Is Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Waterproof?


With many looking to buy the new Note flagship from Samsung, in this guide, we will be discussing Galaxy Note 20 waterproof rating. Being at the forefront of providing water resistance for Android phones since Galaxy S5, Samsung is a seasoned company when it comes to waterproofing. The brand has always pushed water resistance as a necessary feature on its flagship series so logically, many prospective buyers are curious whether Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are waterproof?

Electronics and water never go well together. However, thanks to various techniques and manufacturing processes, Samsung has been able to provide some amazing Galaxy phones over the years that can resist water damage. From the looks of Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, the phone seems quite fragile which is why one might assume the series can not survive moisture. Is that actually the case? Let’s discuss!

Measuring Water Resistance and What is an IP Rating?

To put water resistance on a measurable scale, there is standard rating called Ingress Protection — IP Rating. Through this, there are varying levels of water and dust resistance that phones can achieve. Each value has its own characteristics.

Since phones are most susceptible to water damage when it comes to liquids and dust when it comes solids, IP rating defines its value with respect to these substances. While it might not seem dust causes problems, for phones as complicated as we have these days, it really does!

Related: Where to Buy Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Waterproof Guide

Popular IP Ratings and their Differences: IP53 / IP66 / IP67 / IP68

Here are the IP scale divisions and the quality of protection for each. Higher IP value equates to better protection:

IP Rating / CodeDescription
IP53Rated as protected against solid bodies larger than 1mm and protected against water splashes.
IP66Rated as “dust tight” and protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water.
IP67Rated as “dust tight” and protected against immersion.
IP68Rated as “dust tight” and protected against complete, continuous submersion in water.
IP69 / IP69KRated as “dust tight” and protected against high-pressure / steam jet water.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra IP Rating

By now we have established what is an IP rating and what the various ratings means, its time to address the question whether Galaxy Note 20 is waterproof? To be classed as a water resistant phone, IP68 is the value which Galaxy Note 20 needs to achieve as at this rating, the phone is said to survive water submersion and is classed as water tight.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra does have water resistant variants but there are some which are not. If you buy Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G, it will have an IP68 rating and similarly, if you buy Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, it would also come with IP68 rating. However, Galaxy Note 20 4G and Note 20 Ultra 4G are not IP rated hence not water resistant!

It is unfortunate that entry level 4G variants of Galaxy Note 20 miss out on water-resistance! If you value water resistance, you should consult our Galaxy Note 20 models and variants guide to consult which model you should get.

Here is the official Samsung listing for phones with IP68 Rating:

  • S7 and S7 edge
  • S9 and S9+
  • S8 and S8+
  • S10e, S10, and S10+
  • S20 5G, S20+ 5G, and S20 Ultra 5G
  • Note8
  • Note9
  • Note10, Note10+, Note10+ 5G
  • Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G

Dos and Don’ts with Samsung Galaxy Note 20

If you have a 5G variant of Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra, you can getaway by taking it to the pool and beaches. Further, it would also be able to survive a water submersion. This doesn’t mean an unnecessary tests. Its a feature that will help you in accidents but shouldn’t be tried purposefully.

However, for 4G variants, these recommendations are exact opposite. Galaxy Note 20 4G phones should not be taken near pools or any places where there is chance of water submersion.

What to do After Water Damage?

How to Fix Water Damage on Samsung Galaxy Note 20

After all, accidents do happen and it is plausible that you get your phone water damaged — Galaxy Note 20 5G or 4G variant. If that is the case, first thing is to power it off immediately. This will save from any further short-circuiting or damage to the phone’s hardware. You can force shutdown the phone by pressing the power button and volume down button continuously for 10-20seconds.

After that there is a DIY method you should try out to see if you can fix water damage on your own and save the trip to the service center:

Rice Bag Method

One of the most popular DIY tricks to fix water damage on phones (and electronics in general) is the rice bag method. Once you pull out your phone back from the pool, pond or any water, power it OFF. Do not turn it back ON or you will risk short-circuiting the main board. Now put the phone is a sealed bag of rice and keep it inside for atleast 2-3 days.

Rice is known for absorbing water and this is exactly what it will do from inside your phone. Take out the phone after a few days and turn it on. If it powers on like normal, there is a good chance that would have fixed your water damage. However, if you still feel the phone is not functioning properly, you might have to take it to an official service center for repair.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Waterproof – FAQs

Here are answers to popular questions that prospective Galaxy Note 20 buyers will be asking, in terms of water resistance:

  1. What is the IP rating of Galaxy Note20?

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G and Note 20 Ultra 5G have an official IP68 rating. This translates into the phone being dust-tight and protected against small submersion in waterproof. However, Galaxy Note 20 4G and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 4G doesn’t have official IP rating.

  2. Can I take the Galaxy Note 20 with me in the pool?

    Official IP68 rating means you can take the Galaxy Note 20 5G and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G near pools but only if necessary. Note 20 4G and Note 20 Ultra 4G lineup is not recommended as it doesn’t have an IP rating.

  3. I dropped my Galaxy Note 20 in fresh water. Is my phone damaged?

    After you drop your phone, immediately take it out. Dry it out completely with preferably a towel or microfiber. Inspect the phone, if it works as normal, you don’t have to do any additional steps.

  4. How long does moisture stay in the phone?

    The duration of moisture inside the phone depends on several factors. like your surrounding temperature, the amount of water in your charging port, the type of water etc.

Taimur Akmal
Taimur Akmal

Devoted writer, enjoys developing code. Appreciates excellent food, exceptional coffee and great company. He is also into sublime design and nicely built cars.

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