The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active, which released on AT&T in June, isn’t as rugged as one would hope, according to Consumer Reports. The publication revealed Friday that the smartphone, which sports a IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating, failed a water test conducted under the maximum parameters.
An IP68 rating indicates a device can survive under up to five feet of water for 30 minutes. However, Consumer Reports tested two Galaxy S7 Active handsets, which both failed a water durability test in which they were submerged in a water tank pressurized to 2.12 pounds-per-square-inch for 30 minutes. The publication claims the device never fully booted again after being removed from water and had water trapped in the front and back camera lenses and the SIM card slot. The devices supposedly failed to boot up and return to standard function, even several days after the water tests.
Samsung told Consumer Reports it is investigating the issue, claiming the models may have been defective and insisting that the Galaxy S7 Active is “one of the most rugged phones on the market.”
The Samsung Galaxy S7 line has been coveted on the market in 2016, particularly due to its water resistance. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, which released in April, have been put through a battery of tests, most of which they passed with flying colors. The biggest difference between the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge and the Galaxy S7 Active is the former devices have a glass and metal design, while the latter is made of polycarbonate plastic.
SquareTrade Labs water tested the Galaxy S7 against the iPhone 6 with positive results. A YouTube tech enthusiast also put his Galaxy S7 Edge handset in a LG washer for 45 minutes and the device survived. iDigitalTimes’ own water test of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge handsets also yielded positive results.
However, one of the earliest water tests conducted on the Galaxy S7 did not end as well as many others. A Galaxy S7 early adopter and XDA Developer user claimed his Galaxy S7 Edge model refused to charge after being submerged in a pool for a moment to take a photo. While the handset eventually began charging again once fully dried, it’s fast charging capability was permanently damaged.
It is possible that the Galaxy S7 Active is simply going through some growing pains as a new device on the market. However, one would expect for a device marketed as rugged and graded at the highest level of water resistance to actually be able to withstand water. Currently, there have been no other reports on Galaxy S7 Active handsets failing water tests, but other pundits are sure to be soon putting the device through its paces.
