The iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 will turn out to be pretty similar devices if current rumors are to be believed. Naturally, the same can be said about previous iPhone and Galaxy S generations, as Samsung has often borrowed features from Apple when it comes to phone design and Apple borrows from Android all the time. However, this year, the phones are expected to sport similar designs and features, and a new report sheds light on yet another key element they’ll have in common.
Sources said to be familiar with the upcoming phones told The Investor that both the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 will come with IP68 water and dust resistance. The iPhone 8 is the one that’s getting an upgrade here, compared to the iPhone 7’s IP67 rating. The Galaxy S8, meanwhile, will match the Galaxy S7’s IP68 rating.
IP67 means a device can stay under 1 meter of water for half an hour and come away undamaged. IP68 gives you protection in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
“Apple’s iPhone 8 will feature the IP68 rating protection as part of drastic upgrades marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone this year,” an industry source told the site.
Samsung is looking to add water resistance to a broad range of handsets, not just the Galaxy S8. “Samsung is considering water protection even for the cheapest J series phones as they are the best-selling Galaxy phones,” a different source said.
The report goes on to note that both Samsung and Apple will use waterproof tapes to protect their devices, rather than adhesives, as tape makes repair work easier. 3M and NDFOS are the dominant players in the waterproof tape market.
LG’s upcoming G6 is also expected to feature water and dust protection, and some Chinese companies will also have waterproof handsets out this year as well.
