Yes, it is waterproof. You can dunk any Galaxy S24 model in water and it will still work. Case closed. Seriously though, there are different ways and situations where smartphones can be exposed to water. In a general sense, the S24 can handle them all. But we need a bit more specific as to how it can actually handle water-based hazards.
IP68 In a Nutshell
The Galaxy S24 (all three models) is rated for an IP68 water resistance rating, which is one of the highest Ingress Protection ratings for electronic devices of this caliber. The 6 rating for its dust protection alone already says a lot about how airtight its innards are, and with an 8 rating for its overall water immersion resistance, you can see how it should still survive even when dipped underwater.
IP68 tablets, for example, can be safely used on construction sites, where dust and water exposure is common. In fact, the resistance rating also specifies the electronic device can be submerged for about 1.5 meters underwater for about 30 minutes without considerable damage to it. An estimated rating that is indeed, a very significant factor in assessing how the Galaxy S24 would actually survive being subjected to water.
Galaxy S24 Water Resistance in Practice
This means that for any everyday activity in a normal, modern setting, there is absolutely no chance that an undamaged Galaxy S24 would ever malfunction due to any water-based liquid exposure. Not only is it dustproof inside, but even submerging it in shallow water does not damage it immediately.
If you want to deliberately damage the Galaxy S24 using water, or any water-based liquid, you have to do the following things:
- Immerse it in (1.5 meters deep or less) water for more than 30 minutes. This ensures that the liquid would eventually seep through the microscopic nooks and crannies of the device.
- Immerse it in much deeper waters (more than 3 meters deep). This results in the water pressure eventually crushing the physical barrier of the unit.
- Fire high-pressure water jets on it. The force of the liquid causes shock to the outer casing, cracking it open.
- Bathe it in water with corrosive chemicals. The chemicals would soon melt the protective layers, damaging the circuits later on.
- Bathe it in saltwater. Much slower than corrosive chemicals, but also eventually opens the phone’s innards. Can be mitigated by washing the phone with freshwater immediately.
- Immerse a physically damaged unit in the water. Such units already have their innards exposed, instantly negating their IP rating.
- Dip a very old S24 (in the future) in the water. Wear and tear might have weakened the protective casing of the unit to a point where water just instantly seeps through.
- Dip the S24 in very hot or boiling water. First, temperature damage. Second, the outer casing would either expand or distort with the higher temperature, once again leaving the innards exposed.
No Worries Then?
If your regular environment doesn’t involve any of the potential scenarios above, then no. So long as the unit is not physically defective, any Galaxy S24 should be able to handle almost all water-based hazards. Except maybe if you are taking pictures by the bridge, harbor, or at some aquatic zoo. But even then you still have some time to retrieve the unit unscathed depending on how deep it sunk.
And for bigger hazards? Common sense and good maintenance will get you a long way, my friend.
