if it falls in. It does not mean you can leave the phone submerged for exactly 30 minutes and then pull it out safely on the 31st second. The longer the phone stays underwater, the more pressure builds against the seals, and the greater the chance water will find a way in.

The 1.5-meter depth limit is also a hard boundary. A swimming pool at the deep end can be 2 meters or more. Snorkeling or diving will exceed the rating. Even wading in a lake or river where the water reaches your waist can push the phone past its rated depth if you hold it low.

What voids the water resistance rating

The IP68 rating assumes the phone is in good physical condition. If the screen is cracked, the charging port is loose, or the back panel has been opened and resealed, the water resistance is compromised. Water can seep through gaps that are invisible to the eye.

Dropping the phone on a hard surface can create hairline fractures in the frame or screen that do not show up visually but allow water to enter. If your S24 Ultra has taken a fall, treat it as less water-resistant than it was new, even if you cannot see damage.

Using the phone in extreme temperatures also affects the seals. If you take it from a hot car into cold water, or vice versa, the materials contract and expand, which can open tiny gaps. Repeated heating and cooling over months and years will gradually degrade the seals.

Salt water, chlorine, and other liquids are not covered

Samsung tested the S24 Ultra in fresh water only. Salt water is more corrosive and can damage the internal metal components even if water does not physically enter the phone. Chlorine in swimming pools is a chemical that can degrade the seals and corrode electronics. Hot tub water contains both heat and chemicals, which is doubly damaging.

If you use the phone in any of these environments, rinse it with fresh water as soon as you can. Do not assume the IP68 rating protects you. Even if the phone survives the initial exposure, salt and chlorine residue left on the surface can cause problems later.

Other liquids like soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and alcohol are also not tested. These can damage the seals or the screen coating over time. If your phone gets wet with anything other than fresh water, dry it off quickly and gently.

What to do if water gets inside the phone

If you suspect water has entered the S24 Ultra, do not try to turn it on or charge it. Power and water together can cause a short circuit that destroys the phone permanently. Instead, power it off when ready if it is still on, and let it dry in a warm, dry place for at least 48 hours.

Do not use a hair dryer or put the phone in an oven — heat can damage the battery and other components. Do not disassemble the phone yourself. If water damage is suspected, contact Samsung or take the phone to an authorized repair center. They have tools to assess the damage and dry the phone safely.

Keep in mind that Samsung's warranty does not cover water damage, even though the phone has an IP68 rating. The rating is a measure of resistance, not a may provide. If water enters the phone, you will likely pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement.

How the S24 Ultra compares to other water-resistant phones

Most flagship phones from Samsung, Apple, and Google have IP68 ratings. The iPhone 15 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, and S24 Ultra are all rated the same. Some phones have lower ratings — IP67 means they can survive 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes, but not deeper. Budget phones often have no water resistance rating at all.

A few specialized phones are rated IP69K, which means they can survive high-pressure water jets and hotter water. These are rare and expensive. For everyday use, IP68 is the standard for premium phones.

The real difference between phones with the same IP rating is usually in the details of construction. A phone with a newer seal design or tighter tolerances might survive longer in water than an older model with the same rating. But the rating itself tells you the minimum you can expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take photos underwater with the S24 Ultra?

Yes, for a few seconds. The camera will work fine underwater, and the phone can survive brief submersion. Do not hold it underwater for the full 30 minutes — pull it out after a few seconds and dry it off. The longer it stays wet, the greater the risk water will find its way in.

Is the S24 Ultra safe to use in the shower?

Yes, as long as you are not spraying it directly with hot water from the showerhead. Shower steam and splashing are fine. Hot water can degrade the seals faster than cold water, so avoid pointing the shower spray at the phone. If it gets wet, dry it off when you are done.

What should I do if my S24 Ultra gets wet?

Dry it off with a soft cloth as soon as you can. If it was submerged, power it off and let it air-dry in a warm room for 24 to 48 hours before turning it back on. Do not use heat sources like hair dryers. If you see water droplets inside the screen or the phone does not turn on, contact Samsung or an authorized repair center.

Does the warranty cover water damage?

No. Samsung's standard warranty does not cover water damage, even though the phone is rated IP68. The rating means the phone is designed to resist water under specific conditions, not that damage is covered if water gets in. You would need to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Will the water resistance get worse over time?

Yes, gradually. The seals degrade with age, heat exposure, and repeated use. A two-year-old S24 Ultra is less water-resistant than a new one, even if nothing is visibly wrong. After several years, the seals may no longer provide the same level of protection.