Many modern smartphones support degrees of protection called IP (Ingress Protection), which means protection from external influences. The security level may vary. Let's find out exactly what the differences are.
The IP rating is used to determine the type of protection that an electronic device offers. It relates to the environment in which this device is used. These ratings are assigned after numerous tests.
This protection has nothing to do with IP addresses, despite the identical letters in the names. In the latter case, IP stands for “Internet Protocol”.
How to decrypt the IPXX code?
The code consists of two digits. The first number indicates the level of protection of the device against solid particles. The second digit shows the liquid protection. The higher the numbers, the better the protection.
These ratings are based on more than just water and dust resistance. Protection against pressurized water, immersion in water, directional water jet and splash are also taken into account. The ratings are fairly objective. They are assigned not only by the manufacturer of the device itself, but also by the independent International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Let's see what the numbers mean in each ranking.
| First number | value |
|---|---|
| 0, or X | no protection |
| 1 | protection against solid particles up to 50 cubic millimeters |
| 2 | protection against solid particles up to 12 cubic millimeters |
| 3 | protection against solid particles up to 2.5 cubic millimeters |
| 4 | protection against solid particles up to 1 cubic millimeter |
| 5 | limited protection against dust |
| 6 | full protection against dust |
| Second number | value |
|---|---|
| 0, or X | no protection |
| 1 | protection against vertically dripping water, condensation |
| 2 | protection against vertical splashes of water with an angle of incidence of 15 degrees |
| 3 | protection from water at any vertical angle up to 60 degrees |
| 4 | water resistant, splash in all directions, minimal penetration |
| 5 | protected against a directed jet of water in all directions, minimal penetration |
| 6 | protection against weak water jets, minimal penetration, e.g. inside the cover |
| 7 | protection against immersion in liquid to a depth of 15 cm to 1 m |
| 8 | protection against prolonged immersion and water pressure |
It is important to understand that immersion protection is directly related to water pressure. Under a powerful jet of water, the chance of damaging the device is higher than dropping it into the bathtub.
Even if the smartphone is completely protected from dust, this does not mean complete protection from water at any pressure and level of immersion.
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Which smartphones are waterproof?
It's easier to say which of the modern more or less expensive smartphones do not have water protection. For example, OnePlus devices cannot yet boast of this. In most cases, the IP68 rating is used, much less often you have to be content with IP67 . IP54 splash protection is also common:
| Model | degree of protection |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S4 | IP67 |
| Samsung Galaxy S5 | IP67 |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | IP68 |
| Sony Xperia Z | IP57 |
| Sony Xperia Z1, Z2, Z3 | IP68 |
| Sony Xperia Z5, X, XZ | IP68 |
| iPhone 7 | IP67 |
| iPhone 8 | IP67 |
| iPhone X, XS, XR | IP68 |
Is your smartphone protected from water and dust / dirt? Share in the comments or ask about the degree of protection of a particular phone.