Yes — the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra carries an official IP68 rating, Samsung’s highest water and dust resistance certification for smartphones. But “waterproof” and “water resistant” aren’t quite the same thing, and understanding the difference can save you from an expensive mistake.
What Does IP68 Actually Mean?
IP68 is an Ingress Protection rating made up of two numbers. The “6” means the device is completely dust-tight, with no ingress of dust at all. The “8” means it can withstand continuous submersion in water beyond 1 metre depth under manufacturer-defined test conditions. For the Galaxy S24 Ultra specifically, Samsung rates it for up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
What the S24 Ultra Can Handle
- Accidental drops in a sink, toilet, or pool
- Rain and splashes
- Brief submersion in fresh water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes
- Sweat during workouts
What It Can’t Handle (Despite the Rating)
- Salt water — not covered under warranty, and corrosive to internal components over time
- Pool or chlorinated water — also excluded from Samsung’s water damage warranty
- High-pressure water — like a pressure washer or strong shower jet
- Hot water or steam — saunas, hot tubs, and hot showers can damage seals over time
- Underwater photography beyond the rated depth/time — diving or extended underwater use isn’t covered
Does Water Damage Void the Warranty?
This is the most important thing to understand: Samsung’s official warranty explicitly excludes liquid damage, even though the phone carries an IP68 rating. The rating reflects lab testing under controlled conditions, but real-world damage from water (including from charging ports not being fully dry, or from liquids other than fresh water) is generally not covered.
What To Do If Your S24 Ultra Gets Wet
- Dry the exterior immediately with a soft cloth.
- Avoid charging the phone until the USB-C port is completely dry — charging a wet port risks corrosion.
- Do not use rice, which doesn’t effectively draw out moisture and can introduce dust/starch into ports.
- Leave the phone in a dry, room-temperature area for several hours before charging.
- If it was exposed to salt water or chemicals, rinse the exterior gently with fresh water first, then dry thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Galaxy S24 Ultra swimming?
It’s rated for accidental submersion, not intentional swimming or diving. Chlorinated pool water and salt water are also excluded from warranty coverage.
Is water damage covered under Samsung’s warranty?
No. Despite the IP68 rating, liquid damage is explicitly excluded from Samsung’s standard warranty.
How deep can the S24 Ultra go underwater?
Samsung rates it for up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes under controlled test conditions.
