We’ve seen it on the advertisements. The Galaxy S5 brought it to the mainstream with people rinsing the phone off in sinks. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge took it a step further with champagne baths and dives into a fish tank. It’s a main selling point of the newest Galaxy Phone: water resistance. It is a rather broad term. If you look at the fine print, you’ll see the classification “IP68 Certified”. What does that mean? IP, or Ingress Protection is a standardized code used to signify how resistant or airtight an enclosure is to dust particles and liquid intrusion. The numbers after indicate how tolerant or resistant the device is.

Believe it or not, Samsung is not the only company to market mainstream flagship phones with this capability. Sony’s Xperia line has boasted water resistance for nearly the same amount of time, and Apple has finally gotten into the game with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. As people use their smartphones more frequently in varying conditions, the importance of understanding what conditions your phone can survive in is bigger than ever, and having the protection you want without turning your phone into a giant brick is even more appealing.

Most of today’s flagships are IP Certified. See if yours is on the list!

Here are a 3 common questions regarding IP Certified phones.
1. Can I submerge my phone in ocean water or in the swimming pool?
Answer: The IP certification is in regards to fresh water only. Salt water and chlorinated water are heavier, and exert higher amounts of pressure. So submerging your phone 1 meter into a saltwater bath or in a pool is subjecting your phone to conditions beyond the IP67 or IP68 certification, and you may just end up having a very bad day.

2. What about LifeProof Cases? Aren’t they water resistant?
Answer: While LifeProof advertises their cases as being water resistant, it is not recommended to take them swimming. Even though the cases are rated IP68 Water and Dust Resistant, the same limitations and precautions should be considered when using an IP Certified phone without a LifeProof Case. So swims in the ocean, and videos underneath the pool would not be recommended.

3. Is it safe to charge my phone while it is wet?
Answer: No. Any time your device has been exposed to liquids, this can cause permanent damage to your phone. It can cause short-circuiting, rust, excessive heat and in extreme cases can make the battery catch fire. Even if the device is IP Certified, ensure it is fully dry and free of any liquid intrusion before charging. The Galaxy S7, which is IP68 certified, has had some rare reports of the phones completely shutting off after trying to be charged while there was moisture in the charging port.