Build and durability: smartphone terms explained

9 terms. Back to the full glossary.

IP rating (IP68, IP69): An international code for dust and water resistance. The first digit is dust (6 = dust-tight); the second is water (7 = temporary immersion, 8 = continuous immersion as specified by the maker, 9 = high-pressure, high-temperature water jets). Tests are done in fresh water in a lab, and seals can wear with age and drops. Water damage is generally not covered by the warranty even if the phone has an IP rating. Avoid salt water, hot water and soapy water. Related: IPX7, IP68, IP69, IP69K, Warranty.
IPX7: Water resistance to temporary immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. The X means dust protection was not rated. It is a step below IP68 in the standard, and has no dust rating. Fine for rain and splashes, with care around pools. Related: IP rating, IP68.
IP68: Dust-tight and resistant to continuous immersion in water to a depth and time stated by the maker, typically more than 1.5 metres. The depth and time are set by the maker, so check the claim. It is protection for accidents such as dropping in water, and not for swimming or diving. Related: IP rating, IPX7, IP69.
IP69: Dust-tight and resistant to close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. The test is about jets and not about deep immersion, so phones often claim IP68 and IP69 together. Makers may test specific conditions, so read the fine print. Related: IP rating, IP68, IP69K.
IP69K: A separate road-vehicle standard (ISO 20653) for high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down, sometimes quoted by phone makers. It is not part of the standard IP code used for electronics and is tested differently. Treat it as a stronger claim only if the maker states how it was tested. Related: IP69, IP rating, MIL-STD-810H.
MIL-STD-810H: A set of US military test methods for environmental durability. Phone makers may test against some of its methods and advertise it. It is not a single pass-or-fail certificate, and makers often choose which tests to run and self-certify them. It suggests some toughness but does not mean the phone survives any drop or water damage. Related: Drop rating and drop resistance, IP rating, Rugged phone.
Drop rating and drop resistance: Claims about how high the phone can fall without damage, sometimes from lab certifications of the glass or whole phone. Tests vary in surface, height and angle, so ratings are not comparable. A case still matters, as the screen glass and corners are the usual casualties. Related: Gorilla Glass, MIL-STD-810H, Frame and back materials.
Frame and back materials: The materials of the phone body: plastic, aluminium or titanium for the frame, and plastic, glass or leather-like material for the back. Metal frames feel more premium and can spread heat better. Glass backs look nice and enable wireless charging but are more fragile. Plastic can be tougher in drops, and can be a good choice. Related: Weight and thickness, Drop rating and drop resistance, Wireless charging.
Weight and thickness: How heavy and thin the phone is. Typical phones weigh about 170 to 230 grams and are 7 to 9mm thick. Big batteries tend to add weight and thickness. A thinner phone may have a smaller battery or fewer features. Hold it for a minute in a store if you can. Related: mAh, Frame and back materials, Compact phone.