Whether you work at the local pool, have messy pockets, or simply consider yourself accident-prone, chances are water and dust resistance are high on your list of priorities when choosing that brand new phone.
But the level of protection you’ll get will vary greatly depending on whether you have a budget, mid-range, or flagship phone.
Generally, the degree of water and dust resistance will be defined by an official IP rating. Here’s what that means and how to decide which one is best for you.
What is an IP rating?
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are standardized codes used to define the level of protection your device provides against dust and water. To obtain an IP rating, devices must pass a number of tests carried out by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
They consist of two numbers following the letters “IP”. The first number indicates the degree of protection against solid objects and particles such as dust, with “6” providing total protection. The second number indicates the level of water protection, with “8” being the highest score.
Additionally, if an IP rating includes an “X”, it means that the level of protection for that aspect has not been formally recognized. However, the device is likely to offer at least some protection in this area.
Apple
Apple
Apple
What do the different numbers in an IP index mean?
Each IP rating generally consists of two numbers, unless there is no formal protection (signified by an X):
Protection against solid objects and particles (first number)
- X: No protection against contact and penetration of objects
- 1: Protection against solid objects over 50 mm, such as a hand
- 2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers
- 3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm, such as tools and thick wires
- 4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm, such as small wires and screws
- 5: Limited protection against dust ingress; it should not completely prevent dust from entering but should not interfere with proper operation
- 6: Complete protection against dust ingress.
Water protection (second digit)
- X: No protection against water
- 1: Protection against vertically falling droplets, such as condensation
- 2: Protection against water droplets up to an angle of 15 degrees from vertical
- 3: Protection against splashing water up to 60 degrees from vertical
- 4: Protection against splashing water from all directions
- 5: Protection against low pressure water jets coming from all directions
- 6: Protection against powerful jets of water, such as those from a high pressure hose
- 7: Protection against immersion in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes
- 8: Protection against continuous immersion beyond one meter for up to 30 minutes, exact depth specified by the manufacturer.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s IP68 rating means it is dustproof (6) and can withstand submersion in water more than a meter deep for 30 minutes (8). This is currently the best score a phone can achieve, while water protection can vary between manufacturers.
A 5 ATM rating is even better when it comes to water resistance, being able to withstand submersion up to 50 meters deep for up to 10 minutes. It’s available on many smartwatches and fitness trackers, but not yet on smartphones.
Be sure to check out what the best waterproof phones are right now if you’re looking for a device that can survive the worst.
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