What Is IP Rating? IP67 vs IP68 Explained
Smartphone brands often advertise devices as waterproof or water-resistant, but these claims are usually based on an official standard known as the IP rating. Many users search for IP67 and IP68 to understand whether their phone can survive rain, spills, or accidental drops in water. Knowing how IP ratings work helps prevent costly water damage.
What Does IP Rating Mean?
IP rating stands for Ingress Protection rating. It is an international standard used to define how well a device is protected against dust and water. An IP rating is written as “IP” followed by two digits.
The first digit represents protection against solid particles like dust, while the second digit indicates resistance to liquids such as water. Manufacturers use IP ratings to provide measurable durability instead of vague marketing terms.
What Is IP67 Rating?
A phone with an IP67 rating is completely protected from dust and can survive immersion in freshwater up to one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes under laboratory conditions.
In real-world use, factors such as water movement, longer exposure, and aging seals can reduce this protection. IP67 phones are best suited for rain, splashes, and accidental water exposure.
What Is IP68 Rating?
The IP68 rating offers the same dust protection as IP67 but improved water resistance. Unlike IP67, the exact depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer.
Despite higher resistance, IP68 does not mean a phone is designed for swimming or underwater photography. Protection applies only under controlled testing environments.
IP67 vs IP68: Key Differences
| Feature | IP67 | IP68 |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | Fully dust-tight | Fully dust-tight |
| Water Depth | Up to 1 meter | Manufacturer-defined |
| Duration | Up to 30 minutes | Manufacturer-defined |
| Risk Level | Moderate | Lower, but not zero |
| Typical Phones | Mid-range flagships | Premium flagships |
Is IP68 Fully Waterproof?
No. An IP68 rating does not make a phone fully waterproof. These ratings do not cover salt water, swimming pools, or high-pressure water exposure. Over time, seals weaken due to heat, drops, and repairs.
Most manufacturers also exclude water damage from warranty coverage, even for IP68-rated devices.
How to Check Your Phone’s IP Rating
The safest way to verify whether a phone is waterproof or water-resistant is to check its official IP rating. Avoid assumptions and confirm protection before exposing your phone to water.
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