If you are familiar with smartphone specifications, terms like IP67 and IP68 should be a common tout, but what do they actually mean? The IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is a standardized measure of a device’s resistance to dust and water.
For consumers, understanding these ratings is crucial when choosing a phone, especially for those who frequently use their devices in rugged or wet environments.
Let’s dive into the details of IP ratings, how they work, and what they mean for your smartphone.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP rating, defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits, such as IP68. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects like dust, while the second digit reflects resistance to liquids, primarily water. These ratings are tested in controlled lab conditions, providing a reliable benchmark for a phone’s durability.
The First Digit: Dust Protection
The first digit ranges from 0 to 6, representing the level of protection against solid particles:
- 0: No protection against solids.
- 1–4: Protection against objects of decreasing size, from large items (>1mm, like wires) to small particles.
- 5: Dust-protected, meaning some dust may enter but won’t interfere with the device’s operation.
- 6: Dust-tight, offering complete protection against dust.
Most modern flagship smartphones, like the iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24, boast a rating of 6, ensuring no dust can penetrate the device.
The Second Digit: Water Resistance
The second digit, ranging from 0 to 9, indicates water resistance:
- 0: No protection against water.
- 1–2: Resistant to dripping water, such as light rain.
- 3–4: Can handle splashing or spraying water.
- 5–6: Withstands low- to high-pressure water jets.
- 7: Survives submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- 8: Handles deeper submersion, with specifics varying by manufacturer (e.g., 1.5–6 meters for 30 minutes).
- 9: Rare in smartphones, this indicates resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
For example, an IP68-rated phone like the Google Pixel 9 can survive submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, while Apple’s iPhone 16 is rated for up to 6 meters.
Common Smartphone IP Ratings
The most common ratings in smartphones are IP67 and IP68, found in flagship devices, and IP54, seen in some mid-range models like the Google Pixel 8a. An IP67 phone is dust-tight and can handle 1 meter of submersion, while IP68 offers greater water resistance, though the exact depth and duration depend on the manufacturer’s specifications. Budget phones may lack an IP rating entirely, leaving them vulnerable to dust and water.
Real-World Considerations
While IP ratings are a helpful guide, they come with caveats. First, they apply to freshwater, not saltwater or chlorinated water, which can corrode internal components. Second, water resistance degrades over time due to wear on seals, drops, or scratches. For instance, a cracked back glass could compromise an IP68 rating. Third, manufacturers often exclude water damage from warranties, so intentional submersion is risky.
Additionally, IP ratings are based on lab conditions, not real-world scenarios like high-pressure water or prolonged exposure. Ports and speakers can still trap water, so drying a phone thoroughly after exposure is essential.
