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Is Pixel 7 Waterproof?

November 24, 2022

When the Pixel 7 series was announced and released, many consumers were quick to believe that the smartphone had complete resistance to water damage. This happened simply because Google mentioned that the device was IP68 certified, which really means that it has certain resistances against water and dust, but that's not saying much. The truth is that this certificate only guarantees protection against water under certain conditions.

To show the Google Pixel's lack of resistance, a YouTube user named Harris Craycraft did several tests to show what the smartphone can handle and not. First, he placed the smartphone under a shallow puddle of rainwater, which would not damage any water-resistant device. The Pixel also got a few drops of water and some water spray shortly thereafter. Fortunately, the device managed to pass these simpler tests and continued to work very well.

Of course, a submersion test was also performed, but nothing too extravagant considering the Pixel isn't built to last in these conditions. The device was placed in a jar filled with water for about 30 minutes, which is generally the limit of time devices with real resistance can be submerged. After that time, the Pixel had no major problems and continued to work very well. This is excellent news for anyone who was thinking about buying the device and was a little undecided by its lack of resistance.

Of course, we do not recommend that you do the same with your device, as the tests were carried out in controlled situations and different from problems that can occur in everyday life. If the Pixel phone fell into the deep water and got wet, for example, it's possible that something worse would happen.

Other than that, Google obviously does not cover water damage in its warranty, after all, it is well established that the certification of the device does not give this durability in these situations. This test is more to reassure users who may end up getting the Pixel wet, but it's always good to remember never to charge it or perform heavy activities until it dries completely.

What does the IP68 rating mean?

IP67 and IP68 are terms used when an electronic is water or dust-resistant. Although there are other IP indicator possibilities on the market, 67 and 68 are the most seen on cell phones, smart watches, and even speakers. Xiaomi, Apple, Google, and Samsung are just some examples of large companies that offer the feature. Some options follow the letter X in the nomenclature, as in the case of the recently launched Galaxy Z Flip 3, which gives it a new meaning.

When choosing your smartphone, for example, it is important to pay attention to the acronyms and understand the level of resistance of the cell phone. Therefore, here are important answers about how IP67, IP68, and other options available on the market work.

IP is the acronym that represents the expression ā€œIngress Protectionā€. This feature is capable of protecting electronics against the infiltration of dust or water. Depending on each IP certification, the device can become even more resistant and even have the possibility of remaining completely submerged in water.

Although the certificate shows different levels of protection, it is important to know that there is time and depth for the electronics to be immersed in liquid without damage. A camera that was not prepared to dive more than one meter deep may develop a defect. Therefore, consumers who like beaches or clubs should be careful before taking the devices.

How does IP numbering work?

The IP numbering varies according to the level of protection. The first number refers to dust and shows to what extent the electronics support this external agent. The numbers go from 0 to 9 in that order. For example, with smartphones having the IP68 certificate, the first number of the two (number 6) relates to the dust protection level.

The same goes for water resistance. The second number of the IP indicator refers to this level of water protection and can tell how long an electronic device can withstand being submerged in swimming pools or under the shower, for example. The depth is also counted in this case and only devices numbered 9 are exempt from any concern. Therefore, the term IP68 indicates protection 6 for dust and 8 for water.

What are the differences between IP67 and IP68?

The abbreviations IP67 and IP68 represent, then, how the electronics react in contact with dust and water. Since the first number is 6 on both, it means that the protection of these electronics is the same. On the other hand, the IP67 number 7 shows that, in relation to water resistance, it is a little weaker. The technology does not last that long in contact with water and requires more care on the part of the consumer. The IP68 is recommended for people looking for devices that can withstand being submerged longer and at an even greater depth, like the new Pixel 7.

It is not covered by the warranty

Although they have an IP mark, phones are not covered by the warranty if they get water damage. The manufacturer even gives instructions that the phones must not be immersed in salt water, and they also recommend that you do not sunbathe with the phone in your hand. On the other hand, freshwater can also be dangerous, especially in combination with soap, shampoo, or some detergent.

Take care of your phone

If you keep a phone that has an IP68 mark in a protective case, the fact that it gets wet will usually have no consequences. However, if the phone is often in the sun and suffers exposure to high temperatures, the protective rubber bands can dry out. This will damage the sealing of the phone, and therefore open the possibility of easier penetration of water into the interior.

So, regardless of the labels, keep your Pixel 7 phone away from moisture, liquids, and heat. It will last you longer and perform better.