IP68 vs IP69 Explained: Waterproof Smartphone Ratings in 2025

IP68 vs IP69: What Do These Water & Dust Resistance Ratings Really Mean for Smartphones in 2025?

As smartphones become an essential part of our daily lives, durability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. One of the most searched and trusted indicators of durability today is the IP rating, especially IP68 and IP69 water resistance. These certifications define how well a smartphone can survive dust, rain, splashes, and even full water immersion.

In 2025, IP68 waterproof phones and IP69 rugged smartphones are no longer limited to ultra-expensive flagships. They are becoming a key factor for users who want long-lasting performance, outdoor reliability, and higher resale value.

This in-depth guide explains what IP68 and IP69 really mean, their differences, real-life performance, limitations, and whether they are worth paying extra for.

What Is an IP Rating and Why It Matters in Smartphones

The IP rating (Ingress Protection) is an international standard used to measure how well a device is protected against:

Solid particles like dust and sand
Liquids such as water and rain

It consists of two digits:

First digit (0–6): Dust protection level
Second digit (0–9): Water resistance level

The higher the digits, the better the protection.

What Does IP68 Mean on a Smartphone?

An IP68-rated smartphone means:

100% protection against dust
Can survive submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes (varies by manufacturer)
Suitable for rain, splashes, accidental drops in water, and light underwater photography

This is currently the most common premium waterproof phone certification used by brands like Samsung, Apple, Google, and Xiaomi.

What Does IP69 Mean and How Is It Different?

An IP69-rated phone offers:

Complete dust protection
Resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
Designed for extreme environments and industrial use

Unlike IP68, IP69 is not just about immersion—it survives powerful water cleaning systems and heavy-duty conditions.

IP68 vs IP69: Which One Is Better?

Technically, IP69 is the stronger certification, but it is not necessarily better for every user.

IP68 is ideal for:

Daily use
Travel
Rain, pools, and accidental splashes
Underwater photos for a short time

IP69 is ideal for:

Construction sites
Industrial environments
Extreme outdoor conditions
Rugged and work-focused smartphones

For most users, IP68 is the perfect balance between protection and real-life usability.

Are IP68 and IP69 Phones Truly Waterproof?

Despite the marketing term “waterproof,” the correct term is water-resistant. This means:

Water resistance decreases over time
Physical damage can break the internal seals
Most manufacturers do not cover water damage under warranty

So even with IP68 or IP69, caution is always required.

Can You Take Photos Underwater with an IP68 Phone?

Yes, but with limitations:

Safe conditions:

Fresh water only
Shallow depth
Short duration

Not recommended:

Seawater
Chlorinated pool water
Hot water and steam

Salt, chlorine, and heat can damage internal seals over time even on IP68-rated phones.

Popular IP68 and IP69 Smartphones in 2025

Many flagship and premium mid-range phones now come with IP68 or IP69, including:

Several mid-range models in 2025 now offer IP68 waterproof protection at lower prices, which was impossible just a few years ago.

Do You Really Need IP68 Water Resistance?

You should strongly consider IP68 if you:

Travel frequently
Live in rainy or dusty environments
Work outdoors
Use your phone near water regularly

For basic indoor use, IP68 is not essential—but it adds long-term protection and higher resale value.

Common Myths About Water-Resistant Phones

Many users believe that:

IP68 phones can stay underwater forever
You can safely wash your phone under a tap
Water resistance never degrades

All of these are false. Water resistance is limited and decreases with age and physical impact.

How to Maintain Water Resistance in Your Phone

To preserve your phone’s IP protection:

Avoid strong impacts
Never open the phone at unauthorized repair centers
Do not charge while the phone is wet
Rinse with clean water after exposure to saltwater, then dry gently

Proper usage can significantly extend the life of the internal sealing system.

Does IP68 or IP69 Affect Smartphone Price?

Yes. Phones with IP certification:

Require more complex internal sealing
Use special adhesives and membranes
Undergo expensive testing procedures

This increases production cost and final retail price. However, competition in 2025 has made IP68 phones more affordable than ever.

IP67 vs IP68 vs IP69: Quick Comparison

IP67: Up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
IP68: 1.5 meters or more depending on the brand
IP69: High-pressure and high-temperature water resistance

Each level serves a different type of user and work environment.

Why IP68 Is Important for the US & Global Market

For users in the US and global markets, IP68 smartphones are essential due to:

Outdoor activities
Beach and pool usage
Weather changes
Increasing smartphone prices and long-term investment value

Water resistance is now seen as a standard feature in high-end smartphones, not a bonus.

Does Water Resistance Affect Sound Quality?

Modern IP68 phones use:

Special waterproof audio membranes
Pressure-equalizing vents
Automatic water ejection through speakers

Sound quality remains excellent, but salt and mineral buildup may affect speakers over time if not cleaned properly.

The Future of IP Ratings in Smartphones

Future trends indicate:

Wider adoption of IP69 in consumer phones
Better resistance with thinner designs
Improved internal materials for longer water protection
Reduced liquid-related hardware failures

Water protection is becoming a core engineering priority across the smartphone industry.

Final Verdict: Is IP68 or IP69 Worth It in 2025?

IP68 and IP69 are no longer luxury features—they are becoming essential durability standards in modern smartphones.

IP68 is the best practical choice for most users
IP69 is reserved for extreme conditions and professional use
Both significantly increase phone lifespan and user confidence

If you are investing in a premium smartphone in 2025, choosing a model with IP68 or IP69 certification is a smart and future-proof decision.