Don't Use Waterproof Xperia Phones Underwater Sony Says

Don’t Use Waterproof Xperia Phones Underwater Sony Says

BY GreenBot Staff

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Published 11 Sep 2015

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Sony Mobile is changing its stance over its waterproof phones. When the company says Xperia phones are waterproof. It just means that if you try to use them underwater, you’ll have proof that H2O can destroy your phone. Well, not quite, but Sony has a lot of explaining. The company was not available for comment at this writing. We’ll update this article should the company respond. The waterproof explanation page for Sony Mobile Xperia phones now includes the disclaimer, Remember not to use the device underwater, as first noted by Xperia Blog. That’s a surprising turnaround considering the company has advertised Xperia waterproof phones with images of people using their phones underwater. Xperia waterproof phones typically have an I5/68 rating. It means they are entirely resistant to dust and can resist low-pressure water jet spray for at least 3 minutes. And can remain functional after immersion below a minimum 1 meter (3.28 feet) depth.
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The problem is that the test wasn’t rigorous when Sony tested each device to achieve its IP rating. Sony devices tested for their waterproof abilities are placed gently inside a container filled with tap water lowered to a depth of 1.5 meters. According to Sony’s waterproof page says. After 30 minutes in the container, the device was gently removed, and its functions and features were tested. It means Xperia waterproof phones can withstand. A heavy rainstorm, a non-water-immersing web browsing session in the bath, or a run under the bathroom faucet. But all those shots of fun-loving people taking videos in lakes and chlorine-laden swimming pools? That’s pushing it.

So can I take it underwater or not, Sony?

At least according to some pages. As Xperia Blog points out, other parts of Sony Mobile’s site still encourage you to dive underwater with your device.

For the most part, however, Sony warns you about the limits of its non-waterproof and waterproof phones. A case in point is the company’s Xperia M4 Aqua. The waterproof camera phone for everyone has this under the fine print. You should not put the device completely underwater or expose to seawater, chlorinated water, or liquids such as drinks. Abuse /or improper use of the device will invalidate the warranty.

The impact on you at home: If you have an Xperia waterproof phone. You should heed Sony’s warning even if you’ve previously taken underwater shots with your phone. Should it get damaged during such an excursion. Sony could refuse to help and point to its support materials that warn against taking them into the water. Sure, it has tons of marketing materials encouraging the opposite, but take the images with a grain of salt.