Why an accidental bathroom dunk proved my phone's IP68 rating is just a safety net, not a feature
A tech journalist discusses the limitations of IP68 water resistance ratings after experiencing multiple device failures. The author argues that current industry standards for waterproofing are often marketed as a feature rather than the safety net they actually are.
Why it matters
Consumers often have a false sense of security regarding smartphone durability, leading to potential financial loss when advertised features fail to protect devices.
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police By Jade Bryan Jardinico Published Jun 12, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT Jade Bryan is a Feature Author at Android Police with over a decade of tech reviews and news reporting experience, stretching back to the Symbian era and the early days of Android. He covers the breadth of the mobile industry, specializing in operating system deep-dives, app testing, and hardware analysis. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with his Android devices and wearables, seeking ways tech can improve daily life. He also enjoys playing MMORPGs, traveling, or feeding stray cats and dogs. Sign in to your Android Police account Add Us On Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Ever since waterproofing was added to smartphones, it has been one of the major factors I consider when making my next purchase.
The article is a consumer-focused tech review based on personal experience and industry standards.
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