Apple and Google dominate the smartphone landscape. Both companies have loyal followings and there is always an argument as to which operating system is the best. While Apple and Google have always relied on their name value to justify the expensive prices of their smartphones, consumers have become wiser with their money. Now, many are continually searching for the device that provides the necessities, but at a reasonable price.
Apple and Google have taken note of this consumer behavior change and released budget smartphones. The Apple iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 4a are two of the best cheap phones currently available. The iPhone SE costs $400 and the Pixel 4a costs $350. Both devices sacrifice some features to lower the cost, but consumers will still get an optimal user experience.
Water resistance is a common feature for smartphones. Most users do not take advantage of this feature, but water resistance is a safety net. The level of resistance is determined by an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which guarantees the smartphone will withstand submersion in water, as well as resistance to dust. All high-end smartphones, such as the iPhone 11 and Pixel 4, have an IP68 rating; ensuring the devices can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Budget smartphones usually have some form of water or splash resistance, but most do not have an official IP rating.
No IP Rating For Pixel 4a
The iPhone SE has an IP67 rating, which means it can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The water resistance is less than Apple’s more expensive smartphones, however, the IP67 is acceptable for the average user. Especially as the use cases for smartphones in water are very few and far between, outside of getting caught in the rain. In comparison, the Pixel 4a does not have an IP rating. This does come as a surprise considering Google’s previous budget smartphone, the Pixel 3a, also did not have an IP certification and many might have expected the newer model to offer improvements in an area like this.
The iPhone SE and Pixel 4a are fantastic budget smartphones. However, the iPhone SE is the clear winner when it comes to water resistance. There is always the option of investing in a waterproof case for the Pixel 4a, but a case will add extra bulk to the phone and the total cost of everything will reduce the difference in price with the iPhone SE even further. In spite of this difference, water resistance should not be the defining factor for picking between the two smartphones. Instead, choosing a smartphone with the ideal operating system and specifications is the best way to guarantee satisfaction, whether it is from Apple, Google, or any other major phone brand.
Sources: Apple, Google
