While waiting for reviews to tell us how the “world class cameras” of the HTC 10, its Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM and 3,000 mAh battery perform in real life, particularly when compared to similarly high-end components inside the Galaxy S7 and LG G5, you might be curious just how outdoorsy the new phone is.

At a first glance, we’re dealing with a pretty robust device here that, although not technically rugged, should be able to survive the occasional drop on a not-so-hard surface. But is the HTC 10 also safe to use in the rain or shower? In short, not really.

Then again, it’s unlikely to stop working at the slightest splash contact, as Jeff Gordon, HTC’s Senior Global Online Communications Manager, just tweeted the handheld’s official Ingress Protection marking: IP53.

Clearly inferior to the Galaxy S7’s IP68 certification, which is why HTC probably didn’t include it in the press release announcing the phone, it’s still better than nothing. And it’s apparently the best the OEM could do to “find a balance with our best metal design.”

As for exactly what it means, the 5 stands for partial dust protection, and the 3 for spraying water. In other words, you’ll have to bury the HTC 10 deep in the sand to seriously damage it, whereas “water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect.”

Bottom line, at least in theory, you’re covered for a nice long walk on the beach, and the occasional water spray, including most likely rain dropping on the trouser pocket you have your precious new phone deposited in.

Source: Twitter