A man reacts while trying out his new Samsung Galaxy S5 in Jakarta
A man reacts while trying out his new Samsung Galaxy S5 in Jakarta, April 11, 2014. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd estimated that its January-March operating profit fell by 4.3 percent to 8.4 trillion won ($7.96 billion) as easing smartphone sales growth continued to weigh earnings down. REUTERS/Beawiharta REUTERS/Beawiharta

The mobile phone has come to be a necessity that people are taking it everywhere they go. As the demand for smartphones continue to escalate and the price becomes expensive for every model coming out in the market, smartphone owners shift their focus to keeping their devices safe. Some steps consumers take include purchasing waterproof cases and even buying waterproof and water-resistant devices.

The question is, are waterproof phones a necessity or just another option for the meticulous consumer? What are the advantages of having waterproof phones? Is it really necessary and useful to possess such gadgets?

On one hand, having waterproof phones may be ideal. Tech Radar sees this as a necessity in order to extend the device's life. According to them, waterproof smartphones are good in ensuring the device's longevity given unexpected circumstances. Smartphones today are not just limited to communication functions - many come equipped with GPS and other navigational tools, entertainment features, and utility apps, which brings owners to expose their devices to the elements. Having a waterproof device ensures these devices stay safe in environments exposed to water, such as when a user plays music in the shower or when taking photos at the beach.

On the other hand, while Pocket Now agrees with the added protection provided by having waterproof smartphones, they do not see it as an absolute necessity. One of the reasons they cite is the price - waterproof smartphones usually come with a hefty price tag. They believe less expensive solutions will do just as well, such as buying waterproof cases and bags. According to them, while an extra layer of protection is good, the fact remains that smartphones are not indestructible, and owners can extend the life of their devices with proper use and care.

The decision of whether or not a waterproof smartphone is necessary lies in the consumer at the end of the day. Phone Arena's poll last August shows that majority of consumers think waterproofing is a nice feature to have, but they use other criteria to select their smartphone of choice. Still, over 37% of respondents say they usually look for a waterproof device.