IP67 or IP68 ratings are technical numbers that characterize smartphone's resilience against the elements, particularly dust and liquid. In real-life applicability, there are something more behind these numbers that consumers should know to avoid a false sense of the device's "invulnerability."

To get an idea, Samsung Galaxy S7 sports an IP68 rating where the last digit 8 stands for the highest rating a device could get. However, it doesn't mean being totally safe when accidentally dropped in a swimming pool.

IP or Ingress Protection is a confusing code created by International Electrotechnical Commission to make a barometer for detailed information for device's tolerance against the elements. Where IP6X is a commonplace among high-end devices, 6 indicates being dust-tight and tiny specks can't get through the device.

The second number, say IPX8 indicates tolerance against liquid particles. Rule of the thumb is: tolerance against fresh water and NEVER salt water. The current highest rating is 8, as in IP68 which means that the device can be submerged to as deep as 1 meter.

Here is the second rule of the thumb: there is specific length of time on how long the device can resist water. This should be emphasized by device manufacturers since there is no hard and fast rule regarding liquid tolerance and its correlation to amount of time being exposed. Further, tests usually submerge smartphones with IPX8 rating in water for about 30 minutes but these tests don't subject device to liquid pressure like water nozzles or spray hoses, Greenbot stressed.

To conclude, smartphones were tested and received their respective IP ratings under controlled laboratory conditions. In the real world, there are several other factors that escalates smartphone vulnerability albeit IP markings. Take into consideration the length of exposure, type of dust or water, water pressure and even temperature.