A guide to understanding the IP rating on your mobile

Buying a new mobile sometimes comes with a whole lot of jargon, and one of the things we’re all often guilty of Googling is IP ratings. What are they, exactly? Well, it’s actually pretty simple.

If you want to know if your phone can survive a rainstorm or a sandstorm, your IP rating can tell you. But with lots of different IP ratings across the latest devices like iPhone 15 or the Pixel 8, it’s handy to know exactly what they mean.

Maybe you’re after a waterproof phone, or maybe you only need a device that can withstand the odd splash here and there. Some can even survive being submerged in water for a while, and we can think of more than one occasion where a mobile has accidentally ended up in the toilet, come to think of it…

Your IP rating can also tell you about how dustproof your device is, which is handy if you’re the outdoorsy type (or just don’t like doing the dusting.) There are even IP ratings to tell you if your device is suitable for heavy-duty work, like building.

So here’s a handy little guide to help you along, in case you were wondering which one works best for you.

What does IP rating mean?

IP rating stands for Ingress Protection rating, and the number that follows it is a standard code that has been set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It classifies what level of protection is provided to the device by its enclosures.

But yes, that’s a lot of words and not a lot of meaning, right? We reckon it’s easier to look at the individual ratings so you can get a better idea.

What does IP68 mean?

This is the IP rating that you’ve probably seen the most. Those of you with an iPhone will likely recognise IP68, as will users of many Pixel and Samsung devices.

IP68 is (at the moment) the best rating that you can have for your device – providing you with protection from dust and submersion in water. But the exact conditions will be supplied by your mobile phone manufacturer.

The 8 at the end means the phone has been tested at depths more than 1 metre and found to be unharmed. For example, the new iPhone 15 boasts an IP68 rating for water resistance meaning you can submerge the device in up to 6 metres of water for up to 30 minutes.

What does IP65 mean?

The IP65 rating means that the device can handle being sprayed – which here in the UK means it can withstand a good rain shower. Not a trait we love, but a trait we need in our mobiles!

Phones with an IP65 rating have been tested using water that’s projected by a 6.3mm nozzle – meaning they can survive a downpour of rain or getting wet in the shower if that’s more your thing.

What does IP53 mean?

Some devices have an IP53 rating, so they’re protected against dust – so much so that their inner workings won’t be compromised if dust were to get inside. They’re also protected against spraying water, with no pressure when tilted up to a 60-degree angle.

What does IPX7 mean?

Some mobiles have an IPX7 rating, which will no doubt get you wondering what exactly the X stands for.

The good news is that devices with this rating are protected against immersion in water up to a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes – but the catch is that they have no protection against dust particles. So, if your mobile has this rating, you’re good against splashes but you might want to stay away from sandstorms. Not something we have a lot of, but still.

It’s important to know that an IPX7 rating doesn’t mean that the device is completely waterproof, but just splash and water-resistant.

So there you have it. Hopefully, this quick guide has shed some light on those confusing numbers and letters. Remember, next time you’re shopping for a new phone, keep an eye out for those IP ratings. They’ll tell you just how tough your device is against dust and water.