You will see “IP67” or “IP68” on spec sheets. It is a standard rating for dust and water resistance.

What the two digits mean

IP stands for Ingress Protection. The first digit is dust, the second is water.

• First digit (dust): 6 means the phone is dust-tight.
• Second digit (water): a higher number means resistance to more water. 7 and 8 are about being under water for a limited time.

IP67 vs IP68

• IP67: tested in shallow water for up to 30 minutes.
• IP68: tested in deeper water or for longer. The exact depth and time are set by each maker, so check the spec sheet of the phone.

Both are fine for rain, a splash or a quick drop in a sink. Neither is for swimming.

What the rating does not cover

1. Hot water, soap, sea water, chlorine, steam or drinks. The tests use fresh water in a lab.
2. High pressure. A jet of water or a fast dive is different from still water.
3. Wear over time. Seals can weaken with drops, heat and age, and a cracked screen or back can let water in.
4. Warranty. Many makers do not cover liquid damage even if the phone is rated.

Looking after a water-resistant phone

• Dry it off after getting wet and do not charge it while the port is wet.
• Avoid the sea, pool and shower.
• Keep the SIM tray closed properly.
• After a dunk, see how to clean your phone’s charging port.

When it matters when buying

If you use the phone near water, in the rain, on a building site or in a kitchen, a rating helps. See phones with IP68 in Pakistan and how to read a spec sheet. A case and screen protector protect against drops, which the rating does not.