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Waterproof mobile phone case: How to protect your smartphone on vacation
A waterproof cell phone case protects the smartphone near the beach and pool
© sobolicha11 / Getty Images
Not a day goes by, sometimes not an hour, when we don’t have our smartphone at hand. Even on vacation, at the beach or at the pool, we don’t want to do without the phone – even if the cell phone runs the risk of water damage. With a tight cover you can reduce the risk.
The latest smartphone generation is advertised as waterproof by many manufacturers. However, this often only means that a light rain shower cannot harm the cell phones. However, if the phone falls into the water, most models suffer massive damage that can no longer be repaired. However, if you don’t want to leave your smartphone at home when you want to go to the beach or the pool, go on a kayak tour or use the Stand Up Paddle, you should use a waterproof cell phone case. But here too there are a few important points to consider.
IPX protection: when is a phone case waterproof?
You can tell whether a hand sleeve really does not let moisture (or dirt and sand) through by looking at the IPX number. But what does it actually stand for and which value should one use as a guide in order to be on the safe side – even under water? The abbreviation “IP” stands for “International Protection”, i.e. an international protection class. It is divided into the following categories:
IPX Code: | moisture protection: |
IPX0 | no protection against water drops |
IPX1 | Protection against (vertically) falling drops of water |
IPX2 | Protection against water droplets falling at an angle (when the housing is tilted up to 15°) |
IPX3 | Protection against falling spray water (angle < 60°) |
IPX4 | Protection against splashing water |
IPX5 | Protection against water jets (from all directions) |
IPX6 | Protection against powerful water jets |
IPX7 | Protection against short, temporary immersion under water |
IPX8 | Protection against submersion indefinitely (waterproof) |
IPX9 | Protection against water from high-pressure/steam jet cleaners |
As you can see, there are a variety of different protection classes – including for mobile phone cases. So that it is waterproof in any case, it should definitely be one IPX8 certification own. Because models with a lower number are unfortunately only partially waterproof and therefore not suitable for holidays (at least near the beach and pool).
Buying a waterproof cell phone case: Important tips
In fact, it is not enough to “only” pay attention to the IPX protection class when buying a waterproof cell phone case. There are other features to consider, such as:
The size
Not every waterproof cell phone case is large enough to fit your smartphone. Therefore, the display size plays a decisive role when purchasing: So always pay attention to the information provided by the manufacturer – the internal dimensions in particular are important to know. Depending on the provider, there is also a note on the packaging for which phone the case is suitable. This IPX8 variant is recommended for the following models, for example: iPhone SE2/11 Pro Max/XS Max/11/XR and Samsung Galaxy S10/S9/S8.
The material
Most phone cases are made from multi-layer Plastic (PVC, ABS or TPU), some are also made of silicone. However, it is not important which material was used, but how sensitive it is – after all, you should be able to use your smartphone when it is in the case. It is therefore advisable to make sure when buying whether the display can be used. Most manufacturers do Declarations whether their product is compatible with 3D Touch, Touch ID and Force Touch glass, for example.
The closure
So that a mobile phone case does not let moisture in, not only the material has to be waterproof, but also the seams – and the closure: You can recognize suitable variants by the double or triple closure, for example. Alternatively, a zipper is also suitable. In any case, it is always advisable to make sure before buying that the waterproof phone case has a secure closure owns. Otherwise there is a high probability that your smartphone will still get wet.
Diving: why water depth matters
Even waterproof cell phone cases can only withstand a certain depth of water. So if you want to take your smartphone with you on a dive on holiday, you should find out in advance what depth of water your case is designed for. Some are just for ten meters designed, others even can 30 meters Dive deep without taking any damage. However, since not every smartphone can easily withstand the water pressure, you also have to make sure that your phone is suitable for diving.
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