Many high-end smartphones now come with IP68 dust and water resistance, while mid-range devices from Google, Samsung, or Xiaomi typically offer IP67 protection.
Hardwired
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IP68 rating has been a standard feature on phones for almost a decade, with Samsung introducing it on the Galaxy S7 series in 2016, followed by other brands. It has now become a common feature on smartphones.
Chinese brands are now transitioning to IP69 for their 2025 flagship devices. Vivo’s X200, X200 Pro, and X200 Pro mini, along with OPPO’s Find X8 and X8 Pro, offer IP69 protection. Other brands under the BBK umbrella, like Realme GT 7 Pro and OnePlus 13, are also adopting IP69.
IP69 provides enhanced protection against dust and water ingress compared to IP68. The rating indicates a device’s resistance to solid objects and liquids infiltrating the device.
The 6 in IP68 means the device is dustproof. To achieve this rating, the device must withstand exposure to dust for eight hours without any particles getting inside.
The second number in the IP rating signifies water resistance. With IP68, a device can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, while some phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max can handle up to 6 meters of water.
IP69 devices use gaskets and sealants to protect against water damage, allowing them to withstand high-pressure water jets. These devices can also handle higher temperatures compared to IP68.
While IP68 offers sufficient protection against various weather conditions, IP69 takes it a step further, providing the highest level of ingress protection for consumer devices.
However, it’s important to note that IP69 does not cover damage from salt water, so it’s recommended to rinse the device with fresh water if exposed to salt water.
Currently, IP69 is mainly being adopted by Chinese brands, with BBK-owned brands leading the way. Major brands like Samsung, Apple, and Google are unlikely to switch to this standard, as IP68 is already considered more than enough for most users.