Is the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Waterproof?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first folding smartphone to be water-resistant. It has a water-resistant rating of IPX8, but it can only be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, with Samsung warning of other caveats. Read on while we explain what exactly this means for you. 

Is a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Waterproof?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 has an IPX8 (or Ingress Protection) which indicates the smartphone is water-resistant for up to 30 minutes in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater. That means it's not waterproof, but it is water-resistant, which is helpful.

However, the rating is only for freshwater, with Samsung recommending it's not used in the sea or in pools that use harsh chemicals. 

It means the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is acceptable to use in a rainstorm or even in the bath or shower, but it's not a good idea to use if it could get soapy or dirty in some way through the same method. It's also not advisable to use it while on the beach. 

What Does an IPX8 Rating Mean? 

An IPX8 rating means that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 smartphone can handle being in the water up to 1.5 meters in depth for 30 minutes. However, the X denotation means that it's not resistant to dust particles, dirt, or sand. 

The rating only applies to freshwater, so you should not use the smartphone in the sea or a pool full of harsh chemicals. Samsung recommends that you don't use it at the beach or in a pool due to its lack of protection against dirt and other small particles. 

In real-world use, that means that generally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is fine to deal with occasional spills. Still, you would be sensible to avoid taking it into the pool with you, and you definitely need to avoid seawater.

How Durable Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3?

Even though the IPX8 rating means that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 isn't as competent in water as some people may want it to be, it is durable in other ways. It uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the outer shell while the frame is made out of Armor Aluminum, with Samsung claiming it's the strongest aluminum frame yet. 

What Other Foldable Are Water-Resistant?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 isn't the only foldable phone that is water-resistant. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold is also water-resistant with the same IPX rating and caveats. 

Why Are Foldable Phones Less Water-Resistant Than Other Smartphones?

Due to their design, foldable phones are more liable to have water droplets seep in, leading to corrosion of metallic parts or damage to electrical components. With the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung has used rubber gaskets around exposed parts and used a sealing material amongst the circuitry to keep things safer. The use of a flexible sealant means the foldable phone can still move while still offering some level of protection, even though its water resistance is lower than with other devices.