These days waterproof and water-resistant smartphones are very common. But the question most people ask is; “Are they the same thing?”. Before you buy a new smartphone, you should know the difference between the two.
From communicating with loved ones to capturing important moments, smartphones have become an essential tool for many people including you and me. But Rain and other liquids have always been a threat to the life span of our expensive gadgets. For that reason, we needed smartphones that can withstand water exposure. This has led to the development of waterproof and water-resistant smartphones.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of smartphones. To be able to understand the concept of these two types of smartphones, we must understand the capabilities of each of them. Let us quickly take a look at them below.
1. Waterproof smartphones
When we talk about Waterproof smartphones, we are talking about smartphones that are designed to be completely resistant to water. They can withstand being submerged in water for a certain period of time without any damage. The degree of waterproofing is measured in “Ingress Protection (IP)” ratings.
Examples of this measurement are; “IP64, IP65, IP66, IP67, etc”. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid particles, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against water.
Smartphones with an IP rating of 67 or higher are considered waterproof. This means that they can withstand immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. Some high-end smartphones have an IP rating of 68, which means that they can withstand deeper immersion in water for a longer period of time.
Examples of waterproof smartphones
Here are some of the smartphones that are waterproof as well as their Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. Check them out below.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: IP68
- iPhone 13 Pro: IP68
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: IP68
- Sony Xperia 1 III: IP68
- OnePlus 9 Pro: IP68
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G: IP67
- LG K92 5G: IP68
It is very important to note that IP ratings may differ between models of the same brand, and not all models of a brand may be waterproof or water-resistant. Always check the specifications of a smartphone before making a purchase to ensure it meets your requirements.
2. Water-Resistant Smartphones
Water-resistant smartphones, on the other hand, are designed to withstand water exposure to a certain extent. They are not completely waterproof, but they can withstand splashes of water and some rain exposure. Water-resistant smartphones also have an IP rating, and the higher the rating, the better the protection.
Smartphones with an IP rating of 53 or higher are considered water-resistant. This means that they can withstand splashes of water and light rain. However, they are not designed to be submerged in water, and doing so can cause damage to the device.
Examples of phones with water resistance capabilities
Below are some of the smartphones that are water resistant but not waterproof. It means they could get damaged if submerged in water.
- Oppo Reno4 Pro: IP54
- Xiaomi Redmi 9: IP53
- Motorola Moto G Power: IP52
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: IP53
Make sure you check the specification of the individual models before you purchase since each phone comes with or without water resistance capabilities.
Which phone is better?
When it comes to choosing between a waterproof and a water-resistant smartphone, it depends on what you want. If you are someone who enjoys outdoor activities and water sports, a waterproof smartphone would be the best choice. It can withstand complete immersion in water without any damage, making it perfect for underwater photography and videography.
On the other hand, if you only need a smartphone that can withstand splashes of water and light rain, a water-resistant smartphone would be sufficient. It is also important to note that waterproof and water-resistant smartphones are generally more expensive than regular smartphones, so it is important to consider your budget before making a purchase.