A Detailed Guide On Ipx Ratings (and Why It Matters)

What is an IPX rating? And why exactly should you care? We explain everything you need to know in this guide.

More often than not, we are greeted by dust and waterproof claim stamped on a product backed up by an IP rating and you wonder how much dust/water can this phone take. For definition sake, IP means Ingress Protection and it is a standard controlled by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) to measure the protection devices have against solids and water. It is usually accompanied by two digits following ‘IP’ which signifies the level of protection against the aforementioned elements.

The first digit is concerned with solids (dust mostly) and varies from 1 – 6 or it might just be X if unspecified. On the other hand, the second digit goes from 1 – 8 and can also be replaced by X if it is unspecified but that is hardly the case. Now that we’ve gotten that off the way, we can talk about how much of this is applicable in real-life situations.

Before we delve into the technicalities of what IP ratings entails, all of the tests that are carried out to get the IP ratings are under controlled conditions and is only done on a sample product and not the entire stock.

Also, manufacturing flaws or defects is a very common occurrence especially when it comes to devices that are made in large quantities like phones, speakers, smartwatches, or fitness trackers. What I am trying to say is don’t be too eager to take your gadget for a dip in the pool or your kitchen sink.

How IPX Rating Works and Why It Matters

For the first part of the IP rating which has to do with solid ingress protection depicting what size of material can get inside your gadget. Most times, gadgets or devices have a compact build and do not allow outside particles in which makes the rating from 1 – 4 conferred to most devices by design.

The significant part of the IP rating as regards solid ingression has to do with the 5 (IP5X) and 6 (IP6X) ratings. With a first digit value of 5, it means your device is dust resistant but not impervious to it and the entry of dust does not affect its function unless it’s in large quantity. A value of 6 however means your device has absolute protection against dust and does not allow the entry of dust.

However, this might not still be valid after your device has endured some drops or it has undergone repair so you might want to careful with that. Although, dust is the least of your problems when using a smartphone in comparison to water.

Moving on to the part of IP rating which has to do with protection against water and certainly the most important part of the standard. In the scope of consumer gadgets, the value goes from 0 to 8 and IP68 is the best rating your consumer device can carry. Going into the details, the protection that each value from 1 through to 8 offers varies which is why we will be looking at each one and what it means for your device. Before we get into it, a value of 0 means the device does not have any protection from liquid (water).

IPX1

This connotes that your device is protected against 0.039-inches of water dripping vertically for 10mins when your device is in an upright position. In order for this to work, it has to be a tiny film of water.

IPX2

Another protection from dripping water but at this point, a slight tilting device up to 15 degrees is allowed and for slightly bigger drops but still small ones though. The time span that your device is safe under this condition is 10 minutes and a longer duration might cause damage. Some Jabra and Galaxy earbuds carry this IP rating.

IPX2 rated Galaxy Bud Live earbuds | Credit: cnet.com

IPX3

As you progress, the resistance against water increases, and at this level, gadgets with this rating can withstand water from a shielded nuzzle within a 50 — 150 kPa pressure range for 10 minutes. During this period, your gadget can be tilted up to 60 degrees to the vertical plane.

IPX4

Going up the ranks, this has to do with water splashes. Having this rating on your device means that it can take water splashes against the ‘ enclosed part ‘ of the device without being damaged. In the case of the AirPods Pro , for example, the mic and speaker areas are still susceptible to sweat and water the other enclosed parts would be protected against.

That being said, devices with this rating can survive accidental water spills of small quantity but not submerged liquid. The time of exposure for IPX4 rated gadgets during tests is 10 minutes as well and can take heavy sweating in the case of an earbud or fitness tracker.

IPX4 rated Airpod Pro | Credit: gizbuyerguide

IPX5

In terms of technicalities, this has to do with exposure to waterjets (nozzle hole not more than 6mm) at a pressure of 12kPa with a volume of 12.5 liters per minute. So what does that means in reality? You can take a chance with these devices in the rain or shower but don’t make it a habit.

IPX6

This is basically a better version of the IPX5 rating against a more powerful water jet which means it can take more pressure (up to 100kPa) with more volume of water involved (100 liters per minute). Back to reality, this just gives more assurance of taking this in the rain or shower. However, it is still better to be safe than sorry because this is only valid if the water hits an enclosed part of your gadget.

IPX7

Here is where the immersion protection starts. This rating means that the device can survive up to a depth of 1m in water for 30 minutes. So you know how deep your device can survive in water; 1m is just about 3ft but that does not mean you should plunge it in water unnecessarily. Also, freshwater is used in these scenarios so you might not want to take for a plunge on the beach.

IPX8

Simply put, this is like a better-protected IPX7 rating with more depth protection in water up to 4m for the same 30 minutes. Depending on the device manufacturer, you can have a 1.5m depth protection in water and still be rated IPX8. For example, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro have IP68 rating. Useful to add that the former can only last up to 2m in water while the latter has a water-resistant level of 4m.

Summing-up

As nice as having a waterproof device sounds, you should know that the certification process for a gadget to be rated IP68 or IP67 is specified by the manufacturer. In addition, this process is carried out under controlled conditions of specified temperature, pressure and so on which is often not the case in reality. More so, the conditions under which these devices get their IP rating are hardly ever disclosed so you have to be careful how far you push your device even if its within the scope of the IP rating.

Odunayo Ezekiel is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria with deep experience in the country’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem. From smartphones and apps to fintech and local startups, he brings sharp insight and a user-first perspective to every story. At Dignited.com, Odunayo covers the trends, tools, and innovations shaping how Nigerians—and Africans at large—experience technology.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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