Is Samsung S22 Waterproof?
The new Samsung S22 series is on the way and by the looks of it, the three phones will be absolute monsters!
Many improvements are to be expected as dozens of promising rumors and leaks emerge every day. New chipsets, improved cameras, fantastic graphics and displays… There are a lot of reasons to be excited about. But there is one news that’s not written a lot about, and that news is – is Samsung S22 waterproof?
Is Samsung S22 water-resistant?
The shortest answer is – yes, all three S22 smartphones will be water-resistant with the protection index rating of IP68. This is no surprise as most quality smartphones today have index ratings of IP67 or IP68.
Does that mean they are completely resistant to water (waterproof)? Definitely not. Read on to find out more about phone resistance and what to expect from the S22 series from Samsung.
Comparison of IP67 and IP68: differences and reasons why to be careful
IP67 or IP68 water resistance are key concepts when looking for a smartphone, or even a smartwatch. With the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, it's crucial to understand your phone's water resistance level.
IP67 or IP68: What does the IP class mean?
First of all, it's good to note that there is a fundamental difference between water resistance and waterproof. Waterproof means that an object is tightly protected no matter how long it is immersed in water. Water-resistance means that the product can stop water intrusion under certain conditions, but not completely. When it comes to smartphones and smartwatches, it's always about how water-resistant they are. They cannot stand underwater indefinitely and thus are not waterproof.
IP is the name of the standard defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to determine the level of protection of an electronic device against fresh water and other elements such as dirt, dust, and sand.
The first number after the PI sets the level that the IEC assigns to a device for its resistance to solid objects. In the case of the S22 series, it's six - which means, no "damaging" particles (dust or dirt) could enter the case as a result of direct contact over an eight-hour period.
Protection against solid objects
IP Code Protection level
1 - Protection against light contact with a surface of the human body, such as the back of the hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with any part of the human body.
2 - Protection against applied pressure from fingers or similar objects.
3 - Protection against tools, wires, or similar objects.
4 - Protection against most wires, screws, or similar objects.
5 - Partial protection against contact with damaging particles.
6 - Total protection against contact with damaging particles.
Next, we find the level of resistance to liquids.
There are, at present, two major values - seven and eight, with an old definition which is that the device can be submerged up to one meter underwater for thirty minutes, and the more recent which specifies 1.5 meters for thirty minutes.
Protection against water intrusion
IP Code Protection level
1 - Protection against vertical drops of water.
2 - Protection against falling water drops, a device in an inclined position with a maximum angle of 15 degrees from the vertical.
3 - Protection against direct projections of water, a device in an inclined position with a maximum angle of 60 degrees from the vertical.
4 - Protection against splashing water from all directions.
5 - Protection against weak jets of water from all directions (6.3 mm diameter nozzle).
6- Protection against strong jets of water from any direction (12.5mm diameter nozzle).
7 - Protected against the effects of temporary immersion, up to 1 meter and for 30 minutes.
8 - Protected against the effects of prolonged immersion, beyond 1 meter (the manufacturer must specify the exact depth).
This is how the IP levels were determined.
Reminder: IP67 means that the device can fall into the water up to one meter deep for half an hour. As for the IP68 level, it protects water, up to 1.5 m deep for the same duration of 30 minutes. The two levels guarantee total protection against dust.
IP67 or IP68: What about other liquids?
Let's be clear here: the IEC classification only applies to freshwater. This does not mean, however, that it does not guarantee protection against immersion in other liquids - beer, coffee, salt water, and soft drinks, to name a few.
If you spill the equivalent of a pint of your favorite beer on your future Samsung phone and give it a quick shake, you shouldn't have to worry except for a little smell and a rather sticky touch. On the other hand, if you leave it in a bath for a long time, your device can be really damaged.
IP67 or IP68: Can I swim with my smartphone?
We certainly don't recommend swimming with a smartphone. When the IEC tests a smartphone, it takes place under laboratory conditions with the phone in standby mode - not in a pool full of chemicals, used to clean the water.
It's the same with the ocean. Seawater is full of salt, a mineral that is clearly said to be ignored during IP level testing. Therefore, we strongly recommend staying out of saline environments.
In 2015, Sony posted photos showing a new IP68 certified Xperia phone with photos taken underwater. It took a backlash and later amid controversy, they advised buyers not to use the device underwater.
IP67 or IP68: What else do you need to know?
TIt is always a good idea to check the documentation made available on a manufacturer's website to see if any exceptions to the classification exist. Apple, for example, is taking a tough stance on many of the warnings surrounding Apple Watch's water resistance levels, with different versions featuring different levels of protection.
All this is to say that a so-called "waterproof" product is always covered with reserves to ensure optimal operation. Always read the fine print from the manufacturers if you are in doubt. Also, be very careful that the drop of your phone or smartwatch has not affected its seals.
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