As a consumer, to what extent do you value IP-certified, water- and dust-resistance in smartphones and tablets?

posted by Chris P.

Apr 07, 2014, 4:46 AM

As a consumer, to what extent do you value IP-certified, water- and dust-resistance in smartphones and tablets?

Does anyone else get the feeling that IP-certifications that ensure a given level of water- and dust-resistance have, not at all surprisingly at this point, turned into something of a yet another sales pitch? Even without you telling us, it seems safe to assume that there'll be a split in opinions.

Frankly, even we, at PhoneArena, are split when it comes to waterproofed hardware. It definitely sounds like an awesome perk at first, but if often feels like that's about it, as the scenarios in which we've actually benefited from the added security frankly boil down to... well, about zero. Showering while playing with your smartphone, after all, just seems odd. What's more, IP certification does not come free. Apart from adding to manufacturing costs, water- and dust-proofed smartphones and tablets are also usually larger and thicker, and often sport clumsy port flaps that ensure an airtight compartment. So there's definitely a trade-off of sorts involved.

But is that trade-off warranted? You tell us! What's more, once you cast your vote, do consider chiming in via the comment section below -- we're genuinely interested to hear about your experiences with waterproofed hardware, both positive and negative.

As a consumer, to what extent do you value IP-certified, water- and dust-resistance in smartphones

IP certification is a massive plus for me

47.71%

IP certification is a nice extra, but nothing beyond that

43.36%

I'd much prefer a more practical outlet for the money I spend. I find IP certification virtually useless.

8.93%

Options

61 Comments

60. Diablo2424

Posts: 30; Member since: Jun 29, 2011

r phone while your hands are wet, or in the shower, to being able to use it when your hands are dirty, and being able to wash the dirt /grease off your phone later. Also, I just got back from vacation and got some awesome underwater pictures/video's with my Galaxy S 4 Active. However, water made it's way under the back cover and shorted the phone out - I was able to get my data from my SD Card, but ATT just had to send me a new (refurb of course) phone. So while I love the feature, I feel they need to improve on it still. Especially the USB Flap, that's annoying.

posted on Apr 08, 2014, 9:03 AM 0

56. fuelband

Posts: 28; Member since: Jul 19, 2013

A flagship should be IP certified. It is the TOTL model after all.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 3:00 PM 0

55. milos

Posts: 68; Member since: Oct 29, 2012

I walk on the snow, rain, beach, and my son will spill that glass of water over the table where i might put my phone. Absolute must if possible. Glad that it is!

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 2:56 PM 0

54. RandomUsername

Posts: 808; Member since: Oct 29, 2013

I like to go outside, so I need a waterproof phone :)

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 2:21 PM 0

53. jinxtabator

Posts: 20; Member since: May 19, 2013

water resistant with minimal bezels: IP57-certified-Sharp-Aquos-Xx-302Sh (article on today's phonearena). in this instance useful as I'd be drooling all over it :)'''

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 1:30 PM 0

49. HildyJ

Posts: 346; Member since: Aug 11, 2012

First, there are different levels of IP certification. I expect my phone to handle rainfall (IP2). As far as showers or immersion, if the choice is between that and just about any other feature, I'll choose just about any other feature. If the choice is between paying extra and not paying extra, I'll choose not paying extra.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 12:40 PM 0

48. erikiksaz

Posts: 170; Member since: Apr 22, 2010

I'm not the type of idiot that drops my phone in the toilet. And I've never had any issues with dust. So all the port covers would serve to annoy the hell out of me. And I don't think the mast majority of those who voted FOR these "features" realizes how much of a PITA the port covers can be.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 12:01 PM 0

47. PK1983

Posts: 215; Member since: Aug 08, 2012

Nice to know I can take the phone to the beach and listen to music or take a picture without sand getting in it or it getting wet. No reason why waterproofing should not be the standard for flagships and if fact for all but the cheapest phones out there.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 11:55 AM 0

46. jroc74

Posts: 6023; Member since: Dec 30, 2010

It doesnt have to be certified...but I do prefer water resistance.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 11:43 AM 0

45. srgonu

Posts: 574; Member since: Feb 13, 2012

Compared to HTC one m8, z2 has lesser bezzels I think

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 11:28 AM 0

43. dbdrummer88

Posts: 29; Member since: Feb 24, 2014

I'm sure this will become a more common feature of all phones, especially because kids seem to keep getting phones at a younger age (which is stupid). This would help to keep phones lasting longer and more prone to working after spills and accidents. I am sure parents would appreciate this, for those that buy their kids smartphones. Personally, although I would never use my phone underwater, I like to not have to worry about anything when using my phone. It's a bonus feature.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 10:31 AM 0

41. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

If everyone looks at how much money they spend on over price Otter box case 90$ compare to IP CERTIFIED u save lots.of money and don't have to buy a new phone. Just glad I have the Z1 and hope the BIG fruit won't patent IP CERTIFIED

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 9:41 AM 0

40. isergio04

Posts: 5; Member since: Dec 25, 2013

Honestly I doubt I will be able to trust a handset that is less than IP57, Both my Xperia Z and Z1S have performed perfectly when having liquid spilled on them. Also, as someone who runs often, and encounters rain/snow it is nice to have the safety-net. Likewise is is cool to have a Bluetooth Speaker in the bathroom and control the music in the shower....

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 8:58 AM 0

39. jellmoo

Posts: 2688; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

If it contributes to overall device size, which seems to be the case for both the Z2 and S5, then I absolutely do not want it. If waterproofing is high on your list, there are cases that will do that for me. Making devices unwieldy to accomplish this feat is simply not worth it.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 8:54 AM 0

37. kaikuheadhunterz

Posts: 1157; Member since: Jul 18, 2013

The way I use my phone, it's pretty useless, but still a nice luxury

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 8:29 AM 0

33. techperson211

Posts: 1280; Member since: Feb 27, 2014

A must for me. Especially if you live in a tropical country. Where there's rainy season and summer only.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 7:02 AM 0

32. Dude2014

Posts: 448; Member since: Feb 12, 2014

I don't care

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 6:39 AM 0

31. Tsepz_GP

Posts: 1227; Member since: Apr 12, 2012

Nice extra, I've been using phones for well over a decade and not once have I had one fall in water, or have some sort of water damage, so I've become so used to being careful that IP Cert. isn't a must for now, at the same time it's becoming a standard in top end so I now expect it in my next phone.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 6:37 AM 0

28. itsdeepak4u2000

Posts: 3718; Member since: Nov 03, 2012

Everything is a massive plus when it's there in a phone. So taking pics and videos or using it for calls, chats, etc. @ any water body is obviously good to have.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 6:13 AM 0

27. StraightEdgeNexus

Posts: 3689; Member since: Feb 14, 2014

Same with m8 ugly huge bezels.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 6:09 AM 0

25. Scomii

Posts: 25; Member since: Nov 22, 2013

Big plus for me. Away with the bezel stuff iphone 5s has no ip certification but its got BEZEL!!

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:57 AM 0

23. patric

Posts: 10; Member since: Oct 14, 2013

Should' be standard

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:52 AM 1

22. iluvsonynokia

Posts: 161; Member since: Aug 27, 2013

sony should release phone with and without ip certification,so that some more peoples can enjoy that phone with reduced price tag

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:51 AM 0

34. techperson211

Their mid range phone are not ip certified . I thought you love Sony as your name suggest? Why do you not know about their mid range phones?

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 7:11 AM 0

19. MacWiNux

Posts: 128; Member since: Jan 07, 2014

its worth it for me since already with sudden rains and outdoor water activities :D

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:46 AM 0

14. CX3NT3_713

Posts: 2365; Member since: Apr 18, 2011

I could care less of iP-certification , I never came close to dropping my phone in water, or being caught in a desert storm

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:32 AM 0

13. Goldenblls

Posts: 4; Member since: Apr 07, 2014

Anyone who thinks IP certification is worthless obviously themselves haven't or doesn't know anyone who has ever dropped a phone in some liquid and ruined it - a large amount of cash wasted and countless photos videos lost forever. I suspect quite a large percentage of people have lost phones this way, so anyone who can't see the value in IP certification doesn't really want to see it. IP certified devices such as the top end Xperia phones and tablets are amongst the slimmest devices in their class so they're not always bulky either. Underwater photography at the pool is always fun - nothing wrong with having that option and relaxing in a warm bath whilst watching a movie is heaven. I've lost previous phone through water damage just from the steam in the bathroom. I wasn't happy about that.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:28 AM 1

18. Berzerk000

Posts: 4275; Member since: Jun 26, 2011

I've lost a phone to water, and I still think IP certification is useless. That's what your warranty/insurance and backups are for.

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 5:42 AM 0

30. Goldenblls

What, you feel safe using your phone to make a call in the rain, for instance? Also, not all insurance / warranties will cover against water damage. If someone worked outdoors, around a pool or in a dusty environment, such as a factory, then surely you can see the benefit in that situation. Or you might think electronics should be banned from such environments?

posted on Apr 07, 2014, 6:18 AM 0

12. StraightEdgeNexus

I'm okay with it as long as it dont affect speaker loudness and giant bezels (giant as in z1 and m8, okay with s5 and z2 size). But imo all phones (except cheap chinese) come with some kind of protection atleast splash proof(like my s2-two water spills, a dunk, a tea spill).

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