5 Best Cheap Waterproof Smartphones in 2023
The words “cheap” and “waterproof smartphones” together isn’t something you would see every day, and it’s for a reason. Any waterproof device is generally more expensive than an ordinary gadget.
Although, however tough the task may be, we still managed to find cheap waterproof smartphones that will not disappoint you, in spite of their price.
The Best Cheap Waterproof Smartphones
| Best Overall | LG X Venture |
| Cheapest | BLU Tank Xtreme 4.0 |
| Best Value for Money | NUU Mobile R1 |
| Highly Recommended | Kyocera DuraForce |
| Runner Up | E&L W6S |
Must Read: Android Phones – Every Android Users Must Know About
Top 5 Cheap Waterproof Smartphones on Amazon
The first thing that we had to determine was what we would consider being “cheap.” We didn’t want to get too cheap, so we decided on going for waterproof smartphones lower than $200. Here they are:
1. BLU Tank Xtreme 4.0
First on our list is the BLU Tank Xtreme 4.0. This waterproof smartphone was made by BLU, which is an American company that specializes in designing and manufacturing low-cost mobile phones.
The Tank Xtreme 4.0 has a IP65 water and dust resistant rating, and its has rubber dual injections that can protect the phone by absorbing impact. This makes it great for hikes and other adventures close to nature where you won’t really need an expensive phone.
Considering its price, you also shouldn’t expect too much on its specs and features, as this smartphone was released in January 2017.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.12 x 2.72 x 0.55 in
- Weight: 141 g
- SIM: Dual Sim (micro SIM)
- IP Rating: IP65 all-weather design
- Display Size: 4.0 in
- Display Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels
- CPU: Quad-core 1.3 GHz
- OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- External Memory: micro SD (up to 64 GB)
- Internal Memory: 4 GB
- RAM: 512 MB
- Rear Camera: 3.15 MP
- Front Camera: 2 MP
- Comms: Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, Radio, USB (micro USB 2.0)
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 2800 mAh
- Colors: Blue
2. Kyocera DuraForce
The Kyocera DuraForce is a great starter phone for anyone who doesn’t want complicated specs and features or has difficulty in understanding more complex (and expensive) smartphones these days.
It has an IP rating of IP68, which makes it waterproof for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. However, it can still be damaged when used in saltwater and pool water for long periods. Moreover, the phone is inoperable when it’s underwater.
So basically, the waterproof feature of the DuraForce is mainly for damage prevention in cases of accidents involving water. The waterproof feature makes it a good starter phone if you want to transition your grandparents or parents into the smartphone age.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.39 x 2.78 x 0.55 in
- Weight: 200 g
- SIM: Nano-SIM
- IP Rating: IP68 dust and waterproof (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
- Display Size: 4.5 in
- Display Resolution: 720 x 1280 pixels
- CPU: Quad-core 1.4 GHz
- OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
- External Memory: micro SD (up to 32 GB)
- Internal Memory: 16 GB
- RAM: 2 GB
- Rear Camera: 8 MP
- Front Camera: 2 MP
- Comms: Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB (micro USB 2.0)
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3100 mAh
- Colors: Black
3. E&L W6S
The E&L W6S is a military-grade waterproof smartphone released in 2017, packed with features that will give you more than what you paid for.
It boasts a scratchproof Corning Gorilla Glass 3, an IP68 rating, and a MIL-STD-810G certification. These make this smartphone ideal for any outdoor activities that you like hiking, fishing, skating, and many more.
The E&L W6S lives up to how it’s advertised. However, there have been some reports of troubles with the charger, so you may have to purchase a cord that will work if you ever experience this dilemma.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.61 x 2.95 x 0.51 in
- Weight: 206 g (with battery)
- SIM: Dual SIM (micro SIM)
- IP Rating: IP68 dust and waterproof (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
- Display Size: 4.5 in
- Display Resolution: 480 x 854 pixels
- CPU: Quad-Core 1.3GHz
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- External Memory: micro SD (up to 32 GB)
- Internal Memory: 8 GB
- RAM: 1 GB
- Rear Camera: 5 MP
- Front Camera: 2 MP
- Comms: Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, Radio, USB (micro USB 2.0)
- Battery: Non-Removable 2600 mAh
- Colors: Black, Yellow
4. LG X Venture
You probably didn’t expect a waterproof smartphone from a reputable device company on a list of budget-friendly smartphones, but here you go.
LG’s X Venture is a lightweight, military-grade smartphone with a powerful overall performance. Its octa-core processing unit allows you to multitask smoothly, with lesser chances of screen freezing.
What’s best about it is its long battery life of 4100 mAh, which can last for up to 720 hours on standby. Not only that, but it also has a Quick Charge 2.0 feature that allows for faster charging time.
Additionally, it has a fingerprint sensor for better security. So really, for a tad over a hundred dollars? You’re getting a whole lot more with this one.
Although, one downside to the LG X Venture is its poor camera quality. So don’t expect to get a fire selfie from this one.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.06 x 2.98 x 0.37 in
- Weight: 166.5 g
- SIM: Nano SIM
- IP Rating: IP68 dust and waterproof (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
- Display Size: 5.2 in
- Display Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- CPU: Octa-core 1.4 GHz
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat, LG UX 5
- External Memory: micro SD (up to 256 GB)
- Internal Memory: 32 GB
- RAM: 2 GB
- Rear Camera: 16 MP
- Front Camera: 5 MP
- Comms: Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM Radio, USB (Type C 1.0)
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 4100 mAh
- Colors: Black, Brown
5. NUU Mobile R1
Aside from being waterproof, the NUU Mobile R1 is also a rugged smartphone that both looks and feels like it’s extremely durable.
It’s shockproof, waterproof, and scratch resistant, making this smartphone the most ideal pair for anyone who likes to go out and just be extreme.
Aside from being almost indestructible, the R1 has a relatively long battery life of 4000 mAh. This makes it a good companion if you’re planning on going on a hike or other activities where you won’t have immediate access to electricity.
However, one of the noticeable downsides to the R1 is that it’s a bit heavy on the hands. So, even though you shouldn’t worry about dropping this smartphone, the weight makes it easier to drop the phone.
It also has less than the satisfactory camera resolution of only 8 MP for the rear camera and 2 MP for the front. Hence, you’re probably going to need to bring a camera if you want to take quality photos and selfies.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.77 x 2.99 x 0.51 in
- Weight: 362.87 g
- SIM: Dual SIM (micro-SIM)
- IP Rating: IP68 dust and waterproof
- Display Size: 5.0 in
- Display Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
- CPU: Quad-Core 1.3 GHz
- OS: Android 8.1 Oreo
- External Memory: micro SD (up to 32 GB)
- Internal Memory: 16 GB
- RAM: 2 GB
- Rear Camera: 8 MP
- Front Camera: 2 MP
- Comms: Wifi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, USB (micro USB 2.0)
- Battery: Non-removable 4,000 mAh
- Colors: Black
Black JOTO Universal Dry Bag Pouch
Are you still thinking about buying a waterproof smartphone? You can buy a universal waterproof case for the smartphone that you currently have! JOTO CellPhone Dry Bag Pouch comes in 11 colors, so be sure to check it out through the Amazon button below.
Related: 9 Best Samsung Galaxy S9 Waterproof Case
Budget-friendly Waterproof Smartphones FAQ
Difference between waterproof and water-resistant smartphones?
Technically, waterproof smartphones are those that are impermeable to water, no matter how long it’s submerged. On the other hand, water-resistant smartphones can only resist the penetration of water to a certain depth and period of time.
Are phones really waterproof?
If the device has a specification of having a waterproof design, then you can expect it to be truly waterproof.
Can you swim with waterproof smartphones?
Yes. Moreover, if a smartphone is certified waterproof, then you can also expect it to withstand salt water and pool water.
Cheap Waterproof Smartphones: Is It Worth It?
Tough question. Generally, you can’t really expect much on cheap anything. If you want the good stuff, you’re going to have to pay for its price, right?
Be that as it may, however, all of the devices that we added to this list is guaranteed to be worth your money. Although, you have to be aware of the chinks of the device of your choice so that you will be able to use it for a long time.
Did you find the waterproof smartphone that you like? We’d love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below.
I just bought a Nuu R1. The specs listed here are not correct. E.g., it runs 8.1. Battery is said to be 4000 mA/hr. Display is 1280×720. Quad core. 2GB RAM. 32 GB max SD. Etc.
What about the ulephone armor 6s? Is it any good?