A new frontier of protection or more of a marketing ploy for smartphones. What does IP69 hide?
In a world where mobile devices and technology are becoming an integral part of everyday life, environmental protection standards are of particular importance. The IP69 standard takes water and dust resistance to the next level, ensuring resistance even when exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water. This level of protection was created for industrial devices that require frequent cleaning, but is gradually finding its way into everyday use. The article examines how IP69 protects devices from harsh environments, how it differs from the popular IP67 and IP68 standards, and why this standard is being used for everyday smartphones?
Once upon a time, water resistance was an exclusive feature of flagship smartphones and rare models for extreme conditions, emphasizing their premium quality and high build quality. Only such devices could cover the additional costs of introducing water protection. However, in recent years, waterproofing technology has become available for mid-range and sometimes low-end smartphones as well. Brands are no longer satisfied with IP67 and IP68 standards – for example, the recently launched OPPO A3 Pro was tested to the IP69 standard.
What is IP69?
IP69 is part of the IP rating system, which consists of two numbers: the first indicates the level of protection against dust, the second – against water. The number “9” means that the device can withstand the impact of strong jets of water at high pressure and from different angles. IP69 tests expose the device to 80-100 bar water pressure at room temperature, and it should remain waterproof in those conditions.
In one test of the OPPO A3 Pro, for example, it was mounted on the roof of a car and put through an automatic car wash to test the smartphone's ability to withstand powerful jets of water. Unlike IP68, which is tested using static water, IP69 requires more complex design solutions to protect the device in various situations.
For IP69K certification, special equipment is used: water is supplied through a spray nozzle at a temperature of 80 degrees at a pressure of 80-100 bar (~1160-1450 psi) and a flow of 14-16 liters per minute.
The nozzle is held at a distance of 10–15 cm from the device, processing it at angles of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90°, for 30 seconds at each angle.
In this case, the IP69K device is installed on a rotating table, which rotates every 12 seconds so that water hits it from different directions, providing comprehensive protection.
Many users of waterproof smartphones have the habit of rinsing them under the tap – to cool the device or clean up spilled drinks. Water jets under the faucet can sometimes exceed IP68 protection limits, and water can penetrate the speakers or charging ports. If the device is IP69 certified, these risks are minimized.
Although IP69 is already a fairly rare standard, there is an even more specialized one – IP69K. It is designed to protect devices in high temperature and pressure environments. In addition to protecting against strong water jets, IP69K requires that the device can withstand exposure to water at 80°C at 80-100 bar pressure from different angles. This standard is used in the industry for equipment that needs frequent cleaning, but is also used in some smartphones, like the AGM X6, which has passed IP69K testing.
Despite the introduction of new water protection standards, there have been no fundamental changes in smartphone waterproofing technologies. The main methods remain physical seals and water-repellent coatings. Seals prevent water from entering through ports and crevices, and a water-repellent coating protects internal components even if water gets inside the device. These methods allow smartphones to reach IP67, IP68 and even IP69 standards.
However, protection from water in real conditions is often insufficient. IP69, despite its reliability, is mainly used for industrial devices and is rarely found in smartphones. In addition, physical seals wear out over time, resulting in reduced protection. In the era of water-repellent coatings, the user cannot independently check the protection status of the device – it may either remain waterproof or no longer provide protection until a breakdown occurs.
No guarantee for water protection
Discussions that manufacturers do not provide warranty service for smartphones damaged by water have been going on for a long time. Despite claims to support IP68 standards, many companies deny the warranty, claiming that damage is caused by user error. This approach has been criticized because brands actively advertise the water resistance of their devices, but in practice they do not offer protection against water-related breakdowns.
Some manufacturers are tricky by lowering their stated water resistance standards or replacing the term “waterproof” with “moisture-resistant” to reduce legal risks. But the denial of warranties for devices with IP68 causes fair indignation among consumers.
If a manufacturer advertises IP68 or higher protection, they must also provide adequate damage assessment measures. For example, before disassembling a device, you can check its tightness, and then assess the extent of damage and find out whether the breakdown was caused by a defect in the device or user errors. If the damage is caused by improper use, such as long-term immersion in water or exposure to strong water jets, then the warranty may not apply, but if the problem occurs during normal use, the responsibility should lie with the manufacturer.
Reputation is more important than water protection
Brands can talk about water resistance all they want, but consumers are demanding real responsibility. It is necessary to create a reliable after-sales service system that will provide users with confidence that the declared functions correspond to reality.
After all, in the end, more important than the standard of water resistance is the reputation of the brand.
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