Understanding dust and water resistance for phones: your guide to decoding IP ratings.

“IP” stands for “ingress protection”. It’s a numerical code used to define how well something is sealed. It indicates the level of protection a device has against dirt, dust, water, and other unwanted intrusive objects.

IP ratings are not exclusive to phones. They apply to a wide range of devices, including tablets and smart watches. Understanding the rating system is important if you have a device susceptible to environmental exposure, as it will help you know how to care for it better.

Let’s break down the first digit of an IP rating, which is all about solid particle protection (or more casually, dust). The first digit in an IP rating indicates the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust. The scale works like this:

• IP0X: no protection against contact and ingress of objects.

• IP1X to IP4X: protection against solid objects of increasing size (e.g., tools, wires, small screws).

• IP5X: dust-protected, but a limited ingress of dust is permitted. If a sufficient quantity enters, it can interfere with how a device works.

• IP6X: dust-tight, and there is no ingress of dust.

A higher number signifies better protection against solid particle ingress. Dust-resistant phones are essential for people working on building sites or in other dusty environments.

Now that we understand what the first digit means, let’s decode the second digit. This represents the level of protection against liquids, typically water. The scale looks like this:

• IPX0: no protection against water.

• IPX1 to IPX6: protection against dripping, spraying, splashing and powerful water jets.

• IPX7: protection against immersion in water up to one metre for 30 minutes.

• IPX8: protection against immersion in water beyond one metre. The exact depth and time are specified by the manufacturer.

• IPX9: protection against powerful high-temperature water jets.

A higher number means better protection against liquid ingress. Water-resistant mobile phones are important for peace of mind and protection from accidental spills and drops.

Most modern smartphones have an IP rating of IP67 or IP68. So, what’s the difference and what should be considered when choosing between devices with these ratings?

IP67 means the device is dust-tight (there’s no ingress of dust) and it can withstand immersion in up to one metre of fresh water for 30 minutes. This rating offers good protection for everyday use and accidental submersion.

IP68 means the device is dust-tight with no ingress, but it can also withstand immersion in fresh water at depths greater than one metre for a duration specified by the manufacturer (this can typically be up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes).

Pixel phones often boast high IP ratings. Most models are usually IP67 or IP68, with the newer models in the line-up falling into the latter category. These ratings position the devices as durable, reliable and well-suited to everyday use.

Although Pixel phones¹ are designed to withstand some immersion in water, they are water-resistant phones rather than waterproof devices. Therefore, they shouldn’t be fully submerged.

Objectively, the best IP rating is an IP where both digits are the highest number possible. A device that’s completely sealed from the ingress of dust and able to withstand water immersion for the longest time at the greatest depth is the most impressive specification.

For example, although IP68 and IP67 have the same rating for solid particle protection, the former offers superior water resistance and provides an increased safety margin for accidental immersion, making it a slightly safer option.

Having said this, if you’re looking for a water-resistant phone for everyday use, a minimum IP67 rating is perfectly suitable. Although devices with IP68 offer enhanced water protection, this may not be necessary for your phone if you are not constantly in situations where this extra layer of immersion protection is required. Important to note that a 9 rating on the second digit (protection against high temperature and pressure water jets) is really uncommon for phones, and it is usually more relevant to industrial machinery or other specific equipment that also utilises this scale.

Peace of mind: knowing the IP rating allows you to know how well protected your device is against common environmental hazards.

• Reduced risks: there’s a lower risk of internal damage due to objects, dust and water entering the device.

• Longer lifespan: the protective measures can prolong the life of your device.

• Reliable performance in the intended conditions: if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, such as a hiker or camper, or a professional working in dusty or wet environments, understanding your phone’s IP rating is particularly important.

IP ratings indicate how water-resistant a device is. They guarantee protection up to specific depths and durations under controlled lab conditions, but of course, real-world scenarios may vary. No phone, however, is 100% waterproof. This means they are not designed to be fully submerged or even immersed for a longer period of time than stated by the manufacturer.

Avoid dropping or cracking your phone to maintain water resistance. Remember to keep your device away from sinks, showers, pools and other bodies of water to prevent damage, even if it’s well rated for water resistance. Using a Bluetooth speaker near water can help keep your phone dry.

If your Pixel phone gets wet, immediately remove it from the water, turn it off, dry it with a soft cloth, and let it air dry completely at room temperature. If a water-resistant mobile phone is exposed to any liquid other than fresh water, rinse immediately with fresh water and dry thoroughly. Discover more about preventing water damage on your Pixel device.

When choosing a new phone, consider your lifestyle and how and where you’d use your device, then select a model that offers adequate protection. Don’t just focus on the specs, think about how well your phone can withstand the rigors of daily life, ensuring it remains a reliable companion for years to come.