Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is water resistant with an IP68 rating, making it one of the most durable flagship smartphones available.
Understanding IP68
The IP68 certification breaks down as:
- IP6X (Dust): Complete protection against dust—the phone is entirely dust-tight
- IPX8 (Water): Survives submersion in 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of fresh water for up to 30 minutes
What This Means Practically
Safe activities:
- Using your phone in rain
- Recovering a phone dropped in a sink, toilet, or pool
- Rinsing dirt or debris under tap water
- Photography near water features or in wet environments
Activities to avoid:
- Salt water (more corrosive than fresh water)
- Chlorinated pools (chemicals can affect seals)
- High-pressure water (jet sprays, pressure washers, strong showers)
- Hot water (steam and heat compromise seals)
- Soapy water (detergents affect water-repellent properties)
Build Quality
The S26 Ultra combines multiple durability features:
- Front: Corning Gorilla Armor 2
- Back: Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Frame: Armor Aluminum 2
- S Pen slot: Sealed when stylus is fully inserted
Important Caveats
Warranty considerations: Water damage typically isn't covered under Samsung's standard warranty. The IP68 rating indicates capability, not guarantee.
Degradation over time: Water resistance diminishes with normal wear, drops, and age. A phone that was IP68 certified new may have compromised seals after years of use.
Charging safety: Always dry the phone and USB-C port thoroughly before connecting a charging cable. Moisture in the port can damage charging electronics.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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