What is an IP Rating?
The IP Rating of a Smartphone device, in short- dictates the level of protection from such elements as water, dirt and dust.
If we want to get technical, we can classify the IP Rating as the degree of protection provided by an enclosure, for electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5 kV.
For smartphones, this is relevant to gauge the effectiveness of the phone's cover or enclosure against all these outside elements that can cause damage to your device.
However, this rating is widely in such fields as construction, mechanics and manufacturing.
IS MY PHONE WATERPROOF?
No smartphone device, regardless of IP Rating is 100% Waterproof.
Even the highest Smartphone rating of IP68 (iPhone 13 Pro Max, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Oneplus 10 Pro) is not 100% waterproof.
The highest Rating is still measurable by the length, duration and depth of water submersion the smartphone can withstand before issue. This is water resistance, not water proofing.
Individual manufacturers will have different variables of what depth, length and duration specific models have.
To check your individual model, you can check your individual IP Rating and by using a Search Engine or reading your Smartphone Operations Manual.
CAN YOU RESTORE AN IP RATING?
The IP Rating of a device is in relation to a brand new, factory fresh device with no damage. Once a smartphone is damaged, your initial IP Rating has already been compromised.
No Repair Authority can restore an original, factory fresh IP Rating once a smartphone has been damaged.
PAIR Mobile will never, every advise you that we can 'waterproof' or restore a full IP Rating, as this is not possible.
Repairing a broken screen, replacing battery or even doing a Water Damage diagnosis will certainly help improve a rating, but the initial fresh-out-of-factory Rating will never be able to be restored to full.
Once a phone is damaged, there is no process to calculate an IP Rating, therefore it would be ill-advised to guarantee that it can be returned to 'brand new' status in terms of the device's IP Rating.
Why is an IP Rating important?
For your smartphone, manufacturers will always provide an IP Rating (or IP Code) in the stats of your device.
This may or may not be important to you- depending on the specific use you want from your smartphone. If you work in a dusty environment, work in or near water- you may require a higher IP Rating to be able to operate your smartphone safely and without issue.
Day-to-day use, however, is completely up to the individual.
The most common consideration for including an IP Rating on smartphones is simply to safeguard against every-day dust particles and water spillages, or water damage.
How do I read an IP Rating?
IP Rating consist of 2 digits. For example - IP 67.
DIGIT 1 - indicates the level of protection from foreign bodies (dust) from a scale of 0-6.
DITIT 2 - indicates the level of protection against liquid or water 'ingress' or seepage from a scale of 0-8.
If we take the relevant information from the IP Rating Tables below; we will be able to calculate the level of Ingress Protection (IP) on a smartphone such as an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. (IP67)
HANDY GUIDE TO IP RATINGS
