If you follow new smartphone launches, you’ve probably noticed this—more and more smartphones now come with a standard IP rating. 

A while back, IP68 used to be the best ingress protection for a device. If your phone had it, it meant you bought the premium model. Now, even mid-range devices are shipping with IP68, and some brands are stacking multiple ratings like IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K on the same spec sheet. 

More interestingly, foldables have started showing up with official IP ratings. So what’s changed? How are phones pulling this off, especially foldables, which look like they should be allergic to water?

• Also Read: Why phones now come with multiple IP ratings?

Waterproofing is a system

From the outside, making the phone water-resistant might feel like a single-feature add-on. But internally, it’s the result of multiple systems working together.

At the most basic level, engineers try to reduce the number of ways water can enter the device in the first place. And that starts with the structure.

Modern smartphones are built with extremely tight tolerances. That is, frames and back panels are fitted with minimal or zero gaps. Manufacturers precisely apply adhesive to bond layers together. The goal is to eliminate as many entry points as possible.

That said, every phone is built with some unavoidable weak spots. It has a charging port, SIM tray, and physical buttons. Companies reinforce these areas with silicon gaskets and rubber sealing rings. The SIM tray, for example, often includes a tiny waterproof ring that compresses when inserted, blocking liquid entry. 

Speakers and earpieces are even trickier as they require airflow to function. To solve this, manufacturers use hydrophobic acoustic membranes or finely engineered mesh materials. These allow sound waves to pass while preventing liquid water from flowing through.

This is the first line of defense.

The backup plan

However, even with such careful design and structuring, some moisture could still find its way inside. That’s why many phones include a second layer of protection.

For instance, critical components like the motherboard, connectors, and flexible printed circuit boards are often treated with a nano-hydrophobic coating. This ultra-thin layer repels water at a microscopic level.

As a result, instead of water spreading across metal contacts and causing short circuits, water beads up into droplets. These droplets are more likely to evaporate or roll away rather than linger and corrode components.

This coating doesn’t mean the phone is meant to be submerged casually. It’s a safety buffer. If water breaches the outer seals, the internal coating reduces the likelihood of immediate failure.

Modern waterproof phones almost always rely on both strategies: keep water out structurally, and minimize damage chemically if water gets in. Either approach alone wouldn’t deliver the reliability we rely on today.

Foldables complicate everything

All of this is already challenging enough in a traditional slab phone. Foldables raise the difficulty level a few steps higher. 

A standard phone is a sealed block. But a foldable has a hinge, moving parts, flexible screens, and ultra-thin cables that bend with every open and close. Gaps are inevitable. Movement is constant. Internal space is limited.

Waterproofing that design requires different thinking.

Samsung’s strategy in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series focuses on isolation. Instead of attempting to fully seal the hinge, Samsung reportedly treats the left and right halves as separate compartments. If water enters one side, internal barriers help prevent it from spreading to the other.

The hinge area itself is engineered to manage water rather than completely block it. It uses corrosion-resistant materials, specialized lubricants, drainage paths, and hydrophobic components help ensure that water doesn’t remain trapped inside. It also encapsulates the flexible circuit boards with rubberized materials and specialized sealing compounds to add further protection.

As for Oppo, it reportedly uses multi-layered sealing in Find N series foldables. It applies adhesives in combinations — back adhesive, spot adhesive, layered seals — to fill microscopic gaps around hinges and flexible boards. The idea is to create a three-dimensional protective network that maintains integrity even as the phone folds and unfolds.

Some foldables now carry IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 ratings, meaning they’re tested against immersion and various spray conditions. That would have seemed unrealistic for a hinge-based device not long ago.

Waterproof doesn’t mean worry-free

It’s worth remembering that IP ratings are based on controlled lab tests, and real-world scenarios can be much harsher. For example, saltwater can corrode metal faster, or chlorinated pool water and soap can degrade seals over time. 

This is why most manufacturers note that water damage may not be covered under warranty, even for IP-rated phones. Water resistance reduces the risk, but does not eliminate it.

The quiet engineering win

From an engineering standpoint, modern smartphone waterproofing is less about flashy breakthroughs and more about refinement. It’s the result of tighter tolerances, better materials, smarter internal layouts, and layered defense strategies.

What’s changed isn’t just that phones can survive water. It’s that this capability is no longer limited to top-tier flagships. Mid-range devices now routinely offer protection levels that were once a flagship feature. 

Of course, don’t rinse your phone under a tap. But it does mean that when accidents happen, your odds are better than they used to be.

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Ulefone has officially launched the first model of its new RugKing series, aiming to deliver exceptional durability and powerful features at a friendly price point. This budget rugged smartphone is designed for those who work or adventure in tough environments, and it packs a surprise feature that sets it apart: a 126 dB super-loud speaker, the first of its kind in its segment.

Built to Survive the Toughest Conditions

The RugKing is built for durability. Its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which is four times stronger than standard glass. The device can survive drops from up to 2 meters (around 6.5 feet), making it ideal for use in construction sites, hiking trips, or other challenging outdoor conditions.

This phone isn’t just resistant to scratches and impacts; it can withstand extreme tests like drilling or hammering nails without breaking. Its fully sealed design makes it resistant to dust and water, surviving submersion in water or sand for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, the four reinforced corners add another layer of protection, absorbing shocks and minimizing damage from falls.

Extra-Loud Audio and Powerful Lighting

One of the most impressive features of the Ulefone RugKing is its 126 dB super speaker with 3.5 W rated power. This makes it perfect for use in noisy environments, whether it’s a construction site, a festival, or an outdoor adventure.

On top of the device is a 126-lumen flashlight, dubbed the “Super Torch.” This built-in torch eliminates the need to carry an extra flashlight, making it useful for camping, emergency use, or nighttime work.

Reliable Performance for Everyday Use

The phone runs on a Unisoc T7255 8-core processor with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. It has a 5.99-inch display that offers 910 nits of peak brightness, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. This is especially useful for outdoor users who need their screens to stay bright and readable.

Outdoor-Ready Camera System

The RugKing also comes with a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP macro camera for close-up shots. Whether you’re documenting your outdoor journey or capturing worksite details, the camera is designed to deliver sharp and clear photos.

All-in-One Outdoor Tool

More than just a phone, the Ulefone RugKing positions itself as a multi-functional outdoor companion, combining durability, loud audio, bright lighting, and practical features in one device. It’s built for adventurers, construction workers, and anyone who needs a phone that won’t break easily.

Price and Availability

The Ulefone RugKing is available through the official Ulefone store. By combining extreme durability with affordability, it stands out as one of the most practical options in the budget rugged phone segment.

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Ulefone has introduced its latest rugged smartphones, the Armor 33 Pro and Armor 33, designed to push the limits of durability while offering powerful features. Both models come with military-grade certifications, extreme protection, and useful innovations, but the Armor 33 Pro especially stands out with its dual-screen design and massive battery.

Durability First

The highlight of the Armor 33 Series is its unmatched toughness. Both phones are certified with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards, proving their resistance against water, dust, sand, drops, and high-pressure jets. The Armor 33 Pro goes even further with a reinforced frame and dual Corning Gorilla Glass protection, making its screens survive impacts that would shatter most smartphones.

Real-World Durability Test

Ulefone put the Armor 33 Pro through extreme tests to prove its strength. The device was dropped from different heights onto hard surfaces and showed no damage. It was hammered into a concrete post, yet both the body and screens stayed intact. Even after being submerged in water and blasted with a high-pressure water gun, the phone continued working without issues. This test highlights why the Armor 33 Pro is being called one of the most rugged smartphones ever made.

Battery and Performance

The Armor 33 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor and an enormous 25,500mAh battery. It supports 66W fast charging, ensuring that despite the large battery, users can quickly top it up. Whether for outdoor professionals or adventure seekers, this long-lasting battery ensures reliability in the harshest conditions.

Camera System

Durability does not mean sacrificing imaging power. The Armor 33 Pro features a professional camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, a 64MP night vision camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide macro lens. This combination allows users to capture detailed shots during the day, wide landscapes, close-up macros, and even in total darkness.

The Affordable Armor 33

For those who want rugged reliability at a lower cost, the standard Armor 33 is priced at $299.99 (early bird). It skips the dual-screen and high-end camera system but adds a Versatile LED Light and Warning Light, making it a practical tool for workers and outdoor users who need visibility and safety.

Pricing and Availability

• Armor 33 Pro: $399.99 (early bird)
  
• Armor 33: $299.99 (early bird)
  Both models are available via AliExpress, Amazon, and Ulefone’s official store, with the promotional pricing ending on August 27th.
  

Ulefone Armor 33 Pro is more than just a rugged smartphone; it’s built like a tank, surviving drops, water, and even hammer strikes while still functioning flawlessly. With its dual screens, huge battery, and advanced cameras, it’s ideal for professionals and adventurers who demand extreme durability. The Armor 33, on the other hand, offers a budget-friendly rugged choice with practical safety lights.

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Oukitel WP19 rugged smartphone will launch globally on 27 June 2022. The device with the world’s largest battery on a rugged phone comes with a retail price of $599. However, under the world premiere deal, you can buy Oukitel WP19 for as low as  $269.99 only on AliExpress. Please note that this deal starts on 27 June and ends on 1 July 2022. 

Oukitel phones are designed to survive the extreme outdoors and hence the WP19 comes with all the necessary certifications like IP68/IP69K & MIL-STD-810H that makes this phone waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof. But the highlight feature of Oukitel WP19 is its massive battery. It is the first rugged smartphone in the world to feature a 21000mAh battery which can last for up to 7 days on a single charge. This makes it especially useful for adventure enthusiast, globe trotters and people who work outdoors. Moreover with 33W fast charging you can charge your phone within couple of hours and then forget about charging for almost a week. Also with the reverse charging function, the phone can be easily converted into a mini power bank. 

Unlike other rugged phones in the market, Oukitel WP19 does not compromise on the camera and image quality. The phone features a triple rear camera setup with a 64MP SAMSUNG S5K main camera, SONY IMX350 20MP night vision Camera, and 2MP macro camera. It comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ anti-scratch display and supports 90Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by MediaTek Helio G95 4G chipset and comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Other interesting features include a customized key, fingerprint & face ID, NFC Google Pay, digital outdoor toolkit, etc.

You can get Oukitel WP19 rugged smartphone for a heavily discounted price of $269.99 only under the world premiere deal at AliExpress. The deals tart on 27 June but you can add the product to your cart right now, even before the sale starts for faster checkout. 

Please note that the above price is region-specific and the final price may vary according to your shipping region, warehouse, and regional taxes.  

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

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Just yesterday, we brought you the news of a leaked video which popped up on China’s Weibo, purported to be that of the upcoming Nubia Z17 functioning under water. The video was meant to demonstrate the IP67 waterproof feature that the Z17 is said to come with. If you still think the video is fake, you may want to think again.

Nubia co-founder and smartphone general manager, Ni Fei has teased the waterproof feature of the Z17 via a Weibo post on his official account. The post seems to be an analysis of the leaked video which showed the Z17 inside a sink and subjected to running tap water. Ni Fei’s post also contained the picture of a working smartphone under a running water source and quite clearly, we could see that this is a Nubia smartphone.

Read Also: Nubia Z17 Video Showcases The Bezel-less Flagship’s IP67 Waterproof Skills

There is no doubt that the Nubia Z17 will indeed come with waterproofing but we’ll have to wait for more details to know the certification level. It is touted to be an IP67 level which means that it is fully protected from dust and can also withstand being submerged in 1m (about 3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. The Nubia Z17 is also expected to feature a Snapdragon 835 chip as well as a dual camera setup touted to be configured as a 23MP + 12MP camera combination. There is no word yet on its launch date but it is likely dropping very soon.

(source)

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Although Faea is new phone brand (As I known, in fact, this factory has more than 3 years OEM phone manufacturing experience), but their phone is very impressive and made the cheapest NFC phone. Today, we have gotten a picture from official about the next generation phone, there is only a phone like Samsung Galaxy S4, but some water on the phone, and some words: Love you, whatever rain or shine. This picture maybe hint that the new phone has waterproof feature.
We have no more information about this new phone, maybe it will named Faea F3 according to their former model. The phone looks same with Samsung Galaxy S4 or Mega 6.3.

Faea is different with other China phone factory, they make something for user request. They are working with CyanogenMod on a open source project and will release CyanogenMod ROM soon. It will be first Cyanogenmod phone than OPPO N1.

The post Faea Will Launch New Galaxy S4 Clone With Waterproof Feature appeared first on Gizmochina.