Electronic products are frequently labelled as waterproof devices, water-resistant devices, or splash proof gadgets, and we are all familiar with the terminology. The big question is: What is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’? Even though there are numerous articles written on this subject, we thought we’d add our two cents and examine the differences between these three terms, with a particular emphasis on their use in the realm of gadgets.
Splash-resistant/Splash-proof meaning
Depending on the item (camera, watch, Bluetooth speaker, etc.) and how splash-resistant it claims to be, it could be rated somewhere from IPX1 to IPX4, or maybe even up to IPX6 in some situations (though this will most likely be published if it is true). Using these devices in the rain for the next few minutes, or splashing a little water on them, is probably not a major problem. Because the bar for splash resistance is so low in comparison to the other main groups, this one tends to be the poorest of the bunch.
Water-resistant meaning
This is the most general category, and as a result, it is the most difficult to fully comprehend. While technically water resistance would mean that a device can withstand brief immersion, in practice, especially on lower-priced phones, it usually just means that the gadget can withstand light spray. Typically, it implies a step up from splash resistance, therefore these devices will generally include an IPX5 or IPX6 splash rating (which means they can withstand heavy rain or large spills) or an IPX7 or IPX8 submerge rating (which means they can withstand submersion in water). The IP rating of the gadget is not necessary if the equipment simply states “water-resistant.” If the device does not have an IP rating, however, you should refer to the term “splash-resistant” above because that is most likely what it is.
Waterproof meaning
If you want to become a bit picky about it, nearly nothing is truly “waterproof,” because almost everything that digs deep enough will shatter under the pressure of the water surrounding it. However, for our purposes, a gadget that promotes itself as waterproof should be IPX7 (qualified for immersion in less than one metre) or IPX8 (certified for immersion in more than one metre).
Because it is a more clear argument than “water-resistant,” “waterproof” nearly always indicates that the phone may be securely submerged in water. In general, though, you should avoid going too deep or leaving it in the water for more than half an hour. As previously stated, if something claims to be waterproof but does not include an IP rating, it should be treated with caution.
What is meant by IPX Rating?
Various electrical equipment is tested for dust and water protection using an international standard known as IP. It is also important to know What is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’?
To facilitate worldwide trade and to facilitate conformity assessment and international standards, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) established IP. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of smartphone users are familiar with how IP works. I’m going to lay it all out for you now:
I: Ingress
P: Protection
- The first digit represents the rating for dust resistance.
- The water resistance rating is represented by the second digit.
Electronics makers are to blame for the complication. The IP rating of a product may appear on its packaging or in its marketing materials. They may simply state that a phone is “water and dust resistant” in other instances.
In the end, what’s the bottom line? IP ratings are a reliable way to assess whether or not a phone is water-resistant.
What is Splash proof IP rating?
From splashproof to waterproof, the following items are included:
IP44
Splashproof products with an IP44 rating can withstand water jets from all directions. Solids larger than a millimetre can’t get through these goods.
IP55
From any angle, these goods are resistant to low-pressure water jets. Dust protection is also included in the IP55 rating.
IP66
A product with an IP66 rating can withstand strong water sprays from any direction and is entirely dust-proof.
IP67
These items can be submerged completely for 30 minutes at a depth of one metre. They are considered waterproof because of this. They are also completely dust-proof.
What is waterproof IP Rating?
One advantage is that there is a genuine waterproofing rating system that applies to the vast majority of technological devices – such as cellphones, digital cameras, and so on – that allows you to determine exactly how waterproof something is provided you know what grade it has. This rating scale, which is referred to as the IP (for either “International Protection” or “Ingress Protection”) Rating scale, will almost always appear on a product’s packaging or, at the absolute least, in the product’s technical specifications on the brand’s website. The way the rating works is straightforward – the higher the number, the greater the water resistance of the product. The following is the scale of protection:
- IPX-0: This level of protection provides absolutely no protection against water.
- IPX-1: When the object is oriented appropriately, it is protected from vertically dripping water for a short period.
- IPX-2: When the object is tilted up to 15 degrees from its typical orientation, it is protected against vertically falling water.
- IPX-3: The object is protected against water-dropping as spray when rotated up to 60 degrees from its regular orientation.
- IPX-4: This product is protected against water splashes from any direction.
- IPX-5: Protected against a 6.3mm stream of water from any direction thanks to rating.
- IPX-6: Protected against a 12.5mm stream of water coming from any direction.
- IPX-7: When an object is submerged up to one metre in water, it is protected against water entry according to standards.
- IPX-8: Water-resistant object with this rating, suitable for continuous immersion in water at a depth of more than one metre.
The most important thing to know about this order is that it does not apply to fabrics such as those found in jackets, camping tents, and hiking packs. It does, however, apply to items such as smartwatches, phones, non-textile carry cases, coolers, and a variety of other camping and high-tech accessories. If you come across something like this and it doesn’t have a rating associated with it, you may reasonably assume that it is classified at IPX-0 and provides no water protection at all, unless otherwise specified.
What is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’?
At a glance, it’s difficult to know if a product is truly waterproof or only resistant to water splashing. And it’s made even more difficult because there aren’t any methods for standardized testing. Water resistance, weatherproofing, and other such attributes are typically developed in-house by most brands.
You can rely on a wide range of sources, including brand websites, product specifications, user evaluations, and more, to determine whether or not a piece of equipment can withstand submersion. The line between water resistance and waterproofness isn’t so much a line as a sliding scale, so keep that in mind. Within the category of water-resistant, some items are more or less impenetrable. It’s always essential to figure out exactly what kind of exposure you’re planning for and then shop around for what you need accordingly, just like with most other types of equipment. I hope now you know, What is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’?
Waterproof vs Water-resistant vs Splash-proof: What’s the Difference?
This is when things become a little complicated. When somebody says “waterproof,” it generally refers to the ability to withstand complete submergence in a toilet. However, there are other categories available, such as “water-resistant,” “splash-proof,” and even “weatherproof.”
When a gadget is labelled as “waterproof,” it often has an IP67 rating, which implies it can withstand 30 minutes of submersion in the shallow end of a pool without being damaged. However, it is unlikely to survive for any length of time or at any depth other than that, unless there is a GoPro Hero6, that can survive at depths of up to 10 metres without compromising quality.
For anything that is not “waterproof,” you should strive to maintain it out of the water as much as possible. It should also not be fully submerged for extended periods at any depth.
Is it worth buying a Splashproof Speaker?
Now that you know, What is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’! Using a Bluetooth speaker is the best option if you want to listen to music while reclining by the pool, on a boat, or at the beach. There are many different sizes, shapes, and pricing ranges to pick from.
A speaker that is “water-resistant” or “splash-proof” is not damaged by splashes or rain. A “waterproof” speaker often has an IP67 designation, which means it is safe to use in up to a metre of water for up to 30 minutes.
The JBL Flip 3 is splash-proof, so if it ever rains or gets splashed, it won’t be a problem. Then there is UE MEGABOOM, which is my favourite since it’s small and lightweight, and it has a battery life of 20 hours on a single charge,” Bryan, a swimming expert, explained. It’s also waterproof, and the good thing about it is that it has a battery life of up to 35 hours. “I also have the Fuel Style XL, which has a battery vitality of up to 35 hours.
If you’re looking for headphones, Bryan advises good workout earphones such as the Bose SoundSport or the JayBird X2 as a solid starting point.
When Bryan says “they are all sweat and water-resistant,” he means that if you’re out in the sun and happen to take a splash, you won’t have to worry. “You almost can’t go swimming without them,” he says.
IPX 5 | IPX 7 |
| Check for price at Amazon | Check for price at Amazon |
What is the best splash-proof Mobile to buy today?
All Apple’s variants will be water-proof and splash-proof to the same high standard as the others. As a result, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has earned our top spot because of its superior user experience and IP68 water resistance rating. If you don’t want to pay for the Pro features, the iPhone 13 is a fine alternative, as is last year’s iPhone 12, which is even cheaper. It is good to buy earphones and earbuds to make it worth it.
New models from Samsung have been engineered to meet that 5-foot criterion that technically qualifies for IP68 protection; this includes the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra, and Pixel 6 Pro. This means that the phone can withstand being submerged in water up to a depth of one metre, however, the exact depth varies from phone to phone. Anything up to and including a height of one metre falls under the category of IP67.
Unfortunately, Motorola, Nokia, and even OnePlus tend to forgo actual water resistance in favour of water repellency through the application of nano-coating on the lower end of the market. However, it won’t rescue your phone from sinking to the bottom of a pool if someone spills their drink on it.
What is a splash-proof watch?
On your timepieces, you may have seen the words “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” or “splashproof.” Have you ever considered reading the handbook that comes with your wristwatch to better grasp these terms, even though you already know what they mean?
It’s important to know What is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’? To determine how much water your watch can withstand, you must first comprehend these terms. The term “waterproof” refers to a watch that is impermeable to water. The watch’s ability to withstand water pressure and the depth of the water will determine how water-resistant it is. However, the water-resistance of a splashproof watch is limited. When you wash your hands, for example, or when you’re cooking, you should use soap.
In the past, different watch manufactures used the terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant,” but now both terms are used interchangeably because experts say there is no such thing as a “waterproof” watch; instead, watches merely have varying degrees of water resistance.
Waterproof vs splash-proof: What category is the wooden watch?
If you’re considering a wooden watch purchase, you might wonder if it’s water-resistant. No, wooden watches are not water-resistant, but they are splash-resistant. In other words, you can wash your hands or go fishing while wearing them.
Acacia wood, for example, is a type of wood that is resistant to water. While the wood’s quality won’t be affected, water can have an impact on the watch’s entire mechanism.
What can I do to phones with these IP Ratings?
Let us get specific about smartphones because we now know a lot about what is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’?
IP53
A grade of IP53 is seen on both the HTC 10 and the Google Pixel. When tilted to a 60-degree angle, these devices are shielded from dust and water spray (with no pressure), according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Here’s what that means for you, specifically.
A phone with an IP53 rating implies it can be used near a pool, but you should handle it like a non-waterproof phone. Don’t let it cave in!! Even if you accidentally drop your phone in the sand, it will continue to work. A problem that can arise is if dust manages to find its way inside the phone (even under the screen).
Even if you’re caught in a brief downpour, you’ll be fine. Even when held at a 60-degree angle (i.e. in the regular phone posture), the phone is safe against mild sprays, although it’s best to put it away as soon as you’re done using it. The IPX3 test only takes 10 minutes of water spraying, thus these phones aren’t meant to be used in the rain or the ocean.
IP65/68
Sony’s Xperia phones have an IP65/68 rating, which is better than an IP68 rating on its own. There are two official definitions of this, one of which is that these phones are entirely dust-proof and protected against both low-pressure water jets and full immersion (in 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes).
Most non-waterproof phones can withstand a few drops of rain, but you shouldn’t use your phone in the rain regularly unless it’s IP65 certified.
You can drop your phone in the sand as many times as you like without fear of damaging it. The worst that can happen is a downpour. When it rains, you’ll be alright, and you may even be able to take your phone in the shower (though why?).
Most liquid-related mishaps (such as putting your phone in the pool or spilling water on it) isn’t a big deal. It’s possible (and recommended) to clean your phone with fresh water after it’s been submerged in something other than plain old rainwater.
Under fresh, non-chlorinated or salty water, your phone is likely safe to use. On the Xperia Z3v product page, Sony recommends capturing pictures underwater.
Dropping your phone into hot liquids is not covered by the IPX8 grade, thus you should avoid doing so (a hot tub, a bath, a pot of soup).
IP68
It is the same for all three of Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 models, the S7 Edge and the S7 Active. These phones are officially IP65/68-rated, however, they may not be protected against low-pressure water jets, according to the company.
IP68 phones can be dropped in the ocean, however, they must be rinsed in fresh water before drying. Damage may occur if your phone is subjected to a lot of rain. It’s not recommended that you use this phone in the shower, but why would you?
Even though your phone can withstand a 30-minute submersion in fresh water up to a depth of 1.5 metres, you should avoid accidentally dropping it in moving water.
Many smartphones come with the IP67 rating. While IP67 and IP68 both signify “up to one metre” of submersion, IP67 specifies “up to two metres” of submersion. Only the manufacturer knows what “more than one metre” means. It could mean 1.5 metres or 10 metres.
Conclusion about what is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splashproof’?
To determine which product is waterproof or splash-proof, it is the best way to check the manufacturer’s statement about the product. Moreover, you can check the IPX ratings of different electronic products. It is a great way to know about the safety of your electronic device. Make sure that you have a clear understanding about what is the difference between ‘Waterproof’ & ‘Splash proof’? I hope that this article would have been helpful for you in this regard.
