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Is the Pixel 7 series waterproof?

Updated: Jul 17, 2023, 2:04 AM

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Nowadays, our gadgets are loaded with all sorts of cool stuff like taking pics, giving us weather updates, and even helping us find our way around. But we shouldn't forget that these devices need to be protected from the elements too. Just picture your phone going haywire because of water damage - all those amazing features would be gone in a snap! So, it's crucial to remember to keep our gadgets safe and sound from the great outdoors.

That’s especially true for flagship devices that aren’t cheap, and the Pixel 7 series is no exception. Alongside all the technical features and specs, there’s a pressing question that needs to be answered. Oh, by the way, the next big thing from the big G is coming soon, check out our Pixel 8 coverage to be absolutely prepared for the new launch. Also, the Pixel Fold is out! Exciting times!

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Is the Pixel 7 waterproof?

For all practical purposes, the answer will be "Yes." If we want to go into technicalities, things are a bit more complicated. Technically speaking, a waterproof device is completely sealed and protected against water, and the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro do not meet this criterion.

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro do have an IP68 rating, which is a different measure of water resistance. This rating, which is commonly mentioned by technology experts and listed in the specifications of many modern gadgets, indicates a certain level of protection against water. So, what exactly does it mean?

What does IP68 mean?

The International Organization for Standardization came up with this strange abbreviation, and in this case IP stands for “Ingress Protection.” The standard (IEC standard 60529) is internationally accepted and regulated and defines the protection against solids and liquids of any electronic device.

The first digit shows the protection against solids such as dust, dirt, grease, sand, etc. In the case of the Pixel 7 series, the number 6 is the highest possible rating, and it means “dust tight” - the phone is completely protected against solid particles.

The second part is much more important, as water and other liquids are much more prone to entering our electronics (smaller molecules that are not so tightly bound). The number 8 here means the device is able to survive submersion up to 6 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in the best case scenario.

Water resistant vs waterproof

When it comes to water resistance, all companies can carry out their own tests in their own labs - the standard says “up to 6 meters, for up to 30 minutes.” What this means is that some phones are rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for half an hour, while others state 1 meter, or up to 3 meters. It’s a bit vague.

The things get even more complicated after a couple of months of usage. The rule of thumb is that most gadgets will gradually lose water protection as they age - the seals get old and harden, there might be damage from drops and bumps, etc.

What you need to know is that IP68 can save your phone from the occasional drop in the pool, or in the toilet (eww), from a surprising Summer rain pouring down, or that you can probably safely wash the device in the sink, provided you don’t use extremely hot or cold water and you dry it out properly before you use it again.

There are some additional tips to keep your phone safe:

Whenever your phone gets wet, dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
Do not expose the phone to salt water or ionized water. Salt water is much more conductive than fresh water and can quickly short-circuit your phone and damage internal components. Furthermore, when it dries, salt may accumulate and block the primary microphone, earpiece, or external speaker. If your phone is exposed to salt water, wash the phone with fresh water, and then dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
When drying off your phone, be sure to pat the earpiece (top front of the phone), primary microphone (bottom of phone), external speaker (bottom of phone), and the power/accessory interface connector with a clean, soft cloth to remove as much water as possible. Some phones have a special mode to clean water from these crevices by playing a sound with a specific frequency to push the water out.
When making a call immediately after your phone is wet, the microphone may have water in it, which may lower the volume that the other person will hear. After drying off the phone, allow the phone to air-dry before making a call.
Physical damage to your phone, such as chips and cracks, can significantly reduce its ability to resist dust and water.

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Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.