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Summary
Many devices are touted as water-resistant or even waterproof.
But what does this meancan you throw your phone into a pool without worry?
Let’s examine water resistance more closely to avoid water damaging your phone, smartwatch, or other unit.
But while some companies use this as a marketing term, no gear is truly waterproof.
At some point, all water-repelling measures will fail, and water will enter the unit.
This is why water-resistant is the more accurate term.
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This is where standards that indicate how a unit will protect against water come in.
Every 10 meters (~33 feet) deeper you go increases the pressure by one additional ATM.
Smartwatches and fitness bands usually mark their water resistance with an ATM value.
This is quite different than many real-world conditions.
IP Codes: Used Mostly for Phones
Unlike wearables, smartphones have standardized tests for water resistance.
The codes are commonly denoted as IP, followed by two digits.
For example, the iPhone 15has a rating of IP68.
In those two numbers, the first digit refers to dust protection.
For this,6is the highest rating, which most of today’s smartphones achieve.
The second digit refers to water protection, in which9is the highest rating.
However, most smartphones offer a7or8level of water resistance.
Some devices will thus boast two IP ratings, but this is rare.
Depending on the rig, a water resistance rating of 8 can have a different meaning.
For example, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 11 are both rated at IP68.
In short, IPx7 and IPx8 ratings indicate that a phone can survive submersion in water.
As mentioned with ATM ratings, remember that these rating tests are done in still water under perfect conditions.
Importantly, water resistance is not a permanent trait.
Over timeeither through normal wear and tear or through damageyour phone’s water resistance can drop.
Because of this,water damage is not covered under most phone warranties.
Depending on your machine, you may be unable to press its buttons while submerged.
In some cases, doing so can break seals and allow water to enter.
Keep in mind that water protection tests are performed in freshwater only.
Finally, IP resistance doesn’t necessarily protect against other liquids like coffee or muddy water.
For other devices, you should check with the manufacturer on the recommended procedure.
You probably don’t have to worry if you accidentally drop a water-resistant phone in the toilet.
If you want to know how water-resistant your gear truly is, read the manufacturer’s fine print.
