The Best Android Underwaterwares

The Best Android Article used for this post was published on the 26th of November, 2014 by Mihir Patkar @ MakeUseOf | Article was re-created for the purposes of Inspirational thought and Comparatively reviewed under Media watch.

We’ve just got ourselves the newest Sony Xperia Z3 (compact) to join our multitasking family of interchangeable devices. As the family’s newest member excels with its capabilities, it has deserved writing its own outstanding Article. It is an excellent opportunity to have Z3 on board!

Waterproof smartphones haven’t become the norm yet, but there are still some great handsets that can brave a walk in the rain or a drop in a pool. You’re out of luck if you want an iPhone with these abilities, but Android has plenty of options.

The term “waterproof” is contentious. A truly waterproof phone would keep all the water out no matter what. Most phones are water-resistant, in that they can withstand a certain amount but will buckle under extreme circumstances. Think of it like the term “scratch-free glass” — yes, in most day-to-day cases it works, but if you take a fine diamond across it, you’ll see a lovely scar on your screen. The phones listed below can be used if they get wet in normal circumstances like rain, the pool, or even the shower. If you drop it in the ocean and watch it sink, or subject it to the sustained pressure of a water cannon, chances are the phone won’t turn on again.

The term “waterproof” is contentious. A truly waterproof phone would keep all the water out no matter what. Most phones are water-resistant, in that they can withstand a certain amount but will buckle under extreme circumstances.

Each of these phones has a different level of water-resistancy, which is noted in their IP rating. You can learn more about how IP water-resistant ratings on the IP ratings website.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (our new family member)

A smaller version of the flagship, the Z3 Compact does everything that the Z3 does. We love the Xperia Z1 Compact at the first sight, and this model picks up where that left off. The screen is 4.6 inches compared to 5.2, and it has HD resolution instead of Full HD. But honestly, at this size, Full HD is a waste.

The Xperia Z3 Compact also has stellar battery life — one of the best in any phone out there. The small size makes it easier to hold and use with one hand, which we found to be better in daily usage for environments like rain; you’re probably holding an umbrella in the other hand after all. Hey, your phone is waterproof, not you.

XPERIA Z3 COMPACT SPECIFICATIONS

Screen: 4.6-inch IPS (1280x720px) with shatter-proof glass
Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
RAM: 2GB
Memory: 16GB, microSD up to 64GB
Camera: 20.7MP rear, 2.2MP front
Battery: 2600mAh
OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
Water-resistant rating: IP65 and IP68

Sony Xperia Z3 (Compact’s predecessor)

Sony was the first major company to launch a waterproof flagship handset, and the latest iteration is fantastic. The Sony Xperia Z3 has top-of-the-line specifications, and it can withstand taking calls in the rain as well as photos underwater.

In fact, the Z3 is among the few which makes underwater photos easy because it has a dedicated camera shutter button. Touchscreens don’t work well (or at all) underwater, so the physical button is a great way to make use of the waterproofing for some adventurous images and videos. Just remember, you need to shut the flaps protecting the ports, or it won’t be waterproof any more.

XPERIA Z3 SPECIFICATIONS

Screen: 5.2-inch IPS (1920x1080px) with shatter-proof glass
Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
RAM: 3GB
Memory: 16GB, microSD up to 128GB
Camera: 20.7MP rear, 2.2MP front
Battery: 3100mAh
OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
Water-resistant rating: IP65 and IP68

Samsung Galaxy S5 (additional candidate)

Samsung’s current flagship phone, the Galaxy S5 is a great waterproof phone. Like the Sony phones, Samsung S5 has flaps to cover its ports with little rubber gaskets — do that, and your phone is safe from things that can make it wet. Of course, you also get great hardware to go with it and all of Samsung’s software additions.

There is no doubting the Samsung brand and its worldwide reach, so not only would it be easy to get this device, but you will also find enough after-sales support for it, whether in the form of service centers or online discussion forums. You also get Samsung’s Touchwiz skin on top of Android, which you may or may not like.

The details below come from the main G900F model, but there is also a G900H model that features no LTE connectivity but adds an octo-core Exynos processor.SAMSUNG S5 SPECIFICATIONS

Screen: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED (1920×1080 px) with Gorilla Glass 3
Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
RAM: 2GB
Memory: 16GB or 32GB, microSD up to 64GB
Camera: 16MP rear, 2MP front
Battery: 2800mAH
OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
Water-resistant rating: IP67

The IP Code (International Protection Rating)

The IP Code WiKi (or International Protection Rating, sometimes also interpreted as Ingress Protection Rating*) consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in international standard IEC 60529, it classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. The standard aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof.