These days, accidentally spilling water on your phone or dropping it into a puddle no longer spells disaster. Most modern smartphones  -  whether Android or iPhone  -  come with some level of water and dust resistance that helps them survive everyday accidents.

But that doesn’t mean you can freely take your phone into a swimming pool or the ocean. The IP rating printed on your box might seem simple, but the reality is far more complex.

What are IP67, IP68, and IPX8 ratings?

IP, or Ingress Protection, is a standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that classifies how well an electronic device is protected against dust and water.

It consists of two digits: the first (0–6) refers to resistance to solid particles like dust or sand, while the second (0–8) indicates resistance to water or moisture.

When you see a label like IPX8, the "X" means the manufacturer hasn’t specified dust protection, even though the device has been tested for water resistance. For example, a device rated IPX8 can withstand water immersion but doesn’t necessarily protect against fine dust or sand.

Today’s flagship phones like the iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are rated IP68  -  the highest water resistance level most smartphones currently achieve.

However, this rating leads to a major misconception: two phones with IP68 ratings may not perform the same underwater.

According to the IEC, for a device to be rated level 8, it must withstand being submerged in at least 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. But beyond that threshold, the exact limits depend entirely on the manufacturer.

For instance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is rated for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 17 Pro is rated for up to 6 meters  -  both labeled IP68.

In other words, despite sharing the same rating, their real-world water resistance can vary greatly. That’s why users should look closely at manufacturer specifications, not just the IP code.

So, can you swim with your iPhone?

Even though Apple says the iPhone can handle depths of up to 6 meters, it  -  like most manufacturers  -  strongly advises against taking your phone into the pool.

There are several reasons for this. IP tests are conducted under controlled, static conditions. When you move your phone through water, the pressure increases and can push water into the device.

Moreover, IP tests use clean, freshwater  -  not chlorinated pool water or salty seawater, both of which can corrode components, damage the charging port, and affect the phone’s casing.

IP68 is intended for accidents  -  not frequent underwater use. It’s designed to protect your phone in scenarios like water spills, brief drops into the sink, or sudden rainstorms  -  not for filming TikToks underwater or snorkeling with coral reefs.

So yes, even a waterproof phone can “drown” if used the wrong way.

What about phones without an IP rating?

Not all manufacturers pay to have their devices tested for an official IP rating  -  a process that takes time and costs money, especially for budget models.

Some devices claim to be water-resistant using nano-coating or rubber gaskets, which may handle light rain or occasional splashes, but shouldn’t be fully submerged.

On the other hand, if a device doesn’t advertise any water resistance, it’s best to treat it like any typical electronic  -  and keep it away from liquids at all costs.

Know your limits

IP ratings help users gauge how resistant their phones are to water and dust. But real-world protection varies by manufacturer, and users often overlook key limitations.

Even IP68 phones aren’t meant for swimming, underwater photography, or use in saltwater.

Understanding what IP really means  -  and doesn’t mean  -  can help you avoid costly damage and better protect your device. After all, this feature is meant for emergencies, not durability challenges.

Du Lam