IP ratings on smartphones explained

​Smartphones have become an internal part of our lives. They go where we go, whether it’s the hot desert or the open seas. This is why companies need to focus on making their smartphones as rugged as possible, especially against things like dust and water.
The most important indicator of how good a smartphone is against water and dust is the IP rating.
IP stands for Ingress protection, and it's an important factor to know if you plan to use your smartphone in an environment that might have excessive dust, water, or other elements. As photography isn’t always done in a clean and safe environment, people that use their smartphones for their photography must know the limitations of their phones.
So, let’s take a look at how the IP ratings work.

By Szabo Viktor via Unsplash

​The two digits that follow the "IP" indicate the level of protection provided by the device, with the first digit indicating the level of protection against solid objects, and the second digit indicating the level of protection against liquids.
The first digit can range from 0 to 6 and indicates protection against solid objects, such as dust and debris.

Level 0: No protection
Level 1: Protection against objects larger than 50mm
Level 2: Protection against objects larger than 12.5mm
Level 3: Protection against objects larger than 2.5mm
Level 4: Protection against objects larger than 1mm
Level 5: Dust protected.
Level 6: Dust tight

By Stefan Maassvia Unsplash

​The second digit can range from 0 to 9 and indicates protection against liquids, such as water.
​
Level 0: No protection
Level 1: Protection against vertically falling water drops
Level 2: Protection against vertically falling water drops when the device is tilted up to 15 degrees
Level 3: Protection against spraying water
Level 4: Protection against splashing water
Level 5: Protection against water jets
Level 6: Protection against powerful water jet
Level 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes
Level 8: Protection against immersion in water deeper than 1 meter for a specified time. This is usually specified by the manufacturer
Level 9: Protection against high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning

By Julius Drost via Unsplash

​For example, an IP 67 rating means that the device is dust tight and can be immersed in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 mins.

While IP guidelines are given after standardized testing. It is always a good idea to prevent your phone from getting exposed to these elements as much as possible.

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