Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 waterproof?

Quick answer:
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 sports an IPX8 rating and is essentially waterproof as a result. This means it can easily handle splashes and rain and even survive a dunk in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. It’s not rated for dust or sand, though, so Samsung recommends against taking it to the beach.

Last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldable came as a slick addition to an already powerful lineup. The phone includes some exciting upgrades, like a new 3.4-inch cover screen that delivers quick updates and information at just a glance. Even with the signature flip function acting as a point of focus, this front screen buff should make the exterior window far more useful, reducing the need to actually open your flipper.

Combined with a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a refined hinge design that lets it fold fully shut, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 took its place among the best foldable phones and is set to be the perfect companion for any adventure you might have planned.

In terms of adventure, you wonder how well the Z Flip 5 will hold up during a trip to the beach or your favorite water park. Is the Galaxy Z Flip 5 ready to withstand the elements on all your outings? Let’s take a look.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 waterproof?

Like most smartphones in its class, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 ships with an impressive IP rating of IPX8. The Z Flip 5 won’t be perpetually immune to water — if you drop it in a pool, pond, or tub for an extended period — but it does offer a waterproof rating that will keep the device going strong even after an accidental dunk.

The IPX8 rating means that you won’t need to worry about taking the device swimming for a brief period by accident. In freshwater, the phone can withstand up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of depth for up to 30 minutes without incident. Therefore, exposure to rain, a splash, or even a dunk won’t threaten your device. However, you still need to be careful.

What does an IPX8 rating mean?

Technically speaking, this IPX8 rating means the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is certified to handle immersion in at least 1 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) of water for at least 30 minutes. However, that’s the minimum standard and almost identical to an IPX7 rating. The difference? An IPX8 rating allows manufacturers to go higher with their own testing. So, in Samsung’s case, that’s “up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.”

There’s also an important word to note here, “freshwater.” IP ratings aren’t intended to cover devices going for a swim in the ocean, since the salinity can corrode water-resistant seals and cause other damage. The same can be said for water with a high chlorine content. Samsung notes that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is “not advised for beach or pool use.”

Nevertheless, your Galaxy Z Flip 5 should be fine if it happens to fall into a pool or over the side of a boat as long as you retrieve it quickly and gently rinse it off to remove any salt or other contaminants.

What about dust, dirt, and sand?

Perhaps the main reason Samsung advises against using your Galaxy Z Flip 5 at the beach is that it has no rated protection against dust or other small particles like sand.

You may have noticed that many other smartphones offer ratings like IP68, whereas the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has an “X” in there instead of a number (IPX8). That first digit of an IP rating represents protection against “solid foreign objects.” Like the water-resistance rating, higher numbers are better, with a 6, meaning the device is effectively dust-tight. An “X” doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no protection against dust particles (e.g., sand) — that would be a zero instead. An “X” means the device wasn’t tested for protection against dust and dirt particles, so it’s impossible to say with any certainty how the phone will stand up to exposure in sandy or dusty conditions.

Of course, since the Galaxy Z Flip 5 can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes without moisture penetrating its outer shell, it’s a reasonable assumption that dust won’t pose a huge risk. However, Samsung’s foldable has one substantial Achilles heel that makes it more prone to particle damage, the inner screen.

Nearly all modern flagship smartphones use highly durable glass for their screens, typically some flavor of Corning’s Gorilla Glass. Unfortunately, Gorilla Glass doesn’t fold very well. This makes it unsuitable for use as the Z Flip 5’s main screen. Instead, the inner screen is made from a more flexible, plastic-like material that isn’t likely to be nearly as durable when it comes to particle exposure. Flip your phone shut, and anything left inside can easily become trapped and scratch the screen. Depending on the particles, they might even be able to penetrate the screen and burrow deeper inside, causing more damage to your display or other aspects. Adding the right screen protector can help, but it’s best to keep your new phone away from sand.

What happens if my Galaxy Z Flip 5 gets wet?

Although we’d suggest avoiding use in a heavy rainstorm or while sitting in the bath without additional protection, the IPX8 rating means you don’t need to panic if your Galaxy Z Flip 5 gets wet. Indeed, it’s likely that a poor grip on the wet device is going to pose a greater threat to its functionality in these conditions than the moisture itself.

If you’re dealing with freshwater, such as splashes from your kitchen sink, simply wipe the phone down with a clean towel and carry on. If your Z Flip 5 has taken a dip in the toilet or tub, you may want to give it a quick rinse, dry it off, and avoid plugging it in for a charge until you’re sure everything has dried out. The same applies if you’ve dropped your phone in salt water or a swimming pool.

Also, keep in mind that even dish soap can wear down the waterproof seals used on most electronic devices, so definitely don’t try washing your Galaxy Z Flip 5. Just rinse it off with clean water that’s warm but not too hot.

Keep your Galaxy Z Flip 5 clean and dry

The bottom line is that while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 can easily withstand everyday splashes and even the occasional accidental dip, you should avoid deliberately exposing it to water.

Some great Galaxy Z Flip 5 cases are available, too, so pairing your device with an added layer of protection can bolster its dust and particle protection for even better security.

Lastly, remember that water damage won’t likely be covered under your phone’s warranty, so you could be in for a costly repair if water gets into your Galaxy Z Flip 5. You can mitigate this somewhat with a Samsung Care Plus plan, which will cover this kind of accidental damage at a much lower price tag, offering some nice peace of mind for those who want to be more carefree with their fun foldable.