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IP68 certification? IP67? What does it all mean?

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All smartphones leave the factory with a resistance certification called an IP rating (Ingress Protection), however, all smartphones have different IP ratings. What do these ratings mean and what are the differences between smartphones? Let's take a look.

Let us begin by pointing out that the IP rating is used to specify the type of protection offered by the electronic device and is directly linked to the environments in which the device can be used. These ratings are assigned after multiple tests have been carried out.

Do these ratings have any link to the IP addresses we talk about regarding network connections? Well, no, young Jedi, as IP in this case means ‘Internet Protocol’ and refers to internet connections, which has no connection to water resistance.

Motorola Moto G 2015
Some smartphones are very resistant to water, some don’t resist as well and others don’t resist at all. © NextPit

How do I read the IPXX code?

The IP code is made up of two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid bodies and the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids. The higher the digit, the better the protection.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that these evaluations are not only based on dust and water protection but also on water pressure protection, among other things. In addition, ratings are rather objective: it’s not the manufacturer that assigns them but the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). You can see below what each of the digits in an IP code mean.

First digit of the IP rating

First digit

Meaning

0 No protection (this can also be represented with an X)
1 Protection against solid objects measuring up to 50 mm³
2 Protection against solid bodies measuring up to 12 mm³
3 Protection against solid objects measuring up to 2.5 mm³
4 Protection against solid objects measuring up to 1 mm³
5 Protection against dust, limited ingress of dust (posing no risk to the device)  
6 Complete protection against dust

Second digit of the IP rating

Second digit

Meaning

0 No protection (this can also be represented with an X)
1 Protection against vertically dripping water (condensation)
2 Protection against water spray when vertically tilted at 15°
3 Protection against water projections at any vertical angle up to 60°
4 Protection against water projections from all directions – minor ingress
5 Protection against jets of water from all directions – minor ingress
6 Protection against slight jets of water, limited ingress (under the casing, for example)
7 Protection against effects from immersion in liquids between 15 cm and 1 m in depth​​​​
8 Protection against long immersion periods and water pressure

Ultimately, it’s important to understand that protection against immersion is directly linked to water pressure. This means that damages will be more significant if the device is exposed to a powerful jet of water than if it falls into a puddle.

That being said, it must be emphasized that even if a smartphone is completely protected against dust, it doesn’t mean that it’s also completely water resistant under all immersion levels or water pressures.

Samsung Galaxy S5
If your smartphone isn’t waterproof, make sure that all components are dry. © NextPit

Which smartphones are waterproof?

For example, the Galaxy S5 has an IP67 rating. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s better than the Xperia Z2 which has an IP58 rating. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the first device may be completely protected against dust but the second device can be immersed under water for a longer period.

Pay attention to the technical datasheets. Manufacturers rarely equip their devices with well-rounded IPXX protection. Sony is one of the only ones. Samsung, for example, doesn’t provide the Note 4 or the Galaxy S6 with protection against water or dust.

Current smartphones that are protected against water or dust:

Model Certification
Sony Xperia Z IP57
Sony Xperia Z1 IP58
Sony Xperia Z2 IP58
Sony Xperia Z3 IP68
Sony Xperia Z3 IP68
Sony Xperia Z5 / Z5 Compact IP68
Sony Xperia  X Performance IP68
Sony Xperia XZ IP68
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active IP67
Samsung Galaxy S5 IP67
Samsung Galaxy S5 Active IP67
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini IP67
Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 edge IP68
Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 IP67
Quechua Phone 5 IP54
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus IP67

Is your smartphone protected against water and dust? What rating does it have? Please let us know in the comments below! 

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Benoit Pepicq

Benoit Pepicq
Editor

Benoit is passionate about new technologies and everything related to computers. A big Android fan since 2011, he joined the AndroidPIT team to satisfy his passion and to share his knowledge on Android with readers.

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8 comments
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  • 46
    Deactivated Account Apr 3, 2017 Link to comment

    I would still much rather have a removable battery than IP68 rating.

    Dean L.


    • David Marfisi 2
      David Marfisi Nov 6, 2017 Link to comment

      power bank still got a near waterproof phone and lots of power, I got a
      Tqka Quick Charge 3.0, 10000mah Portable Charger Bidirectional Quick Charge 3.0 with Dual Input (Type-C ,Micro USB), Power Bank for iPhone, Samsung, HUAWEI, iPad and More - Black for $19.99us from amazon, went on a day long trip, left with 76% charge took about 100 pictures had facebook messanger and pokemon go runing all day, watched a complete movie on the way home and had 100% charge on my samsung s7 edge when I got home. (someone else was driving)


  • Dean L. 34
    Dean L. Apr 3, 2017 Link to comment

    Great explanation of what it all means. But I was surprised not to see more phones on the list like the Google Pixel and Pixel XL and the Moto phones.

    Deactivated Account


  • Magnus Thunderson 1
    Magnus Thunderson Jan 29, 2017 Link to comment

    I had 3 phones die to water so my new phone is the s5 freedom pop 500 texts, 200 minutes, and 500MB each month for free as which works for me as a disabled vet so mostly in Wi-Fi range I do pay 3.99 to roller over the data thought as they allow it to go to 20 gb which is sweet when I do go camping which is were I lost my last 3 phones which is why I also bought a "Lifeproof Fre Series Case also Which is ip68 for extra security


  • Keith Taylor 3
    Keith Taylor Nov 1, 2016 Link to comment

    Nope and I dont need it to be. No that many mishaps with me and my phone.


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. Oct 29, 2016 Link to comment

    Water & dust resistant features are fairly easy to achieve, it should be a basic feature on all Smartphones, at the very least the flagship devices. I have the excellent Samsung Galaxy S5, I've dropped it in the sea (on day 1...) spilled Orange juice over it, regularly use it in heavy rain. Granted I haven't been swimming yet but just having the option and the extra protection that IP rating offers will sway the decision for my future devices.

    Peace 🖖

    Deactivated AccountDean L.


  • 2
    Dario Kunert Oct 29, 2016 Link to comment

    My Samsung Galaxy S 7 edge have also IP68


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Oct 29, 2016 Link to comment

    my current device an ex "flagship?" Nexus6 is rated as err "water-resistant .?. no IP rating..
    fairly insulting for a premium priced device.
    Current "premium" devices priced over $500 should be rated at least IP 67.

    Dean L.Deactivated Account

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