IP68 vs IP69 — Read This Before You Trust “Waterproof”
IP ratings explain dust and water ingress tests.
IP68 = dust-tight + controlled immersion. IP69 (and IP69K) = adds high-pressure, high-temperature water-jet resistance.
Below: plain-English breakdown, real use tips, and phones that advertise IP69/IP69K.
IP68 → dust-tight (6) + immersion (8) to maker-stated depth/time.
IP69 / IP69K → adds hot, high-pressure jet spray from multiple angles.
Most flagships = IP68. Rugged/industrial models = IP68 + IP69/IP69K.
Liquid damage is usually excluded from warranty — see highlighted notice below.
Before you rely on it — quick checks
- Read the two digits: first = solids (0–6), second = liquids (0–9/9K). “6” means dust-tight.
- IP68 varies by brand: depth/time differ per model and footnotes.
- Ports change everything: cracked glass, bent frame, or opened SIM tray reduces protection.
- Salt and soap: saltwater, detergents, and steam are harsher than clean tap water.
- Aging: gaskets wear; older phones lose sealing performance.
IP ratings — use them in this order
(what 6/8/9 means)
- 6 = dust-tight. Good for sand, drywall dust, workshop use.
- 8 = immersion. Depth/time per maker; fine print matters.
- 9 / 9K = hot, high-pressure water jets; multi-angle spray.
(immersion vs jet)
- Pools, rain, accidental dunk: IP68 already covers typical accidents.
- Pressure washers, boat decks, food prep wash-down: choose IP69/IP69K.
- Salt, soap, steam are harsher; rinse with fresh water and dry fast if exposure happens.
(keep the seal alive)
- Close port covers; replace worn gaskets if user-serviceable.
- Remove case and clean lint from mic/speaker grills and SIM tray edges.
- Avoid hot tubs/saunas; heat expands air and stresses seals.
— warranty & liquid damage
- Liquid damage: usually excluded
- Manufacturers treat IP as a lab test, not a promise for everyday soaking.
- Insurance or a waterproof pouch beats hero moves with a bare phone.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
IP68 or IP69 reflects laboratory tests only. It does not guarantee real-world waterproofing.
Liquid damage from rain, pools, showers, cleaning, saltwater, or pressure washers is usually excluded from warranty by manufacturers and retailers.
Avoid intentional exposure to liquids, salt, steam, or high-pressure cleaning.
Phones that advertise IP69 / IP69K
- OnePlus 13 — official spec lists IP69/IP68 (region/model dependent). Product page
- Oukitel WP30 Pro — rugged phone with IP68 & IP69K + MIL-STD-810H. Oukitel
- Blackview / Doogee / Ulefone / Cubot — many models market IP68 & IP69K (check your exact SKU). Rugged phone guide
Specs vary by region/SKU. Always verify on the official product page for your exact model.
What we tell customers
IP68 handles controlled immersion; IP69/IP69K adds hot, high-pressure jets.
Liquid damage is usually out of warranty. If it gets wet, rinse with fresh water, power off, and bring it in.”
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