What do IP67 and IP68 mean on a phone?
You will see “IP67” or “IP68” on spec sheets. It is a standard rating for dust and water resistance.
What the two digits mean
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The first digit is dust, the second is water.
- First digit (dust): 6 means the phone is dust-tight.
- Second digit (water): a higher number means resistance to more water. 7 and 8 are about being under water for a limited time.
IP67 vs IP68
- IP67: tested in shallow water for up to 30 minutes.
- IP68: tested in deeper water or for longer. The exact depth and time are set by each maker, so check the spec sheet of the phone.
Both are fine for rain, a splash or a quick drop in a sink. Neither is for swimming.
What the rating does not cover
- Hot water, soap, sea water, chlorine, steam or drinks. The tests use fresh water in a lab.
- High pressure. A jet of water or a fast dive is different from still water.
- Wear over time. Seals can weaken with drops, heat and age, and a cracked screen or back can let water in.
- Warranty. Many makers do not cover liquid damage even if the phone is rated.
Looking after a water-resistant phone
- Dry it off after getting wet and do not charge it while the port is wet.
- Avoid the sea, pool and shower.
- Keep the SIM tray closed properly.
- After a dunk, see how to clean your phone’s charging port.
When it matters when buying
If you use the phone near water, in the rain, on a building site or in a kitchen, a rating helps. See phones with IP68 in Pakistan and how to read a spec sheet. A case and screen protector protect against drops, which the rating does not.
