Have you ever dropped your phone in the toilet or had a rainy day photo end in disaster? Our phones are often the most expensive objects we carry around — and probably also the possessions most prone to accidents. Here’s a look at what it means for a phone to be waterproof:
First things first: No phone is actually waterproof. “Waterproof” would mean that water cannot get inside the phone. Instead, phones are labeled “water-resistant,” meaning they can withstand a certain amount of water for a given period of time.
The common standard used in consumer electronics is the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. On a scale of zero to six, the first number is the degree of protection against solid objects, from fingers to dust. On a scale of zero to eight, the second number is the degree of protection against water entry, from light rain to submersion. The iPhone 7 and later models are rated IP67, meaning they can be submerged in water up to a depth of one meter for 30 mins. The Galaxy S8 is rated IP68, which Samsung says means it was tested submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
But just because a phone has a certain IP rating doesn’t mean it was tested at the lower standards. An iPhone 7 theoretically does not have to withstand water jets from a nozzle, as stated in a lower rating. Additionally, all IP tests are done only with fresh water, so submerge your phone in seawater at your own risk.
A recent article from technology site CNET explains some techniques used by Apple and Samsung to make phones water-resistant. The manufacturers adhere a glue-like substance to between the glass screen and the chassis, seal charging ports with rubber rings, and separate external buttons from the interior electrical parts with silicone rubber coverings.
Some third-party companies have a different approach. Instead of trying to keep water out of the phone body, electronics-waterproofing company Semblant makes a “nano-coating” that acts as a barrier for water, rust, and other particles. The company is understandably secretive about how the technology works, but its website explains that a “chemical coating protects the device from the inside out because it is applied directly to the internal circuitry during the manufacturing process.” Many manufacturers already use Semblant’s technology, CEO Simon McElrea told WIRED in 2016 — phone companies just don’t advertise the feature so they don’t have to cover waterproofness in warranties.
Ah, the warranty — both a phone owner’s last hope and greatest frustration. Apple clearly states, “Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.” The company also recommends users not jet ski or steam up in a sauna with their devices. Your best bet if your phone gets wet? Switch it off a quickly as possible, dab it dry with a lint-free cloth, then give it several (anxiety-filled) hours before trying to turn it back on.
