Melissa Forrester Water resistance is a must-have feature in any electronic device. However, each manufacturer equips the device with its waterproofing standard.
If you’re wondering about IPX4 vs IPX7 rated watches, here’s a detailed explanation of each device’s waterproofing capabilities.
Do not miss any valuable information because you will choose the proper product for your needs after reading this article.
Contents
What Is IPX4?
IPX4 is a symbol that indicates the water resistance of electronic devices. IP stands for Ingress Protection, and X4 stands for water resistance.
Currently, X16 is the highest waterproof standard. Hence, an IPX4-rated device will be relatively water resistant. It cannot be waterproof.
Instead, it can only resist light jets of water. When submerging a device with IPX4 water resistance, it will not function properly.
This waterproof standard often appears on devices with low to mid-range prices.
If you have a watch, headset, or phone with IPX4 waterproofing, you should avoid these devices exposed to water for extended periods.
What Is IPX7?
IPX7 is a more robust waterproof standard than IPX4. Devices that meet these standards can withstand water jets and be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
There are quite a few electronic devices today that are IPX7 rated. You can use these devices under heavy rain or wash them under the faucet.
An IPX7-rated headset, phone, or watch may also be available for you to swim in the water. However, if you dive deeper than 1m, these devices will no longer be able to withstand water pressure.
Although IPX7-rated devices are waterproof, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend submerging them frequently. Prolonged exposure to water can seriously damage the electronic components inside.
Related: IPX8 Vs IP68
IPX4 vs IPX7 Comparison
Both IPX4 and IPX7 are fairly common waterproof standards, and each one has its characteristics. To distinguish these standards, you can use some features.
Anti-intrusion
Devices that are IPX4 waterproof can only resist the ingress of light water jets but are not waterproof.
This water resistance standard is only helpful on rainy days, in wet weather, or washing hands. During immersion in water, your electronic device can damage.
IPX7-rated devices will resist both splashes and submersion. These devices will be waterproof when immersed in one meter deep water for up to 30 minutes.
The winner: IPX7
Waterproof
IPX4 waterproof standard is valuable for wet conditions, light rain, or under light water jets such as faucets or showers. Devices that meet the IPX4 standard are not entirely waterproof, and you need to be careful not to let water into them.
IPX7 has good waterproofing in conditions of heavy rain or shallow puddles. These qualified electronics can withstand direct water jets or prolonged immersion in pools. You can use the IPX7 device while showering or swimming.
The Winner: IPX7
Dustproof
The X in the standard indicates that the device has not been tested for dust resistance. But, IPX4 and IPX7 rated devices resist dust and large debris.
The winner: Draw
Comparison Table
| IPX4 | IPX7 | |
| Anti-intrusion | Resistant to light water jet penetration. | Resists splashing and flooding. |
| Waterproof | Not available to soak in water. | Waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. |
| Dustproof | Not tested for dust resistance. | Not tested for dust resistance. |
IPX4 Vs IPX: Which One Is Better?
Obviously, in the condition of immersion in water, IPX7 is more waterproof than IPX4. Devices that meet IPX7 standards will better survive exposure to moisture, even submersion in water up to a depth of one meter.
However, this does not mean that IPX7 is entirely superior to the lower rating standard, IPX4, because some devices can still be submerged in water for a long time but still get damaged by the water jet from the nozzle.
As such, a device that is splashproof and waterproof to immersion will have a dual rating, for example, IPX4/IPX7.
But, these devices will also cost more than the IPX4-only option.
If your requirements are simply for cheaper phones, watches, and headphones, IPX4 is the standard you should consider.
These devices will be very suitable for outdoor picnics due to their ability to resist water jets at various angles.
If you want to use your electronics under all circumstances, including underwater or heavy rain, a device with IPX7 or higher water resistance is required.
For example, Bluetooth speaker models with an IPX7 rating will be ideal for outdoor activities like swimming or hiking.
FAQs
In addition to concerns about similarities and differences, many questions are related to IPX4 and IPX7. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers to them. If you are interested, do not skip any information.
Is IPX7 OK for swimming?
IPX7 is the minimum waterproof standard on electronic devices available in swimming. Options with a water resistance rating lower than IPX7 are prone to severe damage when submerged.
You should also not use IPX7-certified electronics underwater for too long. It cannot handle continuous sinking. Instead, it can only work in 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes.
Is IPX7 an excellent waterproof rating?
Devices that meet the IPX7 standard are relatively waterproof. However, it is much worse than IPX8 equipment that can be immersed more than 1 meter or IPX9, which can resist pressure jets and long-term immersion.
Is IPX7 OK for a shower?
IPx7 is relatively safe for devices in the rain, but you also need to ensure you don’t accidentally let water enter the case openings.
Is IPX4 available for the shower?
IPX4-rated devices are not ideal for bathing because they cannot continuously withstand large splashes of water or soak in water for a long time.
Can IPX7 be used in the rain?
You can use your IPX7-certified device in the rain. It will be waterproof well, without any damage.
Conclusion
IPX4 vs IPX7 are both common water resistance standards. They come with their pros and cons. Hopefully, you can make your choice with this post.
If you have any other questions, don’t forget to contact me or leave a comment to receive the accurate explanations as soon as possible!
Thank you for reading!
