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Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Phones: What Is the Real Difference?

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Phones: What Is the Real Difference?

Waterproof and water-resistant phones have become extremely popular and are highly sought after when a consumer is purchasing a phone. Anything that can help prevent water damage to a phone is amazing, right?  One of the biggest questions that consumers have though is what is the difference between a waterproof and a water-resistant phone. Are they the same thing?  In this blog, we will discuss what each one is and some key points for you to remember. Waterproof Phone: What Does It Mean  The definition of a waterproof phone is a phone that will continue to work after it has been completely submerged in water for a specific period of time. The amount of time it can stay submerged in water will vary depending on the manufacturer.  Water-Resistant Phone: What Does It Mean The definition of a water-resistant phone is a phone that is safe from a spray of water or a few drops of water. This means that the phone will be unlikely to survive a complete submersion at the bottom of a pool for two minutes.  How Much Water Can My iPhone Take On? When trying to learn more about how much water your iPhone can take on, you want to look for what is called the IP or Ingress Protection rating. This rating will tell you how well your phone holds up when it is exposed to liquid, dirt, and dust. When observing the rating, you will see the letters IP followed by two different numbers.  The first number in the rating stands for the resistance of the phone to solids such as dirt and dust. The numbers range from 0, which is the lowest, to 6, which is the highest.  The second number in the rating stands for the resistance and protection of the phone against liquids. The numbers range from 0, which is the lowest, to 9, which is the highest.  If a phone claims that it is completely waterproof, then the second number in the rating should be at least a 7 or higher. Anything that is lower than this is considered to simply be water resistant. When both numbers in the rating are high, the phone is said to be more durable.  So, where can you find the IP rating of your phone? You can find it on the manufacturer’s website or in the instruction manual that you received when you purchased your phone.  Is My iPhone Waterproof? Below, you will find some of the current IP ratings for the top and most common brands of smartphones.  IP68 Rating  This rating means that the phone will protect against water when in up to three feet of water. Apple uses the IP 68 rating, and the actual depth of the water may be greater than three feet. Check to see what your phone is rated. 
  • iPhone series 13 – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 19.7 feet 
  • iPhone series 12 – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 19.7 feet 
  • iPhone series 11 Pro and Pro Max – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 13.1 feet 
  • iPhone series 11, XS, and XS Max – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 6.6 feet 
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 5 feet of fresh water 
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 series – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 5 feet of fresh water
  • Google Pixel 6 – up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 5 feet of fresh water
IP67 Rating  This rating means that the phone is protected against submersion for up to 30 minutes in 3.3 feet of water. Here are some phones that have this rating:
  • iPhone 7 and 7+
  • iPhone X and XR 
  • iPhone 8 and 8+
  • iPhone SE 
  • Samsung A52 and A53
  • Google Pixel 5a
Waterproof and water-resistant phones do exist and there IS a difference between the two. It is important for you to understand what your phone’s IP rating is so that you know how resistant or proofed it is from water or liquid.  If you have dropped your phone in liquid and it is NOT IP rated or it was in the water longer than the recommended time, take your phone to a local electronics repair shop in NYC. At Manhattan iPhone Repair, we specialize in water-damaged phones and can assist you. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.