Waterproof and Water-resistant gadgets. What is the difference?

Waterproof and Water-resistant gadgets. What is the difference - UgTechMag.Com
Credit: Geeky Soumya
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It is no secret that many people do not know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gadgets. It could be a problem of misuse or misunderstanding of the words but all the same we clear that out today. For a start, however, let us look at the independent definitions of the terms.

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Read Also: How to Fix a Phone Dropped in Water.

Waterproof vs Water-resistant

Uninformed gadget lovers continue to shower or swim with their supposedly ‘waterproof’ gadgets because they fail to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. You could blame the gadget owners for not doing enough research, or blame the producers for their misleading advertisements. Understanding this difference will not only help you protect and keep your gadgets safe but also help you choose the right gadgets for your needs.

Waterproof gadgets are those that are made to withstand more exposure to water and not have it get into the gadget. The term proof means that there is no way water can ingress into the said gadget. On the other hand, water-resistant gadgets are those that are made to survive light exposure to water or liquids. These liquids might include rain, sweat, and quick spills. This means that while these gadgets might get exposed to water, they won’t get damaged extensively.

With that said, it is important to know that outside misleading marketing material, the concept of waterproof is close to non-existent. From phones, watches, sports bands, speakers, and others, any gadget that is labeled waterproof should in reality be labeled ‘Water-resistant within the parameters specified by the manufacturer’

To explain it better, think of a house that is ‘tremor proof’. It is impossible to set up a structure that is not affected by an earth tremor of any intensity. However good it is, there is an intensity of earthquakes or tremors that can bring it to the ground. This is why the concept of waterproof is equally false. A gadget might be water-resistant to the highest of levels but if it is exposed to water for long, exposed to extremely hot or cold water, the seals are bound to fail at a point and let water in.