But what exactly do these numbers mean? And what makes ATM water resistance ratings different from other kinds of evaluation standards, such as IP ratings? Read on to find out.

IP Ratings – Making a Splash in the Mobile Industry

In recent years, as more and more individuals have begun taking their smartphones and wearables to places where just a little water can cause huge problems, demand for water-resistant electronics has skyrocketed. As a result, a number of international standards have been put in place for testing water resistance, including the Ingress Protection (IP) rating established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

A device’s IP rating consists of two numbers and is given in the format IPXY (i.e. IP67). X is the rating for physical ingress, or how resistant the device is to penetration by foreign solid objects such as dust, and ranges from 0 to 6. Y, meanwhile, represents the rating for liquid ingress, or how resistant it is to penetration by liquids under various conditions, and ranges from 0 to 8. Below are charts that summarize these protection levels.

SOURCE: IEC 60529 ed.2.2 “Copyright © 2013 IEC Geneva, Switzerland. www.iec.ch”¹

The rating number assigned for each category indicates that the device being tested has met the requirements for each previous rating. For example, Samsung’s Gear S3 smartwatch, which has a rating of IP68, has passed the rating requirements for all six physical ingress levels and the first eight liquid ingress levels. In other words, under specific conditions, the Gear S3 can withstand accidental submersion up to 1.5 meters underwater for 30 minutes, as well as contact with harmful dust.

While a fitness band or smartwatch with an IP68 rating can be worn while jogging in the rain or doing the dishes, IP ratings do not take water pressure into account. Therefore, IP ratings are not indicative of a device’s ability to be used during aquatic activities such as swimming. This is where ATM ratings come in.

ATM Ratings – Water Resistance Under Pressure

While many manufacturers tend to follow IP ratings, some independently test their products to determine how much static pressure they can withstand when submerged. These pressure tests are measured in ATMs – which stands for atmospheres – and are converted to water depth to make the measurements easier to comprehend.

One ATM is equivalent to the static pressure exerted by static submersion in 10 meters of water. The higher the ATM rating, the deeper the product can go without being affected, as deeper water exerts more pressure. The basic ATM water-resistance levels are described below.²

Again, these ratings are for static pressure, meaning that if the device is resting still in a test chamber, it can tolerate pressure up to the rated value and will function properly upon its removal. Conversely, any application of dynamic pressure caused by movement of the wearer (such as diving into the water, for example) increases the pressure of water exposure. So, while a 3 ATM-rated fitness band could easily withstand rain, it might be damaged if sprayed with a powerful hose.

With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, Samsung’s Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro are resistant to pressure at a depth of 50 meters, meaning the devices can not only stand up to the rain, but can also be worn during shallow water activities. This, along with the Speedo On swim tracking app,³ make the two new wearables ideal companions for any swim, whether tackling laps or going for a relaxing dip in the pool.

In summary, not all “water-resistant” devices are created equal. Therefore, it’s important to understand water resistance ratings to ensure your devices meet your needs and are appropriate for your lifestyle.

For more information about Samsung’s Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro, click here.

¹ All such extracts are copyright of IEC, Geneva, Switzerland. All rights reserved. Further information on the IEC is available from http://www.iec.ch. IEC has no responsibility for the placement and context in which the extracts and contents are reproduced by the author, nor is IEC in any way responsible for the other content or accuracy therein.

 ² ATM ratings are not authorized by the ISO. Listed usage examples are guidelines only. The survivability of a device depends not only on the water depth, but also on the age of the sealing material, previous damage, temperature and additional mechanical stresses, among other variables.

Read on to learn more about the new fitness band’s ergonomic design, robust fitness tracking capabilities and premium partnerships that help users get the most out of their workouts.

Stylishly Designed with Lifestyle in Mind

Featuring a lightweight, ergonomic design with an enhanced watch-style clasp, the Gear Fit2 Pro provides a comfortable fit during exercise sessions and other everyday activities. The fitness band’s Super AMOLED curved 1.5-inch display with a high-resolution color touchscreen adds to the user experience by making messages easier to type and notifications easier to read.

But the device’s design isn’t all about functionality. Available in Black and Red, and featuring linear and geometric band patterns, respectively, its polished, sleek aesthetic also makes it a stylish accessory that blends seamlessly with both workwear and activewear.

Ideal for Swimmers with 5 ATM Water Resistance and Speedo On

A water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters) enables advanced swim tracking and monitoring directly from the Gear Fit2 Pro to allow users to measure their key swim metrics for better results. Furthermore, when users begin tracking their swimming session, the device automatically activates the Water Lock Mode, which prevents its screen from being accidentally triggered when touched by water.

With Speedo’s latest swimming training app – Speedo On – Gear Fit2 Pro allow you to easily track key swim metrics including lap count, lap time, stroke type and more.

GPS and Precise Tracking Features to Improve Well-Being

With a variety of intuitive fitness tracking features, the Gear Fit2 Pro gives users more control over their fitness routines and general well-being.

Its built-in GPS offers precise tracking¹ of users’ swimming, running, cycling and hiking data, including distance traveled, speed and calories burned, allowing users to accurately monitor their progress throughout their workout directly from the device itself.

Automatic activity detection also recognizes users’ movements and automatically tracks activities including running, walking, cycling, elliptical and rowing machine, as well as other dynamic activities such as dancing and tennis after the user has been exercising for more than 10 minutes. Moreover, users can manually select up to 17 workout categories to track additional activities based on their needs.

Similarly, real-time, continuous heart rate monitoring with improved accuracy tracks every second of the user’s heart rate and provides them with detailed feedback. The device measures maximum heart rate² and breaks it down into three zones (moderate, vigorous and maximum) so users can stay informed and motivated throughout the day, whether they’re enjoying a stress-free snooze or an invigorating cycling class.

Because the Gear Fit2 Pro tracks the user’s activity for 24 hours a day, the user is able to not only monitor their exercise, but can also view information about the quality of their sleep as well as the number of calories that they burn throughout the day.

Premium Partnerships for a More Connected Life

Adding to the Gear Fit2 Pro’s robust tracking capabilities are an assortment of unique partnerships with industry-leading brands such as Under Armour and, as previously mentioned, Speedo that help to deliver premium fitness experiences.

Samsung’s Under Armour partnership provides users with access to the brand’s popular fitness apps that offer a connected experience via exclusive features including activity, nutrition and social functions.

¹ GPS accuracy may be affected by factors such as weather conditions, trees, buildings/structures and satellite interference.

^{2 MHR (Maximum Heart Rate) = 220 – Age, Moderate: 50~70% of MHR / Vigorous: 70~90% of MHR / Maximum: 90~100% of MHR}

Mr. Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Samsung India putting at the launch of Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro wearable devices

Country’s biggest and most trusted consumer electronics brand, Samsung India launched two new devices in the wearable segment today. Gear Sport, a sleek and versatile smartwatch and Gear Fit2 Pro, a GPS sports band with smart features. Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro will go on sale in December and will be priced at INR 22,990 and INR 13,590 respectively.

Samsung’s new Gear devices have been designed to help users make the most of their day.

With the launch of these two models along with the successful Gear S3, Samsung has augmented its wearable line up considerably. Understanding consumer behaviour that spans different levels of seriousness and activity, Samsung’s current lineup of wearables ensures availability of a complete fitness feature set for all basic users. This also scales up for advanced usage like GPS enabled run tracking or swim tracking along with 50m water resistance.

The devices have revolutionary form factors that offer an uncompromised array of features – Gear Sport is a stylish sports watch made out of premium steel with the acclaimed rotating bezel User Interface. Whereas, Gear Fit2 Pro is a state-of-the-art fitness band with an ergonomic curved super AMOLED display.

Operating beyond conventional definitions of fitness, Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro support a diverse range of user lifestyle and activity levels. The devices mould around a user’s lifestyle with all 24 hours in the day accounted for – this includes activity, sleep and exercise being tracked in auto mode. Driving further specialisation in activity tracking is a selection of in house and third party apps. On Gear Sport, further connecting these moments are utilities and services that range from nutrition management to gameplay analytics for games like tennis to even calling an Uber right from the wrist.

“At Samsung, we celebrate the everyday athlete. With the launch of Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro, we continue to build on our wearables heritage of offering diverse choices to enhance consumers’ unique lifestyles. We have introduced new smart capabilities, easy-to-use features and partnered with leading names in tech and fitness to help consumers go beyond fitness and live an active, balanced and fulfilling life,” said Aditya Babbar, General Manager, Samsung India.

Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro are packed with new and innovative features to support balanced lifestyle:

Cutting Edge Fitness Features

• Industry-Leading Water Resistance and Swim Tracking: An ideal companion for any swim – from laps to playing in the pool – these devices are 5 ATM certified for water resistance. Now, with Speedo’s latest swimming training app – Speedo On – Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro allow you to easily track key swim metrics including lap count, lap time, stroke type and more.
• Top-of-the-line Heart Rate Monitoring: With improved accuracy, the devices offer advanced real-time heart rate monitoring. They help you continuously monitor your heart activity – whether it’s enjoying a stress-free nap or an invigorating cycling class.
• Auto Activity Detection: Automatic activity detection built into the devices is in tune with your body and can recognize the following categories of activities: walking, running, cycling and performing dynamic activities that could include dancing to basketball. Moreover, the devices give you inputs on the whole day when they auto track moments of inactivity like sitting at the laptop and sleeping/napping by poking you into some stretching exercises and giving you sleep quality analytics respectively.
• Premium Partnerships: Daily activities can be supplemented with updated Under Armour partnerships. Both devices provide access to Under Armour’s fitness apps including Under Armour Record, MyFitnessPal®, MapMyRun® and Endomondo for activity, nutrition, sleep and fitness tracking functions – these apps provide users with a holistic picture of their health and fitness.

Gear Sport: A sleek and versatile smartwatch to support balanced lifestyle

Gear Sport comes with AMOLED 1.2-inch display and the acclaimed rotating bezel UI that makes it easy to view information, even when on-the-go. With Gear Sport, users can work to achieve health and wellness goals, and receive nutrition management alerts and activity recommendations even if they are offline.

Designed with military-level durability, it can handle a wide-range of environments. It is perfect wearable device for any occasion so you can effortlessly transition from the gym to a night out with friends. Gear Sport will be available in Blue and Black.

Gear Fit2 Pro: GPS enabled fitness band with smart features

Gear Fit2 Pro features built-in GPS tracking to capture your run or ride with accuracy. Fit2 Pro’s Super AMOLED curved 1.5-inch display and a high-resolution colour touchscreen make real-time updates and notifications easier to read. Drawing from Samsung’s smartwatch capabilities, the screen also doubles up as an effective secondary screen to the phone capable of displaying complex information like maps, activity stats and archives as well as responding to messages with preset replies and an emoticon library. Available in Black and Red, its versatile design also makes it a stylish accessory.