The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are not yet on the market, but an early adopter may have discovered a small glitch in the devices’ IP 68 rated water resistance.
On Thursday, a user at XDA Developers Forum shared his experience after submerging a Galaxy S7 Edge handset in water to take a photo. Senior member xxaarraa said that four hours after snapping an image with is T-Mobile model device, the Galaxy S7 Edge was unable to charge and have him a warning stating, “moisture detected in charging port.”
Samsung is promoting its recently announced Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge as water resistant and the perfect handset to use in and around water. T-Mobile has even done and underwater unboxing of the Galaxy S7 to display its usability underwater. The XDA user said it was T-Mobile’s video that prompted him to try and do his own underwater photo-shoot with the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
At this time, pundits believe the warning and the lack of charging is a safeguard on the device to prevent damage within the charging port, if the handset continues to detect water. Despite water resistance protection, electronics can be damaged by contact with water.
Several tech publications have warned that promises of water resistance on smartphones like the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are to be taken as a cautionary measure against spills and not as open season to deliberately toss the devices in water.
However, Samsung PR manager Philip Berne recently told iDigitalTimes due to the sealing within the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, users should be able to take photos in a swimming pool or take calls in a shower if they wished. A rating of IP68 is intended to within stand up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of water for 30 minutes.
iDigi noted that older water resistant devices, such as the Galaxy S5, included a cover for the charging port to protect against internal water damage, despite an IP67 water resistance rating. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge have no protective covers for their charging ports.
Several hours after posting his dilemma, the XDA member reported that his Galaxy S7 Edge handset was once again changing; however, he was still unable to get it to fast charge.
Samsung has not yet commented on the matter.
Editor's Note: The headline has been updated to reflect the isolated nature of the error.
