What Is an IP Rating?
The international standard classifying a phone’s resistance to dust and water — and what it actually means in real life.
Definition: IP (Ingress Protection) ratings classify a device’s resistance to solid particles (dust) and liquids (water) using two digits — e.g. IP68. The first digit (6) is the dust rating; the second digit (8) is the water rating. Higher numbers mean better protection.
Common IP ratings explained
IP67: Dust-tight. Water resistant to 1 metre depth for up to 30 minutes in still fresh water. Used on older iPhone and mid-range Samsung models.
IP68: Dust-tight. Water resistant to depths greater than 1 metre (manufacturer specifies exact depth — often 1.5m–6m) for 30 minutes in fresh water. Used on iPhone 12 and later, Samsung Galaxy S21 and later.
IP69: Resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets — used on rugged phones like the Samsung Galaxy XCover series.
What IP ratings don’t cover
Pool water: IP ratings are tested in still, fresh water under lab conditions. Chlorinated water corrodes seals and internal components faster — IP68 does not protect against pool submersion reliably.
Sea water: Salt accelerates corrosion dramatically. A brief sea water exposure can cause more damage than a longer fresh water exposure.
Degradation after drops: IP ratings require intact seals. A drop that shifts the frame or loosens the back glass compromises the seals — the phone is no longer IP68 even if it appears undamaged.
After repairs: Opening a phone for any repair — even a battery swap — disturbs the adhesive seals. Water resistance is not guaranteed after third-party repairs unless seals are replaced.
Related terms
→ Water Damage — can occur even on IP68 phones in real conditions
→ LDI — triggered even on IP-rated phones that suffered water ingress
→ Corrosion — what happens when water gets past the IP seals
→ Ultrasonic Cleaner — treatment after IP rating fails to prevent ingress
IP-rated phone got wet and isn’t working?
IP ratings have limits. PhoneDoctor treats water-damaged phones regardless of IP rating — ultrasonic cleaning, same day.