Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, the two beautifully crafted Android smartphones, were launched just last week here in India. The manufacturer has priced the two premium flagships at a pretty high price, and why not—the devices are equipped with the most powerful processors and cameras and are designed with metal and glass and even made them waterproof. But did you know that these are still devices are vulnerable to falls and water? We could be wrong, but a new study revealed that the Galaxy S7 is highly vulnerable to damage by both falls and water. SquareTrade, a company that provides extended protection to smartphones, revealed that the devices are not as great as the company claims.
As for the test, SquareTrade did some massive water and drop tests on the devices and compared them to the iPhone 6s and revealed some shocking information that could melt your heart. So if you have just booked your Samsung Galaxy S7, you should be aware of the same.
SquareTrade performed some drop and dunk tests on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the video below will give you all the information you need to know. In the test, the damage by water, stress and drops was almost fatal to the expensive flagships.
On the contrary, no doubt that the premium-priced smartphones will still be as good as your prized possessions in your pocket and the last thing on your mind is to drop them. However, you should still be assured that the devices will stay intact with minor scuffs and scratched. But you should know this too:
We spoke to representatives from Samsung at the launch here in India, with regards to the water resistance on the device and the warranty issues that a consumer would face.
How SquareTrade rated the Samsung Galaxy S7.
As for the water resistance, though the device is seamlessly sealed with rubber gaskets, you can be assured that water will just not enter inside the smartphone. However, if you have got it serviced by an unauthorized service center, the Galaxy S7 could allow water residing inside, permanently. The Samsung Galaxy S7 has a sticky sealant that clamps the rear panel and display to the frame. If this sealant is not applied properly after removing the older residue, water could seep in, if you manage to dunk it in water thereafter. Secondly, as for the test done by SquareTrade, the speakers are protected by very thin, special gauze/material that does not allow water to enter to the speaker chambers. The gauze allows air to pass, but restricts water from entering. However, after a certain amount of time, the material gives way, permanently damaging the speaker.
Though we all know that nobody will dunk his or her expensive smartphone in water, that too for more than a minute (at least), the possibility of speaker damage can be ruled out as an extreme rare condition. However, when we questioned Samsung about the possibility of water damaging the USB ports and audio jacks, they had no answer. They assured that the ports are sealed from behind with rubber gaskets so that water does not enter the phone from these routes.
As you must know, the USB port and audio jack, unlike the Xperia Z series, is not covered by rubber flaps. The rubber flaps ensure that the water does not enter the ports in any circumstances. But in this case, the ports are exposed and highly vulnerable to water. Assume that you are on the move and are caught up by a sudden downpour.
Circled above are the copper contact points that can get damaged by impurities in the water.
The rain water would most likely enter these ports if you are not careful enough, or plain unlucky. Since these ports are tiny and water will not flow out from them as easily, the acidic rain water will stay put till it dries automatically. It is very difficult to determine that there is rain water inside these ports and also how much of it is there inside. The acidic rain water will then tend to eat up or corrode the copper pins of the ports (USB and headphone), finally forming a copper oxide layer, preventing the phone to connect to either the USB or headphones. This is identical to permanent damage and you would have to opt for warranty/service. On asking Samsung about what protection they are offering on the copper terminals against rainwater (or any type of water) to prevent such damage, we did not receive any reply.
Possible fix or solution: So if you are caught in such a circumstance, make sure you wash your Galaxy S7 with clean distilled water and immediately wipe it dry and use a blower to dry out the water that would remain inside the ports. The clean water will wash away any impurities and the acidic water to help lower the damage and possibility of corrosion. Do this at your own risk.
Also do note: The Samsung Galaxy S7’s USB port is also protected by a humidity sensor which won’t allow you to charge the smartphone if it detects any humidity in the USB port. Sadly, the phone does not have a humidity ‘level’ sensor which can tell you that the port suffers from ‘x’ levels of humidity due to water intake and how long you can wait before you are good to charge it. Samsung again had no answer to the same query.
Lastly, we also did see that the Samsung Galaxy S7 is highly vulnerable to falling face down and landing on its corners. With multiple drops, you could fracture the display, leaving the smartphone almost useless if you not careful enough. Using a rubber or silicone case for the device is highly recommended.
Lastly, on the warranty, Samsung has still disappointed with global service/warranty. With people constantly on the move and travelling a lot, you could lose out on your warranty if you are in another country other than in the one you purchased the smartphone. For example, out editor had purchased a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from Singapore last year and travelled back to India, but is having issues with the warranty from Samsung. The device failed within three months if use with the menu button completely disabled. Numerous updates and resets did not solve the issue, till he approached Samsung for warranty. However, Samsung turned him down stating that the device was purchased in Singapore and the warranty will only be applicable in the same country. But Samsung has released the Exynos chipset-based handset in Asia and India should ideally be on the warranty list too. But Samsung again has no answers for the same. So if you are a constant traveler, make sure you don’t purchase a Samsung handset from a particular country unless you intend live there till the warranty period expires or frequently visit back.
So if you are opting for a Samsung Galaxy S7, or the S7 edge, you should definitely think twice. If you are clumsy with smartphones or live/travel in areas which are rain-heavy, you better opt for something to protect the device or bank on a cheaper phone completely.
