IP ratings are a straightforward way to determine the actual level of dust- and water-resistance of an electronic device.
Short for Ingress Protection, IP ratings were developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to help consumers understand the level of dust and water resistance of an electronic device. You’ll find most of the best smartphones, best headphones and even best outdoor security cameras sport an IP rating of some sort.
However, some phones, like the OnePlus 13, are fitted with both an IP68 and IP69 rating, whereas other flagships, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, have just an IP68 rating. What is the difference between the two?
Continue reading to learn about the differences between an IP68 and an IP69 rating, and discover which one is better suited for specific devices.
What is an IP68 rating?
We’ll begin by explaining how an IP rating works. All IP ratings consist of two numerical digits: the first indicates the resistance to solids and dust, while the second represents the level of water resistance.
The first number ranges from zero to six, whereas the second ranges from zero to nine, and, generally speaking, the higher the number, the better the level of protection. However, this isn’t necessarily the case with IP68 and IP69, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
With this in mind, an IP68 rating offers the highest level of protection against dust and solid particles, ensuring the device in question is completely dust-tight.
The water resistance rating of IP68 is where things get a bit more complicated. The IEC explains that this means the electronic is “protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water”, though manufacturers may offer slightly different stipulations, so you should check your device’s manual to determine what you can and can’t do with your device.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has an IP68 rating, which Samsung explains means the handset can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16’s IP68 rating can withstand up to six metres of water for just 30 minutes.
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For more information, make sure you visit our dedicated guide on IP68, which explains the IP rating in more detail.
What is an IP69 rating?
Technically speaking, IP69 is the highest possible rating given by the IEC; however, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee it’s the best for your device. It is slightly bested by an IP69K rating, although this is typically reserved for industrial appliances, such as restaurant-level food processors and medical equipment.
Much like IP68, IP69 is dust-tight, so you needn’t worry about foreign bodies like sand and dust causing harm. The IEC explains that the nine water-resistance rating means “water projected at high pressure and high temperature against the enclosure from any direction shall not have harmful effects”.
Like the above, our guide to IP69 dives deeper into the specifics of the IP rating.
Which is better, IP68 or IP69?
As it’s higher on the IEC scale, it’s fair to assume that IP69 is “better” than IP68; however the reality isn’t quite as straightforward and depends entirely on what the device is and what it’ll be used for.
For example, although an IP69-rated device can withstand high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, it can’t withstand submersion in water. With this in mind, it’s perhaps not a good choice for something like a smartphone or smartwatch, as such devices are more likely to be accidentally dropped in a body of water rather than getting hit by a water jet.
However, appliances like medical tools or food preparation equipment will benefit from an IP69 rating, as they require more intense jet cleaning.
With this in mind, if you’re shopping for a smartphone, smartwatch, or other everyday gadget, then an IP68 rating is more suitable than an IP69 rating.
Are IP68 and IP69 waterproof?
We must tread carefully when using the term “waterproof” in reference to IP68 or IP69 ratings. Sure, both offer differing levels of water resistance, but neither can be classified as entirely waterproof.
As mentioned earlier, manufacturers tend to caveat how water-resistant a device is, which means there is a limit to how much water exposure it can tolerate; therefore, calling it waterproof isn’t entirely accurate.
Instead, IP68 and IP69 are water-resistant, with the former able to withstand continuous immersion in water and the latter able to withstand exposure to high-pressure and high-temperature water jets.
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