Samsung Galaxy S7 Active users should not be too quick to dip their devices in water. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active recently failed a water immersion test conducted by a top product review site, Consumer Reports.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active may not be water-resistant after all. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active stopped working after it was placed inside a tank that had the same effect if it were about five feet underwater for 30 minutes.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active's screen reportedly did not respond and had green lines. There were also bubbles spotted on the two camera lenses.
A second test was done by Consumer Reports, under the same conditions, using a second phone, but rendered the same results The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active was damaged again, hinting that the potentially defective devices were not as watertight as these should have been.
BBC noted that according to the Samsung website, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active is IP68-certified, which means that it should tolerate continuous immersion in water.
Consumer Reports stated that the standard Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, which are also IP68-certified, were not damaged when placed under the same test conditions.
The non-profit group stated that they generally do not evaluate devices for water-resistant features, but they perform a water immersion test when the manufacturer claims that these are water-resistant.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active earning an IP 68 protection rating means that it can resist water after being submerged in more than one meter for 30 minutes. Water-resistance to water immersion up to one meter gives the product an IP 67 rating.
CNet reported that in terms of water resistance, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are the best choice, compared to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active is expected to be even tougher, considering that it was built for people who preferred outdoor and rugged conditions.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active, however, should not be used underwater. During the tests, Consumer Reports submerged the devices while on standby mode. In terms of drop-resistance, iPhone is the better option.
Samsung responded that they receive very few complaints about the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active not being water-resistant. Handsets should be covered by the warranty.
The manufacturer stated that they will investigate the issue.
More updates and details on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active and its water-resistant feature are expected in the following weeks.