What is an IP Rating? IP67 vs IP68 Explained
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IP stands for Ingress Protection. An IP rating tells you how well a device is sealed against dust and water. You’ll see it on smartphones, earbuds, smartwatches and outdoor gadgets sold in Singapore. The higher the number, the better the protection.
How to read an IP rating
An IP rating has two digits — the first covers dust/solid protection, the second covers liquid protection.
| Rating | First digit (dust) | Second digit (water) |
|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Fully dust-tight | Up to 1m depth for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Fully dust-tight | Deeper than 1m — exact depth set by manufacturer (often 1.5–6m) |
| IPX4 | Not rated for dust | Splash resistant from any direction |
Does IP68 mean waterproof?
Not exactly. IP68 means water resistant under controlled lab conditions — not fully waterproof in real-world use. Singapore’s tropical rain, pool water (which contains chlorine) and sea water can still damage an IP68-rated phone over time. Seals also degrade with age, especially after a drop or screen repair. Most Singapore phone manufacturers explicitly exclude water damage from their warranty even on IP68 devices. See: Best Phone Repair Singapore.
Common IP68 phones in Singapore (2026)
- Apple iPhone 15 and 16 series — IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 series — IP68
- Google Pixel 9 series — IP68
- Sony Xperia 1 VI — IP65/IP68