How to Read a Phone's IP Rating: IP66 vs IP68 vs IP69 Explained
A practical explainer on what IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings actually mean for a phone's dust and water resistance, and where the differences matter.
News · 1 min read · Published 24 July 2026
Written by Rohan Mehta, Mobile Editor
Highlights
- The first digit in an IP rating measures dust resistance, the second measures water resistance
- IP68 covers sustained freshwater submersion; IP69 adds resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
- Multiple IP ratings on one phone, like IP66/68/69, mean it has been tested and passed each standard separately
An IP rating's first digit measures dust resistance and the second measures water resistance, with higher numbers indicating stronger protection under each standard's specific test conditions. IP68 typically covers sustained submersion in freshwater to a specified depth and duration, while IP69 goes further, testing resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets — a scenario closer to industrial cleaning than accidental spills.
When a phone lists multiple ratings together, like IP66/68/69, it means the device has been tested and passed each of those specific standards separately, rather than one rating automatically implying the others — this is why some phones market a combined rating as a genuine selling point.
For everyday buyers, IP68 alone is generally sufficient protection against rain, spills and accidental drops in water — IP69's high-pressure jet resistance matters mainly for anyone in professions or environments involving direct high-pressure water exposure.