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29 March 2024

Your car might get washed away but not your smartphone

Published
By Joseph George

It is not very often that it rains in the UAE and when it does and does so on scale that was witnessed on Wednesday, Its time to run for cover.

While car insurance firms, emergency pick-up trucks and maintenance companies that were on a 24 hour shift, there was one small message from Samsung that went out to UAE residents, "Your car might get soaked but not your Galaxy S7,"
The South Korean firm took to its social media to make the best use of the UAE weather and its aftereffects to remind residents why it is important to opt for a waterproof smartphone.

The Galaxy S7 and the S7 edge which was launched two weeks ago is said to have enough power to withstand upto 30 minutes and 1.5 metres under water.

"The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge go everywhere you go. In the rain, the shower, or the pool. …..We've also worked out how to completely seal off the inside components while keeping micro USB ports, earphone jacks open, so you won't have to fiddle with extra caps or covers," the company notes explaining the water resistance features.

In fact, Samsung introduced the feature with the Galaxy S5 but sort of pushed it under the carpet with the Galaxy S6 and now the features has returned with the latest flagship model.

Several teardown reviews have pointed out that Samsung has secured the device with rubber seals, glue and tape to ensure that the device is secured from moisture and also make it water resistant.

For those interested in knowing exactly how Samsung has don’t it, this video posted on YouTube by JerryRigEverything explains the details.

There are several smartphones including Sony Xperia starting with the Z3 that are said to be waterproof. But users should note that a smartphone being waterproof does not mean you can go scuba diving or snorkeling with the device.

When Sony came out with several advertisements about its Xperia Z3 being waterproof many who jumped into the pool with the device and without adequately protecting it had to take it back to the service centre.

Any device that claims to have an IPX5  rating should be able to protect your device against low-pressure water jet spray for at least 3 minutes and an IPX6 protect against heavy jet spray for at least 3 minutes. It is only when the device has IPX8  that it can withstand continuous immersion in fresh water to depths of about 1.5metre and for up to 30 minutes.