Due to the crazy rains lately we decided to put together a list of our top 10 picks of water-resistant and water-proof gadgets that we’ve come across in the last year. It’s an interesting list since it’s dominated by products made by Sony. It’s very obvious that they’re doing their best in trying to own the “water-resistant” and “water-proof” category.
Note that the prices below are from various online shops and not necessarily prices you see in stores at malls. Also the gadgets aren’t arranged in any order.
Sony Xperia ZR (Php19,890)
Most other devices are just water-resistant, which means they can survive but not necessarily function properly when submerged. The Sony Xperia ZR is the only smartphone available locally you can fully use while under water. You can use it to take photos, videos, and heck even send out SMS messages! The best thing about it though is that it doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to features and specs. It has very competitive internals and it even has LTE connectivity! If you’re looking for a fully waterproof smartphone you don’t have to look anywhere else. Pick up the Sony Xperia ZR today from Widget City for just Php19,890. Click here to read our full review of the Sony Xperia ZR.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (Php26,000)
As expected, Samsung also jumped into the water-resistant segment and they did so with a variant of the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy S4 Active. This is actually our favorite smartphone from the Galaxy S4 series due to the awesome design of the chassis! It looks much better than the glossy plastic that was used with all the other devices in the S4 range. Of course it’s also LTE-enabled and water-resistant. Unlike the ZR though it doesn’t necessarily function properly under water. You can use it to take photos and videos though by enabling the “Aqua” mode on the camera so it’s not that bad. Get it from Kimstore for just Php26,000. Click here to read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active.
Lifeproof for the iPhone (Php3,000-Php4,000)
Lifeproof is one of the first nice-looking cases that made the iPhone (4-4S-5) waterproof. It debuted a few years ago and it sold quite well here in the Philippines. Heck it was selling so well that someone even got the rights to distribute it locally and they even put up a dedicated Lifeproof concept store in SM North Edsa. Click here for our review of the Lifeproof case for the iPhone.
Sony Xperia Z (Php21,890)
Of course this list wouldn’t be complete without one of the best-selling water-resistant smartphones ever made, the Sony Xperia Z! This unit is actually responsible for the resurgence of Sony as it did fantastic in the market. Not only is it water-resistant, but it also sports a razor thin form factor with a dual-glass set-up giving it a superb premium look and feel. That combined with the monstrous internals and the affordable price tag makes it a very good deal. Click here for our full review of the Sony Xperia Z.
Sony Walkman NWZ-W273 (Php4,995)
If Sony could make their smartphones waterproof then they can definitely do it with their MP3 players. That’s exactly what they did with the Sony Walkman NWZ-W273. This is arguably the best waterproof MP3 player in the market today. You can use it when you’re swimming, boating, diving (up to a certain depth), and even white water rafting, hehe. Also looks awesome too. Click here to read our review of the Sony Walkman NWZ-W273.
Otterbox Armor for the iPhone 5 (Php4,900)
Lifeproof doesn’t have a monopoly on great cases that makes your iPhone waterproof. There’s also the Otterbox Armor series which not only makes your iPhone resistant to water, but also to crazy falls, bumps, and even car roll overs. It’s the ultimate protective case that turns your device into a mini Bat Mobile. (without the weapons but with all the armor). Click here for our full review of the Otterbox Armor.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z (Php25,500-Php35,590)
The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is probably the only water-resistant, nice-looking Android tablet with monstrous specifications that’s available in the local market today. It sports the same razor thin form factor as the Sony Xperia Z and it’s also water-resistant. There are different models available with the 4G variant selling for well over Php35,000 (local SRP). Click here to read our full review of the Sony Xperia Tablet Z.
Braven BRV-1 Wireless Speakers (Php6,450)
Other than cases, smartphones, MP3 players, and tablets, we also have a wireless speaker on our list! The Braven BRV-1 is a water and shock resistant Bluetooth speakers that delivers outstanding sound quality and power. If you’re look for speakers that you can bring to the beach or the outdoors you definitely have to consider this bad boy. By the way Beyond the Box has an on-going promo wherein you can get a free Braven BRV-1 if you buy an iPod Touch. Sulit!
Sony Xperia Z Ultra (Php26,000)
After smartphones and tablets we now have the Sony water-resistant Phablet! The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is 6.4-inches of awesomeness. It has the same omnibalance design philosophy as the Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z. It has even more monstrous specs (scored over 30,000 on Antutu). The only downside really is that the variant available right now is still the 3G model. The LTE version is due for September so to those who want to get the most bang out of their buck, you might want to wait ’till then. Click here to read our full review of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra.
Sony Xperia V (Php13,100)
The Sony Xperia V is the ultimate budget-friendly smartphone. It might not have a quad-core processor in it but the device can connect to LTE and it’s also water-resistant. Device also doesn’t look that bad either! If you’re on a tight budget then this is ultimately your obvious, practical, and logical choice. You can get it from Kimstore for just Php13,100. Click here to check out our speedtests with the Sony Xperia V.
And that’s a wrap! Did we miss anything? Comment below!
It’s amazing how Sony is dominating this particular category. You can’t say it’s not working too since they’re starting to do much better with their smartphone and tablet sales globally. Anyway, if we missed anything please do leave a comment below so we can check it out.
Here are our other Top 10 Lists so far for Mid-2013:
Top 10 Windows 8 Notebooks Under Php30,000
Top 10 Phablets
Top 10 Quad-core Smartphones Under Php10,000
Top 10 LTE Smartphones Under Php21,000
