Since the release of Apple’s new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xr, you begin to think that waterproof phone cases are obsolete. After all, aren’t the two newest iPhone’s practically waterproof?
Actually, the two phones and even the two previous models before it, are not waterproof. They are water resistant. The distinction is necessary. Especially since smart phones are more like an investment than a purchase.
The terms water-resistant and waterproof are thrown around interchangeably all the time. However, they are completely different. Water-resistant means water will not penetrate into the phone up to a certain depth and amount of time. Water proof means the phone is impermeable to water no matter the depth or length of time submerged.
While water-resistant is a great feature for normal everyday use (rainy days, dropping it in snow or a puddle, even the toilet), it probably won’t do much good when out on a lake, rock climbing, or playing sports.
There are many reasons to still buy a waterproof case for your iPhone Xr, keep reading to find out more.
Water Resistant/Proof Ratings
It’s not enough to know that the iPhone Xr is water resistant and not water proof. It’s not even enough to know the definition and differences of the two terms.
If you really want to protect your phone, you need to also understand what the ratings for water resistance mean. Every smartphone is released with an IP rating. The iPhone Xr, for example, has an IP rating of IP67.
IP refers to how resistant the phone is against dust and water. The first number is for dust penetration on contact and ranges from 0 to 6. A rating of 6 means the phone is totally protected when coming into contact with dust.
The second number is for water resistance and ranges from 0 to 9. The higher the rating the better the protection against water.
The iPhone Xr has a rating of IP67 meaning it is completely protected against dust and can be submerged up to 1 meter for no more than 30 minutes.
The manufacturer typically decides the depth and duration of your phone in water. This is why it may be important to choose a waterproof iPhone Xr case in those situations outside of normal everyday use.
Waterproof Phone Cases
A waterproof iPhone Xr case will have the same IP ratings as water resistant phones. IP67 or IP68 are popular ratings. Even though this was explained as being water resistant, the cases are still better than a bare phone.
As mentioned, the manufacturers often dictate the depth and time allowed in the water. An iPhone Xr, for example, can only be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. But phone cases are often able to be submerged up to 10 feet, still for only 30 minutes though.
Waterproof cases, because they often form a tight seal all the way around the phone, also offer protection against falls and drops. Some cases will even protect a phone for a drop of up to 6ft. This is because of the popular shock absorption technology built into most cases.
Your phone will not only be able to survive being submerged in a pool or lake, but also it might survive those moments where it wishes to break free and leap from your hand. It’s usually onto some type of hard unforgiving material like cement, tile, or hardwood.
Using a waterproof case for your phone will give you the peace of mind knowing your phone and your investment are protected as best as possible.
Protect Your Investment
Phones today really are an investment. Especially, when the cheapest of them is around $800 USD. It’s understandable why most people would want to protect that investment for as long as possible. Besides who wants to shell out $800 or more on a new phone every couple of months? Unless your extremely wealthy not most people.
While commercials and advertisements offer feature footage of people using their phones to take photos under water, would you risk it? Probably not, but with a waterproof case your iPhone Xr will last you for years to come, and you won’t miss out on a single moment life has to offer.
Know what the ratings of the case and your phone are and whether or not the case you choose is truly waterproof or water resistant. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting technology.
