In advertisements for phones, smartwatches, and other electronics, you often hear that devices are water-resistant or even waterproof. But can you really leave your phone in the rain, or confidently go into the water with it? And what about the water protection rating? We'll answer all your questions.
If you need to choose a water-resistant case for your mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, and other valuables right away, check out the offer from the Czech brand FIXED here.
The difference between water resistance and waterproofing
Two words that look similar at first glance, but there's a big difference between them from a practical point of view. Do you know that water resistance is not the same as waterproofing?
Water resistance simply means that a device or other item can withstand contact with water. This could be, for example, rain, splashing water, or short-term submersion (for a maximum of a few seconds).
Waterproofing then means that the device should be 100% protected from any water, whether the device is in the rain or submerged in a pool for 5 minutes. Unfortunately, it's not that simple; manufacturers cannot always guarantee absolute protection from water.
Seals wear out over time, and various conditions, such as pressure, high temperature, or salt water, can also affect durability.
This is also why most products are labeled "water-resistant," and waterproofing is handled with caution.
TIP: Do you want your phone to stay dry even during wild summer adventures? Check out the water-resistant floating FIXED Float case, which will come in handy when rafting down a river or playing by the pool. Thanks to IPX8 certification, it can withstand submersion up to 5 meters.
IP. Two letters that determine everything
Not all electronics are protected equally; the level of protection against water ingress is most often determined by Ingress Protection (IP) certification, so we'll tell you a little about it.
IP tells you the degree of protection against the ingress of solid particles and water. The first digit after the letters indicates protection against dust and solid particles, and the second indicates water resistance.
You will therefore see markings such as IP68, IP67, IP54 and similar on specific electronics or other products.
However, it may happen that instead of the first digit, an X appears (e.g., IPX8). This means that the product has been tested for water resistance, but not for dust, or the manufacturer does not specify this value.
When dealing with water protection for a specific device or, for example, a case, we recommend orienting yourself according to the IP certification.
INTERESTING FACT: IP rating is not only used for phones or smartwatches. You can also encounter it in sockets, luminaires, industrial machines, or electrical distribution boards. The same rating system is used for common electronics and for devices intended for demanding conditions.
What the individual degrees of water protection mean
You already know the basics. If you are interested in the water resistance of a specific product, you need to focus on the second digit of the IP certification.
What do the individual degrees of water protection mean?
IPX1 to IPX3 – Protection against dripping water. The device can handle, for example, drops, drizzle, or light rain, but it is not designed for stronger contact with water.
IPX4 – With this degree of protection, you can let water spray on the device from all directions, and it should handle it. You usually find it in rain-resistant products.
IPX5 – Items marked IPX5 can handle a weaker jet of water. There is no problem with intense rain or rinsing.
IPX6 – This protection should ensure safety against strong jets of water, which is why you often find it in outdoor products.
IPX7 – The first degree that allows at least partial submersion in water. The device should withstand submersion for up to 30 minutes, to a maximum depth of 1 meter.
IPX8 – The highest degree of water protection; the depth and duration of submersion vary according to the manufacturer and the specific product. You will encounter this level of certification in high-quality water-resistant cases designed for fun in the water.
Even the highest degree of protection doesn't mean 100% certainty
The IP number tells you what the device should be able to handle according to the certification criteria, but it doesn't mean you can dive into the depths with it without worry.
Even if two different products have the same IP rating, their actual durability can differ. How is this possible?
It depends on the conditions in which manufacturers test the item. The depth and duration of submersion, the type of water (salt vs. fresh), or the water temperature may vary. Therefore, we recommend carefully reading not only the IP certification but also the manufacturer's recommendations.
Going to the water or a festival? Don't forget a water-resistant case
If you are planning a holiday by the sea, rafting with friends, a festival, or other summer fun where there is a risk of encountering water or rain, don't forget to protect your electronics.
Water-resistant cases from FIXED are IPX8 certified, so they will protect your mobile phone, smartwatch, tablet, and other valuables even during the biggest water adventures.
In addition to the mobile phone case FIXED Float, we also have a water-resistant bag FIXED Float Bag for your mobile phone, wallet, or documents, or the case FIXED Dry Belt, which you can conveniently attach around your waist and store valuables such as your phone, keys, and money (an ideal helper for festivals or hikes).
If you need help with your choice, the AI assistant FIXIE, or one of our colleagues, will help you.
