Sony has unveiled a waterproof phone that will forever end the fear of falling into a pool with your phone or dropping it in the toilet, and Sony hopes that it will be able to provide major competition for the iPhone and Galaxy phone lines.

Sony unveiled the Xperia Z at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.

Sony says the device, which boasts a 5-inch screen, is capable of being submerged in water of up to one meter (3.3 ft) in depth for 30 minutes.

This means when that one douchebag friend of yours throws you into the pool, the joke’s on him, as you have a waterproof phone.

No more prayer and buckets of rice necessary to keep your phone working, as the Xperia Z can withstand falling into the shower or toilet.

Sony claims that up to ten percent of people have dropped their phone down a toilet at some point.

The waterproof phone’s jacks, including the one for its headphones, feature plastic covers that much be removed to access the ports. Otherwise, the internal components would be exposed and the phone would be susceptible to water.

“The Sony Xperia Z has so many features and so much going for it, it really could be the phone to restore Sony Mobile’s fortunes,” said Stuart Miles, Editor-in-chief of Pocket-lint.com.

“It’s probably the company’s best phone yet.”

Sony is looking to reestablish itself as a major player in the smartphone market.

“With Xperia Z, we are bringing over half a century of innovation in TV, imaging, music, film and gaming to create a superphone experience that truly stands out,” said Kuni Suzuki, President and CEO, at Sony Mobile Communications. 

“With great specifications, Sony’s media applications, One-touch functions and outstanding battery life, Xperia Z is well positioned for leadership in the smartphone market.

“By putting smartphones at the heart of our strategy, Sony is enabling people to create, enjoy and share content and experiences like never before.”

Analysts believe it may be difficult for Sony to make up ground against Samsung and Apple, who have a firm hold on the majority of the market.

“In isolation, this looks like a very strong product and it’s the most attractive Xperia phone that I have seen for a very long time,” said Ben Wood of CCS Insights.

“But we don’t know what this device is going to be competing with this year.”

Jordan Shepherd | Elite.