Phone buying guide
Phone IP ratings explained without the marketing
Interpret IP67, IP68, IP48, and IPX8 while understanding warranty limitations.
The digits answer separate questions
The first IP digit rates protection against solid ingress; the second rates water ingress under a defined laboratory test. An X means that a public rating was not assigned for that dimension, not that the device necessarily has zero protection.
IP67 and IP68 are not universal promises. Manufacturers specify the depth, duration, water type, device condition, and test standard behind their claims.
Resistance changes with use
Seals can degrade after drops, repairs, heat cycles, and normal aging. Salt water, chlorinated water, soap, pressure jets, and moving water can differ substantially from a static fresh-water laboratory test.
Liquid damage is commonly excluded from warranty coverage even when a phone carries an ingress rating. That difference should be disclosed before a rating is described as waterproof.
Use ratings as risk reduction
An ingress rating is valuable protection against accidents, but it should not encourage intentional submersion. Dry the device according to manufacturer guidance and never charge a wet port.
For foldables, pay attention to both digits because hinge design can change dust protection independently from water resistance.
Editorially reviewed: July 20, 2026