The latest smartphones from renowned companies nowadays come with the Ingress Protection ratings in the standard specification list which includes the dust and water resistance. There are several hidden truths of the waterproof IP rated smart phones at this time. However, the three hidden truths are the rating limitations, IP ratings are not meant for other liquids and no warranty on water damage.

The rating limitations

The IP rating of the mobile is defined by how well it holds up against the water, dust and dirt ingression and it can withstand a specific environment as per what grade it is been successfully certified. 

The overall range of IP rating is from 1 to 6 for the complete protection against the dust and dirt subsequent to 1 to 9 for water. These two numbers are written one after another in the IPxy format. The x means the rating for the complete dust protection. The y means the rating for the water ingression. 

According to Steve Guttenberg article, the usual IP ratings for mobile phones and other gadgets are IP68 and IP67. The number 6 means the entire safety against dust and dirt. The number 8 means the complete safety from water and how long it sustains in the water. 

Many users of the smart phone are facing the liquid damage, when it is exposed to water with the maximum pressure or velocity for longer time, than what it is entirely designed for regardless of it has the IP rating like IP68. Any phone with the IP rating does not ensure that dust or water would not enter in it. 

IP ratings are not intended for other liquids 

The IP ratings of the mobile gadgets are strictly assigned for the freshwater. This is because the overall capability of the phone to withstand other liquids like the coffee, salt water, detergents, beer, oil, soda and other things may not be equal to the tap water. There is no suggestion to prefer swimming with the phone. The complete tests for the IP approvals are properly done under the suitable lab conditions instead of the water pool. 

No warranty on water damage

All the Smartphone manufacturers in our time cover the liquid damage under the standard warranty. If your Smartphone is exposed to liquid, then the warranty claim is likely to be denied. You must spend your money to get your phone repaired. You have to understand this issue and properly use your mobile phone on a regular basis. 

There are several mobile service centers worldwide at this time. The bad practice by any mobile service center is another thing to keep in mind. If your phone’s damage is not caused by liquid and it starts to malfunction for any reason, then you have to take it to the service center where the service team may deny the warranty indicating that it is been exposed to the water.   Based on your preference and expected usage, you can pick a branded Smartphone that suits your personal lifestyle.