The Google Pixel and Pixel XL may officially be IP53 certified, but tests prove they are capable of surviving up to an hour underwater.
Do not try this at home or anywhere else. Google says Pixel and Pixel XL are IP53 certified that makes them safe from water and dust to an extent. This came as a bit of a surprise since most high-end devices days like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Apple iPhone 7 are at least IP65 certified. But a couple of tests done by YouTube users prove that the new Pixel smartphones are more capable than what Google claims to be.
So what does an IP53 rating actually mean? The number ’5′ indicates that the smartphone is partially protected against ‘harmful dust’. The ’3′, on the other hand, indicates that the smartphone is capable of surviving exposure to water at very low pressure (between 7-20PSI) and that too only if the device is held at a vertical angle (not exceeding 60 degrees). In simpler terms, as long as you are holding the devices vertically, you will be able to take them out during light rains to check who is calling or send a quick text. Also as long as the device is not exposed to water for more than five minutes, there is every chance that the water droplets will just slide down the surface of the phone.
YouTuber Harris Craycraft has however put these claims to test, and the results are surprising to say the least. He first partially submerged the Pixel smartphone in a shallow bowl of water to see how it holds up, and hold up it does. The next test sees Craycraft spray water on the phone, and again there is no problem. The last test is however the most impressive where the Pixel is completely submerged in a bowl of water for a full 30 minutes and the smartphone survives it like a boss. After taking the phone out, Craycraft noticed that the speaker grille and charging port were both working.
If that wasn’t crazy enough though, YouTuber Jonathan Morrison took things to the next level and kept the Pixel underwater for an hour. The smartphone survived the hour-long test as well, but he did notice that the speakers were a bit affected.
It’s impressive to see the Pixel survive the water test, and it is more capable than what Google claims. But we would strongly recommend you don’t try this at home. The Pixel XL was recently subject to a tear down revealing that it is among the easiest HTC manufactured phones to repair. The Pixel was also put through a few torture tests, and it survived them with apparent ease. RELATED: Google Pixel XL teardown reveals it is not as easy as the Apple iPhone 7 Plus to repair
Prices for the Pixel smartphones start from Rs 57,000, and they are set to go on sale in India tomorrow. Currently, they are up for pre-orders on Flipkart with a bunch of offers, and on Croma’s online store as well. From tomorrow, the smartphones will be available at offline stores like Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Croma and Jumbo among others. ALSO READ: Google Pixel, Pixel XL review roundup: iPhone finally gets an Android match