The Galaxy Watch 5 is built to handle water exposure with ease, making it highly water-resistant. Not only can it withstand splashes and running water, but it can also be fully submerged without sustaining any damage. Samsung even offers specific swimming workouts in the Samsung Health app, designed to make the most of the watch’s water resistance. Whether you’re caught in the rain or diving into the pool, the Galaxy Watch 5 is up to the task. But how waterproof is it exactly? Let’s take a closer look at its capabilities and how to make the most of them, including the Water Lock feature.
Galaxy Watch 5’s waterproof IP rating and meaning
The Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro both carry an IP68 rating, which is a widely recognized standard for water and dust resistance. This rating is divided into two key components:
- The first number, 6, indicates the level of protection against solid particles like dust and debris, with 6 being the highest possible rating for dust resistance.
- The second number, 8, reflects the watch’s resistance to liquids, signifying that the device can withstand immersion in water.
With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy Watch 5 can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes without sustaining damage. While Samsung does not explicitly endorse swimming with the device, the watch is equipped with swimming-specific workouts in the Samsung Health app, suggesting its capability to handle water-based activities within these limits.
In addition to the IP68 rating, the Galaxy Watch 5 also boasts a 5ATM water resistance rating. This rating indicates the amount of water pressure the watch can endure before water begins to enter its openings, potentially causing damage. A 5ATM rating allows the watch to withstand depths of up to 50 meters, making it suitable for activities like recreational swimming and shallow-water diving.
Together, these two ratings—IP68 and 5ATM—offer a comprehensive picture of the Galaxy Watch 5’s water resistance. While the IP68 rating informs you of how long the watch can remain submerged, the 5ATM rating details the maximum depth the device can withstand before experiencing damage. One is concerned with time, and the other is with depth, giving users a clear understanding of their watch’s limits in various water-based environments.
Understanding Waterproof and Water Resistance Ratings
When it comes to waterproofing and water resistance, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro both feature two key ratings that determine how much water exposure the devices can withstand:
- IP68 Rating
Both the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro carry the IP68 rating, which is an industry-standard for water and dust resistance. This rating is broken down into two numbers:- The first number (6) indicates the level of protection against solid particles, such as dust. A rating of 6 is the highest level of dust resistance, meaning these devices are fully sealed against dust and other fine debris.The second number (8) refers to the device’s resistance to water, with 8 indicating a high level of protection. This means that the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes without any risk of damage.
You can wear your Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro in the rain, wash your hands, or get caught in a splash without worry. In fact, the device can handle complete submersion in shallow water, such as a pool or shower, for up to half an hour. However, while Samsung does not explicitly recommend swimming with the device for extended periods, it is more than capable of handling typical everyday water exposure. - 5ATM Rating
In addition to the IP68 rating, both models also have a 5ATM water resistance rating. This rating measures the watch’s ability to withstand water pressure at various depths. A 5ATM rating means the device can endure water pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters without allowing water to seep in or cause damage.What this means for you:
With a 5ATM rating, the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro are suitable for shallow-water activities like recreational swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based workouts. However, while they can handle depths of up to 50 meters, they are not intended for high-impact water sports, like scuba diving, where more specialized equipment is required.
Practical Use Cases for the Galaxy Watch 5 in Water
Given these robust waterproofing features, both the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro are ideal for various activities involving water:
- Swimming Workouts: Samsung offers swimming-specific workouts in the Samsung Health app, allowing users to track their laps, heart rate, and swim style, even when submerged in the pool. Though it’s not advisable to swim for extended periods or at extreme depths, the watch can handle typical pool workouts without any issues.
- Rain and Splash Resistance: Whether you’re caught in a downpour or just washing your hands, the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro will withstand the wet conditions. You don’t have to worry about the watch being damaged by rain, sweat, or splashes while going about your daily routine.
- Water Sports: For activities like light kayaking or shallow-water snorkeling, both watches are capable of withstanding the water exposure and pressure encountered. The 5ATM rating allows users to swim and engage in water sports up to 50 meters deep, making these watches versatile companions for fitness enthusiasts.
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Using Samsung’s Water Lock Feature
The Water Lock feature on the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro is another useful tool for water exposure. This feature locks the screen to prevent accidental touches while the watch is submerged in water. Whether you’re swimming, showering, or participating in water sports, activating Water Lock ensures that the watch’s screen won’t register false inputs from water droplets or splashes.
To activate the Water Lock:
- Swipe down on the watch face to open the quick settings menu.
- Tap the Water Lock icon (which resembles a droplet of water).
- Once activated, the screen will be locked and won’t respond to touches. To disable it, press and hold the home button.
This feature is convenient when swimming or engaging in activities where the watch might come into contact with large amounts of water.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro are impressively water-resistant, it’s essential to keep in mind the following limitations:
- Depth and Time: While both devices can handle up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes (IP68), deeper submersion or prolonged exposure could potentially damage the device over time.
- Extreme Activities: While the 5ATM rating allows for water sports like swimming and light snorkeling, the watch is not designed for scuba diving or other high-pressure water activities that exceed 50 meters. For such activities, a specialized diving watch is required.
- Saltwater: Prolonged exposure to saltwater (such as in the ocean) may cause corrosion or degradation of the watch’s seals. It’s recommended to rinse the watch with fresh water after exposure to saltwater and dry it thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water resistance rating of the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro?
Both the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro feature an IP68 water resistance rating, which means they can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. Additionally, they have a 5ATM rating, which means they can handle water pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making them suitable for activities like swimming.
Can I swim with the Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro can be worn while swimming. Thanks to their IP68 and 5ATM water resistance ratings, they are designed to handle water exposure during swimming, shallow-water snorkeling, and other water-based activities. However, while Samsung offers swimming workouts in the Samsung Health app, it is not recommended to wear the watch for extended periods in deep water, such as scuba diving.
How long can I submerge the Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro in water?
Both watches are rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for swimming in shallow pools or getting caught in the rain, but they should not be left submerged for extended periods beyond this limit.
What is the difference between IP68 and 5ATM?
The IP68 rating indicates that the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro are resistant to dust (with a rating of 6) and can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. On the other hand, the 5ATM rating indicates the amount of water pressure the watch can endure, equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. While IP68 covers depth and time limits for water submersion, 5ATM addresses the amount of water pressure the device can handle.
Can I wear the Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro in the shower?
Yes, you can wear your Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro in the shower. The IP68 rating ensures that the watch is protected from water exposure, including splashes and immersion under running water, which means showering with the watch on is safe. However, it’s a good idea to avoid exposing the watch to soap or harsh chemicals that could affect the watch’s performance over time.
Can the Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro be used in saltwater (ocean water)?
While both watches are rated for water resistance, saltwater can potentially cause corrosion or wear on the device over time. After exposure to saltwater, it’s recommended to rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to help maintain its condition.
What is the Water Lock feature, and how does it work?
The Water Lock feature is designed to prevent accidental touches on the screen when the watch is submerged in water. When activated, the touch screen is locked, preventing water droplets from triggering commands. To enable Water Lock, swipe down on the watch face to access the quick settings, then tap the Water Lock icon (a water droplet). Once you’re done with water activities, press and hold the home button to unlock the screen.
Can I wear the Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro for deep-water activities like scuba diving?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro are not designed for high-pressure activities like scuba diving. While the 5ATM rating allows for use in water depths up to 50 meters, scuba diving typically involves much deeper depths and pressures, which could damage the watch. For such activities, specialized diving watches are required.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro are both highly water-resistant smartwatches, offering excellent protection against water exposure, making them versatile choices for users who want a device that can keep up with their active, water-inclusive lifestyles. With the combination of IP68 and 5ATM ratings, these watches are well-equipped to handle daily water activities like swimming, showering, and getting caught in the rain, as well as recreational water sports like snorkeling and light kayaking.
The IP68 rating ensures protection against both dust and water, allowing for submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the 5ATM rating allows for greater water pressure resistance, withstanding depths of up to 50 meters. These features make the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro suitable for most water-based activities, though they are not designed for extreme diving or high-pressure water sports.
