What is a Waterproof Smartphone and Where to Get One?
Do you have a truly waterproof smartphone or is your handset just splashproof? It makes a difference because a splash-proof handset will not survive water immersion. And can you make a splash in your home pool with your phone, or will the chemicals cause damage? Read on to discover the answers below.
Visit the Blackview rugged outdoor phones page for examples of dust-, drop-, and waterproof outdoor phones.
Water-resistant vs waterproof smartphones
Water-resistant means the handset can handle the occasional splash. It doesn’t mean you can take it along on your snorkelling trip. If it’s waterproof, then you can submerge it, but don’t go swimming deeper than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
How deep can you go with the handset?
Unfortunately, technology is not yet advanced enough to make the handsets super tanks. We’ll have to wait a few years for that, but for now, you can submerge the handset to the maximum IP rating for which it is rated. For instance, Blackview BV5100 4G NFC is IP68 and IP69K rated, which means you can even shoot an underwater video, making it the perfect outdoor partner for the adventurer.
What does the IP68 rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection in the IP rating as denoted by the IEC. The six in 68 refers to the protection against dust penetration. Rated on a scale of 0 to 6, with 0 showing no protection and 6 indicating the highest level, an IP68 rated smartphone enjoys maximum dust-proof protection. The 8 shows that the handset can be submerged in water for a depth of more than one metre, according to the manufacturer specification for a period of 30 minutes or more, once again – according to the manufacturer specification.
With this type of smartphone, you don’t have to worry about rain, splash or accidental submersion up to a reasonable depth, which is usually 1,5 metres. The duration of submersion protection varies according to brand and make. For this, read the specifications for the particular handset.
What does the IP69K rating mean?
The BV5100 4G NFC also has an IP69K rating, which means it is one of the most rugged handsets around. The (K) denotes that it can withstand high pressure, high temperature or steam jet exposure. This makes the handset suitable for industrial work environments where the risk of accidental immersion or exposure to high-pressure spray is high. IP68 makes the phone already great for the adventurer, but with the IP69K rating, it becomes the perfect partner for the adventurer and the engineer, mechanic, car-wash operator and even a fire-fighter.
Chemicals and your waterproof smartphone
Keep in mind that manufacturers test their handsets in controlled environments. The handsets are tested with clean water, not chemical submersion and exposure. A swimming pool has quite a few harsh chemicals in it. Although the ocean is a pretty clean environment, it does have loads of minerals, including salt.
And salt can be harsh on any device.
So, you can swim with the handset, but wash it with clean water afterwards and dry it properly.
Just because it has an IP68 and IP69K rating, it doesn’t mean you should leave it outside for prolonged periods. Take care of the handset, and it will keep functioning as intended for a long time.
Where to find the best waterproof smartphone at an affordable price?
Stick with a brand that has proven its worth when it comes to outdoor handsets. Shop here for the best deals on sturdy and stunning looking Blackview waterproof handsets.