In life, you can choose two paths. Know how the things around you work, or be like the CEO of Archos, who didn't even know what the smartphone his company made looked like. He made such a mistake that he smashed a smartphone during a live interview. We'll explain it in detail. How to know the degree of protection against water.
The real reason why you need to know all these details has a lot to do with the outcome of the interview with the CEO of the French company Archos. At least, it has a lot to do with what happened to the phone. Yes, the face he made while trying to turn it back on is memorable. Everything would have been easier if I had known exactly what the problem was. degree of protection of the smartphoneWith a little theoretical knowledge, I could have figured out that the phone they make is resistant to liquids or splashes, but it can't withstand being submerged underwater. Anyway, see for yourself.
And that's why you have to know what does water resistance mean, and how to understand the different IP certifications, well, it's actually very simple. Smartphones that claim to be resistant to a certain element usually have an IP designation, which is actually nothing more than a certificate confirming that they have that resistance according to the standards established. IP certifications have two digits. You'll have seen, for example, that the Samsung Galaxy S5 has an IP67 certification, while the Sony Xperia Z2 has an IP58 certification. Anyone would think that the Xperia Z2 is less resistant to water, but It is not like this.
Each of the digits on the certificates represents its resistance to different elements. The first digit is its dust resistance or dirt, while the second digit indicates its water resistance. So, if you have a Samsung Galaxy S5, you'll be more confident if your phone falls into the sand than if you have an Xperia Z2, although with the latter you'll be safer in the event of a fall into water. The phone shown in the video is a Quechua Phone 5, the one sold by Decathlon, manufactured by Archos, and has a certification. IP54KThe latter indicates that its dust resistance is the same as the Xperia's, while its water resistance is much worse. We'll explain each of the water resistance figures in detail.
- IPX1 certified – Water dripping: Water should not enter the smartphone when dropped from a height of two meters for 10 minutes.
- IPX2 certified – Water dripping: No water should enter the test when it is allowed to drip for 10 minutes. This test is performed four times, once for every 15-degree rotation, both vertically and horizontally, each time starting from the normal working position.
- IPX3 certified – Mist: Mist, or spray, water should not enter at an angle of up to 60 degrees to the right and left of the vertical at an average of 10 liters per minute and for more than five minutes.
- IPX4 certified – Water jets: Water should not enter from any angle at an average of 10 liters per minute and for more than five minutes. This is the Quechua Phone 5's certification. It is splash-resistant. Even if a water bottle were spilled on it, it would be able to withstand it, as well as use for sports, such as rain, splashes from a bicycle wheel, or snow that might fall on it while skiing.
- IPX5 certified – Water jets: Water must not be sprayed through a 6,3-millimeter diameter nozzle, at an average of 12,5 liters, for a period of no less than 3 minutes and a distance of no less than 3 meters. This is the same as before, but at a higher pressure. This is water directed toward the vehicle.
- IPX6 certified – Very powerful water jets: This is the same as the previous case, but reaching 100 liters per minute, and a pressure more than 3 times higher.
- IPX7 certified – Complete water immersion: Water must not enter. Complete immersion at 1 meter for 30 minutes is acceptable. This is the certification the Galaxy S5 holds.
- IPX8 certified – Complete and continuous immersion in water: No water must enter. The manufacturer sets the conditions, but they must be more stringent than the previous case. This is the certification for the Xperia Z2.
What exactly does the acronym IP mean and how to read it?
IP comes from Ingress Protection (Ingress Protection). The code is presented as IPXY: the first digit X is the level of protection against solids/particles (0–6) and the second Y is the level against liquids (0–9K). If any part has not been tested, it is shown with a X (for example, IPX8).
In protection against solids, levels range from 0 (without protection) up to 6 (total dust tightness). In between, each level prevents the intrusion of objects 50 mm, 12,5 mm, 2,5 mm, 1 mm and, at 5, the limited entry of dust that does not affect operation. This scale lets you know if your phone will withstand, for example, sand or lint in pockets and backpacks.
For liquids, the scale starts at 0 and it reaches 9KLevels 1–4 cover drip, spray, and splash; 5–6 indicate low- and high-pressure jets; 7–8 are immersion (temporary and continuous) in fresh water; 9K adds resistance to very close jets, at high pressure and high temperature, typical of ruggedized industrial and mobile equipment.
Occasionally you will see additional letters after numbers: D (with cable), f (oil protection), H (high voltage), M (the device was in motion during the test), S (motionless) and W (weather conditions). They add context on how it was rehearsed the device, useful when comparing technical specifications.
IP68, IPX8 or IP65/68: key differences that prevent scares
An IP68 means total protection against dust (6) and immersion capacity under conditions defined by the manufacturer (8, typically around 1,5 m for 30 min in fresh water). An IPX8 does not include dust testing (although the design may mitigate it), while an IP65/68 indicates that the device meets two non-cumulative levels: pressure jets (5) and, in addition, immersion (8). After level 6, water tests are not cumulative: Exceeding IPX7 does not mean exceeding IPX6; that's why some manufacturers list IPX5/IPX7 or IP65/68.
It is also important to distinguish between “splash resistant” (IPX4) and "submersible" (IPX7/8). A phone with IPX4 can survive heavy rain or a spilled glass, but should not dive. On the other hand, IPX7/8 allows controlled and temporary immersion, but does not guarantee to withstand pressure jets up close or high pressure hot water like those of 9K.
Mental table of levels: solids (0–6) and liquids (0–9K)
As a quick guide: solids 6 equivalent to “dustproof”; liquids 4 splash guard, 5–6 jets, 7 short immersion at 1 m/30 min, 8 continuous immersion with manufacturer's parameters and 9K high-pressure, high-temperature jets at short distances.
Real limitations: fresh vs. salt water, chlorine, soap, and screen
IP tests are performed with sweet water. Salt water introduces salt spray which can corrode connectors and seals; even with IP68, after exposure to the sea it is recommended rinse with fresh water and dry. Pool chlorine, at normal temperatures, is less aggressive than salt, but it is still a oxidizer; in any case, manufacturers usually not covering damages for liquids under guarantee.
Mobile phones with capacitive screen depend on the conductivity of your fingers. Underwater, interaction becomes erratic; even if the electronics are sealed, the usability It degrades. That's why many manufacturers advise against it. use it submerged and prohibit charging your phone while it is wet.
Good practices if your phone gets wet
Before any test, make sure that all the tapas (if present) are properly closed: SIM, microSD, USB and headphones. On devices without USB covers, after getting wet, do not connect the cable until completely dry.
To dry the USB port: shake the phone with the connector facing down, wipe with a cloth microfiber cloth and repeat. Avoid direct heat sources. If your phone offers moisture detection, wait for it to the notice disappears before loading.
After salt water or water with a lot of chlorine, rinse with sweet water and dry. Check that there are no remaining hairs or grains of sand trapped in joints or covers, as they can compromise the seal.
Warranty, aging, and shocks: why IP isn't forever
IP resistance is certified under conditions controlled. Actual use, shocks and time may weaken seals and adhesives. A fall that dents a corner can open a path for water. Even if your phone passes service tests, if there is internal humidity Due to misuse, the warranty may be invalidated.
In addition, protection can deteriorate If the equipment is subjected to frequent immersion, sudden temperature changes, or aggressive cleaning. Always use common sense and avoid exposing a damaged terminal to water.
Other stamps you'll see: ATM for pressure and MIL-STD-810H
In watches and wearables, classification is common ATM (static pressure). A 5ATM is equivalent to the pressure of 50 m, but it does not mean that the device is suitable for diving or pressure jets; refers to resistance to uniform pressure, not to hydraulic impact. It is complementary to IP.
Some mobile phones and accessories mention MIL-STD-810H. It does not replace IP, but adds proof of temperature, moisture, vibration, altitude, solar radiation y salt spray. It provides robustness against demanding environments, while the IP focuses on dust and water.
Therefore, understanding your real IP and what each number entails will allow you to decide if your mobile only supports splash or you can trust one controlled immersion, when it's best to rinse with fresh water, and why the warranty requires precautions; and if you also see seals like 5ATM or MIL-STD-810H, you'll know how they complement the protection without replacing what the IP indicates.