It used to be that taking a dunk in the pool was the splash of death for your phone. Not any more. Samsung’s Galaxy line has been increasingly water-resistant for its last few generations, and the rest of the phone market is hustling to get in line. With that in mind, here are four of CNET’s top-rated waterproof phones.
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Samsung Galaxy S8
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s8/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The best-looking phone around crushes it in performance, battery life, water-resistance and wireless charging. An external storage slot lets you keep more photos, videos and music.
The bad: Its awkwardly placed fingerprint reader leads to camera smears and longer unlock times, which is aggravating when you use it to unlock your phone dozens of times a day.
The cost: $728.83 to $750.00
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S8’s fast speeds and fantastic curved screen make it a top phone for 2017, but the annoying fingerprint reader could sour your experience.
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Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-7-plus/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Dual rear cameras delivers true 2x optical zoom, with a cool bokeh Portrait mode. Battery lasts longer than last year’s model, and longer than iPhone 7. Water resistant. Fast. Bigger storage options include 256GB model for serious photographers.
The bad: There’s no standard headphone jack: you’ll have to use Lightning, or the included adapter, or go wireless. Design is showing its age, as competing phones squeeze a 5.5-inch screen into smaller, sexier bodies. And it’s really expensive.
The cost: $839.95 to $869.99
The bottom line: The iPhone 7 Plus is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras ever — and it’s a great phone, too.
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LG G6
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/lg-g6/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The beautifully designed LG G6 is water-resistant with a tall, expansive display and an extra wide-angle camera.
The bad: The phone is LG’s first flagship in years without a removable battery. It has last year’s Snapdragon 821 chipset.
The cost: $469.99 to $719.99
The bottom line: The LG G6 is a gorgeous phone. Those who are wary of Samsung should get it.
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Motorola Moto G4
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-moto-g4/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Moto G4’s big, bold screen and junk-free software make it a pleasure to use throughout the day. Its ability to survive a dunking will appeal to the clumsy among us.
The bad: Processor performance is great for everyday tasks, but gamers will want to shop elsewhere.
The cost: $169.99 to $222.49
The bottom line: With its big, bold screen, water-resistant design and rock-bottom price, the Moto G4 is a dazzling deal.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Section Editor Jessica Dolcourt, Senior Editor Andrew Hoyle, Senior Associate Editor Lynn La, Senior Editor Scott Stein and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
