The Huawei Mate 20 X is due to land at Clove early in 2019 and is a device that we are really, really excited about. With a 7.2-inch display, dual symmetrical speakers and Huawei’s acclaimed triple lens camera, the Mate 20 X is truly a media lover’s dream.
If you’re thinking about getting your hands on the Huawei Mate 20 X, then maybe one of your top considerations is whether the device offers high levels of water resistance.
This is a key priority for many, and particularly those who might want to make full use of their smartphone devices whilst exposed to the elements.
The Huawei Mate 20 X comes with an IP53 rating, which means that is protected from water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical. As such, the Huawei Mate 20 X cannot be submerged in water for any length of time.
What is an IP rating?
‘IP’ literally stands for Ingress Protection rating and is an international standard that provides information on the degree of protection that is offered by a range of devices.
A rating is usually written in a precise format, namely ‘IP’ followed by two numbers, with each number representing a different standard of durability and water resistance. The first number outlines the level to which a device can withstand dust and physical damage by small objects, whilst the second number equates to the level of water resistance. The higher the number, the better the protection that is offered.
Now, almost all mobile devices have a water resistance rating of at least three, which protects against spraying water so that smartphones aren’t ruined by things such as rain whilst in use. 8 is the highest rating that a smartphone can be offered with regards to water resistance, whilst in the case of dust and small objects, the highest rating is 6.
What does IP53 mean?
The Huawei Mate 20 X has been crafted with an IP53 rating which is not as high as many other flagship devices that have been released this year.
The ‘5’ rating means that ‘ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact’.
More importantly, the ‘3’ rating means that the device is only protected against spraying water, or more precisely, ‘water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical shall have no harmful effect’.
As such, the Huawei Mate 20 X cannot be submerged in any depths of water for any period of time. Neither should it make contact with high pressure jets of water.
Can IP ratings be trusted?
IP ratings are awarded following rigorous testing and provide precise guidelines on how well protected a device is against dust particles and pure water.
That said, more often than not these tests are performed on devices in fresh water which does not take into account many other common situations. Salt water in particular can have a very different impact on mobile phones and can often be corrosive, damaging outer seals and circuit boards inside the device.
Similarly, chlorinated water in swimming pools and spilled soft drinks also contain chemical substances that have not been accounted for whilst testing.
Liquid temperatures are also another factor to take into consideration, since very cold or very hot water will have a damaging effect and further, the pressure at which water is applied to a device should also be remembered.
Is the Huawei Mate 20 X drop resistant?
The Huawei Mate 20 X does not come with any drop testing certifications meaning that it is not able to withstand heavy knocks or bruises.
The device does come coated in Corning’s Gorilla Glass which does offer an extra layer of protection, however both the front and back of the Mate 20 X is crafted from engraved glass. This makes it a little more vulnerable to cracks and bumps.
We would always advise getting a screen protector and a case when purchasing a new phone, and this is certainly the case with the Huawei Mate 20 X.
Why should I be excited about the Huawei Mate 20 X?
The Huawei Mate 20 X has been crafted with a whopping 7.2-inch Full HD+ display that produces bright and vivid colours which, coupled with dual symmetrical speakers, is perfect for watching movies or playing games.
The device comes fitted with the lauded Leica triple lens camera setup that is found on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and takes some of the best images of a smartphone currently on the market.
Huawei’s Kirin 980 Octa-core processor offers unrivalled levels of power and performance, and a whopping 5000mAh battery ensures that you can last a full day of gaming without an issue.
Take a look at our full review for more:
Can I purchase anything to make my device more water resistant?
Whilst we would never recommend taking your smartphone for a dip, there are a range of products available that help with waterproofing your device.
The case fits a plethora of different devices and is crafted with the highest grade JIS IPX8 waterproof rating, ensuring that your smartphone is protected at all times. Indeed, the case actually floats so if you were to unexpectedly lose it whilst in the water, you can retrieve it with ease.
You are still able to make full use of your device whilst in the case as it supports touch screen and also provides protection against small solid particles such as dust and dirt.
