Smartphones have come a long way when it comes to water resistance. Some high-end phone manufacturers have gone as far as to claim that their phones (those with the IP68 certification) can withstand being in 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes without getting damaged. While that is a bold claim, and we can’t blame you for wanting to test it out, is that a risk you want to run with your new device? We think you do not. So, how can you take your phone along with you on your globetrotting adventures while keeping it safe from water damage? The most straightforward solution is finding and investing in the best waterproof phone case.
But before we give you our top picks for these cases, here are some questions that might be troubling your mind.
Are Waterproof Phone Cases Reliable?
Well, yes. But also, no. While most of these phone cases will provide you the protection you seek, others simply won’t. Even for the ones that work, the degree of protection they offer varies from brand to brand. It is all about taking the time to find the best waterproof phone case for your specific needs.
The safest way to go about this is to test the phone case first. You can do it with a paper towel and a bowl of water. Just place the towel inside the phone case and submerge it in water as much as the phone case claims, it can take. Remove from the water and check to see if it is still dry. If yes, then you have found the waterproof phone case that you really need.
How Are Waterproof Phone Cases Different From Regular Cases?
Regular phone cases make use of raised bumpers and protect your phone from damage when it falls. A waterproof phone case, on the other hand, encases your phone completely. These are both protective and waterproof, ensuring your phone remains safe from bumps, scratches, scrapes, and of course, water. Unlike typical phone cases, the best waterproof phone case will let your phone float. So, if you accidentally drop it in a lake or pool, you do not need to dive after it.
How Can Water Damage Your Phone?
Water is a good conductor of electricity. Therefore, when it enters your phone’s internal circuitry, it carries a current and will cause an electric overload. It will fry your phone’s circuit board and kill the battery. Even if your phone claims that it is waterproof, it can only survive in the water for a certain amount of time.
A water damaged phone is worth nothing, and the chances of you being able to fix it are very slim. You can stick it in a bowl of rice, but let’s face it, the chances of it going back to normal are low. So, to avoid all that hassle (and heartache), it is so much better to get the best waterproof phone case before you accidentally expose your phone to water.
What Features The Best Waterproof Phone Case Should Have?
While many companies claim that they make the best waterproof phone case, do not just take their words. Here are some excellent features you should look for before making your purchase decision:
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Multifunctionality:
Some waterproof phone cases come with room for more than just your phone. You can stow away your credit cards, cash, and even small keys. Just make sure you check what the case can hold to avoid putting too much strain on it.
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Size:
Most water-resistant phone cases are slightly on the bulky side since they need to provide your phone with extra protection. However, the best waterproof phone case should offer you the same level of protection without making your phone feel like a brick in your hand. Streamlined watertight phone cases are sleeker than the universal ones.
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Floatability:
Finding your phone if it sinks to the bottom of a tub or pool is easy, but reaching to it at the bottom of a lake is a lot more complicated. Therefore, to prevent situations where you have to dive after your phone, invest in a waterproof phone case that floats.
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Affordability:
Waterproof phone cases are not cheap. However, that does not mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for them either. The best waterproof phone case comes with moderate pricing without compromising on quality.
Quick Waterproof Phone Case Ideas:
In case you do not own the best waterproof phone case, and you have to carry your phone to the beach, follow our DIY guide. All you need is a couple of Ziploc bags:
- Acquire the Ziploc bags. You only need two, but you should get more since you have to check them first.
- Check the seal-ability of the bags by filling them up with water and turning them upside down. Repeat this step until you find two completely watertight bags.
- Dry the tested bags and place your cellphone in the corner of the first one. Remove all the air from it and seal the bag in a way that you can see the screen with ease.
- Place this bag inside the other Ziploc bag in a way that the two zippers are not in the same spot. If water gets inside one bag, this arrangement will ensure the other bag hinders its passage. Remove the air from this bag too.
- Test the new arrangement by submerging it into a bowl of water. Remember that this DIY is only effective to a certain degree. If you’re taking your phone to more extreme conditions, you should rather invest in the best waterproof phone case.
Some Common Issues With Waterproof Phone Cases:
No waterproof phone case is 100% foolproof. Even with the best waterproof phone case, the possibility of it failing is always there. Knowing the common fail points could help prevent them. So, here are some common issues that the users of waterproof phone cases have encountered:
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A Broken Lanyard:
It is a common issue and can lead to you losing your phone if you do not act fast enough or are not paying enough attention to the lanyard.
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Wearing Out:
Overtime, water-resistant phone cases lose their effectiveness and will leak. It could happen due to the wearing of port covers and rubber seals. The rubber tends to dry out from excessive exposure to saltwater. Cleaning and checking your phone case often will help prevent this issue.
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Defective Phone Cases:
Sometimes even the best waterproof phone case can be defective right out of the box. It is a common issue for manufacturers to recommend that you test out the phone case before the first use.
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Incorrect Usage:
Occasionally, users do not seal the phone case properly before use. It makes the case ineffective. To ensure you do not make this mistake, check the locks, port covers, or snaps for debris or other such obstacles that can prevent the cover from closing correctly.
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Condensation Accumulation:
Some users trap extra air in their waterproof phone pouches to make them float. It leads to the case of trapping condensation, which can then damage your phone. To avoid this issue, remove as much air as possible before sealing the case.
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Not Knowing The Specifications:
Waterproof phone cases come with different levels of recommended usage. Before you take your phone on a dive with you, make sure you check what the phone case can handle and use it accordingly.
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The Waterproof Pouches And Bags Are Not Very Durable:
While these dry bags and pouches do offer high water resistance, they aren’t unbreakable and tear-proof. Solids such as wires or screws can cause rips in the pouches, making them useless. They can also break if you drop them too often. We advise you to replace your phone case, if you know it has endured a traumatic event of this sort.
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Yellowing Of The Phone Case:
Some of the best waterproof phone case brands use silicone in manufacturing. Over time, these cases will turn yellow, and it can be displeasing to look at while also hindering the visibility of your phone screen. That said, it is an easy issue to fix; all you need is to know how to clean clear a phone case.
Conclusion:
Waterproof smartphones are hardly a new concept, and there has been a great deal of innovation and advancement in this field. However, these phones come with their limitations. Investing in the best waterproof phone case will ensure added protection for when you take your phone along to the pool or the beach.
Most waterproof phone cases are reliable to a certain extent, but it’s always better to test the case’s effectiveness before the first use. You can’t use a regular phone case as a replacement for a waterproof phone case. Because while the former can prevent damage from solid substances, it can do little to save your phone from water damage. The best waterproof phone case should be affordable, multipurpose, not too bulky, and should help your phone float. In case you do not have a waterproof phone case at hand and want to head to the beach, you can DIY a quick phone case from Ziploc bags.
All in all, even if you buy a phone with the highest possible IP rating, you should still get a waterproof phone case to go with it. Not only it provides you with added safety, but it also occasionally comes with a floating feature. It makes sure you do not lose your phone in deep water.
