Waterproof smartphones haven't become the norm yet, but there are still some great handsets that can brave a walk in the rain or a drop in a pool. You're out of luck if you want an iPhone with these abilities, but Android has plenty of options.

The term "waterproof" is contentious. A truly waterproof phone would keep all the water out no matter what. Most phones are water-resistant, in that they can withstand a certain amount but will buckle under extreme circumstances. Think of it like the term "scratch-free glass" -- yes, in most day-to-day cases it works, but if you take a fine diamond across it, you'll see a lovely scar on your screen.

For the sake of this article, we are going to use the terms "waterproof", "water-resistant" and so on interchangeably, much to the ire of pedants everywhere. In our dictionary, here's what we mean: The phones listed below can be used if they get wet in normal circumstances like rain, the pool, or even the shower. If you drop it in the ocean and watch it sink, or subject it to the sustained pressure of a water cannon, chances are the phone won't turn on again.

Each of these phones has a different level of water-resistancy, which is noted in their IP rating. You can learn more about how IP water-resistant ratings on the IP ratings website.

Sony Xperia Z3

Sony was the first major company to launch a waterproof flagship handset, and the latest iteration is fantastic. The Sony Xperia Z3 has top-of-the-line specifications, and it can withstand taking calls in the rain as well as photos underwater.

In fact, the Z3 is among the few which makes underwater photos easy because it has a dedicated camera shutter button. Touchscreens don't work well (or at all) underwater, so the physical button is a great way to make use of the waterproofing for some adventurous images and videos. Just remember, you need to shut the flaps protecting the ports, or it won't be waterproof any more.

  • Screen: 5.2-inch IPS (1920x1080px) with shatter-proof glass
  • Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Memory: 16GB, microSD up to 128GB
  • Camera: 20.7MP rear, 2.2MP front
  • Battery: 3100mAh
  • OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
  • Water-resistant rating: IP65 and IP68

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

A smaller version of the flagship, the Z3 Compact does everything that the Z3 does. We loved the Xperia Z1 Compact, and this model picks up where that left off. The screen is 4.6 inches compared to 5.2, and it has HD resolution instead of Full HD. But honestly, at this size, Full HD is a waste.

The Compact also has stellar battery life -- one of the best in any phone out there. The small size makes it easier to hold and use with one hand, which we found to be better in daily usage for environments like rain; you're probably holding an umbrella in the other hand after all. Hey, your phone is waterproof, not you.

  • Screen: 4.6-inch IPS (1280x720px) with shatter-proof glass
  • Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Memory: 16GB, microSD up to 64GB
  • Camera: 20.7MP rear, 2.2MP front
  • Battery: 2600mAh
  • OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
  • Water-resistant rating: IP65 and IP68

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung's current flagship phone, the Galaxy S5 is a great waterproof phone. Like the Sony phones, it has flaps to cover its ports with little rubber gaskets -- do that, and your phone is safe from things that can make it wet. Of course, you also get great hardware to go with it and all of Samsung's software additions.

There is no doubting the Samsung brand and its worldwide reach, so not only would it be easy to get this device, but you will also find enough after-sales support for it, whether in the form of service centers or online discussion forums. You also get Samsung's Touchwiz skin on top of Android, which you may or may not like.

The details below come from the main G900F model, but there is also a G900H model that features no LTE connectivity but adds an octo-core Exynos processor.

  • Screen: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED (1920x1080 px) with Gorilla Glass 3
  • Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Memory: 16GB or 32GB, microSD up to 64GB
  • Camera: 16MP rear, 2MP front
  • Battery: 2800mAH
  • OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
  • Water-resistant rating: IP67

If you want a sturdier version than the S5, try the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active, available only on AT&T. Along with the same water protection, you also get a rugged body that can take shocks and falls. Hey, if your fingers are wet, there's a good chance of that.

Kyocera Hydro Elite

Kyocera might not be a huge global brand, but it has developed a reputation for good waterproof phones. The Hydro Elite is available through Verizon Wireless. Amazon specifically mentions that this phone is not factory unlocked, and we know that buying unlocked phones can save you money, so this doesn't feature high in our recommendation list.

However, if you are comfortable looking up instructions online to unlock the phone on your own or you're stuck with Verizon for one reason or another, it's still a good option. Kyocera has unique sound technology that is able to pick up your voice more clearly despite the sound of rain or other elements in the background -- a feature that multiple reviewers considered noteworthy.

  • Screen: 4.3-inch (1280x720px) with scratch protection
  • Processor: 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon
  • RAM: 1.5GB
  • Memory: 16GB internal, microSD up to 32GB
  • Camera: 8MP rear, 1.3MP front
  • Battery: 2100mAh
  • OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • Water-resistant rating: IP57

Lenovo S750

Most of these phones are quite costly when you buy them unlocked, so if you want a budget buy that is still water-resistant, check out the Lenovo S750. You won't get hardware that blows you away, but if the primary criteria is an IP67-certified phone that doesn't break the bank, this is what you need.

One warning though: it has only 4GB of internal memory, which has proved to be a bottleneck for installing apps on Android KitKat and upwards. The S750 runs Jelly Bean, so you should be able to install apps on the microSD card easily.

  • Screen: 4.5-inch IPS (960x540px) with Gorilla Glass
  • Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core Mediatek MTK6589 Cortex-A7
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Memory: 4GB, microSD up to 32GB
  • Camera: 8MP rear, VGA front
  • Battery: 2000mAh
  • OS: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
  • Water-resistant rating: IP67

Huawei Honor 3

The Huawei Honor 3 is not an easy phone to find, and Huawei has recently had some security concerns about user data as well. But if that doesn't bother you and you can get this handset, then you get bang for your buck. The specifications are good enough for average users, although power users will find it limiting.

It looks run-of-the-mill, but for less than $200, you can't be complaining about that when you're getting a water resistant phone. The video above isn't the best, but it's good enough to demonstrate the waterproof capabilities.

  • Screen: 4.7-inch IPS (1280x720px) with Gorilla Glass
  • Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core Huawei K3V2E Cortex-A9
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Memory: 8GB internal, microSD up to 32GB
  • Camera: 13MP rear, 1.3MP front
  • Battery: 2150mAh
  • OS: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
  • Water-resistant rating: IP57

How Do You Keep Your Phone Dry?

Given a choice, would you pick a great rugged smartphone with water resistance over adding a waterproof case to a great smartphone? At what price does "waterproof" become a feature that a phone must have?

Which is your favorite device on this list? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments!