What Is an IP68 Rating? Do You Actually Need It on Your Phone?
IP68 rating is a term that is commonly used to describe the level of protection that electronic gadgets have against dust and water ingress. This rating is often used to describe smartphones and other electronic devices. For many, the question of whether they need an IP68 rating on their phone is a matter of personal preference.
To understand what an IP68 rating is, we first need to know what an IP rating is. An IP rating, short for Ingress Protection rating, is a standard that is used to classify the level of protection that an electronic device has against the intrusion of water, dust or other foreign bodies.
The rating consists of two numbers. The first number is used to describe the degree of protection against dust, while the second number indicates the level of protection against water. The higher the number, the better the level of protection.
An IP68 rating, therefore, offers the highest level of protection against both dust and water. It offers complete protection against dust and can withstand being submerged in water for extended periods of time, making it an ideal rating for those who frequently use their smartphones in wet or dusty environments.
However, not everyone needs an IP68 rating on their phone. If you are someone who seldom uses your phone near water or in dusty environments, it may not be worth the extra cost of acquiring a phone with an IP68 rating. Many modern smartphones without IP68 ratings still offer some level of protection against water and dust.
On the other hand, if you are someone who frequently engages in outdoor activities such as swimming or hiking, or works in an environment where exposure to water or dust is common, an IP68 rating may be essential.