It has become necessary for the customers who are dependent on their devices in every aspect of their life to know the reason behind the fact that smartphones nowadays have multiple IP ratings. A smartphone is no longer just a means of communication—it is a camera, a productivity hub, a travel companion, and a device that can even save your life in a bad situation. As a result, durability is a matter that consumers focus on more than ever. Such a rising demand has compelled the producers to use several IP ratings to give a more accurate description of water resistance, dust protection, and other kinds of environmental protection.
What IP Ratings Actually Mean
Knowing the concept of IP ratings would really help before we discuss the reasons why multiple IP ratings are associated with today’s smartphones. IP is an abbreviation for “Ingress Protection,” which is a standard way of measuring defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The two digits indicate the extent to which a device is a dust, water, and solid particles resistant one.
The first digit represents dust and particle resistance, and the second digit represents water resistance. For example:
- IP67: Dust-tight and resistant to water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- IP68: Dust-tight and resistant to deeper or longer immersion conditions
- IP69K: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
With these ratings, users are able to comprehend a device’s toughness quickly. Nevertheless, the argument is that with the upgrade of the cell phone functions the devices are also exposed to different kinds of challenges in nature. So, that is the reason why a few IP ratings exist.
Why Phones Now Come with Multiple IP Ratings
Growing Consumer Demand for Transparency
The most significant factor, among others, that led to the emergence of multiple IP ratings for smartphones is the expectation of users. Users demand precise and detailed information on the toughness of their gadget. One rating is not always enough to show the total picture – particularly when different tests are handling different types of exposure.
As a result, companies have come to the conclusion that consumers are more satisfied when companies are transparent with them. By mentioning several IP ratings, the firms are able to communicate:
- Real-world performance
- Specific strengths (e.g., dust vs. high-pressure water jet resistance)
- Testing conditions and limitations
This helps reduce confusion and builds trust with users who expect their phones to survive drops, spills, and unexpected weather.
Smartphones Face More Diverse Environments Than Ever
Contemporary cellphone users usually have their gadgets with them at all times – at the beach, in the mountains, on metro trains, at the construction sites, and even under the water while on holidays. This means that phones are being exposed to more diverse and extreme situations.
Several IP ratings imply a wider range of circumstances, for instance:
- Freshwater immersion
- High-pressure water jets
- Rain exposure
- Sand and dust storms
- Humidity and sweat
- High-temperature steam
No single IP rating accounts for all of these. For example, IP68 covers immersion, but it doesn’t indicate resistance to high-pressure cleaning. Meanwhile, IP69K covers high-pressure jets, but not necessarily deep immersion. By combining them, manufacturers ensure broader protection.
Marketing and Competitive Advantage
With the increase of smartphone markets that are getting more and more crowded, brands need to find ways to be noticed. One of the main factors that is being used to sell a product is its durability. In case a company mentions more than one IP rating, it is definitely communicating a message.
“The product is more durable, safer, and you can trust it more.”
Such a communication means a lot to customers, particularly when it comes to the comparison of the most advanced devices. The multiple IP ratings are the reason for the brands to have a competitive advantage and a straightforward marketing benefit.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Various areas and sectors demand particular endurance certifications. For instance, electronics that are exposed to moisture, dust, or are high-pressure cleaned in an industrial environment may have to obtain several ratings to meet the set regulations.
For instance, as a result of these requirements, smartphone producers, mainly those who manufacture toughened models, apply numerous IP certifications in order to conform with:
- Military standards
- Industrial safety guidelines
- Workplace durability requirements
This helps their devices qualify for enterprise use where environmental protection is mandatory.
Specialization of Components
Today’s smartphones include many complex parts:
- Cameras
- Speaker grills
- Microphones
- Charging ports
- Buttons
- SIM trays
- Internal circuits
Each component may undergo separate waterproofing and dust-proofing tests, resulting in multiple IP ratings. By listing them, brands highlight how each element is protected and ensure consumers understand the device’s overall level of durability.
Users Are More Aware of Water Damage Risks
A decade ago, most users didn’t think much about water resistance. But with increased awareness—and increased use of phones near pools, kitchens, and beaches—people now actively look for durability details.
Multiple IP ratings help explain real limitations, preventing misunderstandings such as:
- “Water-resistant does not mean waterproof.”
- “Saltwater is not covered under IP tests.”
- “Soap, chemicals, and pool chlorine can reduce protection.”
By offering more than one rating, companies set realistic expectations and reduce warranty disputes.
How Multiple IP Ratings Help Buyers Make Better Choices
Clearer Understanding of Protection Levels
A single rating like IP68 doesn’t explain everything. When multiple IP ratings are provided, buyers gain a more complete understanding of:
- Depth limits
- Duration limits
- Pressure limits
- Dust resistance
- Jet spray resistance
This makes it easier to choose a phone that matches real needs, whether that’s light rain exposure or rugged outdoor use.
Better Comparison Between Devices
When phones list multiple IP ratings, comparing them becomes easier and more accurate. You can quickly see which device is better suited for swimming, hiking, workplace environments, or casual daily use.
More Useful Warranty Information
Some manufacturers back their IP ratings with explicit warranty coverage. Multiple ratings clarify which types of water or dust exposure are covered and which are not, helping buyers avoid accidental misuse.
Common IP Ratings and What They Mean
Here is a quick reference table to better understand what popular smartphone IP ratings represent:
| IP Rating | What It Protects Against | Typical Smartphone Usage |
| IP65 | Low-pressure water jets | Splash-resistant and rain-resistant models |
| IP67 | Dust-tight, water-resistant up to 1m | Everyday durability, accidental spills |
| IP68 | Dust-tight, deeper water resistance | Swimming pools, rain, outdoor use |
| IP69K | High-pressure, high temperature water jets | Rugged phones, industrial environments |
Multiple IP ratings often appear when brands test their phones for both immersion and pressure-based exposure.
Are More IP Ratings Always Better?
Not always. While multiple ratings mean more transparency, they don’t necessarily translate to “completely waterproof.” All smartphones have limitations, and their seals degrade over time due to:
- Drops and impacts
- Heat exposure
- Charging while wet
- Chemical exposure (soap, saltwater, sunscreen)
Multiple IP ratings help outline these limitations more precisely, but they do not make a phone invincible.
The Future of Smartphone Durability
As tech keeps improving, detailed protection rating could become more common. Companies are trying out:
- A smartphone without any ports
- A coating that repairs itself
- An internal water-repellent nanocoating
- A vapor-deposition waterproofing
These inventions might be the next to come after standard IP ratings to give us a whole new level of protection or just to be expanded.
FAQs
Why do some smartphones list both IP68 and IP69K?
Because IP68 measures water immersion, while IP69K measures resistance to high-pressure water jets. Both ratings cover different conditions, so listing them provides a full picture.
Is a phone with multiple IP ratings more durable?
Usually yes, because it means the device has passed more types of protection tests. However, durability also depends on build quality and materials.
Does IP68 mean I can swim with my phone?
It allows limited immersion in freshwater, but swimming pools, saltwater, and hot water can still damage the device. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.
Can IP ratings wear off over time?
Yes. Seals and adhesives naturally degrade with everyday use, heat, and impact. Water resistance may decrease over the phone’s lifespan.
Are multiple IP ratings necessary?
They’re not required, but they help consumers understand a smartphone’s limitations and strengths with greater accuracy.