As smartphones become an integral part of our daily lives, durability features such as water resistance have become a major selling point. Google’s Pixel series is no exception, with each new iteration often bringing improvements to various hardware aspects, including waterproofing. In this article, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof and Google Pixel 7 Waterproof, highlighting key differences and similarities to help you understand what sets them apart in terms of water resistance.
Waterproof Rating Explained: IP67 vs. IP68
Before diving into the specific features of the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof and Google Pixel 7 Waterproof, it’s important to understand the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, which is used to measure how well a device can resist dust and water.
- IP67: This rating means that the device is dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and can withstand being submerged in water up to a depth of 1 meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes.
- IP68: A higher rating, meaning the device is also dust-tight and can be submerged in water, but typically to a greater depth. For instance, it could withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes, or even more depending on the specific design.
In the case of the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof and the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof, their waterproof capabilities are reflected in these ratings, so let’s take a closer look at each model’s protection.
Google Pixel 7 Waterproof Features (IP67)
The Google Pixel 7, which was released in 2022, comes with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This means it is protected against dust ingress and can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. The Google Pixel 7 Waterproof rating is fairly common in smartphones and offers sufficient protection for most everyday scenarios, such as accidental spills, light rain, or dropping the phone in a puddle.
However, the IP67 rating may limit the device's protection when compared to higher-rated phones, particularly if submerged in deeper water or exposed to high-pressure water jets (like when swimming or using it in the shower). It’s also important to note that prolonged exposure to water may still have an effect on the device over time, especially in saltwater or chlorinated environments.
Google Pixel 7 Waterproof Summary:
- Rating: IP67
- Water Resistance: Submersion in up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes
- Best for: Accidental splashes, brief submersion (e.g., dropping in a sink or puddle)
Google Pixel 9 Waterproof Features (IP68)
As for the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof, expected to be released in 2024, it’s anticipated to feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The IP68 rating signifies a higher level of protection than the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof. Not only is the device protected against dust, but it can also be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for 30 minutes or more. This makes the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof more capable of handling tougher conditions, like being submerged in a swimming pool, a shallow river, or under heavy rain.
With an IP68 rating, the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof should be more durable in a variety of scenarios, particularly if you plan to take it near or into water more often. Whether you're taking a call in the rain, accidentally dropping it in a pool, or using it around water-based environments, the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof offers superior protection, particularly for deeper water submersion.
Google Pixel 9 Waterproof Summary:
- Rating: IP68
- Water Resistance: Submersion in up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) of water for 30 minutes or more
- Best for: Deeper water submersion (e.g., pools, streams), and tougher water exposure scenarios
Key Differences Between Google Pixel 7 Waterproof and Google Pixel 9 Waterproof
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Water Resistance Depth:
- Google Pixel 7 Waterproof (IP67): Submersible to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
- Google Pixel 9 Waterproof (IP68): Submersible to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for up to 30 minutes or more.
The Google Pixel 9 Waterproof offers an additional half meter of submersion depth compared to the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof, which could be important for those who frequently use their phone in environments with deeper water.
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Durability in Tougher Conditions:
- The Google Pixel 9 Waterproof IP68 rating provides extra confidence when taking your phone into challenging environments, such as a pool or ocean. It also has a slight edge in terms of protection against dust and dirt compared to the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof.
- The Google Pixel 7 Waterproof, with its IP67 rating, still offers great protection for most casual water-related incidents but is slightly less robust than the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof in terms of water submersion.
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Practical Use Cases:
- For day-to-day users who want to ensure their phone is protected from rain, spills, or the occasional slip into a puddle, the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof will suffice.
- For those who are more active around water, like swimmers, divers, or people working in wet environments, the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof’s IP68 rating is better suited for those conditions.
Conclusion: Is the Google Pixel 9 Waterproofing Worth the Upgrade?
While both the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof and Google Pixel 9 Waterproof offer robust waterproofing capabilities, the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof’s IP68 rating provides better protection, particularly for those who need enhanced durability in water-related scenarios. If you frequently find yourself near or in water and want more confidence in your phone’s ability to handle submersion, the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof would be the better choice.
However, if you only need water resistance for occasional rain or light splashes, the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof will still perform admirably with its IP67 rating, offering sufficient protection for everyday accidents.
Ultimately, the difference between the two models may come down to your personal use case: those who value the extra peace of mind in water-prone environments will appreciate the added protection of the Google Pixel 9 Waterproof, while the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof will continue to be a reliable option for users who need moderate water resistance at a potentially lower cost.
