In the modern world, the smartphone has ceased being merely a means of communication but has become an important extension of our daily activities. With increasing features ranging from camera capabilities to health track monitoring, there is almost everything that users want from their devices. Among specifications commonly thrown around regarding phone performance is the term IP rating. But what does the rating mean to your gadget?
Understanding IP Ratings
IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it is related to the device's ability in terms of preventing the ingress of solids such as dust and liquids, including water. It is typically a two-digit code: IPXX, with the first digit representing the level of protection against solids, and the second digit gives the protection against liquids.
The First Digit: Protection Against Solids
The first digit in the IP rating lets you know of the level of protection in your smartphone against dust, as well as other solid particles. Here is what all the digits mean:
0: No protection
1: Protected against objects greater than 50mm-like hands
2: Protected against objects greater than 12.5mm-like your fingers
3: Protected against objects larger than 2.5mm-so it includes tools like a wire
4: Protected against objects larger than 1mm-meaning thin tools
- 5: Dust-protected (limited ingress of dust)
- 6: Dust-tight (no ingress of dust)
The Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids
In the second digit, protection against liquids is given to the device. The following goes for the numbers and letters:
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protected against vertically dripping water
- 2: Protected against dripping water when tilted at a 15-degree angle
- 3: Protected against spraying water
- 4: Protected against splashing water
- 5: Protected against water jets
- 6: Protected against powerful water jets
- 7: Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- 8: Protected against immersion in water beyond 1 meter
- 9: Protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
Common IP Ratings on Smartphones
The majority of modern smartphones will have an IP rating; however, the level of protection does differ. Below are a few common ratings:
- IP67: This rating shows that a smartphone can also keep in water at the depth of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and is dust-tight.
- IP68 means a higher level when a phone can be placed in deeper water (almost up to 1.5 meters or more) than for longer periods.
- IP53: A device with this rating is dust-resistant to a certain extent and can even resist splashes of water coming from any direction.
Why is IP Rating Important?
A good IP rating brings in peace of mind for people who tend to use their smartphones much more outdoors and in challenging environments. That reassures one that a phone can easily survive from a dust storm, a spill, or even from dropping into the pool. Yet, it's worth remembering that no phone is ever fully waterproof or dustproof, and over time, constant exposure will still burn it out.
Conclusion
The phone's rating for resistance, also called the IP rating, will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of durability and suitability for your life. Whether it's for use during workouts for a fitness enthusiast, for travel where water is involved, or simply because you want a phone that can stand up to day-to-day mishaps, knowing your device's IP rating will be key.
The next time you purchase a smartphone, be sure to check the IP rating for your requirements and enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your device is constructed to take whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
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