Types of Waterproof & Military Standards in Smartphones

One type of smartphone that remains highly sought after is the waterproof or durable model. These devices attract considerable attention because of their ability to function reliably under various conditions.

For instance, some smartphones can continue to operate seamlessly even after accidental water exposure or being subjected to dust.

People who prefer these phones are often individuals with high mobility, frequently visiting places with extreme weather conditions. For such users, durability becomes a key priority.

To cater to this segment, manufacturers design smartphones with specific durability features, often denoted by standardized codes. These codes represent the results of rigorous testing. If a phone lacks these codes, it generally means it doesn’t include specialized durability features.

Common durability codes include IP57, IP67, and IP68, which indicate levels of water and dust resistance. Additionally, some phones feature military-grade durability, signified by codes like MIL-STD-810G, indicating they have passed military standard tests.

But what do these codes actually mean? Why are there so many variations for water resistance and durability standards? And how do these features benefit users? Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding the Types of Waterproof Certifications

The correct term for a phone capable of surviving water exposure is “water-resistant,” not “waterproof.” The term "waterproof" can be misleading, suggesting the device is impervious to water, when in fact, it refers to its ability to resist water to varying degrees, such as splashes or submersion.

A phone’s water and dust resistance are indicated by an IP code, which stands for Ingress Protection. This international standard defines the level of protection a device offers against solid particles and liquid ingress.

The two digits following "IP" provide specific details about the level of protection. For example, if a device is advertised as waterproof, it’s crucial to understand the conditions under which it was tested.

For instance, a smartphone with an IP67 rating offers water resistance under different conditions compared to one with an IP68 rating. Both devices are resistant to water, but the second digit—7 or 8—reflects variations in the testing criteria.

The first digit in the code indicates the level of dust protection. For example, a phone with an IP58 rating offers different dust resistance compared to one with an IP68 rating. To understand these codes in more detail, let’s explore their meanings further.

1. First Digit: Protection Against External Elements

The first digit after "IP" represents the level of protection a device offers against external foreign objects, such as dust.

It also indicates the level of protection provided by the device’s enclosure against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors or moving components) and the ingress of solid particles. Here’s a breakdown of the protection levels:

• X: No data or information available for the device’s protection.
• 0: No protection provided.
• 1: Protects against objects larger than 50 mm.
• 2: Protects against fingers or objects at least 12.5 mm in size.
• 3: Protects against tools such as thick cables with a diameter of 2.5 mm.
• 4: Protects against 1 mm-sized objects like wires or screws.
• 5: Offers partial protection against dust ingress.
• 6: Provides full dust protection, tested for up to 8 hours.

The higher the number, the better the device’s resistance to solid particles. For example, a phone with an IP5X certification offers some level of dust resistance but isn’t fully protected, whereas a phone with IP6X certification is completely dustproof.

2. Second Digit: Water Resistance

The second digit in the "IP" code indicates the level of water resistance a device provides. This digit describes how well the device can endure water exposure under various conditions. The higher the number, the better the protection. Here’s an explanation of the water resistance levels:

• 1: No protection against water.
• 2: The device can resist drops of water, such as light rain, for 10 to 15 minutes.
• 3: The device can withstand water sprays at a 60-degree angle for up to 5 minutes.
• 4: The device can handle water sprays from any direction for 5 minutes, meaning it can survive rain exposure for the same duration.
• 5: The device is protected against water jets with a 6.3 mm opening for 3 minutes from various directions at a distance of 3 meters.
• 6: The device can resist stronger water jets with a 12.5 mm opening for 3 minutes from any direction at the same distance.
• 7: The device can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
• 8: The device can survive being submerged in water deeper than 1 meter for 30 minutes or more.
• 9K: The device is protected against high-temperature water sprays and close-range water pressure.

From this, we can see that the second digit in the "IP" code indicates the device's water resistance level. For example, a phone with an IP68 certification is more water-resistant than one with an IP67 certification.

Typically, devices are tested for both digits in the IP code, representing protection against solids (first digit) and liquids (second digit). However, some devices only have one part of the certification. For instance, a phone with an IPX4 rating lacks a solid object protection rating but offers water resistance as defined by the "4" in its code.

The IP code is not exclusive to phones. Other devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wireless earphones (TWS), also adhere to these standards.

Types of Military Standard Certifications

In addition to water resistance certifications, some devices also come with military standard certifications.

While a few manufacturers offer products with both waterproof and military standard certifications, most devices typically feature only one. In recent years, products with dual certifications have become less common.

Military standard certification, often referred to as MIL-STD 810, signifies a device's ability to endure a series of rigorous tests designed to simulate extreme conditions. These tests are not limited to mobile phones but also include laptops and other durable devices.

A device with MIL-STD 810 certification demonstrates its resilience and durability, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments. This certification is often used by manufacturers as a guarantee of the quality and robustness of their materials.

Unlike water resistance certifications, which use numeric codes, MIL-STD 810 focuses on specific types of tests, categorized by standards such as MIL-STD-810E, MIL-STD-810F, or the newer MIL-STD-810G. The MIL-STD-810G standard is an updated version of the earlier MIL-STD-810E and MIL-STD-810F ratings.

Devices that pass MIL-STD 810 certification undergo extensive testing to evaluate their reliability and durability under simulated extreme conditions. Here are two common tests included in the MIL-STD 810G process:

1. Stress and Impact Tests

This test assesses a device's strength under pressure 20% greater than normal. The impact test involves dropping the device to evaluate its ability to withstand accidental falls, simulating real-world scenarios.

2. Altitude Test

This test ensures a device can function at high altitudes under specific temperature conditions, such as 6,000 meters above sea level or on icy peaks. A device that passes this test is particularly suitable for explorers and adventurers operating in challenging environments.

3. Twist Test

This test evaluates a device's ability to endure various pressure conditions when placed in different scenarios, such as being stacked in luggage or piled with other objects.

4. Vibration Test

This test exposes the device to various vibration patterns to ensure it can withstand falls or rough handling during use.

5. Silence Test

This test examines the device's resilience to prolonged exposure to noisy environments.

Beyond these five tests, many additional evaluations are conducted to qualify a device for military certification. These include tests for low-temperature resistance, transportation stress, and more. For laptops, specific assessments are also carried out on hinge durability and keyboard performance.

To conclude, certifications for water resistance and impact resistance are not strictly essential for every product. However, given the demand for durable devices, having a standard certification for durability is highly beneficial.

Not only does it provide assurance to consumers, but it also serves as a strong selling point that can enhance trust in certified products.