Galaxy S26: how well are the new flagships protected from water and dust?

The Galaxy S26 lineup is now official, featuring a more consistent design across all models and a redesigned camera module. These devices are powerful, premium, and expensive—so it is important to understand how well they are protected from dust and water.

All three models come with an IP68 rating, which is standard for flagship smartphones. Here is what that actually means.

Water protection: is the Galaxy S26 waterproof?

The Galaxy S26 series carries the same IP68 certification as previous generations. This means the phones are fully protected against dust and resistant to water.

However, the term “waterproof” is not accurate for modern smartphones. Devices are not completely sealed against water. Instead, they are designed to resist water exposure under specific conditions.

For the Galaxy S26, this means it can withstand immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.

In real use, the phone will handle splashes, rain, or accidental drops in water. But pushing it beyond these limits is risky. Swimming with it is not recommended.

What IP68 actually means

IP stands for “Ingress Protection,” indicating how well a device is sealed against dust and liquids.

The first digit (6) represents the highest level of dust protection—completely dust-tight.
The second digit (8) refers to water resistance, allowing submersion under controlled conditions.

It is important to note that this rating applies only to fresh water. Salt water, chlorinated pool water, or mineral water can damage the device and weaken its protection.

If the phone falls into the sea or a pool, rinse it with fresh water and let it dry completely. This may help prevent damage.

Bottom line: the Galaxy S26 is well protected for everyday situations, but it is not designed for extreme exposure.