7 Waterproof IP68 Rated Phones For Everyday Adventures

What Is an IP68 Rating?

IP68 is part of the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system that defines how resistant electronic devices are to environmental elements. The first digit '6' indicates the highest level of dust protection, meaning the phone is completely dust-tight. The second digit '8' represents water resistance at depths greater than 1 meter, with the exact specifications varying by manufacturer.

When you see an IP68 rating on a smartphone, it means the device has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions to withstand submersion in freshwater – typically between 1.5 to 6 meters deep for periods ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. It's important to note that these ratings don't account for high-pressure water, saltwater exposure, or other liquids like coffee or soda that might damage your device differently than freshwater.

How IP68 Protection Works

Achieving IP68 protection requires sophisticated engineering solutions. Manufacturers use a combination of physical barriers, specialized adhesives, and rubber gaskets to create watertight seals around vulnerable components. Port covers, reinforced chassis designs, and waterproof membranes for speakers and microphones all contribute to preventing water ingress.

The internal components of IP68 phones are often coated with water-repellent materials that provide an additional layer of protection. This nano-coating technology helps to shield the sensitive electronics from moisture damage even if small amounts of water penetrate the outer defenses. Most manufacturers also incorporate pressure sensors that can detect when the device is submerged and automatically seal ports or disable charging capabilities to prevent short circuits.

IP68 Smartphone Comparison

Several leading manufacturers offer IP68 rated smartphones with varying features and price points. Here's how they compare:

While all these phones carry the IP68 rating, there are notable differences in implementation. Apple's iPhones currently offer the deepest water resistance at 6 meters, while rugged specialists like CAT focus on longer submersion times and additional durability features. Samsung has maintained consistent IP68 ratings across its flagship lines while adding useful features like water-resistant S Pen functionality in the Ultra models.

Benefits of IP68 Rated Phones

Everyday Protection: Perhaps the most practical benefit of an IP68 rated phone is peace of mind during everyday activities. Accidental spills, sudden rainstorms, or dropping your phone in a puddle no longer spell disaster. This everyday resilience reduces repair costs and extends the usable lifespan of your device.

Adventure-Ready: For outdoor enthusiasts, IP68 phones enable worry-free usage during activities like hiking, camping, or beach outings. You can take photos near waterfalls, use navigation in heavy rain, or bring your phone poolside without constant concern about water damage. Some models from CAT and Sony even allow underwater photography, opening creative possibilities not available with standard devices.

Improved Resale Value: Phones with robust water and dust protection tend to maintain higher resale values. The added durability means these devices often remain in better condition throughout their lifecycle, making them more attractive in the secondary market when you're ready to upgrade.

Limitations to Consider

Despite their impressive capabilities, IP68 rated phones have important limitations consumers should understand. Warranty coverage typically doesn't include water damage, even with IP68 certification. Manufacturers test these devices under specific laboratory conditions that may not reflect real-world situations.

The protective seals and gaskets that make these phones water-resistant can deteriorate over time. Drops, normal wear and tear, and exposure to extreme temperatures can compromise the water resistance. Samsung and Apple both acknowledge in their documentation that water resistance isn't a permanent condition and may decrease with device age.

Additionally, water resistance ratings apply primarily to freshwater. Exposure to saltwater, chlorinated pools, or other liquids like coffee or soda can cause damage despite the IP68 rating. Google's Pixel phones specifically warn against exposure to non-freshwater liquids in their care instructions.

Conclusion

IP68 rated phones represent a significant advancement in mobile technology durability, offering substantial protection against the elements most likely to damage your device. While no smartphone is truly waterproof, these water-resistant models provide valuable peace of mind for everyday use and adventure alike.

When shopping for an IP68 rated phone, consider not just the rating itself but the specific implementation by each manufacturer, including submersion depth, duration limits, and any additional protective features. Remember that proper care – including rinsing with fresh water after saltwater exposure and thoroughly drying before charging – will help maintain the water-resistant properties of your device over time.

As technology advances, we can expect even more robust protection in future smartphone generations, but today's IP68 devices already offer impressive resilience against life's unexpected water and dust encounters.

Citations

• https://www.samsung.com
• https://www.apple.com
• https://www.google.com/pixel/
• https://www.sony.com
• https://www.catphones.com

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.