The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating—water-resistant but not waterproof.
What IP68 Means
- Dust: Completely sealed—no dust can enter
- Water: Survives 1.5 meters (5 feet) of freshwater for up to 30 minutes under lab conditions
Protected Against
✅ Accidental drops in sinks, toilets, or puddles
✅ Rain and splashes
✅ Brief submersion in clean freshwater
NOT Protected Against
❌ Swimming pools (chlorine damages seals)
❌ Ocean water (salt corrodes components)
❌ Hot tubs and steam rooms
❌ Soapy water or detergents
❌ High-pressure water jets
Important Warranty Note
Samsung's warranty does not cover water damage, even with IP68 certification. Consider IP68 as accident insurance—not an invitation to swim with your phone.
For Underwater Photography
The S26 Ultra includes Ocean Mode through Expert RAW for underwater shots. However, Samsung recommends using a dedicated waterproof phone case for any intentional underwater use.
Over Time
Water resistance naturally diminishes through normal wear and tear. A phone that's been used for a year or two won't have the same water resistance as a new device.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S26 Ultra handles accidental water exposure well, but intentionally submerging a $1,299 device with no warranty protection isn't advisable without a proper waterproof case.
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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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