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Samsung stands by waterproof claims for Galaxy S7 Active

A series of endurance tests have suggested that the S7 Active is still prone to water damage when put under extreme conditions.
Written by Natalie Gagliordi, Contributor
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Samsung has responded to claims that its Galaxy S7 Active device is not as watertight as it should be.

The Galaxy S7 Active touts a waterproof design that supposedly keeps the phone's innards dry and functioning under a range of splashy circumstances. However, a series of endurance tests have suggested that the phone is still prone to water damage when tested in extreme conditions.

According to CNET, the S7 Active failed two out of four water damage tests. The most damning failure seemed to contradict the S7's Active's rating of IP68, which states that the phones are "water resistant to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) for up to 30 minutes, and are protected from dust, dirt and sand".

Under those precise circumstances, water was visible inside both camera lenses and the S7 Active ultimately bricked, CNET found. The same test was conducted by Consumer Reports with identical results.

In its official response, Samsung backed up the the S7 Active's waterproof certification:

"The Galaxy S7 active passed rigorous tests to ensure IP68 certification for water resistance," the company said. "Samsung stands behind this water resistance certification, and will replace any Galaxy S7 active under its standard limited warranty, should water damage occur."

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