Monsoons are finally here, as IMD predicts heavy to hefty rainfall in most parts of the country in the next five days. While the rainy season brings respite from the scorching summer heat, it also brings several serious concerns. According to Cashify, water damage is one of the main causes of damaged smartphones in India.
Fortunately, you can reduce some of your concerns by opting for an IP68-rated water-resistant smartphone. It’s important to note that most smartphones are water-resistant, not waterproof. This typically means they can withstand a brief encounter with heavy rain, giving you enough time to seek shelter and protect your device.
Top Smartphones That Can Survive Indian Monsoon
As mentioned before, several smartphones with IP68 ratings are available in India. For context, an IP68-rated phone is fully protected from dust and typically water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes. Further, in an IP rating, the first number signifies dust protection, while the second is for water. You can read more about IP ratings here. Here is a list of the best smartphones to survive the Indian monsoon.
OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G
The OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G was recently launched in India as the country’s first super-rugged, monsoon-ready smartphone. According to the brand, the handset is designed to handle pouring rain and dusty winds easily.
The F27 Pro+ 5G is the first IP69-rated smartphone in India, with IP68 and IP66 ratings. This means the smartphone can handle dust ingress and high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from any direction.
Motorola Edge 50 Series
Motorola recently launched Edge 50 series devices in India. The lineup consists of the Edge 50 Fusion, the Edge 50 Pro, and the Edge 50 Ultra. All three smartphones flaunt a curved display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 50MP OIS rear cameras, up to 125W fast charging, and more.
Moreover, these smartphones are all IP68 rated. This means Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, Edge 50 Pro, and Edge 50 Ultra are water-resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 15 metres for up to 30 minutes. They are also protected from dust, which is ideal for Indian monsoons and thunderstorms.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series has an IP68 dust and water-resistance rating, which means complete dust protection and freshwater immersion for up to 30 minutes. Thus, you can use the latest flagship devices from Samsung in the rain without worry.
The lineup includes the Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung has launched the Plus and Ultra variants with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the vanilla S24 with the Exynos 2400 SoC. These smartphones also mark the debut of Galaxy AI, a host of generative AI-powered features.
Apple’s iPhone 15 Series
Apple introduced the IP68 rating on iPhones with the iPhone XS in 2018. Since then, the iPhone series has come with this IP68 dust—and water-resistance rating standard. Therefore, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all have the same protection. So, as an iPhone user, you no longer have to scramble for shade when it starts raining.
Apart from making iPhones monsoon-ready, Apple also introduced the USB Type-C for the first time on iPhone with the launch of the iPhone 15 series. Additionally, the company opted for aerospace-grade titanium on the iPhone 15 Pro series smartphones.
Google Pixel 8 Series
The Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro are IP68 rated, whereas the affordable Pixel 8a flaunts an IP67 rating. No matter which Pixel 8 series smartphone you pick, you can rest assured that it will easily brave the Indian monsoon and dusty winds.
These smartphones are all powered by Google’s latest Tensor G3 processor and offer a stock Android experience. They have an OLED display, Android 14 with seven-year software support, a 50MP primary camera, and more.
Tips to Protect Your Phone During Monsoon in India
There’s no need to worry if you are stuck with a smartphone with a lower IP rating or none. There are ways to protect your phone during monsoon in India. Here are some things you can do to protect your phone from water damage in the rainy season.
Water-proof Cases
Investing in a good-quality waterproof case or pouch adds more protection for your smartphone. These cases are designed to keep water and moisture out, safeguarding your phone from accidental splashes, rain, and submersion.
Keep Your Phone Dry
One of the best ways to keep your phone dry is to get silica gel pouches and keep them in places where you put your phone. Adding silica gels to your backpack or handbag will ensure no moisture or dampness can damage your device. If your phone gets drenched, gently wipe off all water and dry it using a soft cloth or tissue.
Avoid Using Phone in Pouring Rain
If your smartphone doesn’t have the necessary ingress protection, it’s advisable to avoid using it in pouring rain. Find a shade or use a waterproof case to protect your phone.
Avoid Charging in Damp Areas
Finally, it is well-known that moisture and electricity don’t mix well. Avoid charging your phone in damp areas or near windows when it’s raining. If your smartphone gets wet in the rain, ensure it’s completely dry before connecting to a charger. In fact, some premium phones, such as Apple’s iPhones, Samsung’s Galax series, will not charge if moisture is detected in the port or the charging cable.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your smartphone is safe from water damage. It will also ensure that the device functions smoothly throughout the monsoon season in India.
