The best phones are ones you can take out in the rain or drop into a sink. The best of the best is the Galaxy S7. We've touted many aspects of the Galaxy S7 since its release: its design, its screen, its camera, and its software. But one thing is often overlooked in the Android ecosystem: waterproofing. With an IP68 rating that should be good up to one metre for 30 minutes, the Galaxy S7 can withstand the odd plunge into a pool or epic rainstorm.
Elsewhere, the phone hits all the right marks. Powered by a Snapdragon 820 processor, it is wildly fast, and should get more so with an upgrade to Android 7.0 Nougat. Better, its 4GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage primes it for the next couple of years, while its camera is still best-in-class months after its release. Not only is the Galaxy S7 attractive, with a nicely-curving rear glass back that connects to polished aluminum bezels, but its 5.1-inch form factor fits nicely in the hand.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S7 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you’re looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.
One more thing: If you want something a bit more robust, check out the AT&T exclusive Galaxy S7 Active. It may not be quite as beautiful, but it’s a bit more drop-resistant, if that’s your thing. And if you want something a bit more accessible, the Galaxy S7 edge is slightly larger but just as water resistant.
Why the Galaxy S7 is the best
There’s something nice about being caught in the rain.
It’s truly reassuring to know that your phone can withstand inclement weather — whatever form that may take. The Galaxy S7 not only withstands wind, rain, snow and other torrents, but it doesn’t have to cover anything to do so; its Micro-USB port, speaker and headphone jack are fully exposed and don’t need any silly covers.
Waterproofing is just one aspect of the Galaxy S7’s dominance, and differentiates it from our favorite Android phone at the moment, the Google Pixel. That phone is barely water resistant, and Samsung adds a considerable amount of value to the Android ecosystem giving its flagship products (RIP Note 7) waterproofing. The Galaxy S7 is also more competitive with the new iPhone 7 as a result of this ingress protection — its IP68 is somewhat more substantial than the iPhone’s IP67 (though there are arguments to be made that they are more or less the same).
Having a waterproof phone also allows for some cool underwater experiences: the Galaxy S7 can take photos and shoot videos below the meniscus, which saves you an expensive case and a bunch of anxiety.
Sony Xperia XZ
The Xperia XZ is Sony’s latest flagship, and it’s a pretty great phone, accessible through Amazon in the U.S. Sony has a great pedigree of waterproof phones going all the way back to the early Xperia Z lineup, and the XZ is the company’s best example yet. A 5.2-inch 1080p display may not seem sufficient in today’s market, but it’s a great panel, with vivid colors and excellent viewing angles. Similarly, Sony has taken its 23MP camera to the next level with the addition (finally!) of optical image stabilization.
Ultimately, though, the Xperia XZ encompasses Sony’s philosophy of iterative but progressively better hardware and software, with experiences that mirror Google’s own Android versions.
Bottom line: If you’re not taken with Samsung’s design or software, or want something a bit bigger and more substantial — or unlocked and cheaper — the Sony Xperia XZ is a great option.
One more thing: Looking for something a bit smaller from Sony with water resistance? The Xperia X Performance costs a bit less, has a more diminutive 5-inch form factor, and is just as fast.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S7, or its larger Galaxy S7 edge, are equally good phones for different users, but they both boast incredible specs, amazing screens, and waterproofing. It’s that last note we’re highlighting here because, for many people, it’s the difference between a usable phone and a call to warranty.
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