IP68 - Is your phone really waterproof?What you need to know before you take it near the water!
As Summer arrives in Hungary this week, and the daily temperature around 30 °C, everyone is looking to cool off - waterfront, pool, beach or a cool summer hike. Many people take their phones with them: music, photos, navigation, underwater TikTok... But is it really is your mobile waterproof?
The answer is not as obvious as you might think. In this article, we'll find out exactly what IP68 rating means and what you need to look out for if you want to protect your device during the summer season.
🔍 What is IP68?
The "IP" in English Ingress Protection abbreviation, and a international standard (IEC 60529), which specifies that an electronic device how well protected it is against dust and water ingress.
The meaning of numbers:
- First digit (0-6): protection against dust
- Second digit (0-9): protection against water
👉 IP68 means that the device fully dustproof, and Waterproof to a depth of 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, under laboratory conditions.
🏖️ What about the beach or Lake Balaton?
This is where theory starts to divorce from reality.
While IP68 is tested in clean water at rest, IP68 is tested in real summer situations are much harsher:
- A salt or chlorinated water (sea, swimming pool) can corrode ports
- A heat and sudden cooling (e.g. jumping into the water after a sunny day) can deteriorate the condition of seals
- Underwater touch control, camera and speaker operation not guaranteed
- Most manufacturers do not guarantee against water damage, even at IP68
📱 Which phones are IP68 water resistant?
Several high-end mobile phones are IP68 rated, for example:
- Apple iPhone 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 series
- Samsung Galaxy S22 / S23 / S24 / S25
- Google Pixel 6-8
- Sony Xperia top of the range
But important: not all IP68 = the same level. Manufacturers specify different depths and times - always check your own device documentation!
🧠 Tips for summer protection
If you take your phone near water and want to really safe to know:
- Don't submerge it deliberately, even if it is IP68!
- Avoid seawater and chlorinated pools - they damage seals in the long term.
- Use a waterproof caseif you want to take underwater shots.
- Wipe dry the phone before you charge it - especially the ports!
✅ In summary
The IP68 does not mean "waterproof", it means waterproof in certain conditions.
During summer beach trips, pool parties and water adventures, you need to pay extra attention to protecting your mobile phone.
As the XPRO team we see on a daily basis that many people underestimate the risk of water damage. But we've got the most reliable cases, protectors and accessories so you don't have to choose between summer fun and safe phone use.
📍 Tip: Check out our summer special offers on waterproof cases at XPRO.hu!
