Spilled a full glass of craft beer on your smartphone? You’re not alone, and that’s why water resistance has become a key feature for modern phones. A few years back, if your device got wet, the advice was to toss it in a bag of rice and hope for the best.
Today, most Android phones and iPhones offer at least some water protection, which can be the difference between a quick dry-off and scrambling for a new device. But not all water-resistant phones handle submersion equally-and some shouldn’t be exposed to water at all.
Despite labels like IP67, IP68, or IPX8, these ratings don’t mean your phone is built to swim laps in the pool or dive into the ocean. Let’s break down what these codes actually cover and what they don’t.
What IP ratings mean for your phone’s protection
IP stands for Ingress Protection, a global standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It measures how well a device is sealed against dust and liquids.
The rating has two digits:
- The first digit rates protection against solid particles like dust and sand-from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust tight).
- The second digit shows protection against water-from 0 (none) up to 8 (protection against immersion beyond 1 meter, specifications vary).
Decoding IPX8: why the ’X’ matters
Sometimes you’ll see an X replacing the first digit, as in IPX8. That means the manufacturer didn’t test or disclose dust protection, but the device has passed water resistance testing.
In short:
- IPX8 means there’s verified water resistance but no official dust protection rating.
- IP68 means the device is certified against both dust and water.
Why two IP68 phones can differ in water resistance levels
On paper, IP68 sounds definitive-a phone protected against dust and safe in water. But the reality is more nuanced.
Take two flagship phones:
- Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro has IP68 certification.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is also rated IP68.
The IEC’s IP68 standard requires devices to survive at least 30 minutes submerged up to 1 meter deep. Beyond that, each brand sets its own limits.
For example:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated for immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 17 Pro claims protection up to 6 meters for the same time span.
This is why just seeing ”IP68” isn’t enough-you need to check details for each model.
Why you shouldn’t take your phone to the pool
Seeing ”6 meters” in iPhone specs might make you think underwater footage is a breeze. In practice, don’t try it.
IP ratings are tested under strict lab conditions:
- Water is still and fresh;
- No waves, currents, or movement;
- Temperature is carefully controlled.
Real-world scenarios are messier. Moving your phone underwater increases pressure on its seals, raising the chance of leaks.
Plus, pools contain chlorine and other chemicals, while seawater’s salt accelerates corrosion of metal parts and charging contacts.
Over time, the gaskets and seals around buttons and ports wear out, further reducing water resistance.
IP68 is emergency protection, not a green light for underwater use
Even with a top-tier IP68 rating, think of water resistance as insurance against accidents, not a license to swim.
It’s designed to help in situations like:
- Spilling a drink accidentally;
- Using your phone in heavy rain;
- Brief, unintentional drops into water.
It’s not meant for:
- Swimming sessions;
- Diving;
- Underwater filming;
- Jumping into pools while holding your phone.
Also, most warranties exclude water damage, even on IP67 or IP68 devices. Water resistance is a bonus, not a guarantee.
What if your phone isn’t IP-certified?
Getting official IP certification involves costly, rigorous lab testing, often skipped by budget brands.
Those phones might advertise:
- Water-repellent coating;
- Splash resistance;
- Enhanced moisture protection;
They may include rubber gaskets or nano-coatings that help resist rain and splashes, but don’t expect full protection against immersion.
If there’s no mention of water resistance at all, assume there isn’t any.
Dust protection levels at a glance
Water resistance ratings explained
Common questions about IP ratings
Can you swim with a phone that has IP68?
No. IP68 is tested under still, fresh water conditions. Pools, oceans, and active movement underwater create stress that may cause leaks.
What’s the difference between IP67 and IP68?
IP67 guarantees protection during up to 30 minutes submerged at 1 meter. IP68 also covers at least 1 meter for 30 minutes, but manufacturers often extend that to deeper depths like 1.5 or 6 meters.
What does the X in IPX8 mean?
The X means the device wasn’t officially tested or rated for dust protection, but its water resistance is certified.
Does warranty cover water damage?
Usually not. Even phones with IP67 or IP68 ratings typically exclude water damage from warranty coverage, so consider water resistance as extra protection, not an excuse to get wet.